PGD - Pre-Implantation Generic Diagnosis
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a major advance in the world of Assisted Reproduction. With the advent of CGH microarrays, one is able to examine the entire chromosomal make up of embryos in a much less cumbersome way than was previously possible. This opens the door to exciting possibilities in the world of genetics.
Using IVF and PGD, it is now possible to examine embryos for known genetic conditions before they are transferred.
The clinical applications of this technology are potentially limitless.
Currently, we use this technology with great success in
- Known Chromosomal anomalies such as Translocations.
- When both partners are carriers of recessive genes in conditions such as Cystic fibrosis, Muscular dystrophy, etc.
- Inheritable genetic conditions such as Huntington Disease.
The technology also holds promise in cases such as Advanced maternal age and Multiple implantation failures in IVF.
Egg Freezing and Fertility Egg freezing for preservation of fertility is ideal for women who have been diagnosed with Cancer and are supposed to commence chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Chemo and Radiotherapy can be toxic to the eggs and can impair the chances of having children.
It can also be of help for those who would like to preserve their future ability to have children, either because
- They do not yet have a partner,
- Have a low ovarian reserve or
- For other personal or medical reasons.
If you would like to consider egg freezing or have a proper assessment of your ovarian reserve contact NG Gynehealth for an appointment with our fertility specialists
Fertility Health For Women
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Exercise in moderation
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid large amounts of caffeine
- Quit smoking
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Discuss any medication or nutritional supplements with your doctor
- Avoid chemicals
- Take folic acid or pregnancy multivitamins
The How's & Why's of Fertility
For more information on topics related to Fertility, please visit the following links
Fertility Health For Men
- Pay attention to your diet and exercise as it can affect sperm production
- Stay away from chemicals and environmental toxins
- Avoid overheating
- Quit smoking, as tobacco and marijuana are particularly noxious to developing sperm
- Check with your doctor before taking medications as some drugs can also adversely affect sperm production
Fertility Preservation for men
If you have been diagnosed with cancer and are about to commence Chemo or Radiotherapy, you might want to consider freezing your semen. We have had good success with Frozen sperm with assisted reproduction at NGGynehealth in such circumstances.
Fertility Assessment
Fertility assessment remains the critical step in your pathway to achieving a successful pregnancy.
We believe in a thorough evaluation of ovulation, male factor and health of the fallopian tubes to accurately assess the cause of infertility. Some of them such as Endometriosis can be corrected before we commence treatment improving your chance of conception naturally or with minimal intervention.
The Complete Fertility check includes:
Hormone tests for both partners
- Tubal patency check by hysterosalpingogram (X-ray) or a laparoscopy
- Tests for Endometriosis and Polycystic ovarian syndrome( PCOS)
- Semen tests
- Assessment of lifestyle factors, age and ovarian reserve
- Tests for genetic conditions
- Fertility Ultrasound for a dynamic assessment of your:
- Uterus and endometrium
- Ovaries and ovulation
- Pelvic and tubal health
All these tests are offered at NG GyneHealth and an individualised plan made to help you achieve your dream in the timeframe that is right for you. Contact our helpful staff today.
Ovulation Tracking & Stimulation
Identifying when ovulation occurs is often the key to conception. Ovulation disorders, such as PCOS are a common cause of infertility in women, accounting for 15-20% of infertility cases that we see at NG GyneHealth. They manifest with erratic and infrequent ovulation, decreasing the chance of conception.
PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Dr Gaunekar has a special interest in PCOS, and he believes that in most cases of PCOS one can achieve a pregnancy without necessarily needing to resort to IVF. Addressing the hormonal imbalance and precise ovulation tracking remains the key to success in this rather common condition.
Clomiphene (Clomid or Serophene) is often used to stimulate ovulation. FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone) treatment is the second line of treatment for ovulation induction It is administered using a pen-like injection device, similar to those used for insulin by diabetics. Using FSH can be tricky, due to the risk of stimulating too many follicles and having a multiple pregnancy. This is why we closely monitor the course of treatment using Ultrasound scans and hormone levels.
IVF - In Vitro Fertilisation
IVF involves the collection of eggs, which are then fertilised in a laboratory. The developing embryo is then transferred back into the womb and the rest of the embryos frozen, to be used in a frozen embryo cycle without the need for the stimulation and egg collection.
The IVF procedure incudes:
- Ovarian stimulation
- Egg collection
- Fertilisation
- Embryo transfer to the uterus
Read More
ICSI - Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Some couples having IVF treatment also require ICSI to help maximise the chance of pregnancy.
ICSI is a process in which a single sperm is injected into the cytoplasm of the egg prior to transfer. This option is particularly effective in cases where there is low sperm count, male factor or fertilization hurdles.
Read More
IUI - Intrauterine Insemination
Intrauterine insemination is a technique where primed sperm is placed inside the uterine cavity around the time of ovulation. It is suitable for couples that encounter unexplained infertility, borderline low sperm counts, mild endometriosis and patent fallopian tubes.
The couples undergoing fertility treatment in Mackay often get frustrated when they miss the critical time around ovulation due to shift work or the male partner being out of town due to work commitments that are difficult to juggle. IUI provides the perfect answer to their frustration as it can also be done with frozen semen if the male partner is not going to be in town around the time of ovulation.
It typically involves a scan/s to assess follicle development, a trigger injection to precisely predict ovulation and insemination by a simple procedure similar to a smear test without the need for hospitalization.
It is simple, convenient and affordable, and it substantially increases chances of a successful pregnancy in properly selected couples. Read More.
