Ask Our Doctors – Archive
Our Medical Directors are outstanding physicians that you will find to be very personable and compassionate, who take care to ensure that you have the most cutting-edge fertility treatments at your disposal. This is your outlet to ask your questions to the doctors.
Hi Dr. Sher,
I had my pgs normal embryo transfer on sat and had a low grade fever and now getting dry cough. I took tylenol, but fever still comes and goes. In your opinion, does this affect with implantation process or outcome of pregnancy
Hi Dr Sher, my husband has 69% binding sperm antibodies. Is it okay to use his frozen sperm (from ejaculation) for ICSI with IVF or isn it best to use fresh with his antibody issues?
Thank you
You could use his frozen sperm for ICSI.
Antisperm antibodies (ASA) are immunoglobulins that attach to sperm. They are most commonly encountered in semen, blood, cervical mucous and follicular fluid. Not all ASA bind to sperm. However, those that do so can inhibiting fertilization. Methods used to detect for the presence of SAs in blood, in the seminal plasma of the ejaculate or in the cervical mucus only measure those immunoglobulins that bind to sperm components.
ASAs are related to the stimulation of sperm antigen. Detection of ASA requires access to standard sperm antigens that are associated with fertilization. An ideal sperm antigen should be sperm specific, accessible to the antibody and play a key role in fertilization..
In about 1-4% of infertility cases the presence of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in the male or female appear to be the cause. While the presence of ASA reduces both male and fertility significantly, it does not necessarily always prevent conception altogether. Rather, the effects are graduated; i.e., the larger the immunologic response (concentration of antibodies), the less likely it is that a pregnancy will occur and when the blood level rises above 40%, natural conception is highly unlikely to occur.
Like any other kind of antibody manufactured by the body, sperm antibodies are formed in response to antigens. These antigens are proteins, which appear on the outer sperm membranes as the young sperm cells, develop within the male testes. In the man’s own body, his sperm are regarded as foreign invading proteins and as such would normally be targeted for attack However, under normal conditions, direct contact between the man’s blood and sperm is prevented by a cellular structure in the testes called the blood/testis barrier. This barrier is formed by so-called, Sertoli cells, which abut very closely against each other, forming tight junctions that separate the developing sperm cells from the blood and prevent immunologic stimulation. However, the blood/ testis barrier can be broken by physical or chemical injury or by infection. When this barrier is breached, sperm antigens escape from their immunologically protected environment and come in direct contact with blood elements that launch an immunologic attack.
Once sperm and blood come in contact, whether in the male or female, specific antibodies are produced against them by specialized blood cells call T- and B-lymphocytes. The three main types of sperm antibodies produced are Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM). These antibodies bind to the proteins (antigens) on the sperm head, midpiece or tail. The antibodies formed may be of the circulatory type (in the blood serum) or secretory type (in the tissue). This is important because high levels of antibodies in the blood serum do not invariably mean that the antibodies will find their way to the semen where they can affect the sperm. For example, the concentration of IgG is much lower in secretions of the reproductive tract that it is in the blood. Conversely, the local level of IgA is higher in the reproductive secretions than in the blood. This is an important point, which we will return to later.
Once sperm antibodies have formed, they can affect sperm in several different ways. Some antibodies will cause sperm to stick together or agglutinate. Agglutinated sperm clump together in dense masses and thus are unable to migrate through the cervix into the uterus. Other antibodies mark the sperm for attack by Natural killer (NK) cells of the body’s immune system (ie; opsonizing antibodies). Some antibodies cause reactions between the sperm membrane and the cervical mucus preventing the sperm from swimming through the cervix (ie; immobilizing antibodies). Antibodies can also block the sperm’s ability to bind to the zona pellucida of the egg, a prerequisite for fertilization (ie; blocking antibodies). Finally, there is recent evidence that the fertilized egg shares some of the same antigens that are found on the sperm. It is possible that sperm antibodies present in the mother can react with the early embryo, resulting in its destruction by phagocytic (ie; phagocytic antibodies) cells.
In my opinion, ASA tests are best performed on blood. There are a number of diagnostic tests available to detect the presence of sperm antibodies. There are several methods for the diagnosis These tests are performed by flow cytometry and the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay), the Franklin-Dukes sperm agglutination assay or the Immunobead Binding Test (IBT).the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay, to name a few. My preference is the IBT.
In the male, IgA and IgG are found in the semen although there is controversy as to whether they originate locally (secreted by testicular cells) or cross over from the circulation. Antibodies of the IgM class are not found in semen.
Like the source of some antibodies, the question of the critical levels of sperm antibodies is also hotly debated among clinicians. There seems to be general agreement that blood levels above 30% by the IBT are associated with significant fertility problems.
Studiers have shown that pregnancy is highly unlikely following natural intercourse or intrauterine insemination when either the woman or the man harbors significant antisperm antibodies.
