#myIFstory: Jen MacLeod

Anyone who has been on an infertility journey will tell you that conceiving and carrying a child is so much more than doctor visits, shots, blood tests, sonograms, etc. Faith is an active ingredient in all fertility miracles. Jen MacLeod speaks to this! Worry is the opposite of faith. By faith anything is possible. Jen, thank you for sharing your story with us. It takes a lot of strength and courage to do so. You are our 's'hero!

Jen MacLeod & Samuel

"My story begins back in 2006. On June 24, at the age of 23, I married the man I loved. We had been together for 5 years and knew we wanted to build a life and a family together. I stopped taking my birth control pills right after the wedding (after being on them for 6 years) and we began to try right away. We were young, in relatively good health, and just 'knew' that we would have no trouble getting pregnant. But, as we all know, it’s not always that easy, and that would prove to be true for us. Month after month went by and not only did we not get pregnant, but I wasn’t getting my period. After 12 months of no birth control, no period, and no positive pregnancy test, I begged my doctor to try and find out what was wrong. An ultrasound and HSG later, it was determined that I had PCOS. After a little bit of research I discovered that weight loss can help you to ovulate if you are overweight and suffer from PCOS (both of which applied to me), so I began a weight loss program and started dropping weight.  My period came back within a few months.

1 year and 6 months after we first started trying, I had my very first positive pregnancy test. I was over the moon. I had hopes and dreams and loved that baby from the moment I knew it was growing inside me. 4 weeks later, on Valentine’s Day, my first sweet baby went to heaven. 2 of it’s siblings followed it that year, in July and December. 3 miscarriages finally qualified me to have further testing and after numerous vials of blood, I was told that I have Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin  Gene Mutation – two blood disorders that cause over clotting of the blood. It was likely that these were causing my miscarriages. We devised a plan for the next pregnancy but it was all for naught as my marriage fell apart shortly thereafter.

6 months after my husband left me, I would meet the man who would show me how a relationship should work. Someone who treated me with love and respect, no matter what. In 2013 we got married and again, we knew we wanted to have a child (ideally children) of our own. My husband knew of my past fertility problems and was ready to do whatever we needed to do. I met with a hematologist to make sure it would be safe to carry a child. The day that he told me it would be perfectly ok for me to have a child was the day that I got my period. That day was also the day I began my first ever round of clomid to help me ovulate.

By the grace of God (and a whole lot of “trying”) my husband and I conceived that very first cycle in July of 2013. I immediately began a regiment of baby aspirin, progesterone supplements and daily Lovenox injections (and MANY prayers). My pregnancy was as uneventful as anyone could hope for and on April 23, 2014 my beautiful rainbow baby, Samuel, was born at a healthy 8 lbs 7 oz and 20 ¾” long. He has been our absolute joy for the past 2 years and I hope that by telling my story it will give other women who are struggling, hope and to help break the silence and stigma around infertility."

- Jen MacLeod

 If you would like to share your infertility story, please email us at if.campaign1@gmail.com or visit out FB page, www.facebook.com/if.campaign1.

#myIFstory: Anastasia Stacie Koutsidis-Exarhakos

It's not easy to discuss infertility struggles, but with every voice that speaks, comfort and awareness is given. Anastasia Stacie Koutsidis-Exarhakos is a 's'hero! You've fought many battles but won the war. Thank you for sharing your story with us. We are honored.

"IF only I had met my husband earlier I wouldn't have so many issues getting pregnant. IF only I had quit smoking sooner I would have gotten pregnant sooner. IF only I had exercised more and ate better I would have gotten to experience motherhood sooner.

These are statements I make to myself all the time but, the reality is I cannot control what is already done. All I can do is change my path. I lost weight, starting eating gluten free, stopped smoking and prayed A LOT!

I began this last journey in September 2015 and started a 3 month treatment before beginning my prep cycle. In early December 2015 I began the prepping of my body for the transfer in January 2016. It seemed like a lifetime but, January finally came and I was ready ... AGAIN! As I laid on the table with my husband by my side all I thought is I hope this works but, I am sure it won't. I can't help it after 5 years of trying and multiple failed attempts I have no faith! But I never gave up, even when my husband wanted to, I said no. I prayed to statues, I tried stones, yoga, diet, exercise, Reihki, prayers, crying, laughing and so so much more! FINALLY the day is here, it is pregnancy test time ... Oh boy I know I feel different but, I am not sure what it means, OK let's go see what happens!

