New Patient Information Tips for optimal health and wellness
ADVANCED FERTILITY CENTER OF TEXAS In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Assisted Hatching Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Egg Donor Program Gestational Surrogacy Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) 3-D Ultrasounds Complex Laparoscopic Surgery Mini In-Vitro Fertilization Cycles Ovulation Induction (OI) Fertility Preservation including egg and sperm freezing OMNI-MED LABORATORIES Sperm Wash Sperm Analysis Sperm Function Tests Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Family Balancing (gender selection) Down Syndrome detection LISANNE WELLNESS CENTER Acupuncture and Cupping Traditional Chinese Medicine Alternative Medicine Allergy Elimination Chiropractic Hormone Balance Laser Therapy Diet and Nutrition Programs Vitamin and Nutriceutical Supplements Aromatherapy Weight Loss Cholesterol Lowering Programs Fatty Liver Treatment Functional Medicine Detoxification Fatigue Fertility Program PCOS Program Vitamin Deficiency Testing
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Welcome to the
Advanced Fertility Center of Texas ▌We strive to bring you the most advanced and comprehensive treatments by using the latest information to improve your rate of success. Whether you are trying to conceive or not, the points described here apply to anyone. We hope that by having this valuable information you can take a proactive role in your health to rapidly achieve your goals.
www.infertilityanswers.com • 713.467.4488 or 877.DRALLON • Dial ext. 40 for a new patient appointment
Nutrition for Health & Reproduction Folic Acid (B9 vitamin)
Iron
Folic acid is vital to building DNA (cell building blocks), and is essential in ovulation as well as in the prevention of spinal cord defects, cleft palate and an array of birth defects, as well as decreasing the risk of miscarriages. It is also important for men’s fertility. You should have at least 700 micrograms daily to improve ovulation and conception. We may use 4,000 micrograms in some patients who lack the enzymes that metabolize folic acid. Folic acid is found in leafy green vegetables like spinach, citrus fruits, nuts, legumes (beans, peas and lentils), and whole grains.
The recommended intake of iron is 30-80 mg a day. The source of iron is important; iron from fruits, vegetables and beans are preferable to iron from meat sources. These higher doses of iron may decrease the risk of ovulation disorders. It seems that an egg or embryo (union of sperm and egg) need iron for the DNA and protein synthesis needed for fertilization and energy to power it. Look at the fortified cereals for additional iron as well as foods like pumpkin seeds, soybean nuts, bran spinach, and red kidney beans.
Vitamin D
B12 vitamin deficiencies can cause ovulation disorders and impair the ability of a fertilized egg to implant. Vegetarians are often deficient in B12 because it is found in fish, meat, poultry eggs, milk and milk products. B6 may improve PMS.
Vitamin D is found in milk, fatty fish, codliver oil, and (to a lesser extent) eggs. Sunlight provides a major source of vitamin D and a deficiency is linked to a depressed immune system, diabetes, colon cancer, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
B6 and B12 Vitamins
Zinc The recommended intake of zinc is 8-11 mg a day. It is a trace mineral and is essential in normal ovulation, fertilization in women and is essential for sperm production in men.
DHA Omega-3 fats have many benefits including decreasing inflammation, improving insulin resistance and during pregnancy it can improve a fetus’s neurological development and a host of other benefits. These healthy fats are found in herring, salmon, Atlantic mackerel, sardines. Concern regarding mercury contamination in our waters has led to cautious diet intake of these fish an increase in supplementation.
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Vitamins for Male infertility
Celiac Disease
Men produce new sperm about every 72 days and there is sufficient evidence that there is reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed inside the genitals may damage sperm during its maturation. Several antioxidants have been shown to improve and protect the sperm.
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that is due to the body inability to digest gluten which is a protein used by the food industry particularly in wheat, barley, and rye. There are several foods which contain gluten and it appears that this intolerance is under diagnosed but can cause a flare up of the body’s immune system to react against the small intestine destroying its ability to absorb many nutrients. It is a culprit of irregular menses, earlier menopause, ovulatory dysfunction and male infertility. Symptoms may include abdominal bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, lactose intolerance or no symptoms. Gluten is found in rye wheat, barley, and most breads and cereals. A gluten free diet will typically resolve most symptoms. There is some evidence to suggest that in some patients a gluten free diet can restore their fertility.