Attempts have to try and remove antibodies from sperm by allowing the sperm to swim through a column of beads are by and large unsuccessful. And, while there have been isolated reports that administration of corticosteroids (eg; prednisone) will temporarily suppress antibody production pregnancy rates are poor. Besides, corticosteroid therapy carries with it the risk of significant side, some of which (although infrequent) can be serious. As an example, in the man spontaneous fractures (especially of the neck of the femur) have been reported in 2 % of cases. I do not recommend this treatment.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic Sperm injection (ICSI) is the best option. Here each egg is injected with a single sperm and whether there are antibodies attached to the outer surface of the sperm becomes irrelevant.. In fact, pregnancy and birth rates are the same as in cases where IVF is performed for reasons other than male factor infertility. IVF/ICSI success rates are also .not unaffected by the concentration of antisperm antibodies.
ADDENDUM:
Sher-Fertility Solutions (SFS) will be officially launched in April 2019. Through SFS I will provide fertility consultations (via SKYPE) to an ever-growing number of patients (from >40 countries) with complex Reproductive Dysfunction (RD) who seek access to my input and guidance.
In the past, I have limited my consultations with patients from afar to those who expressed a willingness to travel to Las Vegas for treatment by me. But now with the “birth” of SFS, all this is about to change. With one notable exception I will, as of April, 2019, no longer be conducting and performing hands-on IVF treatments. Rather, I will focus on providing SKYPE consultations and guidance to as many patients as possible. The one important exception will apply to approximately 1,000 existing patients who, following IVF previously performed by me, have remaining eggs or embryos stored (cryopreserved) at SIRM-LV and wish for me to perform their Frozen Embryo Transfers (FETs). I have agreed to accommodate such patients…..but only through August, 2019.
Patients will have ready access online, to SFS: by going to http://www.SherIVF.com; by phone (1-800-780-7437 or 702-533-2691) and via email (sher@sherivf.com or concierge@sherIVF.com). A onetime fee of $400.00, will provide enrollees with access to: a full review of all their medical records (+ assistance in requisitioning additional records, as needed); a comprehensive initial 1 hour, SKYPE consultation with me; additional SKYPE consultations (as might be required); a written medical report (which will include a recommended plan of action) that you can share with a Physician(s) of choice. I would, subject to your approval and a request by such Physician(s), also be willing to discuss your case with him/her/them. I will in due course post on my website, a list of Fertility Physicians in key locations all over the United States and abroad, whom I endorse and to whom I would be willing to direct SFS patients for subsequent treatment.
I have good news for those of you who are interested in traveling to Las Vegas for IVF. Dr Russel Foulk, Medical Director of SIRM-LV has expressed a willingness to be receptive to, treatment plans that I recommend for SFS patients Moreover, Dr Foulk has graciously agreed to interact with me during such treatments. I highly recommend Dr Foulk to those of you who, following consultation with me, wish to have me remain involved in the implementation of your treatment. This having been said, the final say in any management decision is always up to the treating physician.
It is both my objective and commitment to serve as a resource to SFS patients on complex RD issues such as: Unexplained IVF failure ; Recurrent Pregnancy loss (RPL); Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction-IID; Genetic/chromosomal issues; effects of Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) and advancing age on reproductive performance, etc.
I hope to ultimately expand the National and International reach of SFS, through my website (www.sherIVF.com) , through online webinars as well as Town hall- type consumer-based seminars, workshops and through social media. At the same time I will continue blogging on my website and doing bi-weekly Live-feed Facebook presentations (at “Dr Geoffrey Sher”) on a variety of subjects and topical issues.
For me this is a very exciting venture. Please become part of the SFS family and help spread the word!
I was very recently greatly honored in receiving an award by the prestigious; International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP). For more information, go to the press release on my website, http://www.sherIVF.com .
Do you think a mosaic embryo with trisomy 3 has a good chance of self-correcting? It’s my only somewhat viable embryo, as all others came back abnormal after two retrievals.
Is there anything I can do after FET to improve my chances?
Yes! It has a chance of being mosaic and auto correcting….and no, there is nothing you could do to augment this process.
Human embryo development occurs through a process that encompasses reprogramming, sequential cleavage divisions and mitotic chromosome segregation and embryonic genome activation. Chromosomal abnormalities may arise during germ cell and/or preimplantation embryo development and represents a major cause of early pregnancy loss. About a decade ago, I and my associate, Levent Keskintepe PhD were the first to introduce full embryo karyotyping (identification of all 46 chromosomes) through preimplantation genetic sampling (PGS) as a method by which to selectively transfer only euploid embryos (i.e. those that have a full component of chromosomes) to the uterus. We subsequently reported on a 2-3-fold improvement in implantation and birth rates as well as a significant reduction in early pregnancy loss, following IVF. Since then PGS has grown dramatically in popularity such that it is now widely used throughout the world.
