Tag: ivf

June 28, 2024

8 Surprising Facts About Fertility

Fertility is a topic that has garnered increasing attention in recent years, as more individuals and couples navigate the journey toward parenthood. While some aspects of fertility may seem straightforward, there are many surprising facts and nuances that can affect a person’s ability to conceive. 

Facts About Fertility

From age-related fertility declines to the impact of lifestyle factors, understanding these lesser-known aspects of fertility can be invaluable for those considering starting a family. Island Reproductive Services is here to explore some surprising facts about fertility that may shed light on this complex and deeply personal journey.

      1. Fertility Peaks Earlier Than Expected

      One of the most surprising facts about fertility is that it peaks earlier than many people realize. While it’s commonly understood that fertility declines with age, the decline actually begins much earlier than most individuals anticipate. In fact, a woman’s fertility starts to decline in her late 20s and early 30s, with a more significant decrease occurring after the age of 35. For men, fertility also begins to decline gradually after the age of 40, although the decline tends to be more gradual compared to women.

      1. Stress Can Impact Fertility

      Stress is a ubiquitous part of modern life, but its impact on fertility is often underestimated. Research has shown that high levels of stress can affect reproductive hormones, disrupt ovulation, and decrease sperm quality, potentially making it more difficult to conceive. While occasional stress is normal, chronic stress or intense stressors such as job loss, financial difficulties, or relationship problems may have a significant impact on fertility.

      1. Weight Can Affect Fertility

      Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health, but it also plays a significant role in fertility. Both overweight and underweight individuals may experience disruptions in their menstrual cycles, hormone levels, and ovulation, making it more challenging to conceive. Achieving a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise can improve fertility outcomes for individuals struggling with weight-related fertility issues.

      1. Age Isn’t the Only Factor

      While age is a significant factor in fertility, it’s not the only one. Various lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, medical conditions, and genetic factors can also impact fertility. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to environmental toxins, certain medications, and underlying health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis can all affect fertility, regardless of age.

      1. Male Fertility Matters Too

      Fertility is often perceived as primarily a female issue, but male fertility plays a crucial role in the conception process as well. Approximately one-third of infertility cases are attributed to male factors, such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology. It’s essential for both partners to undergo fertility testing and evaluation to identify any potential issues that may be affecting their ability to conceive.

      1. Ovulation Timing is Key

      Understanding the menstrual cycle and ovulation timing is essential for maximizing the chances of conception. Contrary to popular belief, women are not fertile every day of their cycle. Ovulation typically occurs around the midpoint of the menstrual cycle, with a window of approximately 6 days—5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself—during which conception is most likely to occur. Tracking ovulation through methods such as basal body temperature charting or ovulation predictor kits can help couples identify the most fertile days of the cycle and optimize timing for intercourse.

      1. Fertility Treatments Are Not a Guarantee

      While fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) have revolutionized the field of reproductive medicine, they are not a guarantee of success. Success rates for fertility treatments vary depending on factors such as age, underlying fertility issues, and treatment protocols. Additionally, fertility treatments can be emotionally, physically, and financially demanding, and may not be the right choice for every individual or couple.

      1. Secondary Infertility is Real

      Many people assume that once they’ve had one child, they’ll have no trouble conceiving again in the future. However, secondary infertility—difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term after having one or more children—is a real and often overlooked issue. Various factors, such as age, changes in fertility status, or new underlying health conditions, can contribute to secondary infertility, highlighting the importance of seeking timely evaluation and support if pregnancy does not occur as expected.

      Fertility is a multifaceted and often surprising aspect of reproductive health that can be influenced by a variety of factors. 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 facts about fertility, check out our website or give us a call at (718) 948-6100. 

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      May 15, 2024

      6 Myths About IVF

      myths about IVF

      In vitro fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized reproductive medicine, offering hope to countless couples struggling with infertility. However, despite its widespread use and success, IVF still remains shrouded in misconceptions and myths. These myths about IVF can lead to unnecessary anxiety and deter individuals from pursuing this effective fertility treatment. Here at Island Reproductive Services, we’re here to debunk some of the most common myths about IVF.

      1. IVF Is The Last Resort

      One of the prevailing myths about IVF is only for couples who have exhausted all other options. While IVF is indeed a valuable option for those who have not been successful with other fertility treatments, it is not exclusively reserved for such cases. IVF can be a first-line treatment for various fertility issues, including blocked fallopian tubes, male infertility, or unexplained infertility. Consulting with a fertility specialist can help determine if IVF is the appropriate course of action based on individual circumstances.

      2. IVF Is Always Successful

      Another one of the myths about IVF guarantees pregnancy success. While IVF has a high success rate, it is not a guarantee. Success rates can vary depending on factors such as age, underlying fertility issues, and the quality of embryos. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the success rate of IVF declines with maternal age, with women over 40 experiencing lower success rates compared to younger women. It’s essential to approach IVF with realistic expectations and understand that multiple cycles may be necessary to achieve a successful pregnancy.

      3. IVF Leads To Multiple Pregnancies

      Many people believe that IVF always results in multiple pregnancies. While multiple pregnancies are more common with IVF due to the transfer of multiple embryos to increase the chances of success, advancements in IVF techniques have led to a significant decrease in the rate of multiple births. With the widespread adoption of elective single embryo transfer (eSET), where only one embryo is transferred during IVF, the risk of multiple pregnancies has been greatly reduced while maintaining high success rates.

       4. IVF Is Unsafe

      Some individuals harbor concerns about the safety of IVF procedures for both the mother and the baby. However, numerous studies have demonstrated the safety of IVF when performed by experienced fertility specialists in accredited clinics. While IVF does carry some risks, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancies, these risks are carefully monitored and managed by healthcare professionals. Additionally, research has shown that children born through IVF do not have a higher risk of birth defects or developmental abnormalities compared to naturally conceived children.

      5. IVF Is Only For Women

      There is a common misconception that IVF is solely a female-focused treatment. In reality, IVF involves both partners, as male infertility can be a contributing factor in many cases. IVF treatments often include procedures such as sperm retrieval and sperm injection (ICSI) to address male infertility issues. It’s crucial for both partners to undergo thorough fertility evaluations to identify any underlying issues and determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

      6. IVF is Too Expensive

      Cost is often cited as a barrier to accessing IVF treatment. While it’s true that IVF can be expensive, many fertility clinics offer financing options and payment plans to make treatment more affordable. Additionally, some insurance plans may cover certain aspects of IVF treatment, such as diagnostic testing or medication. It’s important for individuals to explore their insurance coverage and discuss financial concerns with their healthcare providers to find viable solutions.


      IVF is a valuable fertility treatment that has helped millions of couples worldwide achieve their dream of parenthood. By dispelling common myths about IVF, individuals can make informed decisions about their reproductive health journey. 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, check out our website or give us a call at (718) 948-6100.

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