Fertility Blog

The choices made in everyday life can have a large effect on fertility. By making a few alterations in our daily routine, it can help to improve our chances to not only conceive but also have a successful and healthy pregnancy.

Preparing for assisted reproductive therapy can be mentally and physically overwhelming. So many questions and worrying about what more you can be doing to improve positive outcomes can become consuming and increase ones stress and anxiety. ‍

Controversy swirls around the United States regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, particularly in relation to women hoping to conceive or are pregnant. It is a frequently asked question and concern among women of reproductive age, as the disputing information swirls through the media making it near impossible to comfortably decide about receiving the vaccine at this time. However, upon reviewing the data, it is highly advised for all women of reproductive age to roll up their sleeves for the COVID-19 vaccine.

How many of your friends, sisters, and coworkers, are openly discussing their LH, FSH and AMH over brunch? How often are the terms “stimulation start” or “trigger shot” used in your vocabulary outside of your home or the walls of your physician’s office? Unfortunately, though it is talked about more frequently in 2021, the shame, taboo and stigma of the infertility world perpetuates today.

Let’s start by discussing what genetic carrier screening entails. A genetic carrier screening is a test that is done during the diagnostic phase of treatment (initial testing) to check if you are a carrier for specific genes/disorders. IHR uses Invitae’s Comprehensive Carrier Screen which currently is able to test for 289 genes. ‍

“…and couldn't have found a better doctor than Dr. Cohen. His tremendous experience in the field, and his pleasant, kind and funny bedside manners made the entire process of IVF bearable. I always felt like, and truly was, in the best hands. He's a total pro at all procedures and is very patient in explaining what needs to be done and why.”

A list of recommended places offering PCR COVID-19 testing in Chicago.

“After spending 4 years (4 IVF cycles and multiple IUIs/timed intercourse cycles) at a much larger, Chicago fertility center, I sought out IHR/Dr. Tur Kaspa as a second opinion. All of the glowing reviews about IHR and Dr. Tur Kaspa are spot on. Their facility and staff are kind, organized and responsive... I just welcomed my first baby thanks to Dr. Tur Kaspa and his team, and have and will continue to recommend IHR to anyone who asks.”

“I thoroughly researched reproductive experts and IVF options in Chicago and chose IHR based on a few factors - I had confidence in both of their two physicians and liked the smaller, boutique size; both doctors had high success rates and ratings compared to the averages/peers… Dr. Tur-Kaspa seemed to have many patients who came to him after not having success elsewhere... I figured if this is the person people go to when they're having particular difficulty… why not start there?”

A new study published Thursday in JAMA shows sperm count and quality did not drop in healthy young men after receiving a first or second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. CNN talks to Dr. Cohen, among other doctors and scientists about the findings.

“Dr. Cohen is kind, knowledgeable and has great bedside manners. Everyone I've interacted with at IHR, from the front desk staff, nurses, ultrasound techs and the ladies who drew my blood, have always treated me with kindness and respect… This journey was painful and long but thanks to IHR we were able to conceive and had our beautiful son!”

I had a really positive experience with IHR. Dr. Tur Kaspa and Dr. Cohen both are very knowledgeable and really care for their patients.

After each visit with Dr. Tur-Kaspa, I would feel hopeful and relieved that there was progress in our journey. He has a wonderful sense of humor and I (a generally anxious person) was comforted by his knowledge and encouragement. We were successful after one IVF cycle with IHR and after the first transfer.