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.

19,771 Comments

  1. Question: Donor ovum – from a chronic hep c woman.
    Can the virus exist in the ovum of a chronic hep c women, if so, and if said ovum was implanted to another woman , what would the likelihood be of (1) the recipient mother getting hepc, or (2) the child also getting hep c, and, how soon (at what point) would infection occur?
    I assume the eggs from a donor with a positive screening for chronic hepc will not/ would not be used (are not eligible to be used) for donation to another womens body? So, this is likely a non-issue/ hypothetical – but, IF this WAS the scenario, I am trying to determine whether there is that kind of pervasiveness (for the virus to have the ability to be present in the ovum/ and thus passed to the recipient/ and child), as a “known” trait of this virus.
    I hope you can answer my question – Thank you

    • A review of multiple studies reveals a vertical transmission rate of approximately 5%, with the rate being lower if the mother is HCV RNA-negative (23,24). Vertical HCV transmission is <5% but is correlated with higher maternal viral titre , an elevated alanine aminotransferase level in the year before pregnancy and the presence of maternal cirrhosis. By the way, all women with HCV infection should also be screened for HIV and chronic hepatitis B infection where the vertical transmission rate is significantly higher.

      Geoff Sher

      .

  2. Hi Dr. Sher,
    My husband and I have been trying to conceive naturally for 16 months. We recently started seeing a reproductive endocrinologist who informed me that I have a high TSH level (around 6).
    My questions are:
    – Is testing for thyroid antibodies routine or do I need to specifically request that test? At this point is antibody testing necessary?
    – If antibodies ar present, where do I go from there? As I understand it if I have thyroid antibodies there is a 50% chance I also have NK cells that are preventing implantation. Would testing for NKa cells be wise at this time?
    Thank you for your time.

    • 1. Is testing for thyroid antibodies routine or do I need to specifically request that test? At this point is antibody testing necessary? Would testing for NKa cells be wise at this time?

      A: It is not routine but for women with elevated TSH it should be done to look for an autoimmune condition and for activation of uterine NK cells. (see below)
      – If antibodies ar present, where do I go from there? As I understand it if I have thyroid antibodies there is a 50% chance I also have NK cells (NKa)

      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.

      I strongly recommend that you visit http://www.DrGeoffreySherIVF.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.
      •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
      •Ovarian Stimulation for IVF using GnRH Antagonists: Comparing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion Protocol.(A/ACP) With the“Conventional” Antagonist Aproach
      •Ovarian Stimulation in Women Who have Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): Introducing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion protocol
      •Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Measurement to Assess Ovarian Reserve and Design the Optimal Protocol for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in IVF.
      •Human Growth Hormone Administration in IVF: Does it Enhances Egg/Embryo Quality and Outcome?
      •The BCP: Does Launching a Cycle of Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS). Coming off the BCP Compromise Response?
      •IVF Failure and Implantation Dysfunction:
      •The Role of Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 1-Background
      •Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 2- Making a Diagnosis
      •Immunologic Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 3-Treatment
      •Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction: Importance of Meticulous Evaluation and Strategic Management:(Case Report
      •Intralipid and IVIG therapy: Understanding the Basis for its use in the Treatment of Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID)
      •Intralipid (IL) Administration in IVF: It’s Composition; How it Works; Administration; Side-effects; Reactions and Precautions
      •Natural Killer Cell Activation (NKa) and Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction in IVF: The Controversy!
      •Endometrial Thickness, Uterine Pathology and Immunologic Factors
      •Vaginally Administered Viagra is Often a Highly Effective Treatment to Help Thicken a Thin Uterine Lining
      •Traveling for IVF from Out of State/Country–
      •A personalized, stepwise approach to IVF
      •How Many Embryos should be transferred: A Critical Decision in IVF.
      •The Role of Nutritional Supplements in Preparing for IVF
      •Is there a link between the use of Fertility Drugs and of Ovarian Cancer?

      Please call or email Julie Dahan, my patient concierge. She will guide you on how to set up an in-person or Skype consultation with me. You can reach Julie at on her cell phone or via email at any time:
      Julie Dahan
      •Email: Julied@sherivf.com
      •Phone: 702-533-2691
      ?800-780-7437

      Geoff Sher

      I also suggest that you access the 4th edition of my book ,”In Vitro Fertilization, the ART of Making Babies”. It is available as a down-load through http://www.Amazon.com or from most bookstores and public libraries.

