Tag: Fertility Options

April 15, 2024

The Stages Of Embryo Development: Your Baby In The Womb

embryo development

Conception can happen at any time in the week or two following sexual intercourse. But for those trying to conceive who want a little more detail about how babies are made, we have you covered. Embryo development is a fascinating and intricate process that marks the beginning of life for many organisms, including humans. 

Stages Of Embryo Development

Embryo development consists of a series of well-coordinated steps, each contributing to the formation of a fully developed organism. From fertilization to the formation of complex tissues and organs, Island Reproductive Services is here to help you understand the stages of embryo development.

Fertilization

The journey of embryo development begins with fertilization. In humans, this occurs when a sperm cell penetrates the egg cell, forming a zygote. The zygote contains the full set of genetic material, half from each parent, and represents the start of a new individual. Fertilization typically takes place in the fallopian tubes of the female reproductive system.

Blastulation

The blastocyst is a pivotal stage in embryo development. It consists of an outer layer of cells called the trophectoderm, which will later give rise to the placenta, and an inner cell mass that will develop into the baby itself. The blastocyst undergoes a process called blastulation, during which it forms a fluid-filled cavity.

Implantation

The blastocyst now moves toward the uterus, where it undergoes implantation. Implantation involves the attachment of the blastocyst to the uterine lining. This critical step establishes the connection between the developing embryo and the mother’s body, facilitating the exchange of nutrients and waste products. During this time, the embryo is about 1/100 of an inch long.

Fetal Development

As the blastocyst completes its journey to implantation within the uterine lining, it transforms into a fetus, marking a pivotal stage in its development. During this phase, significant anatomical transformations occur. Crucial structures and organs like the neural tube (which later becomes the brain and spinal cord), head, eyes, mouth, and limbs form. The embryo’s heart begins to develop and pulse around the sixth week. Around the tenth to twelfth week of gestation, the focus shifts to growth and refinement. The organs continue to mature, and the fetus becomes more recognizable as a human being. This period is marked by rapid growth, and the developing organism is now referred to as a fetus rather than an embryo.

Maturation And Birth

The final step in embryo development culminates in the maturation and birth of the organism. The fully formed fetus is ready to face the external environment. The day your baby is due is called your estimated due date (EDD). However, only about 1 in 20 women give birth on their due date. 

The process of birth involves the contractions of the uterus, leading to welcoming your little miracle to the world. The average labor lasts 12 to 24 hours for a first birth and is typically shorter (eight to 10 hours) for other births. However, time can vary greatly depending on each mother’s individual case. 
Understanding the steps of embryo development is not only a testament to the complexity of life but also essential for mothers-to-be and couples. At Island Reproductive Services, after learning about your goals, your past history, and often your apprehensions, treatment options are discussed with you and/or your partner. Your individual needs become our motivation. We are experts in providing the care that your situation requires. For more information or questions about embryo development, give us a call at (718) 948-6100.

December 16, 2023

7 Reproductive Surgery Treatment Options

reproductive surgery

According to the National Institutes of Health, studies suggest that after one year of having unprotected sex, 12% to 15% of couples are unable to conceive. Reproductive surgery involves a range of medical interventions designed to help with various reproductive health issues. Reproductive surgery can help individuals and couples achieve their desired goals of conception and a healthy pregnancy. 

Reproductive Surgery Treatment Options

At Island Reproductive Services, we are experts in providing the care that your situation requires. That includes providing information regarding reproductive surgery treatment options for those looking to start a family. Continue reading to learn about 7 reproductive surgery options offered at Island Reproductive Services.

1. Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small camera to look inside the uterus. This reproductive surgery requires no incision or operation on your belly and is done under general anesthesia. This can detect uterine polyps, scar tissue, and fibroids and fibroids that involve the lining of the uterus. These can prevent pregnancy as well as predispose to miscarriage. Hysteroscopy can be diagnostic as well as therapeutic.

Luckily, a hysteroscopy is truly a minimally invasive technique under sedation or minimal anesthesia. It is helpful for many women with various problems, from abnormal bleeding to infertility to recurrent pregnancy losses. It is important to note that this procedure must be timed appropriately in your menstrual cycle to allow your physician to visualize your uterus adequately.

2. Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves inserting a small camera near the belly button in order to look and possibly operate inside your abdomen. This is done under general anesthesia. Laparoscopy can be useful in evaluating or repairing the fallopian tubes, removing ovarian cysts, investigating or treating chronic pelvic pain, and removing endometriosis. 

A laparoscopy is not recommended for every patient. However, on an individual basis, it may provide a diagnosis that would otherwise go undetected. Laparoscopy may also help other fertility treatments work better.

3. Robotic Laparoscopy

Robotic surgery is a form of laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery. Small, approximately 1 cm, incisions are used instead of a traditional larger incision. Robotic controls allow the surgeon to mimic his own hand movements with these very small instruments, with many benefits, including

  • Less scar tissue formed from surgery due to more precise control
  • Quick recovery – usually 3-7 days
  • Same-day surgery – in most cases
  • Less blood loss
  • Removal of fibroids that would otherwise require a large incision
  • Optimal visualization and removal of endometriosis
  • More precise repair of fallopian tubes
  • Removal of ovarian cysts with optimal preservation of normal ovarian tissue

Compared to traditional laparoscopy, the surgeon has better instrumentation, more precise movements, and optimal visualization. This is particularly better for endometriosis.

4. Laparotomy

Laparotomy refers to an “open” abdominal procedure where a larger incision is used requiring an overnight hospital stay. Some patients require this type of procedure if there is too much scar tissue in their body to perform laparoscopy, if the pathology being removed is very large, or if previous surgery makes this a requirement.

5. Myomectomy

Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids. Fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, abdominal pressure, bladder irritation, painful intercourse, abnormal bleeding, and difficulty becoming pregnant. 

6. Salpingectomy

Sometimes, one or both fallopian tubes may be damaged beyond repair. They may appear enlarged or swollen (hydrosalpinx) on ultrasound or on hysterosalpingograms. When this occurs, the damaged tube will increase your chance of ectopic pregnancy, decrease your chance of becoming pregnant, and increase your miscarriage rate (even through IVF). In this case, your physician may recommend removing the tube to increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

7. Removal Of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are very common, especially in young women. Cysts that grow large often resolve on their own without requiring any treatment. Sometimes, they may grow larger or persist and require surgery. The majority of cysts are benign. However, a small percentage of cysts may prove to be cancer. Surgical therapy is the only way to make an absolute diagnosis.

Learn More With Island Reproductive Services

Reproductive surgery treatment options offer hope and solutions for individuals and couples facing challenges with fertility. These interventions address various reproductive health conditions, improve fertility, and increase the chances of successful pregnancies, ultimately assisting individuals in building the families they desire. 

Are you interested in scheduling one of the above procedures with a provider? You may even wonder if one of these procedures is right for you. Our team can help you find the information you need. At Island Reproductive Services, we are experts in providing the care that your situation requires. We will meet with you to find out what you need.  Check out our website or give us a call at (718) 948-6100 for more information.