Please scroll through the categories to the left locate the question you are looking for, or feel free to e-mail us if you cannot find the question or answer you are looking for. If you are a patient with a question about your current care at New Hope Fertility Center, please contact the office directly or fill out a patient reqest form.

1. How does age affect my ability to get get pregnant? How does age affect my ability to get get pregnant?

   The prime reproductive age range for women is between 16 and 28, although one can usually count on good quality eggs until the age of 38. From ages 39 to 44, women may retain viable eggs, but have a lower probability for a successful pregnancy. If you are not ready to start your family right away, you may want to consider some of our fertility preservation treatments. We are also always happy to talk with potential patients and discuss options and find solutions that match their personal needs. Please consider contacting us for a consultation.

2. How does FSH affect my ability to get pregnant? How does FSH affect my ability to get pregnant?

   When ovaries have difficulty producing mature eggs, the brain releases a hormone from the pituitary gland called FSH, which stimulates the ovaries and encourages the body to produce more eggs. For a woman in her prime reproductive years, a normal FSH level is typically under 10, while an abnormal level is considered to be anything above 25. Measurements between 10 and 25 are generally classified as borderline. Because higher FSH levels are correlated with lowered egg production, many clinics turn away women with high FSH levels. Although the probability for pregnancy decreases as FSH and age increase, we understand the possibility or pregnancy still exists as long as a woman is still ovulating. At New Hope Fertility Center, our advanced protocols and technology allow us to accept women no matter how high or low the FSH level.

   Through techniques such as Mini-IVF™ and Natural Cycle IVF, we are able to focus more on the quality of eggs rather than the quantity of eggs. Numerous women have become pregnant through their customized fertility care at New Hope after being turned away or told they could never conceive by other fertility centers time and time again. Each time this happens, we reaffirm our belief that all it truly takes is one good egg.

   Please consider contacting us for a consultation.

3. Can I still do IVF even though my cycles are irregular? Can I still do IVF even though my cycles are irregular?

   Yes, but the course of treatment will depend on the reasons for the irregularity. If you have diminished ovarian reserve or slow follicular development, your treatment and monitoring schedule may be adjusted. Please consider contacting us for a consultation.

4. If I have no antral follicles visible on an ultrasound at the beginning of my cycle, will I still produce an egg? If I have no antral follicles visible on an ultrasound at the beginning of my cycle, will I still produce an egg?

   It is a definite possibility but it will likely take longer for the follicles to mature. If you are thinking of trying to get pregnant, please consider contacting us for a consultation.

5. I have had two ectopic pregnancies, and, as a result have had my fallopian tubes removed. Do you have treatment for me? I have had two ectopic pregnancies, and, as a result have had my fallopian tubes removed. Do you have treatment for me?

   Yes. IVF treatments would be an excellent solution for someone who has had two ectopic pregnancies and subsequently had to have their fallopian tubes removed. We have a variety of IVF treatments to consider, and in your case -- if your primary issue is a tubal issue, and you feel that you have good quality eggs or sperm, Natural Cycle IVF (NIVF) is an excellent option because there is little to no risk involved (since we don't use medications or alter hormone levels at all). Please consider contacting us for a consultation.

6. I am trying to get pregnant, but have been told that it is harder for me because I once had Chlamydia. I have been treated and am fully recovered. How come I am still affected by the Chlamydia even though it is gone? Could I be a good candidate for IVF? I am trying to get pregnant, but have been told that it is harder for me because I once had Chlamydia. I have been treated and am fully recovered. How come I am still affected by the Chlamydia even though it is gone? Could I be a good candidate for IVF?

   In women, untreated infection can spread into the fallopian tubes and cause the tubes to become blocked at the ends. This is known as hydrosalpinx. They can also develop scar tissue around the fallopian tubes that makes it more difficult for the tube to pick up the egg at the time of ovulation. These particular problems can lead to infertility and an increased risk for ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. We would be very optimistic about an effective fertility treatment with IVF for you based on the information you provided and would love to talk to you about a wide variety of IVF options (conventional IVF, Mini-IVF™, or Natural Cycle IVF (NIVF)). Please consider contacting us for a consultation.

7. I have Chronic Autoimmune Hepatitis. Could I be a good candidate for IVF? I have Chronic Autoimmune Hepatitis. Could I be a good candidate for IVF?

   Chronic Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) is often associated with liver damage and can contribute to fertility problems. One of the classifications of AIH is positive Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA). While anti-nuclear antibodies are present in small amounts of the population (roughly 5%), high amounts of these antibodies are linked to fertility problems, including unexplained infertility and miscarriage. In fact, many women with high levels of anti-nuclear antibodies are unable to conceive or to carry a pregnancy to term. Irregular anti-nuclear antibodies levels are also linked to implantation failure and miscarriage due to the inflammation of the uterus and placenta connected with anti- nuclear antibodies. An abnormal presence of these cells in the body is also linked to a low pregnancy success rate for methods of assisted reproduction, especially intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) -- however these are still options that we could talk to you about. Please consider contacting us for a consultation.

8. I have Ascherman's Syndrome. Could I be a good candidate for IVF? I have Ascherman's Syndrome. Could I be a good candidate for IVF?

   Asherman's syndrome is the term used to describe the presence of scar tissues (adhesions) between opposing endometrial surfaces inside the womb cavity. The adhesions can be mild or severe, causing significant damage to the womb cavity. Scar tissues inside the womb may interfere with embryo implantation during IVF treatment and ICSI treatment as well as increasing the risk of miscarriage. Mini-IVF™ may be a good option for you, but a lot would depend on the severity of the syndrome and how extensive the scarring is. Please consider contacting us for a consultation.

9. I recently had a hysteroscopy and was told that I have emdomedtriosis. Would I be a good candidate for IVF? I recently had a hysteroscopy and was told that I have emdomedtriosis. Would I be a good candidate for IVF?

   Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that behaves like the cells lining the uterus (endometrium) grows in other areas of the body, causing pain, irregular bleeding, and possible infertility. IVF is one of the recommended treatments for women who suffer from infertility because of endometriosis. IVF treatments may be a good option for you, but a lot would depend on the severity of the syndrome and how extensive the scarring is. Please consider contacting us for a consultation.

10. I was told that I had myoma detected in my uterus. Could I be a good candidate for IVF? I was told that I had myoma detected in my uterus. Could I be a good candidate for IVF?

    Many studies have been conducted to study IVF success after the treatment of uterine myomas and most conclude that, if properly treated, IVF treatment should be able to result in pregnancy. Please consider contacting us for a consultation.

11. I have had my uterus and/or appendages removed. Could I be a good candidate for IVF? I have had my uterus and/or appendages removed. Could I be a good candidate for IVF?

    Unfortunately if you don't have your uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, IVF would not be an effective treatment for you. We would suggest looking into using an egg donor and gestational carrier. More information on egg donor program can be found here and information on gestational carriers can be found here.