Most IVF programs that offer PGS services, require that all participating patients consent to all their aneuploid embryos (i.e. those with an irregular quota of chromosomes) be disposed of. However, there is now growing evidence to suggest that following embryo transfer, some aneuploid embryos will in the process of ongoing development, convert to the euploid state (i.e. “autocorrection”) and then go on to develop into chromosomally normal offspring. In fact, I am personally aware of several such cases occurring within our IVF network. So clearly, summarily discarding all aneuploid embryos as a matter of routine we are sometimes destroying some embryos that might otherwise have “autocorrected” and gone on to develop into normal offspring.
Thus, by discarding aneuploid embryos the possibility exists that we could be denying some women the opportunity of having a baby. This creates a major ethical and moral dilemma for those of us that provide the option of PGS to our patients. On the one hand, we strive “to avoid knowingly doing harm” (the Hippocratic Oath) and as such would prefer to avoid or minimize the risk of miscarriage and/or chromosomal birth defects and on the other hand we would not wish to deny patients with aneuploid embryos, the opportunity to have a baby.
The basis for such embryo “autocorrection” lies in the fact that some embryos found through PGS-karyotyping to harbor one or more aneuploid cells (blastomeres) will often also harbor chromosomally normal (euploid) cells (blastomeres). The coexistence of both aneuploid and euploid cells coexisting in the same embryo is referred to as “mosaicism.”
It is against this background, that an ever-increasing number of IVF practitioners, rather than summarily discard PGS-identified aneuploid embryos are now choosing to cryobanking (freeze-store) certain of them, to leave open the possibility of ultimately transferring them to the uterus. In order to best understand the complexity of the factors involved in such decision making, it is essential to understand the causes of embryo aneuploidy of which there are two varieties:
1.Meiotic aneuploidy” results from aberrations in chromosomal numerical configuration that originate in either the egg (most commonly) and/or in sperm, during preconceptual maturational division (meiosis). Since meiosis occurs in the pre-fertilized egg or in and sperm, it follows that when aneuploidy occurs due to defective meiosis, all subsequent cells in the developing embryo/blastocyst/conceptus inevitably will be aneuploid, precluding subsequent “autocorrection”. Meiotic aneuploidy will thus invariably be perpetuated in all the cells of the embryo as they replicate. It is a permanent phenomenon and is irreversible. All embryos so affected are thus fatally damaged. Most will fail to implant and those that do implant will either be lost in early pregnancy or develop into chromosomally defective offspring (e.g. Down syndrome, Edward syndrome, Turner syndrome).
2.“Mitotic aneuploidy” occurs when following fertilization and subsequent cell replication (cleavage), some cells (blastomeres) of a meiotically normal (euploid) early embryo mutate and become aneuploid. This is referred to as “mosaicism”. Thereupon, with continued subsequent cell replication (mitosis) the chromosomal make-up (karyotype) of the embryo might either comprise of predominantly aneuploid cells or euploid cells. The subsequent viability or competency of the conceptus will thereupon depend on whether euploid or aneuploid cells predominate. If in such mosaic embryos aneuploid cells predominate, the embryo will be “incompetent”). If (as is frequently the case) euploid cells prevail, the mosaic embryo will likely be “competent” and capable of propagating a normal conceptus.
Since some mitotically aneuploid (“mosaic”) embryos can, and indeed do “autocorrect’ while meiotically aneuploid embryos cannot, it follows that an ability to reliably differentiate between these two varieties of aneuploidy would potentially be of considerable clinical value. The recent introduction of a variety of preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) known as next generation gene sequencing (NGS) has vastly improved the ability to reliably and accurately karyotype embryos and thus to diagnose embryo “mosaicism”.
The ability of mosaic embryos to autocorrect is influenced by the stage at which the condition is diagnosed as well as the percentage of mosaic cells. Many embryos diagnosed as being mosaic while in the earlier cleaved state of development, subsequently undergo autocorrection to the euploid state (normal numerical chromosomal configuration) during the process of undergoing subsequent mitotic cell to the blastocyst stage. Similarly, mosaic blastocysts can also undergo autocorrection after being transferred to the uterus. The lower the percentage of mosaic cells in the blastocyst the greater the propensity to autocorrect and propagate chromosomally normal (euploid) offspring. By comparison, a blastocyst with 10% mosaicism could yield a 30% healthy baby rate with 10-15% miscarriage rate, while with >50% mosaicism the baby rate is roughly halved and the miscarriage rate double.
