Introducing fertility massage therapy! Provided by Carissa Spada, LMT, fertility massage therapy is designed to enhance potential conception while nurturing and relaxing body and mind. Whether you are using this to support assisted reproductive technologies, intending to start family building soon, or are currently trying to conceive, this time together can be extremely nurturing and supporting. Special rates are available for Center patients, plus, we have a very special opportunity for someone to receive two fertility massage sessions at no cost! Find all the details here.

IVF is expensive. We have partnered with Ferring Pharmaceuticals in a clinical drug trial offering a compensated IVF cycle including IVF medications and are looking for participants. If you meet the initial criteria as noted on this page, please tell your doctor that you are interested in the CLARA study.

For a full list of eligibility criteria, visit clinicaltrials.gov and search ‘CLARA’ and ‘Ferring.’ You can also contact Scott, our Clinical Research Manager, at myohe@uconnfertility.com

 

Congratulations to Dr. John Nulsen, Dr. Claudio Benadiva and Dr. Daniel Grow as having been named by their peers to the 2019-2020 Best Doctors in America®List. Approximately 4 percent of U.S. doctors are named to the list, according to Best Doctors, Inc.

“The physicians included in the Best Doctors in America database provide the most advanced medical expertise and knowledge to patients with serious conditions – often saving lives in the process by finding the right diagnosis and right treatment,” according to Best Doctors, Inc.

To be selected for the list, physicians must be nominated and then voted on by existing members of the Best Doctors in America List.

As one of the largest fertility programs in the country, we are proud to have played a role in the births of over 13,000 babies.

Today, the Center was featured on WTNH’s Connecticut Families with Sarah Cody. She spoke with Helen BetGivargis, the Center’s acupuncturist, about acupuncture and how it can be helpful in fertility treatments, as well as with a couple who spoke about their experience. We hope you enjoy the piece as much as we do! And don’t forget…if you’re interested in learning more about acupuncture, come to our Community Fertility Acupuncture event on October 27th. Navigate to our News and Events page for more information and to register.

 

Mainstream fertility clinics turn to acupuncture to help couples start a family

 

by Ami Chokshi
Fertility & IVF Health Coach

September is PCOS month, and PCOS-related infertility affects so many women these days. PCOS symptoms often include:

• Irregular periods,
• Weight gain or weight loss resistance,
• Hair growth on your face or body,
• Acne, and
• Dark patches of skin

…. but you already know this if you have PCOS.

So, let’s talk about how you can manage your symptoms to support your fertility journey.

Insulin resistance is often a major factor associated with PCOS, and this means that your body cannot respond properly to the insulin it makes. Keeping your blood sugar steady throughout the day will help you sustain healthy hormone levels, keep your mood even, and support a more regular menstrual cycle.

I work with women who want to maximize their chances of getting pregnant by optimizing their health. These are women who are asking their doctors, “what else can I do outside of treatment.” These are some tips I share with them to get them started…

Step 1: The Winning Food Formula

Food is where I start, and the first step to managing your PCOS is to eat in a way that keeps your blood sugar steady. The winning formula is: Fiber + Protein.

I recommend eating both fiber – in the form of veggies – and protein in every meal. This dynamic duo will keep your blood sugar from spiking in either direction. And, it works regardless of what diet you subscribe to…from vegan to keto. It will keep you from feeling hangry, irritable, or sleepy. And it will help you keep your weight in check. If you are trying to lose weight, remember this catchy phrase…

“Fiber and protein in every meal makes losing weight no big deal.”

You can apply this to your daily meals by:

• Adding spinach to your scrambled eggs,
• Including kale with a low sugar smoothie and a plant-based protein,
• Eating a big salad with chicken for lunch, and
• Covering half of your plate in veggies plus a protein for dinner. 

Step 2: Move Your Mass

Next, incorporating high intensity interval workouts decreases insulin resistance and is the best exercise to mobilize excess body fat.

This can look like a 20 minute HIIT workout from Fitness Blender (check out some the HIIT workouts here:)

…or 3 sets of the Scientific 7-Minute Workout (here is the app).

If you have had a heavy meals and need a quick blood sugar stabilizer, lace up your sneakers and go for a walk. Even 10 minutes around the block will help lower your blood sugar.

Step 3: Flush it out

Finally, drink your H20.

 I know you know this, and you have heard this a dozen times… But, how often are you doing this? Staying hydrated helps remove excess sugar from your blood through your urine. Half of your body weight in ounces is often the guideline, so if you weigh 150 pounds, aim for 75 ounces of water. Another way to know is to check the color of your urine. Aim for pale yellow.

Hydration isn’t only about drinking water.It also means making sure you have an adequate electrolyte balance. Electrolytes – like potassium, magnesium, and sodium – can be added to your water and are critical for replenishing needed minerals and feeling hydrated. They support chemical reactions that take place in your body for optimal hormone health.

A basic rule of thumb is this: if you have go to the bathroom within 5-10 minutes of drinking water, consider adding electrolytes (or even a pinch of pink sea salt) to your to your next glass.

Stick with these basics and be sure you are sleeping 7-9 hours, and you will notice results…from better energy and weight loss to calmer hormones.

Want help getting started? Check out my free PCOS 7 Day Meal Plan. Simply share your email here, and I will send it (plus additional fertility tips) to you right away!

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to the Center’s Dr. Nulsen, Dr. Benadiva and Dr. Grow for making the 2019 Best Doctors in in America® List which includes the nation’s most respected specialists and outstanding primary care physicians in the nation. Check out the full list in the June issue of Connecticut magazine.

 

“Infertility treatment, which typically involves a multi-faceted physical, emotional and financial investment, can be psychologically debilitating for some. For many patients, infertility is perceived as the most distressing experience they’ve ever gone through.” Read “The Mental Health Provider and Infertility: An Option for Support” by Kim Crone, PhD.

Click here to read the entire article

 

In honor of Gay Pride Month this June, the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services is partnering with the New Haven Pride Center on an LGBTQ Family Building Symposia.

The symposium will be held on Monday, June 24th, 6 PM at the New Haven Pride Center. Talk with our experts in all aspects of LGBTQ Family Building. Learn about clinical options and costs and hear from real patients who have gone through the process. Light food and beverages will be offered.

Click here to register for the event.