Explaining PGS versus PGD For some IVF patients at our Virginia fertility center, we recommend preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) or preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGS and PGD are both genetic tests performed after embryos have developed in the lab. This occurs before embryo transfer. Each test begins by removing cell samples from the developing embryos….
When you select an egg donor Patients seeking to become parents through our Virginia fertility center often benefit from the use of an egg donor. Our team is sensitive to the many concerns that come up as you select an egg donor for your family. To help guide you, we have compiled suggestions to help…
Breast cancer awareness and fertility support for cancer patients Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects women in the United States. Each year, more than 200,000 women and more than 2,000 men are diagnosed with it. One of the many challenges that cancer patients face is the threat to fertility from…
What is PCOS Awareness Month? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 10% of women, but half of the women with the syndrome don’t know they have it. This is a problem because PCOS is associated with an increased risk of health problems, including infertility. Our Virginia fertility center recognizes PCOS Awareness Month to help those affected…
The uterus supports pregnancy A healthy uterus is essential for the work we do at our Virginia fertility center. The uterus is the muscular organ that provides shelter and nourishment for a growing baby. During ovulation, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) begins to thicken to support a pregnancy. When a fertilized egg enters the…
Who needs egg donors? We do! Our Virginia egg donor program is looking for qualified egg donors. If you are thinking about becoming an egg donor, you should know that our process benefits many people who would otherwise be unable to experience pregnancy and parenthood. Who needs egg donors? Hopeful parents Single people and couples…
Deciding when to move from IUI to IVF Some patients at our Virginia fertility center eventually face the question of when to move from IUI to IVF. This decision requires an understanding of how these two processes work, and the specific concerns that they address. Comparing IUI to IVF During intrauterine insemination (IUI), Fady Sharara…
Achieving a pregnancy later in life When Terrie was 53, she decided she wanted to have a baby, but she knew that she would need some help achieving her dream. She scheduled appointments with three fertility centers, starting with a visit to Fady Sharara MD at our Virginia fertility center. “He was my first appointment,”…
Fady Sharara MD makes breakthroughs in IVF Dr. Sharara has dedicated his professional life to helping individuals and couples overcome infertility. Our Northern Virginia IVF provider’s research within the past year has laid the foundations for breakthroughs in IVF. Non-invasive embryo selection before transfer Our Northern Virginia IVF provider and other researchers examined the pregnancy…
Vitrification leads to greater success Women who are interested in egg freezing often ask our Virginia fertility specialist if frozen eggs can be successfully fertilized when it is time to build a family. Egg freezing updates show that the answer is yes. Recent research demonstrates that a cryopreservation technique called vitrification can result in IVF…