Aneuploidy involves the addition (trisomy) or subtraction (monosomy) of one or part of one chromosome in any given pair. As previously stated, some aneuploidies are meiotic in origin while others are mitotic “mosaics”. Certain aneuploidies involve only a single, chromosome pair (simple aneuploidy) while others involve several pairs (i.e. complex aneuploidy). Aside from monosomy involving the absence of the y-sex chromosome (i.e. XO) which can result in a live birth (Turner syndrome) of a compromised baby, virtually all monosomies involving autosomes (non-sex chromosomes) are likely to be lethal and will rarely result in viable offspring. Some autosomal meiotic aneuploidies, especially trisomies 13, 18, 21, can propagate viable and severely chromosomally defective babies. Other meiotic autosomal trisomies will almost invariably, either not attach to the uterine lining or upon attachment, will soon be rejected. All forms of meiotic aneuploidy are irreversible while as stated, mitotic aneuploidy (“mosaicism) can autocorrect, yielding healthy offspring. Most complex aneuploidies are meiotic in origin and will thus almost invariably fail to propagate viable pregnancies.
Since certain “mosaic” meiotic aneuploid trisomy embryos (e.g. trisomies 13, 18, & 21) can potentially result in aneuploid concepti. For this reason, it is my opinion that unless the woman/couple receiving such embryos is willing to commit to terminating a resulting pregnancy found through amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) to be so affected, she/they are probably best advised not to transfer have them transferred to the uterus. Embryos harboring other autosomal mosaic trisomic embryos, should they not autocorrect in-utero will hardly ever produce a baby and as such there is hardly any risk at all…in transferring such embryos. However, it is my opinion that in the event of an ongoing pregnancy, amniocentesis or CVS should be performed to make certain that the baby is euploid. Conversely, when it comes to mosaic autosomal monosomy, given that virtually no autosomal monosomy embryos are likely to propagate viable pregnancies, the transfer of such mosaic embryos is virtually risk free. Needless to say, in any such cases , it is absolutely essential to make full disclosure to the patient (s) , and to insure the completion of a detailed informed consent agreement which would include a commitment by the patient (s) to undergo prenatal genetic testing (amniocentesis/CVS) aimed at excluding a chromosomal defect in the developing baby and/or a willingness to terminate the pregnancy should a serious birth defect be diagnosed.
I strongly recommend that you visit http://www.SherIVF.com. Then go to my Blog and access the “search bar”. Type in the titles of any/all of the articles listed below, one by one. “Click” and you will immediately be taken to those you select. Please also take the time to post any questions or comments with the full expectation that I will (as always) respond promptly.
•A Fresh Look at the Indications for IVF
•The IVF Journey: The importance of “Planning the Trip” Before Taking the Ride”
•Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) for IVF: Selecting the ideal protocol
•IVF: Factors Affecting Egg/Embryo “competency” during Controlled Ovarian Stimulation(COS)
•The Fundamental Requirements For Achieving Optimal IVF Success
•Use of GnRH Antagonists (Ganirelix/Cetrotide/Orgalutron) in IVF-Ovarian Stimulation Protocols.
•Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Measurement to Assess Ovarian Reserve and Design the Optimal Protocol for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in IVF.
•Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in Older women and Women who have Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): A Rational Basis for Selecting a Stimulation Protocol
•Optimizing Response to Ovarian Stimulation in Women with Compromised Ovarian Response to Ovarian Stimulation: A Personal Approach.
•Hereditary Clotting Defects (Thrombophilia)
•Blastocyst Embryo Transfers done 5-6 Days Following Fertilization are Fast Replacing Earlier day 2-3 Transfers of Cleaved Embryos.
•Embryo Transfer Procedure: The “Holy Grail in IVF.
•Timing of ET: Transferring Blastocysts on Day 5-6 Post-Fertilization, Rather Than on Day 2-3 as Cleaved Embryos.
•IVF: Approach to Selecting the Best Embryos for Transfer to the Uterus.
•Fresh versus Frozen Embryo Transfers (FET) Enhance IVF Outcome
•Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): A Rational Approach to Hormonal Preparation and How new Methodology is Impacting IVF.
•Staggered IVF
•Staggered IVF with PGS- Selection of “Competent” Embryos Greatly Enhances the Utility & Efficiency of IVF.
•Staggered IVF: An Excellent Option When. Advancing Age and Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) Reduces IVF Success Rate
•Embryo Banking/Stockpiling: Slows the “Biological Clock” and offers a Selective Alternative to IVF-Egg Donation
•Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGS) in IVF: It should be Used Selectively and NOT be Routine.
•IVF: Selecting the Best Quality Embryos to Transfer
•Preimplantation Genetic Sampling (PGS) Using: Next Generation Gene Sequencing (NGS): Method of Choice.
•PGS and Assessment of Egg/Embryo “competency”: How Method, Timing and Methodology Could Affect Reliability
•IVF outcome: How Does Advancing Age and Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) Affect Egg/Embryo “Competency” and How Should the Problem be addressed.
Geoff Sher
_______________________________________________________
ADDENDUM:
Sher-Fertility Solutions (SFS) will be officially launched in April 2019. Through SFS I will provide fertility consultations (via SKYPE) to an ever-growing number of patients (from >40 countries) with complex Reproductive Dysfunction (RD) who seek access to my input and guidance.
