Disney and I Both Hope You Won't Need My Services

The other day I saw a headline that really pulled me in -- "Disney/ABC Television Group Sponsors The American Fertility Association's Infertility Prevention Program".

The combined images of Disney and infertility were curious, indeed. When was the last time you thought about Mickey Mouse and fertility problems at the same time? But that odd juxtaposition is actually the result of positive progress in terms of fertility education.

Truth is, as a mother and physician, I hope you don't need the services of a fertility specialist, now or later. But another truth is explained in this recent blogpost on EmpowHer, "STDs and Infertility", where the author, Stacy Lloyd, explains how some young women are destined for infertility down the road. And it's those facts that make me smile when I read about Disney/ABC TV granting funds to the American Fertility Association (AFA).

The AFA works hard to not just support men and women who are struggling with infertility, but also to educate everyone about the realities of normal fertility. When young people arrive at the point in their lives when having a baby feels like the right thing to do, some are shocked to find that, all along and without their knowledge, their bodies have built up roadblocks against conception. Programs like the AFA's "Infertility Prevention Handbook" and their outreach gatherings at a broad variety of venues (even manicure salons!) can spread the message that steps can be taken before infertility is a fact in someone's life.

Since Disney definitely brings to mind "family", I think it's fitting that the corporation supports efforts at keeping couples from having to consult fertility specialists in the future.

You can find out more about the AFA at their website.

IVF Works for Hispanic Women, Too

Many of my patients may be relieved to hear this piece of research news from a colleague in San Antonio: Hispanic women are just as successful with IVF as are non-Hispanic anglo women.

There's no particular reason to believe otherwise, but a previous nationwide study that compared IVF success rates among women of multiple ethnicities showed that Hispanics were 13 percent less likely to have a baby following the procedure. They were, however, just as likely to get pregnant via IVF as anglo women.

The newer study is smaller and included only patients at one clinic. Also, nearly all the Hispanic study subjects were Mexican-American, unlike the larger, national study. It also showed that while getting pregnant is comparable in terms of percentages, Hispanic women were more likely to miscarry, although the researcher, Dr. Robert Brzyski, says that's likely a chance occurrence.

Of particular interest is the clear difference in cause of infertility between whites and Hispanics. White women had more endometriosis and Hispanic women were more often diagnosed with tubal factor infertility.

Tubal blockages and resulting infertility were the original reason for IVF being invented. As long as other factors aren't impacting a woman's chances for pregnancy success, using IVF to work around tubal factor infertility is very effective.

Like Dr. Brzyski's practice, Houston Fertility Center is in the middle of a richly diverse metropolitan area. With Spanish-speaking staff and educational efforts within the Hispanic community, we provide every opportunity possible to bring home the message to women that infertility is treatable. I'm happy to be able to add this piece of good news to our message.

~Sonja Kristiansen, M.D.

There's Something Special About Fathers-To-Be

I've worked for many years to help couples finally achieve their dreams of parenthood. As Father's Day approaches this year, I'd like to tell you what I think about the men who come into Houston Fertility Center. They arrive, nearly always with the other half of their team (wives or other partners), sometimes with great anticipation, but more often hesitantly.

I just can't say enough about how important it is that they are there, in my consultation office, sometimes in the exam room (depending on the couple's circumstances), learning how to give injections to their loved ones, sticking their own arms out for blood draws, enduring rather embarassing semen analysis, and just being a part of the team in general.

Hopefully by now everyone knows that infertility isn't "a woman's problem," that it's a situation resulting from many different conditions, statistically dispersed equally between men and women. There's virtually no good reason for a woman to go through infertility testing alone.

And no matter how forward-thinking and sophisticated and educated we are, it's still more difficult for men to discuss infertility -- especially with someone other than their partner -- than it is for women.

So here's to you, guys. Thanks for being part of the process and an active team player. We truly couldn't do what we do for the women you love without you.

If you're into social media, here's a treat for you guys: On Friday, June 17th at 2pm ET, RESOLVE is hosting a special Twitterview (sort of like a Q&A session by tweet) with Alec Ross, blogger at I Want To Be a Daddy.

Here's where you can get all the details on the Father's FriDay Twitterview -- http://www.mydestinationfamily.org/fathers-day-twitterview/

Happy Father's To Be Day,
~Sonja Kristiansen M.D.