  3. Would it be safe to continue using prednisolone eye drops during pregnancy? I am almost 6 weeks pregnant following a FET. I have terrible dry eyes & I only take a small dose of 1 drop in each eye per day, sometimes every second day. I could even make it every third day if necessary. Your opinion?

    • I do not see that this would likely affect the pregnancy significantly.

      Good luck!

      Geoff Sher

  4. Hi,
    My husband and I have been trying to conceive since 2013. We conceived with clomid in April 2015 and miscarried at 6 weeks. Afterwards my PCP diagnosed me with hypothyroidism so I have always assumed that’s what caused the miscarriage. We started trying as soon as we got the go ahead and conceived again this August 2016 and I miscarried at 5 weeks. My thyroid is at normal levels so I am not sure what is happening. My husband has had a semen analysis and got glowing results. My obgyn referred me to a specialist I just want to see what kind of testing would normally be suggested and what action plans may be available in my situation so I know a little more of what to start considering?
    Thanks,
    Bailey

    • When it comes to reproduction, humans are the poorest performers of all mammals. In fact we are so inefficient that up to 75% of fertilized eggs do not produce live births, and up to 30% of pregnancies end up being lost within 10 weeks of conception (in the first trimester). RPL is defined as two (2) or more failed pregnancies. Less than 5% of women will experience two (2) consecutive miscarriages, and only 1% experience three or more.
      Pregnancy loss can be classified by the stage of pregnancy when the loss occurs:
      •Early pregnancy loss (first trimester)
      •Late pregnancy loss (after the first trimester)
      •Occult “hidden” and not clinically recognized, (chemical) pregnancy loss (occurs prior to ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy)
      •Early pregnancy losses usually occur sporadically (are not repetitive).
      In more than 70% of cases the loss is due to embryo aneuploidy (where there are more or less than the normal quota of 46 chromosomes). Conversely, repeated losses (RPL), with isolated exceptions where the cause is structural (e.g., unbalanced translocations), are seldom attributable to numerical chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy). In fact, the vast majority of cases of RPL are attributable to non-chromosomal causes such as anatomical uterine abnormalities or Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID).
      Since most sporadic early pregnancy losses are induced by chromosomal factors and thus are non-repetitive, having had a single miscarriage the likelihood of a second one occurring is no greater than average. However, once having had two losses the chance of a third one occurring is double (35-40%) and after having had three losses the chance of a fourth miscarriage increases to about 60%. The reason for this is that the more miscarriages a woman has, the greater is the likelihood of this being due to a non-chromosomal (repetitive) cause such as IID. It follows that if numerical chromosomal analysis (karyotyping) of embryonic/fetal products derived from a miscarriage tests karyotypically normal, then by a process of elimination, there would be a strong likelihood of a miscarriage repeating in subsequent pregnancies and one would not have to wait for the disaster to recur before taking action. This is precisely why we strongly advocate that all miscarriage specimens be karyotyped.
      There is however one caveat to be taken into consideration. That is that the laboratory performing the karyotyping might unwittingly be testing the mother’s cells rather than that of the conceptus. That is why it is not possible to confidently exclude aneuploidy in cases where karyotyping of products suggests a “chromosomally normal” (euploid) female.
      Late pregnancy losses (occurring after completion of the 1st trimester/12th week) occur far less frequently (1%) than early pregnancy losses. They are most commonly due to anatomical abnormalities of the uterus and/or cervix. Weakness of the neck of the cervix rendering it able to act as an effective valve that retains the pregnancy (i.e., cervical incompetence) is in fact one of the commonest causes of late pregnancy loss. So also are developmental (congenital) abnormalities of the uterus (e.g., a uterine septum) and uterine fibroid tumors. In some cases intrauterine growth retardation, premature separation of the placenta (placental abruption), premature rupture of the membranes and premature labor can also causes of late pregnancy loss.
      Much progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms involved in RPL. There are two broad categories:
      1.Problems involving the uterine environment in which a normal embryo is prohibited from properly implanting and developing. Possible causes include:
      •Inadequate thickening of the uterine lining
      •Irregularity in the contour of the uterine cavity (polyps, fibroid tumors in the uterine wall, intra-uterine scarring and adenomyosis)
      •Hormonal imbalances (progesterone deficiency or luteal phase defects). This most commonly results in occult RPL.
      •Deficient blood flow to the uterine lining (thin uterine lining).
      •Immunologic implantation dysfunction (IID). A major cause of RPL. Plays a role in 75% of cases where chromosomally normal preimplantation embryos fail to implant.
      •Interference of blood supply to the developing conceptus can occur due to a hereditary clotting disorder known as Thrombophilia.
      2.Genetic and/or structural chromosomal abnormality of the embryo.Genetic abnormalities are rare causes of RPL. Structural chromosomal abnormalities are slightly more common but are also occur infrequently (1%). These are referred to as unbalanced translocation and they result from part of one chromosome detaching and then fusing with another chromosome. Additionally, a number of studies suggest the existence of paternal (sperm derived) effect on human embryo quality and pregnancy outcome that are not reflected as a chromosomal abnormality. Damaged sperm DNA can have a negative impact on fetal development and present clinically as occult or early clinical miscarriage. The Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) which measures the same endpoints are newer and possibly improved methods for evaluating.