Vitamin E:
Protects sperm movement and normal shape. Vitamin C:
Improves sperm movement and reduces DNA damage. N-Acetyl-L-cysteine:
Improves sperm movement and reduces ROS. It improves the function of sperm by improving sperm morphology, sperm concentration and count. Zinc, Folic acid, Vitamin B12:
Improves sperm maturation and function. Selenium:
A powerful antioxidant and Selenium deficiency has been associated with poor sperm movement. Co-enzyme Q10:
Improves sperm movement and health by its energy promoting properties. N-Acetyl Carnitine:
A strong antioxident that can improve glucose in diabetics and improves heart disease. It also improves sperm function.
Vitamin C found in fruit like oranges can improve sperm movement and reduce DNA damage.
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Stress & Infertility ▌Infertility has been ranked as one of the greatest sources of stress in a person’s life comparable to cancer. Stress can lead to an increase in a hormone called cortisol which will than inhibit LH (luteinizing hormone) which is essential for ovulation. Stress will increase CRH (Corticotrophin releasing hormone) which can directly affect the uterus by decreasing implantation and potentially increasing infertility and miscarriages. Prolonged stress has been implicated in decreasing the immune system and causing menstrual cycle abnormalities, insulin resistance, weight gain, hypertension, anxiety, and depression. Numerous studies have shown that almost 30% of patients discontinue treatment due to physical or psychological stress. Many of these patients could have achieved their goal if they could have better communication with their physician and learned different techniques to overcome their stress. We recommend that you apply several approaches to reduce stress such as:
Meditation Slow deep breaths while repeating a calming word or phrase block out all other thoughts, feelings, and sensation . If you feel your attention wandering, bring it back to your breathing.
Guided imagery Picture a favorite location or vacation spot. Take several deep breaths. Go in your mind to your special place. Focus on all the sensations: what can you smell, see, feel, and hear. Allow yourself to become totally absorbed with your images. Stay in your special spot for 10-20 minutes, and then gracefully return to you environment.
Exercise Any amount of exercise can help.
Hatha yoga Hatha yoga involves tightening and then relaxing different muscle groups.
Mini relaxation Allow the abdomen to rise and fall with each breath and count down from ten to zero, take one complete breath with each number.
Discovering muscle tension Lie on your back in a comfortable position. Allow your arms to rest at your sides, down, on the surface next to you. Raise just the right hand and arm and hold it elevated for 15 seconds. Notice if your forearms feel tight and tense or if the muscles are soft and pliable. Let you had and arm drop down and relax. The arm muscles will relax too. As you lie still, notice any other parts of your body that feel tense, muscles that feel tight and sore.
Foot baths Soak your feet with warm water at night and add Epsom salts, soothing lavender oil, or peppermint oil. Listen to soft music and breathe deeply into your lower abdomen. This will increase the blood flow to your uterus and ovaries.
Cognitive restructuring Cognitive restructuring involves reducing stress by turning automatic negative thoughts into more positive realistic ones.
Social support Talk to a trusted friend or family member.
Emotional expression Write about a stressful event, 20 minutes a day for 4 days.
Self nurturance When first awakening, spend 15 minutes thinking of one nice thing you can do for yourself that day.
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Acupuncture, Weight & Exercise Weight and Exercise An ideal weight lies between 18.5 and 24.9 BMI (Body Mass Index. For reference, use www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi). A BMI of 2529 is considered overweight and greater than 30 is considered in the obese range. From the nurses’ health study we learned that a BMI less than 19 is detrimental for infertility and a high BMI will increase your levels of estrogen and inhibit your ovulation as well as increase your insulin resistance (prediabetic stage). Exercise has long been shown to improve long term health benefits and overweight women who are not ovulating will restore their menstrual cycle and ovulation by 5-10% weight loss. From the studies on pregnant women we learn that an exercise program which has an average of 43 minutes three times per week at a maximal heart rate of 144 beats per minute has no detrimental effects. We recommend three types of exercises: • Low-impact cardio (walking, swimming, fitness classes, treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical trainer). • Muscle toning by building your core muscles which include your back and stomach (Yoga and Pilates). • Resistance training -start with low-resistance light weight (no more than 5 lbs) at least eight times for 3 times a week.
Some studies suggest that exercise that strenuous exercise such as exercise to exhaustion can be detrimental to fertility by increasing the core temperature, and decreased uterine blood flow leading to rapid fluctuation in hormone levels. A helpful measure of an appropriate exertion is the ability to carry a normal conversation with moderate exercise intensity.