Well the first pregnancy test was a success my Beta came back at 75 not to wait the dreaded 2 days and go back again. Test 2 day is here, oh no my Beta numbers didn't double, well I knew this was a possibility so I am not going to say anything to my husband just yet. Come back in 2 more days I am told...Well pregnancy test 3 Beta came back at 152, still not doubling, OK i was prepared for the worst so I am ok with this possibility of this not sticking.

Pregnancy test #4 was 4 days later, the Beta came back at 489 which is great but it has been 4 days so who knows if that's really good or not. The doctor says let me see you in 2 weeks...OMG what am I going to do with myself for the next 2 weeks?????

I finally told my husband by handing him a bag of pregnancy tests that were dated everyday for the past month! Of course he was shocked, he figured because I didn't say anything it must not have worked. BUT IT DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Off to the doctor's office 2 weeks later which would make us 6 weeks pregnant at this point, I hop up on the table that I had been on so many times before and looked at that dreaded ultrasound machine which was going to be my confirmation of success and as the probe entered me I froze, not knowing what to do except not move. I look at the doctor's face and see shock! IT IS THERE and there is a yolk and sac!!! WHATTTTTTT???????? Doc turns up the volume and my husband starts laughing as we hear the heartbeat for the first time! OK see you in 2 weeks, the doctor said to me. OH NO another 2 week wait!!!

Baby Koutsidis-Exarhakos

The day finally arrived, I am now officially 8 weeks pregnant and once again I hop up on the table and really prepare for the worst as I have no pregnancy symptoms at all. There goes that probe I had become all too friendly with over the years and WHAT? It is still there? HOLY COW we may just have success with this IVF! I was graduating to a regular OB and left the RE's office not knowing what to say since I hadn't seen a GYN in years since beginning this journey.

Well fast forward to today and I am a healthy 14 Weeks and 4 days pregnant at 42 years old and due 3 days before my 43rd birthday! We finally made an announcement and began to tell everyone who would listen that we are expecting. I am still nervous but that's my mind playing tricks on me because for all the heartache and loss over the years I am still worried but officially I have nothing to be worried about!

So that's my journey of only the past few months and I will end by saying this .... IF ONLY I had not found Dr. Browne, I may not be writing this today!!!!!"

 - Anastasia Stacie Koutsidis-Exarhakos

If you would like to share your infertility story, please email us at if.campaign1@gmail.com or visit out FB page, www.facebook.com/if.campaign1.

Male Infertility: Semen Analysis

Male infertility is very common and about 40% of infertile couples struggle with male factor infertility.  Unfortunately, despite being a very common cause of infertility a lot of men still find it hard to talk to their partners and doctors about their fertility and often avoid seeking treatment.  The good news is that male infertility is often treatable and it is easy to diagnose.

One of the first tests that should be done when evaluating a male for infertility is a semen analysis.  The semen analysis is typically done after abstaining from intercourse for at least 2 days but no more than 5 days, and collecting semen either by masturbation or in a collection condom during sexual intercourse.  I generally recommend abstaining from intercourse for at least two to three days before giving a sample to ensure the quality of the specimen.  If abstinence is too short or too long, it can effect sperm count and motility and may require a repeat semen analysis.

Moreover, sperm quality can be assessed by looking at three parameters on a semen analysis: sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (sperm shape).  In general, very low sperm counts and motility are often indicative of  compromised fertility and very low sperm morphology can be predictive of low fertilization rates with in vitro fertilization. However, when it comes to getting pregnant, on occasion even abnormal semen parameters can be associated with a pregnancy.

If you think that you have male factor infertility, seek help...don't wait. Most forms of male infertility are treatable and the answer may be as easy as doing a semen analysis.  If in doubt, always seek help from a specialist.

Dr. Hyacinth Nicole Browne Joins Hudson Valley Fertility

MAY  1, 2016, FISHKILL, NY -- Hudson Valley Fertility, a leading infertility and reproductive health practice in the Hudson Valley of New York State, is pleased to announce that Dr. Hyacinth Nicole Browne will join the practice. Dr. Browne will see patients in Fishkill and their new office in Somers.