      IMMUNOLOGIC IMPLANTATION DYSFUNCTION
      Autoimmune IID: Here an immunologic reaction is produced by the individual to his/her body’s own cellular components. The most common antibodies that form in such situations are APA and antithyroid antibodies (ATA).
      But it is only when specialized immune cells in the uterine lining, known as cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells, become activated and start to release an excessive/disproportionate amount of TH-1 cytokines that attack the root system of the embryo, that implantation potential is jeopardized. Diagnosis of such activation requires highly specialized blood test for cytokine activity that can only be performed by a handful of reproductive immunology reference laboratories in the United States.
      Alloimmune IID, i.e., where antibodies are formed against antigens derived from another member of the same species, is believed to be a relatively common immunologic cause of recurrent pregnancy loss.
      Autoimmune IID is often genetically transmitted. Thus it should not be surprising to learn that it is more likely to exist in women who have a family (or personal) history of primary autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus (LE), scleroderma or autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s disease), autoimmune hyperthyroidism (Grave’s disease), rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Reactionary (secondary) autoimmunity can occur in conjunction with any medical condition associated with widespread tissue damage. One such gynecologic condition is endometriosis. Since autoimmune IID is usually associated with activated NK and T-cells from the outset, it usually results in such very early destruction of the embryo’s root system that the patient does not even recognize that she is pregnant. Accordingly the condition usually presents as “unexplained infertility” or “unexplained IVF failure” rather than as a miscarriage.

      Alloimmune IID, on the other hand, usually starts off presenting as unexplained miscarriages (often manifesting as RPL). Over time as NK/T cell activation builds and eventually becomes permanently established the patient often goes from RPL to “infertility” due to failed implantation. RPL is more commonly the consequence of alloimmune rather than autoimmune implantation dysfunction.
      However, regardless, of whether miscarriage is due to autoimmune or alloimmune implantation dysfunction the final blow to the pregnancy is the result of activated NK cells and CTL in the uterine lining that damage the developing embryo’s “root system” (trophoblast) so that it can no longer sustain the growing conceptus. This having been said, it is important to note that autoimmune IID is readily amenable to reversal through timely, appropriately administered, selective immunotherapy, and alloimmune IID is not. It is much more difficult to treat successfully, even with the use of immunotherapy. In fact, in some cases the only solution will be to revert to selective immunotherapy plus using donor sperm (provided there is no “match” between the donor’s DQa profile and that of the female recipient) or alternatively to resort to gestational surrogacy.
      DIAGNOSING THE CAUSE OF RPL
      In the past, women who miscarried were not evaluated thoroughly until they had lost several pregnancies in a row. This was because sporadic miscarriages are most commonly the result of embryo numerical chromosomal irregularities (aneuploidy) and thus not treatable. However, a consecutive series of miscarriages points to a repetitive cause that is non-chromosomal and is potentially remediable. Since RPL is most commonly due to a uterine pathology or immunologic causes that are potentially treatable, it follows that early chromosomal evaluation of products of conception could point to a potentially treatable situation. Thus I strongly recommend that such testing be done in most cases of miscarriage. Doing so will avoid a great deal of unnecessary heartache for many patients.
      Establishing the correct diagnosis is the first step toward determining effective treatment for couples with RPL. It results from a problem within the pregnancy itself or within the uterine environment where the pregnancy implants and grows. Diagnostic tests useful in identifying individuals at greater risk for a problem within the pregnancy itself include:

