National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) is just around the corner. This is a big week for those of us who work in the endocrinology and fertility treatment fields, as well as for our patients and anyone who’s gone through the infertility journey. In addition to helping us raise awareness about infertility and the need for more fertility treatment coverage and support, NIAW is a beautiful way to connect with others who’ve walked the same path and who can provide the invaluable support of knowing that you are not alone! April 21-27: NIAW Empowering You to Change the Conversation Empowering YO ..read more

Perimenopause describes the years leading up to actual menopause, which is not confirmed until you have missed 12 consecutive periods in a row. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51, but the signs and symptoms of perimenopause can start as long as ten years prior due to subtle changes in a woman’s hormone production and balance. The result of these changes is a shutdown of the ovaries and infertility. The Most Common Signs You’re Heading Into Menopause The prefix peri means about or around. So, the word literally translates as “around menopause,” although we use it to describ ..read more

In Vitro Fertilization: While everyone knows the process isn’t simple, it does seem fairly straightforward, right? You retrieve some eggs, fertilize them with sperm, transfer a healthy resulting embryo into the uterus and – if all goes well – a baby is conceived. There are, of course, a myriad of steps that comprise that “straightforward” procedure and when all is said and done, the average IVF cycle takes around four to six weeks, depending on how things progress. The IVF Cycle: A Step by Step Timeline Here is a more detailed outline of what a step-by-step IVF cycle timeline actually looks li ..read more

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), also called artificial insemination, is a fertility treatment used to increase the chances of fertilizing a woman’s eggs. First, we wash the sperm sample in a special solution that separates healthy sperm from those that are misshapen or don’t “swim” as well. Then, we use a very small tube called a catheter to inject the concentrated sperm sample directly into a woman’s uterus. IUI is typically recommended for: Healthy women, with plenty of viable eggs and without significant infertility factors. Those who ovulate but aren’t getting pregnant using accurately t ..read more

The diagnosis of cancer in any form is traumatic, but it is especially devastating for young girls and women who know that the same chemotherapy needed to save their lives is the very thing that can render them infertile. Fortunately, modern medical innovation has made it possible for women to become pregnant after chemotherapy. The words “fertility after cancer” are no longer an oxymoron and we encourage all young women who have to undergo chemotherapy to keep the faith! There is hope, and the following information can assist you in creating a plan for your future fertility. The Basic Facts R ..read more

Sometimes, whether by choice or for the best IVF timeline planning, patients find themselves spending the holidays in Kansas City for easy access to fertility treatments here at RRC. If that’s the case, we have you covered. 5 Holiday-Themed Events We’re Looking Forward to In Kansas City Our office loves the holiday season and all of the traditional community events that go along with that. Here are some of our favorites. 1. Holiday Reflections at Union Station (Nov. 20 – Jan 1) KC’s Union Station comes to “light” with absolutely gorgeous decorations each year. It becomes a magical holiday wond ..read more

Irregular periods are never normal. We’re shocked at how many patients come to us thinking their history of irregular or sporadic menstrual cycles was not a major red flag from the get-go. If you’re not having a period on a regular, trackable schedule, then you’re not ovulating regularly. 10 Common Causes of Unpredictable Periods The more honest women are with their gynecologists about whether or not they’re getting their periods regularly, the sooner we will be able to manage and treat common reproductive issues before they become significant infertility factors. The average female menstrual ..read more

Pursuing IVF is a significant investment of your energy, emotions, time, and finances. So, it makes sense that individuals and couples want to know how many cycles they should plan for from the outset of their treatments. The answer is not straightforward and varies from infertility diagnosis to diagnosis. However, we recommend planning for no more than three to four IVF cycles. There are several reasons for this. The Greatest Percentage of IVF Success… After reviewing the data from millions of IVF cycles worldwide, researchers have determined the best chances of IVF success occur when couples ..read more

Receiving a bona fide infertility diagnosis is a mixed bag. For many couples, after a year of trying to get pregnant at home without birth control (or after six consecutive months if you’re 36 years old or more), a stated diagnosis provides clarity and charts a new way forward with a customized fertility treatment plan. Prioritize Emotional & Mental Health During Fertility Treatments However, once all of the information is disseminated, most women and couples experience a range of dark emotions, including anger, anxiety, depression, or resentment towards themselves or the partner with the ..read more

Are you visiting the KC and Overland Park areas this summertime? If so, there are so many beautiful, interesting, and fun things to do and see in the area. As long as you’re here from out of town pursuing fertility diagnosis or treatment, we encourage you to get out of your hotel room or AirBnB rental and check out some of our favorite things to do. Summertime Relaxation & Adventures in KC Our team of fertility specialists, nurses, embryologists, and staff work hard. Still, we also make it a point to get out of the office and take advantage of everything this area offers during the summer ..read more