Infertility
We offer diagnosis and evaluation of infertility due to the following disorders:
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is one of the most common diseases in women of reproductive age. The most common symptoms include severe pain during the menstrual cycle, infertility and chronic pelvic pain.
The Crozer Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility Center has special expertise in treating both the surgical and medical aspects of this condition. The center has treated many women with severe conditions of endometriosis that could not be treated by their general obstetrician/gynecologist. Individualization of treatment encompassing the medical and surgical treatment is one of the cornerstones of our approach to patients with endometriosis.
Repeated Pregnancy Loss
One of the most frustrating infertility problems is the experience of recurrent pregnancy loss. These patients do not have problems getting pregnant but unfortunately cannot keep the pregnancy usually beyond the first trimester. The common reasons include anatomical (structural), autoimmune, hormonal, chromosomal and infectious irregularities. Our center has established special programs to evaluate and treat patients with this problem.
Dr. Albert El-Roeiy has been at the forefront of research looking into the immunologic aspects of repeated pregnancy loss and had published many articles in regard to this issue.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
This is one of the areas where the Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility Center excels. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal diseases affecting reproductive-aged women. The most common symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, infertility and obesity, increased levels of male hormones, the presence of polycystic ovary by ultrasound and the new findings of resistance to the hormone insulin (called "insulin resistance").
Since short- and long-term ramifications can be very serious, we have established a special program in our center to evaluate, counsel and treat patients with PCOS. Dr. El-Roeiy has published important research articles in regard to the role of insulin in polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Surgical Procedures
Surgical Procedures to Correct Infertility
We offer the following surgical procedures to help correct infertility:
Tubal Reversal
Tubal reversal is a procedure performed on women who have had tubal ligation and who want to have children. These patients have two options:
- Tubal reversal surgery or
- In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
Both of these are reasonable options. How a woman chooses to proceed should be based on an educated consideration. Tubal reversal surgery requires a laparotomy, which is a much larger incision on the abdomen, usually approximately 4-6 inches in length. The surgery is done under a microscopical approach in order to enhance the healing and the precise alignment of the tubes.
There are four important issues regarding tubal reversal surgery that need to be considered and discussed:
- The sperm quality of the male partner
- Tubal status
- Status of other possible conditions
- Female age
Myomectomy for Fibroid Tumors
The fibroid tumor is a benign tumor of fibrous tissue that may form in the uterine wall. The patient may be totally without symptoms or may experience abnormal menstrual bleeding or infertility.
Removal of the fibroid is also done by open surgery in many cases to restore the normal anatomical relationship in the pelvis. Complex cases involving removal of large and multiple fibroids have been done successfully in our center.
Oocyte Donation
The Oocyte Donation Program
As a result of disease, genetic abnormalities, the absence of ovaries, ovarian failure or age, some women are unable to produce healthy eggs. Their option is to obtain oocytes from someone they have recruited (a direct donor) or an anonymous source.
Since 1993, our center has been able to help many of these women become pregnant. The experience of our physicians and coordinators in matching appropriate donors and recipients and the skill of our physicians and laboratory staff in producing results exceed the national average.