      •Karyotyping (chromosome analysis) both prospective parents
      •Assessment of the karyotype of products of conception derived from previous miscarriage specimens
      •Ultrasound examination of the uterine cavity after sterile water is injected or sonohysterogram, fluid ultrasound, etc.)
      •Hysterosalpingogram (dye X-ray test)
      •Hysteroscopic evaluation of the uterine cavity
      •Full hormonal evaluation (estrogen, progesterone, adrenal steroid hormones, thyroid hormones, FSH/LH, etc.)
      •Immunologic testing to include:
      a)Antiphospholipid antibody (APA) panel
      b)Antinuclear antibody (ANA) panel
      c)Antithyroid antibody panel (i.e., antithyroglobulin and antimicrosomal antibodies)
      d)Reproductive immunophenotype
      e)Natural killer cell activity (NKa) assay (i.e., K562 target cell test)
      f)Alloimmune testing of both the male and female partners
      TREATMENT OF RPL
      Treatment for Anatomic Abnormalities of the Uterus: This involves restoration through removal of local lesions such as fibroids, scar tissue, and endometrial polyps or timely insertion of a cervical cerclage (a stitch placed around the neck of the weakened cervix) or the excision of a uterine septum when indicated.
      Treatment of Thin Uterine Lining: A thin uterine lining has been shown to correlate with compromised pregnancy outcome. Often this will be associated with reduced blood flow to the endometrium. Such decreased blood flow to the uterus can be improved through treatment with sildenafil and possibly aspirin.
      Sildenafil (Viagra) Therapy. Viagra has been used successfully to increase uterine blood flow. However, to be effective it must be administered starting as soon as the period stops up until the day of ovulation and it must be administered vaginally (not orally). Viagra in the form of vaginal suppositories given in the dosage of 25 mg four times a day has been shown to increase uterine blood flow as well as thickness of the uterine lining. To date, we have seen significant improvement of the thickness of the uterine lining in about 70% of women treated. Successful pregnancy resulted in 42% of women who responded to the Viagra. It should be remembered that most of these women had previously experienced repeated IVF failures.

      Use of Aspirin: This is an anti-prostaglandin that improves blood flow to the endometrium. It is administered at a dosage of 81 mg orally, daily from the beginning of the cycle until ovulation.
      Treating Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction with Selective Immunotherapy: Modalities such as IL/IVIg, heparinoids (Lovenox/Clexane), and corticosteroids (dexamethasone, prednisone, prednisolone) can be used in select cases depending on autoimmune or alloimmune dysfunction.
      The Use of IVF in the Treatment of RPL
      In the following circumstances, IVF is the preferred option:
      1.When in addition to a history of RPL, another standard indication for IVF (e.g., tubal factor, endometriosis, and male factor infertility) is superimposed.
      2.In cases where selective immunotherapy is needed to treat an immunologic implantation dysfunction.
      The reason for IVF being a preferred approach in such cases is that in order to be effective, the immunotherapy needs to be initiated well before spontaneous or induced ovulation. Given the fact that the anticipated birthrate per cycle of COS with or without IUI is at best about 15%, it follows that short of IVF, to have even a reasonable chance of a live birth, most women with immunologic causes of RPL would need to undergo immunotherapy repeatedly, over consecutive cycles. Conversely, with IVF, the chance of a successful outcome in a single cycle of treatment is several times greater and, because of the attenuated and concentrated time period required for treatment, IVF is far safer and thus represents a more practicable alternative
      Since embryo aneuploidy is a common cause of miscarriage, the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), with tests such as CGH, can provide a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic advantage in cases of RPL. PGD requires IVF to provide access to embryos for testing.
      There are a few cases of intractable alloimmune dysfunction due to absolute DQ alpha matching where Gestational Surrogacy or use of donor sperm could represent the only viable recourse, other than abandoning treatment altogether and/or resorting to adoption. Other non-immunologic factors such as an intractably thin uterine lining or severe uterine pathology might also warrant that last resort consideration be given to gestational surrogacy.
      The good news is that if a couple with RPL is open to all of the diagnostic and treatment options referred to above, a live birthrate of 70%–80% is ultimately achievable.