In the past, I have limited my consultations with patients from afar to those who expressed a willingness to travel to Las Vegas for treatment by me. But now with the “birth” of SFS, all this is about to change. With one notable exception I will, as of April, 2019, no longer be conducting and performing hands-on IVF treatments. Rather, I will focus on providing SKYPE consultations and guidance to as many patients as possible. The one important exception will apply to approximately 1,000 existing patients who, following IVF previously performed by me, have remaining eggs or embryos stored (cryopreserved) at SIRM-LV and wish for me to perform their Frozen Embryo Transfers (FETs). I have agreed to accommodate such patients…..but only through August, 2019.
Patients will have ready access online, to SFS: by going to http://www.SherIVF.com; by phone (1-800-780-7437 or 702-533-2691) and via email (sher@sherivf.com or concierge@sherIVF.com). A onetime fee of $400.00, will provide enrollees with access to: a full review of all their medical records (+ assistance in requisitioning additional records, as needed); a comprehensive initial 1 hour, SKYPE consultation with me; additional SKYPE consultations (as might be required); a written medical report (which will include a recommended plan of action) that you can share with a Physician(s) of choice. I would, subject to your approval and a request by such Physician(s), also be willing to discuss your case with him/her/them. I will in due course post on my website, a list of Fertility Physicians in key locations all over the United States and abroad, whom I endorse and to whom I would be willing to direct SFS patients for subsequent treatment.
I have good news for those of you who are interested in traveling to Las Vegas for IVF. Dr Russel Foulk, Medical Director of SIRM-LV has expressed a willingness to be receptive to, treatment plans that I recommend for SFS patients Moreover, Dr Foulk has graciously agreed to interact with me during such treatments. I highly recommend Dr Foulk to those of you who, following consultation with me, wish to have me remain involved in the implementation of your treatment. This having been said, the final say in any management decision is always up to the treating physician.
It is both my objective and commitment to serve as a resource to SFS patients on complex RD issues such as: Unexplained IVF failure; Recurrent Pregnancy loss (RPL); Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction-IID; Genetic/chromosomal issues; effects of Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) and advancing age on reproductive performance, etc.
I hope to ultimately expand the National and International reach of SFS, through my website (www.sherIVF.com) , through online webinars as well as Town hall- type consumer-based seminars, workshops and through social media. At the same time I will continue blogging on my website and doing bi-weekly Live-feed Facebook presentations (at “Dr Geoffrey Sher”) on a variety of subjects and topical issues.
For me this is a very exciting venture. Please become part of the SFS family and help spread the word!
I was very recently greatly honored in receiving an award by the prestigious; International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP). For more information, go to the press release on my website, http://www.sherIVF.com .
Dr. Sher,
My history: hypothyroidism, microadenoma(hyperprolactin), MThFR heterozygous, slightly elevated anticardiolpin (IgA only)
I had my first FET in November 2018 with a PGS normal embryo which ended in a chemical pregnancy. I had a hysteroscopy D&C and everything came back normal. For my second FET with a normal PGS embryo I was on a heparin, baby aspirin, and prednisone 10mg (couldn’t tolerate 20mg due to shaking and increased heart rate). I also take Folgard and L- methylfolate, Vitamin d and co q 10 and levothyroxine 75mcg. I was on 1ml PIO and 8mg estradiol daily. Also, I stopped my bromocriptine the day of transfer. I began miscarrying at approximately 5 weeks 3 days. The gestational sac and yolk sac were visible on ultrasound the day I started to miscarry and everything measuring right on time.
I feel like I have done every test. I’ve done HSG, RPL, hysteroscopy. What am I missing? Is there any hope for me? Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Most hypothyroidism in women is due to an autoimmune process. Between 2% and 5% of women of the childbearing age have reduced thyroid hormone activity (hypothyroidism). Women with hypothyroidism often manifest with reproductive failure i.e. infertility, unexplained (often repeated) IVF failure, or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The condition is 5-10 times more common in women than in men. In most cases hypothyroidism is caused by damage to the thyroid gland resulting from of thyroid autoimmunity (Hashimoto’s disease) caused by damage done to the thyroid gland by antithyroglobulin and antimicrosomal auto-antibodies.
The increased prevalence of hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) in women is likely the result of a combination of genetic factors, estrogen-related effects and chromosome X abnormalities. This having been said, there is significantly increased incidence of thyroid antibodies in non-pregnant women with a history of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss and thyroid antibodies can be present asymptomatically in women without them manifesting with overt clinical or endocrinologic evidence of thyroid disease. In addition, these antibodies may persist in women who have suffered from hyper- or hypothyroidism even after normalization of their thyroid function by appropriate pharmacological treatment. The manifestations of reproductive dysfunction thus seem to be linked more to the presence of thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) than to clinical existence of hypothyroidism and treatment of the latter does not routinely result in a subsequent improvement in reproductive performance.