Hudson Valley Fertility will be holding a open house on Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 11am - 1pm in their Somers office located at 380 US-202, Somers, NY 10589 (2nd floor). Come on by and meet Dr. Browne! Ask questions and listen to her discuss various fertility options!

Dr. Hyacinth Nicole Browne

According to Dr. Daniel Levine, Medical Director of Hudson Valley Fertility, “we are thrilled to have Dr. Browne become part of our family. Dr. Browne brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, compassion and sensitivity to the practice of reproductive medicine. She will be a key part of our mission to help couples struggling with infertility to achieve their dream of having a child and building a family." 

Hudson Valley Fertility is the only medical practice in the region area offering comprehensive, advanced infertility treatment and reproductive health services, as well as educational and support services for patients. Hudson Valley Fertility specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility and reproductive disorders, and offers a full range of treatment options, from simple drug therapies to the Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

For an appointment or additional information, please call Hudson Valley Fertility at 845-765-0125, email inform@hudsonvalleyfertility.com or visit www.hudsonvalleyfertility.com.

***Now serving Westchester County, Hudson Valley, and Western CT***

Hudson Valley Fertility Holds Open House For New Office in Somers, NY!

Hudson Valley Fertility has a new office in Somers, NY! Open house will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 11am-1pm at 380 US-202, Somers, NY 10589 on the 2nd floor. Come on by and meet Dr. Hyacinth Browne! Ask questions and listen to her discuss various fertility options! bit.ly/1qQYtO6
#IF #infertility #TalkOutLoud #StartAsking #AskDrBrowne

Learn more about Hudson Valley Fertility, www.HudsonValleyFertility.com.

Increase Your Infertility Awareness With Ferring Pharmacueticals, ASRM & Resolve

It is said that 67% off women don't know what to ask their doctor about fertility. Would it be alright if 2/3 of students graduate without a high school education? 'Think Out Loud' to increase infertility awareness and education. #IF #infertility #infertilityawareness #NIAW #AskDrBrowne

Ferring Pharmaceuticals in collaboration with ASRM and Resolve have launched a campaign to increase infertility knowledge amongst both men and women. For questions about the campaign, please contacts Ana Fullmer at 202-530-4662 or email Ana.Fullmer@bm.com.

'Talk Out Loud' with The IF Campaign

With National Infertility Awareness Week quickly approaching, we'd like to share our new forum the 'IF campaign' with you to increase infertility awareness.

'IF' is the acronym for infertility, but it's commonly the first thing I hear couples say when they've been trying to conceive for a while.

"If only my body would respond to these injections, if only I hadn't waited to start treatment, if only someone had told me..."

If only you knew... you are not alone! I've created this campaign with my patient to let infertile couples know that your journey with infertility is shared by many...family, friends, colleagues, and even celebrities and that it's okay to talk about and share your 'IF'.

We hope to cultivate a forum that speaks to everyone about the very real issue of infertility while educating you about your own fertility.  Your 'IF' is powerful and we'd like to share it with others who maybe struggling with infertility.  

We're also encouraging you to 'Talk Out Loud' on our Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram pages about your 'IF' always but especially during National Infertility Awareness Week, because this campaign has great potential to enhance infertility awareness.

If you would like to submit your IF story anonymously or have any questions, please feel free to reach us at: if.campaign1@gmail.com or hbrownemd@hudsonvalleyfertility.com.

Make sure to use the hash tags: #IF #myIFstory #myIFjourney #TalkOutLoud

Sincerely,
Dr. Hyacinth Browne & Avionne Philyaw

Meet IF Founder & Expert - Dr. Browne

Hyacinth Nicole Browne, MD is a board certified reproductive endocrinologist. She majored in Chemistry at Dartmouth College and graduated cum laude. She graduated from Yale University School of Medicine in 2002 and she completed her reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellowship at the prestigious National Institutes of Health. Dr. Browne specializes in compassionate and personalized infertility care and she is devoted to helping couples achieve their dreams of having a family. 

She has authored numerous publications and is the recipient of various awards in medicine, research, and academics.  Her areas of expertise include: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and infertility, diminished ovarian reserve, third party reproduction (egg donation and surrogacy), recurrent pregnancy loss, endometriosis, male infertility and fertility preservation.