      I strongly recommend that you visit http://www.DrGeoffreySherIVF.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.
      •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
      •Ovarian Stimulation for IVF using GnRH Antagonists: Comparing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion Protocol.(A/ACP) With the“Conventional” Antagonist Aproach
      •Ovarian Stimulation in Women Who have Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): Introducing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion protocol
      •Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Measurement to Assess Ovarian Reserve and Design the Optimal Protocol for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in IVF.
      •Human Growth Hormone Administration in IVF: Does it Enhances Egg/Embryo Quality and Outcome?
      •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
      •IVF Failure and Implantation Dysfunction:
      •The Role of Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 1-Background
      •Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 2- Making a Diagnosis
      •Immunologic Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 3-Treatment
      •Thyroid autoantibodies and Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID)
      •Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction: Importance of Meticulous Evaluation and Strategic Management:(Case Report
      •Intralipid and IVIG therapy: Understanding the Basis for its use in the Treatment of Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID)
      •Intralipid (IL) Administration in IVF: It’s Composition; How it Works; Administration; Side-effects; Reactions and Precautions
      •Natural Killer Cell Activation (NKa) and Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction in IVF: The Controversy!
      •Endometrial Thickness, Uterine Pathology and Immunologic Factors
      •Vaginally Administered Viagra is Often a Highly Effective Treatment to Help Thicken a Thin Uterine Lining
      •Traveling for IVF from Out of State/Country–
      •A personalized, stepwise approach to IVF

      Please call or email Julie Dahan, my patient concierge. She will guide you on how to set up an in-person or Skype consultation with me. You can reach Julie at on her cell phone or via email at any time:
      Julie Dahan
      •Email: Julied@sherivf.com
      •Phone: 702-533-2691
      ?800-780-7437

      Geoff Sher

      I also suggest that you access the 4th edition of my book ,”In Vitro Fertilization, the ART of Making Babies”. It is available as a down-load through http://www.Amazon.com or from most bookstores and public libraries.

  5. I had ER at the age of 34 and recently used those eggs for an IVF at the age of 39 Sadly none of the eggs made it to the blastocyst stage Can you provide some insight on what happened and what are my next steps ? How long would I have to wait to do in ER at this point?

    • Hi Eve,

      I know you recognize that I cannot answer your question without a great deal more information.

      I strongly recommend that you visit http://www.DrGeoffreySherIVF.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.
      •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
      •Ovarian Stimulation for IVF using GnRH Antagonists: Comparing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion Protocol.(A/ACP) With the“Conventional” Antagonist Aproach
      •Ovarian Stimulation in Women Who have Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): Introducing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion protocol
      •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.
      • A Rational Basis for selecting Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) protocols in women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
      •Diagnosing and Treating Infertility due to Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
      •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 who Have Compromised Ovarian Response to Ovarian Stimulation in Women who Have Compromised Ovarian Reserve: A Personal Approach.
      •Human Growth Hormone Administration in IVF: Does it Enhances Egg/Embryo Quality and Outcome?
      •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

      Please call or email Julie Dahan, my patient concierge. She will guide you on how to set up an in-person or Skype consultation with me. You can reach Julie at on her cell phone or via email at any time:
      Julie Dahan
      •Email: Julied@sherivf.com
      •Phone: 702-533-2691
      ?800-780-7437

      Geoff Sher

      I also suggest that you access the 4th edition of my book ,”In Vitro Fertilization, the ART of Making Babies”. It is available as a down-load through http://www.Amazon.com or from most bookstores and public libraries.