It follows, that if antithyroid autoantibodies are associated with reproductive dysfunction they may serve as useful markers for predicting poor outcome in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.
Some years back, I reported on the fact that 47% of women who harbor thyroid autoantibodies, regardless of the absence or presence of clinical hypothyroidism, have activated uterine natural killer cells (NKa) cells and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) and that such women often present with reproductive dysfunction. We demonstrated that appropriate immunotherapy with IVIG or intralipid (IL) and steroids, subsequently often results in a significant improvement in reproductive performance in such cases.
The fact that almost 50% of women who harbor antithyroid antibodies do not have activated CTL/NK cells suggests that it is NOT the antithyroid antibodies themselves that cause reproductive dysfunction. The activation of CTL and NK cells that occurs in half of the cases with TAI is probably an epiphenomenon with the associated reproductive dysfunction being due to CTL/NK cell activation that damages the early “root system” (trophoblast) of the implanting embryo. We have shown that treatment of those women who have thyroid antibodies + NKa/CTL using IL/steroids, improves subsequent reproductive performance while women with thyroid antibodies who do not harbor NKa/CTL do not require or benefit from such treatment.
Couples from throughout the United States of America and from more than 40 different other countries have sought advice and care regarding IVF treatment through consultation with me (or) at SIRM and more recently through Sher-IVF. In fact, currently about 65% of my patient consultations emanate from out-of-state or from abroad. Most such patients tend to be are older, have had repeated pregnancy losses or have complex reproductive issues, having experienced numerous “unexplained” IVF failures. Such patients have been able to access seamless care in a caring and non-stressful environment, under my guidance and supervision. In one case, after experiencing 22 consecutive IVF failures, a couple who journeyed from Melbourne, Australia, had a baby following a single IVF attempt. My approach is to orchestrate and oversee individualize care, targeting those factors that often adversely affect IVF outcome.
INTRODUCING SHER FERTILITY SOLUTIONS (SFS). Hitherto I have personally performed the actual hands-on treatment of all patients who, seeking my involvement, elected to travel to Las Vegas for my care. However, with the launching of Sher-Fertility Solutions (SFS), I will now take on a new role. In future, rather than having hands-on involvement with IVF procedures I will instead provide fertility consultations (via SKYPE) to many more of the ever-growing number of patients (from >40 countries) with complex Reproductive Dysfunction (RD) who seek access to my input and guidance. In this way I will be able to advise, and (in many cases) become involved in overseeing the care, of numerous patients who previously, because they were unable to travel long distances to be treated by me, were unable to gain access to my input.
Patients seeking access me through SFS for a Skype consultation can: go online to http://www.SherIVF.com and enroll there; call 1-800-780-7437 or 702-533-2691; or email SFS at (sher@sherivf.com / concierge@SherIVF.com).
There is a onetime fee of $400.00, which provides enrollees with access to:
•A full review of all their medical records (+ assistance in requisitioning additional records, as needed); a comprehensive initial 1 hour, SKYPE consultation with me;
•Additional SKYPE consultations (as might be required);
•A written medical report (which will include a recommended plan of action) that can be shared with a Physician(s) of choice. I would, subject to patient(s)’ approval and a request by such Physician(s), also be willing to discuss your case with him/her/them.
I will in due course post on my website, a list of Fertility Physicians in key locations all over the United States and abroad, whom I endorse and to whom I would be willing to direct SFS patients for subsequent treatment.
I have good news for patients who are considering traveling to Las Vegas for their IVF treatment….PATIENTS ENROLLED WITH SFS WHO WISH TO TRAVEL TO LAS VEGAS FOR IVF CAN HAVE ME OVERSEE THEIR TREATMENT AND CAN REST ASSURED THAT THE TEAM AT SIRM-LV ARE COMMITTED TO CONTINUE PROVIDING THE TOP NOTCH CARE THAT MY PATIENTS HAVE GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO!.
.
TREATMENT OF SFS PATIENTS BY DR. FOULK AT SIRM-LAS VEGAS:
I have worked closely over the past year with Dr. Russell Foulk, Medical Director of SIRM-LV, who intends to work with me to maintain the high level of excellence I plan to provide. Dr Foulk and I will work together by direct communication and collegial interaction to provide our patients the best in reproductive medicine. I have known Dr Foulk for nearly 25 years and highly recommend him to those patients who, following consultation with me, wish to have me remain involved in the construct of their treatment. Dr Foulk openly states he is somewhat of a protégé of mine having been heavily influenced by my career. This having been said, the final say in any management decision is always up to the treating physician.