Awards and Accomplishments

• Compassionate Doctor Award  2011, 2012, 2013, 2014,
• Patient Choice Award  2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
• Super Doctor’s Rising Star (featured in New York Times Magazine)
• Top 10 Doctor- City, Metro Area, State
• On-Time Doctor Award
• Superior CREOG Achievement Award

Patients Say…

"Dr. Browne is unlike any doctor I’ve ever met before.  She truly “gets it” when it comes to infertility—not just the technical aspect, but also the emotional component.  I switched to her practice after a year spent with a well-known RE.  The difference between the two was astounding. With Dr. Browne, my husband and I felt like we truly had a partner by our side.  We had success twice under her guidance.  When she called the first time to tell me the positive beta results, she had all of her staff stand around the speakerphone to deliver the good news—we screamed in excitement together.  It was a wonderful experience both times.  I absolutely, 150% recommend Dr. Browne."

"I could not ask for a better doctor than Dr. Browne.  Going through treatments is an extremely arduous process.  Dr. Browne was there every step of the way.  She was always positive, compassionate, and highly responsive.  I would walk into every appointment with a list of questions and she patiently answered each one, never once rushing me, and always spending as much time with me as I needed." 

"Dr. Browne is a gifted clinician with terrific clinical instinct.  She goes the extra mile to understand the patient’s individual and complex case and takes the time to systematically correct the issues that may be leading to infertility.  She is thoughtful and concerned and most importantly, she cares. There is nothing more important than having a doctor who cares.  It is only because of Dr. Browne, who I call my baby angel, that my husband and I are expecting our first baby.  I always felt safe in her hands and she is the only doctor will see for baby #2!"

Special Interests and Expertise

• In Vitro Fertilization
• Minimal stimulation IVF
• Intrauterine Inseminations
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Diminished ovarian reserve
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Unexplained infertility
• Endometriosis
• Male infertility

Dr. Browne works at Hudson Valley Fertility located in Somers, NY and Fishkill, NY. For more information or to set-up a consultation, please contact Dr. Browne via email or phone 845-765-0125.

How Many Times Should I Do Intrauterine Inseminations?

Source: Androferti®

Intrauterine insemination (or IUI) is an in-office procedure that attempts to increase the likelihood of pregnancy by bringing the sperm closer to the egg in order for fertilization to occur. It has to be done at the right time in order to be effective, and as a result intrauterine inseminations should be timed to spontaneous (i.e. LH surge) or induced ovulation using human chorionic gonadotropin (i.e. HCG). An IUI should be performed the day after detection of the LH surge, because the oocyte (i.e. egg) has a limited window after its release to be successfully fertilized, and 34-40 hours after ovulation is triggered by HCG.

Intrauterine insemination is commonly used to treat mild male factor infertility, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, ovulatory dysfunction, and cervical factor infertility. It is also a viable treatment option for women under age thirty-eight and for couples who have failed multiple ovulation or superovulation induction cycles (usually 3-4 treatment cycles) before moving on to in vitro fertilization (IVF).  Although intrauterine insemination is often seen as a step before IVF, pregnancy rates achieved with IUIs have not significantly increased over time (as they have with IVF) and as a result the number of intrauterine inseminations being performed is starting to decline.

Some have even advocated doing two inseminations instead of one at 12 and 36 hours after a HCG- induced ovulation to increase pregnancy rates associated with IUIs.  However, studies have not shown a significant increase in pregnancy rates doing two inseminations.  As a result, I encourage my patients to only do a single insemination during their treatment cycle because a second insemination is more associated with increased costs than the expected outcome.   

When should one look into other treatment options when intrauterine inseminations have failed? This is more dependent on female age, other infertility diagnoses, duration of infertility, and quality of the insemination specimen. I generally recommend in vitro fertilization if the female partner is over age 38 or has a history of diminished ovarian reserve because success rates with IVF is significantly higher than those achieved with intrauterine inseminations. I also recommend IVF after three or four failed intrauterine insemination cycles, because pregnancy rates begin to decline after the fourth IUI attempt. Studies have shown that after 4-6 insemination cycles pregnancy rates decline by half to two-thirds.  

In all, intrauterine insemination is a viable treatment option for certain infertile couples. It can be an effective treatment for the right candidate, but it is starting to grow out-of-favor because of the shorter time to conception and increased pregnancy rates seen with in vitro fertilization.