What is it? The midluteal endocrine evaluation (MLEE) is a group of blood tests which are drawn one week after ovulation to detect hormonal problems which may cause female infertility. One blood sample is drawn on the designated morning and is then tested for thyroid, prolactin, and progesterone levels. These three hormonal systems must be … Continue reading Midluteal Endocrine Evaluation (MLEE)
What is Lupron? Lupron (Leuprolide Acetate) is an injectable medication which reduces the production of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) by the ovaries. Lupron works by blocking the effect of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) on the pituitary gland in the brain. It is a medication which must be given by injection because it is inactive when … Continue reading Lupron (Leuprolide)
What is it? Laparoscopy is a minor surgical procedure to visualize and evaluate the anatomy of the pelvis including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. A slender telescope-like instrument (laparoscope) about the diameter of a pencil is inserted through the umbilicus (belly button) under general anesthesia. The laparoscope contains a lens and a light source … Continue reading Laparoscopy
What is ICSI? Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a micromanipulation technique used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) for the treatment of male infertility. ICSI allows a single sperm to be injected directly into the cytoplasm (inside) of an egg. For men with severe “male factor” sperm problems, this procedure has revolutionized the treatment … Continue reading Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
What is IVF? In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the original procedure among the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). IVF is sometimes called “the test-tube baby” procedure. In the IVF procedure, a woman is given fertility medications to stimulate several eggs (8-10 or more) to develop in her ovaries. These eggs are then recovered from the ovaries … Continue reading In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
What is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)? HCG is one of the hormones produced by the human placenta during pregnancy. HCG is very similar in structure to Luteinizing Hormone (LH), which is one of the pituitary hormones responsible for stimulation of the ovary in normal ovulation. HCG is given by injection to stimulate final development and … Continue reading Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
What is gradient sperm processing? Gradient sperm processing (or “washing”) is a technique which has been developed to prepare a sperm sample for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or for use with IVF. The procedure has been specifically developed for improving sperm samples from men who have very low sperm counts or mobility. As compared to our … Continue reading Gradient Sperm Processing