Acupuncture benefits Acupuncture has been used for centuries in Chinese Medicine to treat and prevent health issues by balancing the body’s energy and inducing harmony for optimal physiologic function. Acupuncture inhibits the sympathetic nervous system which results in improved uterine and ovarian blood flow. This improved blood flow increases the chance of pregnancy. Many studies have demonstrated improved implantation rates when acupuncture is used in conjunction with IVF and embryo transfer. Just like many treatments, positive benefits may take several treatments. Acupuncture increases B-endorphins which stimulate FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) and improve ovulation. Acupuncture can decrease anxiety, stress and depression and is used to improve many types of pain.
www.infertilityanswers.com • 713.467.4488 or 877.DRALLON • Dial ext. 40 for a new patient appointment
Infertility Herbs Dong Quai A traditional Chinese fertility herb that is said to help balance estrogen levels and improve the chances of embryo implantation.
Ladys Mantle Can assist in the regulation of menstruation and to help build up the uterine lining.
Stinging Nettle Raspberry Leaf used with Red Clover is said to restore hormonal balances and nourish the uterus.
Raspberry Leaf Can restore a hormonal balance and nourish the uterus. Some sources say it is most effective when used with Red Clover.
Red Clover Red clover can nourish the uterus, relax the nervous system, and balance hormones. It is high in calcium, vitamins, and magnesium.
Chastetree Berry Also known as Vitex Angus, it is used to help balance hormones by stimulating the pituitary gland, which produces sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Royal Jelly Royal jelly can be beneficial for individual with hormonal imbalance as it helps to provide support for the endocrine system.
False Unicorn Root False unicron root is used to encourage ovulation and restore hormonal balance.
Used to help regulate the body’s hormones, ovulation, and menstruation. It is high in chlorophyll and minerals.
Evening Primrose Oil (epo) EPO helps to increase fertile quality cervical fluid and also contains essential fatty acids which are good for the brain. You may take this EPO from menstruation to ovulation.
Red Raspberry Leaf You may take this herb during the entire cycle as it strengthens the uterine lining, thus helping to lengthen the luteal phase.
Vitex (Chaste Berry) Vitex helps regulate hormones and should be taken either the entire cycle or the first half from menstruation to ovulation.
Don qui Don qui is used for the health of the reproductive system in females by regulating menstrual cycles and improving the overall health of the uterus. Women with endometriosis find significant relief of their pain when taking dong qui. Although there may be several benefits to taking herbs, we ask that you do not take herbs when undergoing a fertility treatment or IVF as it may interfere with the hormone stimulation.
www.infertilityanswers.com • 713.467.4488 or 877.DRALLON • Dial ext. 40 for a new patient appointment
General Points Smoking Smoking will decrease the amount of eggs that you release and it has been shown to cause premature menopause. Smoking can lower your estrogen and increase the risk of miscarriages, preterm delivery and low-birth weight babies. Smoking in men will decrease the count by at least 15% and reduce motility and increase the number of abnormal sperm. Numerous studies have shown that smoking results in reduced fertility.
Alcohol It is advisable to have no more than 2-4 alcoholic drinks per week prior to ovulation. One drink is 12 ounces of beer, 1 ounce of liquor, or 4 ounces of wine. You should abstain from alcohol completely after ovulation or during pregnancy. For men consumption of more than 5-7 drinks a week can result in decrease testosterone which will decrease sperm production.
menstrual cycle The menstrual cycle can vary between 25-35 days. If your cycle varies by more than 5 days than you may not be ovulating. Most women will ovulate between cycle days 11-18 (first day of heavy menstrual flow is considered day 1) and since the sperm can live for 3 days and the egg will typically last one day, we advise that you have intercourse every other day during that fertile week. If you are tracking the time of your menstrual cycle a good rule of thumb to approximate the ovulation day is to subtract 14 from the longest interval between your menstrual cycles.
personal lubricants Do not use lubricants like KY jelly as it may destroy the sperm. It is best to use vegetable oil, corn oil or Pre-Seed personal lubricant.
Caffeine This subject has always been debated many experts agree that moderate amount of caffeine does not affect infertility. Limit your caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg a day. A tall starbucks coffee ≈ 260 mg of caffeine • One cup of coffee ≈ 100 mg of caffeine • One cup of tea ≈ 40 mg of caffeine • One soda/pop ≈ 40 mg of caffeine, and this will depend on the soda type
male fertility
Limit your caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg a day.
