- Male InfertilityAn infertility specialist should evaluate any couple having difficulty conceiving after one or more years of trying to become pregnant if the woman is < 35 years of age and no longer than 6 months after pregnancy attempt in women over the age of 35. Additionally, women having difficulty with pregnancy loss should be evaluated after their 2nd or 3rd loss. In general, the older the age of the female, the sooner the couple should seek the advice of an infertility expert as fertility declines with advancing age. Others who should seek care sooner are women with a known tubal occlusion or problems ovulating, and couples where male infertility is present or suspected.
- ImmunizationsEnsure your body is in good condition prior to conception. You can begin by making an appointment with Dallas-Fort Worth Fertility Associates. This is a good time to ensure vaccinations* are current and to discuss risk factors and family history. There are many preconception chromosome-based diagnostic tests available today that could potentially prevent over 100 genetic diseases. After discussing risk factors, our fertility doctors can help you determine if genetic testing is recommended.
- GynecologyAfter completing residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Shannon worked as a generalist in Washington state for six years. During this time, she worked to improve the quality of healthcare her patients received. She served on her hospital’s Quality Committee, updated and developed multiple L&D standard operating procedures and ER checklists, and worked to implement OB COAP, an assessment program to improve both maternal and neonatal outcomes. She also served on the March of Dimes Committee on Maternal and Child Health.
- Female InfertilityOvulatory disorders are a major cause of female infertility. The diagnostic workup includes fertility tests to determine if ovulation is regular and effective. Read More
- ObstetricsDr. Ravi Gada was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Gada entered Texas Tech University School of Medicine in 2001 and completed a dual M.D. and M.B.A of Health Management in 2005. During medical school, Dr. Gada served as his class president for three years. He then moved to Minnesota where he completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the world-famous Mayo Clinic.
- EndometriosisDr. Thomas went on to attend medical school at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Knowing she wanted to pursue a career in infertility, she spent a summer during medical school participating in research dedicated to endometriosis. This research was featured in many publications, and was on the cover of Fertility and Sterility. Dr. Thomas was elected a member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society while in medical school.
- Pregnancy
- Ovarian CancerFertility drugs are associated with several side effects, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (1-5%), multiple gestation (15%), ectopic (tubal) pregnancies (1-3%), ovarian torsion (<1%), and possibly an increased risk of ovarian cancer (controversial). Since these products are injectable, there is a risk of infection at the injection site, a condition referred to as cellulitis.
- Mental HealthThe path to parenthood for LGBTQ couples can seem overwhelming at times. Intended parents who choose third-party reproductive treatments can face a wide range of challenges, including emotional and legal considerations. At DFW Fertility Associates, we refer patients to our network of preferred affiliates, including reproductive legal specialists and mental health professionals, for additional support.
- EndocrinologyKaren L. Lee, MD joined Dallas - Fort Worth Fertility Associates in August 2005 as a respected clinician, experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Dr. Lee served as a physician and a clinical associate in the reproductive endocrinology and infertility division at Duke University Medical Center. She held this position while completing her fellowship training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.
- Thyroid
- UltrasoundThere are several commercially prepared fertility drugs (Gonal-F, Follistim, Menopur, Bravelle, Repronex) that are collectively known as “gonadotropins” because they contain human FSH with or without LH. Monitoring response from fertility medications will depend on the type of medications used, and if ovulation induction is being given in the context of an IUI or IVF cycle. This includes ultrasound as well as blood testing for estradiol and/or progesterone levels.
- X-Rays
- ChemotherapySometimes a woman cannot become pregnant because of an absent or damaged uterus, or a medical condition that prevents her from safely carrying her own baby to term. This may be because she has uterine abnormalities that cannot be corrected surgically, or because of damage from procedure such as cancer chemotherapy or radiation. She might also have other conditions, such as a history of breast cancer or a blood-clotting disorder, which might put her health at risk if she became pregnant.
- Radiation TherapyDonor eggs may be used for patients diagnosed with premature ovarian failure, diminished ovarian reserve, advanced reproductive age, poor oocyte quality, or genetic abnormalities. Patients who have been through chemotherapy or received radiation therapy, or have had surgical removal of the ovaries may also access donor eggs.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- VasectomyIf you’ve had a vasectomy or severe injuries, surgeries can be performed to reverse the vasectomy or retrieve sperm directly from the testes. A procedure called TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) can be performed at our office under local anesthesia. This procedure allows sperm to be removed directly from the testicles. Because sperm inside your testes hasn’t yet learned how to swim, we will use ICSI and insert them directly into the egg.
- LaparoscopyThe fallopian tubes transport the egg to the uterus, where it hopes to meet the sperm and achieve fertilization. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, and the sperm can’t meet the egg, fertilization won’t occur. Possible causes of blocked fallopian tubes include past pelvic infections or abdominal surgeries, STDs, and Endometriosis. There are several tests that can diagnose blocked fallopian tubes such as HSGs (hysterosalpingography) or chromopertubation during laparoscopy.
- Cyst