FSH test measures the level of follicle-stimulating hormone in blood to detect early puberty and the cause of infertility, like low sperm count and missing ovulation. The normal range of FSH in men is 1.24 to 16.4 IU/L. In women, the normal amount of FSH depends on the stage of the menstrual cycle at the time of the test.
Recovery after open varicocele surgery takes 4 to 6 weeks, while it takes nearly 2 to 4 weeks to recover from laparoscopic varicocelectomy. At this time, you need to maintain good hygiene and take antibiotics to prevent infection, use ice compress to eliminate bruising and swelling, avoid heavy activities, etc.
Ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous situation as it can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tube(s) and jeopardize the mother's life. Severe bleeding, sharp pain in the stomach and anus, pain in the neck and shoulders, pale skin, low blood pressure, and vomiting are the first and most important signs of ectopic pregnancy.
Embryo freezing is done to preserve the embryos for future IVF or ICSIs. Frozen embryo transfer (FET) consists of 5 steps, starting from ovarian stimulation and ending with thawing and transferring the embryo to the mother's womb. A FET cycle takes 6 to 8 weeks, and its success rate is near %35.
Laparoscopy is done to either find the cause of infertility or to treat the reproductive system. In this operation, the surgeon makes a small cut near the belly button and pumps carbon dioxide gas into the abdomen to have better operative space and visualization. Then, a surgical laparoscope is inserted in the abdomen to examine the organs or take samples from them. In the last step, the incisions are sutured and bandaged.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome happens when the ovaries swell and leak. Pain in the lower abdomen, bloating, rapid weight gain, and upset stomach are the main signs of OHSS. The doctor can prevent the advancement of OHSS by cutting or reducing HCG medications, prescribing low doses of gonadotropins, adding certain medicines like aspirin and cabergoline to your diet, and freezing eggs for future IVFs.
ICSI is a perfect treatment for couples whose infertility is mostly associated with sperm parameters, like low sperm count and abnormal shape of the sperm. In this method, a healthy sperm is directly injected into the center of an egg to fertilize it. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the mother's womb. The success rate of ICSI depends on several factors, but generally, it ranges between %70 and %85.
Polycystic ovary syndrome refers to having multiple follicles in the ovaries. It is associated with high androgen levels, irregular periods, BMI over 30, acne on the face and body, and severe hair shedding. PCOS can interfere with your fertility and cause sleep apnea, depression, diabetes, and other health issues.
A healthy eating pattern before embryo transfer boosts your immune system, improves blood flow in your uterus, and lowers the risk of gestational diabetes. You'd better have healthy fat, organic food, lean protein, plenty of fluids, and vitamin-rich foods, and avoid processed meat, refined sugar, raw food, soy-containing foods, and salty dishes.
IVF with frozen embryos is a perfect treatment for women over the age of 35 and couples who have a history of chromosomal abnormalities. In FET, the doctor first checks the endometrium with ultrasound imaging; second rinse the vagina to reduce the risk of infection; and finally, transfers the frozen embryo using a catheter. This operation takes 20 minutes, is painless, and has no complications.