It is best for the male partner to avoid excess heat as that will tend to kill sperm. The testis maintain a temperature of 95 degrees which is cooler than our own normal of 98.6. We ask the male partner to avoid placing the lap top on his lap, hot baths, prolonged exercise which may increase the heat to the testis.
www.infertilityanswers.com • 713.467.4488 or 877.DRALLON • Dial ext. 40 for a new patient appointment
Our Specialists
Our Specialists
Dr. Michael Allon Michael A. Allon, MD, FACOG, specializes in in-vitro fertilization, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hormonal and congenital abnormalities, and complex laparoscopic surgery. Board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, as well as obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Allon founded the Allon Health Center and Advanced Fertility Center of Texas (formerly Center for Women’s Medicine) in 1997. Author of several publications and book chapters, he has been recognized as a top doctor by several state and local publications. He has a special interest in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome and has held monthly support groups and given several national talks related to the syndrome. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, his medical degree from Texas Tech University, and his post-graduate training at Baylor College of Medicine and Wayne State University. His extensive experience in the field of in vitro fertilization and complex laparoscopic surgery provide unique comprehensive treatments to a variety of infertility patients.
Dr. dmitri dozortsev Dmitri Dozortsev, MD, PhD, HCLD, is director of reproductive laboratories for the Advanced Fertility Center of Texas and Omni-Med Laboratories. He has been board-certified as a reproductive laboratory director since 1996 and performed and supervised thousands of assisted-reproduction cycles. He is also one of the most experienced preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) experts in the United States. Dr. Dozortsev received his medical degree from Pavlov’s Medical School in St. Petersburg in Russia, his Ph.D. with highest honors from State University of Gent in Belgium, and his post-doctorate training at the worldrenown Reproductive Genetics Institute in Chicago. He served as a faculty with OB-GYN department at Wayne State University for seven years and has more than 40 articles and chapters.
Pei-Chi Tsai Pei-Chi Tsai, MS, laboratory supervisor for the Allon Health Center and Omni-Med Laboratories, is an expert on IVF, ICSI, embryo culture, embryo transfer, semen analysis, overnight culture, and cryopreservation. She graduated from the National Chen-Kong University in Taiwan with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology, interned at Stanford University, and graduated from University of Kentucky with a master’s degree in reproductive laboratory science.
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Dr. stephan krotz Stephan P. Krotz, MD, specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), minimally invasive surgery and fertility preservation for women undergoing cancer treatment earned his undergraduate degree in Genetics at the University of California at Davis, his M.D. at Northwestern University, completed his OB-GYN residency at Baylor College of Medicine and his fellowship training at Brown University. He served on the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine where he developed expertise in Premature Ovarian Failure (early menopause). At Brown University, he pioneered the development of the first Artificial Human Ovary for in vitro maturation of oocytes. He was awarded the 2009 Research Prize from the New England Fertility Society for innovative research, has published over thirty scientific articles, book chapters and abstracts, and is a reviewer for prestigious medical journals.
Mary turner Mary Turner, MS, WHNP, specialist in infertility and gynecology and research nurse in uterine fibroids and endometriosis has been caring for patients at the center for the past eight years. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas at Austin and her master’s degree in nursing as a women’s health nurse practitioner from the University of Texas at Houston. In the early stages of her career, Mary cared for cancer patients as a breast center and research nurse in surgical oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and continues to help cancer patients who desire Fertility Preservation at the Advanced Fertility Center of Texas.
Dr. Jodi Altman Jodi M. Altman, DC, is the director of the wellness body and mind program at Lisanne Wellness Center. Dr. Altman specializes in restoration of the functional and structural deformities of the nervous system which can influence the endocrine system. She obtained her doctorate degree from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas. She has extensive post graduate work in Applied Kinesiology and has done extensive work using a variety of wellness methods including the low level laser to reduce pain and rejuvenate the proper function of body systems.
www.infertilityanswers.com • 713.467.4488 or 877.DRALLON • Dial ext. 40 for a new patient appointment
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LOCATIONS
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www.infertilityanswers.com • 713.467.4488 or 877.DRALLON • Dial ext. 40 for a new patient appointment