Following an initial consultation with me at SFS and a subsequent decision to undergo IVF with Dr Foulk at SIRM-LV, I will help facilitate a full consultation by Skype/Phone with Dr Foulk and forward a full report with my recommended treatment strategy for him to take under advisement. Ultimately however, management decisions are always the sole responsibility of the treating physician.
HOW SIRM-LV PROVIDES OPTIMAL CARE AT A DISTANCE:
a)THE INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH DR. FOULK: Dr Foulk will, upon receipt, carefully review my report and recommendations. Thereupon, following an initial (detailed) consultation (and possibly further testing) he might require additional phone/Skype consultations with him, whereupon he will make a recommendation which would likely include scheduling schedule the patient for a cycle of treatment. It is customary at SIRM-LV to perform IVF treatments in ten to twelve pre-scheduled, 1-2 week cycle batches per year (dependent on whether fresh embryo transfers or frozen embryo transfers (FET) are required). This means that patients will know well in advance of treatment, when they need to be present in Las Vegas for IVF. This also allows for optimal convenience, quality assurance, care and outcome.
b)CONSULTATION WITH AN OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR: Within days of the initial consultation with Dr Foulk, patients will be contacted by the SIRM-LV office to set up a free consultation with an office administrator (who will provide logistic and financial information) who will discuss logistics, cost, time constraints, structure, and processes involved in an IVF cycle at SIRM-LV. At this point, patients will be asked to think matters through and then to make a firm decision/commitment as to whether/when to undergo treatment conducted and overseen by Dr Foulk (with my input-as needed). Thereupon, the patients will be asked to make a financial commitment which is needed to secure a place on the IVF calendar at a designated and mutually agreed upon time.
c)CONSULTATION WITH A NURSE COORDINATOR: A specific Clinical-Nurse Coordinator will be assigned to each patient/couple for their entire experience. She/he will interact with patients and (as needed) with their primary care OB/GYN) to facilitate seamless preparation and testing (where possible) in their home setting. The NC and her team will in effect, hand-hold and triage the patient/couple through all required steps and thereupon will schedule follow-up consultations (as needed). Patients will also be provided with contact information by which to reach the NC at will. The NC will develop and forward (in advance of a scheduled Skype or telephone consultation), a color-coded electronic calendar detailing all treatment and investigative actions needed to take the patient to and through a full cycle of treatment. This approach enables patients to plan their treatment with precision, even months in advance. Almost all testing and preparation can be done in the patient’s home setting. Individualized protocols used to perform IVF during the 1-2 week cycle-batches throughout the year will be discussed Patients will rarely need to spend more than two (2) weeks away from home to complete a full cycle of treatment.
d)FOLLOW-UP CONSULTATION WITH DR. FOULK: Once all records are available, test results are in, and the IVF cycle is scheduled, patients may again consult with Dr. Foulk, if needed, at which time everything will be reviewed in detail and final adjustments will be made. Thereupon additional follow-up consultations may be scheduled on an as-needed basis.
e)INVOLVEMENT OF SFS’: While Dr. Foulk has graciously agreed to take my input into consideration for all SFS-patients referred to him for treatment, it is important to re-emphasize here, that in the final analysis, treatment and management decisions, will be between the patient(s) and the treating physician (i.e. Dr. Foulk). I will however, make myself available for advice, to all SFS-referred patients and will at all times, make myself available to discuss SFS-referred patients, one-on-one with Dr Foulk.
f)ONGOING INTERACTION WITH SIRM-LV: SIRM-LV staff will, at all times, be affable and will make themselves available upon request. They will maintain regular contact with all SFS-referred patients, throughout. However, we are all human, and thus are capable of erring at times. So, if anything is not in keeping with expectations, patients should immediately bring the matter(s) to Dr Foulk’s attention so that any/all issues can be addressed in a timely manner.
g)HOW TO REACH SIRM-LV AND WHERE TO STAY WHILE IN LAS VEGAS: The staff at both SFS and SIRM-LV will gladly assist patients in obtaining suitable and affordable transportation to and accommodations in Las Vegas. Being that Las Vegas is a tourist hub, couples who elect to undergo IVF here, will find accommodation and airfare (especially if scheduled well in advance) to be very reasonably priced and of very high quality. Moreover, we may even be able to assist when it comes to obtaining affordable quality accommodations in close proximity to SIRM-LV.
Please to visit http://www.SherIVF.com. Then go to Dr Sher’s Blog and access the “search bar”. Type in the titles of any/all of the articles listed below,. “Click” and select the one’s of interest.
•A Fresh Look at the Indications for IVF
•The IVF Journey: The importance of “Planning the Trip” Before Taking the Ride”
•Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) for IVF: Selecting the ideal protocol
•IVF: Factors Affecting Egg/Embryo “competency” during Controlled Ovarian Stimulation(COS)
•The Fundamental Requirements For Achieving Optimal IVF Success
•Use of GnRH Antagonists (Ganirelix/Cetrotide/Orgalutron) in IVF-Ovarian Stimulation Protocols.
•Human Growth Hormone Administration in IVF: Does it Enhances Egg/Embryo Quality and Outcome?
•IVF and the use of Supplementary Human Growth Hormone (HGH) : Is it Worth Trying and who needs it?
•The BCP: Does Launching a Cycle of Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS). Coming off the BCP Compromise Response?
•Blastocyst Embryo Transfers Should be the Standard of Care in IVF
•Why did my IVF Fail
•Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Measurement to Assess Ovarian Reserve and Design the Optimal Protocol for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in IVF.
•The “Biological Clock” and how it should Influence the Selection and Design of Ovarian Stimulation Protocols for IVF.
•IVF & Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): A Rational Basis for COS Protocol Selection.
•Ovarian Stimulation in Women Who have Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): Introducing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion protocol
•Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in Older women and Women who have Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): A Rational Basis for Selecting a Stimulation Protocol
•Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL): Why do I keep losing my Pregnancies
•Fresh versus Frozen Embryo Transfers (FET) Enhance IVF Outcome
•Genetically Testing Embryos for IVF
•Staggered IVF
•Staggered IVF with PGS- Selection of “Competent” Embryos Greatly Enhances the Utility & Efficiency of IVF.
•Embryo Banking/Stockpiling: Slows the “Biological Clock” and offers a Selective Alternative to IVF-Egg Donation
•Preimplantation Genetic Sampling (PGS) Using: Next Generation Gene Sequencing (NGS): Method of Choice.
•IVF: The first Choice for Infertile Women 40 to 43 Years of Age!
•IVF Failure and Implantation Dysfunction:
•Management of Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID).
•Should IVF Treatment Cycles be provided uninterrupted or be Conducted in 7-12 Pre-scheduled “Batches” per Year
•Male Factor Infertility
•How Many Embryos should be transferred: A Critical Decision in IVF.
•The Role of Nutritional Supplements in Preparing for IVF
•IVF Egg Donation: A Comprehensive Overview
•Gestational Surrogacy
•Deciding Between Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
•Having Realistic Expectations Regarding IVF Outcome: When is it Time to stop or Change Course?
Geoffrey Sher MD
ADDENDUM:
Sher-Fertility Solutions (SFS) will be officially launched in April 2019. Through SFS I will provide fertility consultations (via SKYPE) to an ever-growing number of patients (from >40 countries) with complex Reproductive Dysfunction (RD) who seek access to my input and guidance.
In the past, I have limited my consultations with patients from afar to those who expressed a willingness to travel to Las Vegas for treatment by me. But now with the “birth” of SFS, all this is about to change. With one notable exception I will, as of April, 2019, no longer be conducting and performing hands-on IVF treatments. Rather, I will focus on providing SKYPE consultations and guidance to as many patients as possible. The one important exception will apply to approximately 1,000 existing patients who, following IVF previously performed by me, have remaining eggs or embryos stored (cryopreserved) at SIRM-LV and wish for me to perform their Frozen Embryo Transfers (FETs). I have agreed to accommodate such patients…..but only through August, 2019.
I will in due course post on my website, a list of Fertility Physicians in key locations all over the United States and abroad, whom I endorse and to whom I would be willing to direct SFS patients for subsequent treatment.
It is both my objective and commitment to serve as a resource to SFS patients on complex RD issues such as: Unexplained IVF failure; Recurrent Pregnancy loss (RPL); Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction-IID; Genetic/chromosomal issues; effects of Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) and advancing age on reproductive performance, etc.
I hope to ultimately expand the National and International reach of SFS, through my website (www.sherIVF.com) , through online webinars as well as Town hall- type consumer-based seminars, workshops and through social media. At the same time I will continue blogging on my website and doing bi-weekly Live-feed Facebook presentations (at “Dr Geoffrey Sher”) on a variety of subjects and topical issues.
For me this is a very exciting venture. Please become part of the SFS family and help spread the word!
Dear dr Sher,
I tested positive on Tuesday 12 Feb at 18 days post ovulation.
Went to EPU on 26 dpo (5w4d LMP – Wednesday 20th) after 3 days heavy spotting/light bleeding & cramping & lower back pain. Urine test positive but No sign of pregnancy seen on transvaginal U/s – diagnosis PUL – hcg 550, progesterone 25.
Cramps & bleeding continues with some dark red blood & very tiny clots. 2 days later (today – 28 dpo) hcg is 869, progesterone 20.
From everything I’ve been reading it’s most likely either a miscarriage already happened or waiting to happen or low risk ectopic pregnancy which may ‘resolve’ on its own…. what are the chances of it being a viable pregnancy do you think?
I have another scan on Monday which will be over 6 weeks from LMP.
It could be too early. I would do a quantitative blood hCG test and if +ve, I would do another US in 7-10 days.
That will give a definitive answer.
Geoff Sher