Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

The infertility program at Mount Sinai is based on an affiliation with the Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, which offers the most advanced services in assisted reproductive technology (ART) to help infertile patients who may require such approaches to achieve a healthy baby.

Treatments and Procedures

We work closely with each couple to develop treatment protocols using state-of-the-art techniques that are carefully individualized for them. These include:

• In vitro fertilization - embryo transfer (IVF-ET): This procedure is the most commonly used technique of ART, in which an egg is removed from a ripe follicle in the woman's ovary and fertilized by sperm in a dish. The fertilized egg is then allowed to develop into an embryo in the laboratory before being transferred back into the uterus of the woman through the cervix.
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• Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT): A procedure whereby sperm and unfertilized eggs are transferred by laparoscopy directly into the fallopian tube. They then move naturally down the tube and into the uterus, where natural fertilization may occur.
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• Embryo cryopreservation: A procedure where embryos frozen during a previous treatment cycle are thawed and transferred into the uterus for transplantation.
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• Egg donation: Eggs are removed from the ovaries of a fertile donor for use in an infertile patient.
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• Gestational Surrogacy: Performed when it is the only option for some couples, where the female partner's uterus has been removed or is abnormal. In vitro fertilization is performed with the egg and sperm of the couple. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the uterus of a surrogate who then carries the pregnancy to term.
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• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): In cases where the male partner has abnormal or few sperm, mature sperm may be injected directly into the egg in the laboratory to achieve a normal pregnancy. A microscope and microsurgical equipment are used to insert the sperm into an egg.
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• Assisted hatching (AH): A microsurgical procedure which helps the embryo to release itself from its surrounding shell (zona pellucida) by creating a small opening in the shell. This is called "hatching" and helps the embryo implant itself in the uterus when the female partner is 35 years or older.

In order to determine the proper course of treatment for each couple, we may perform a number of diagnostic tests:

• Preconceptual Counseling: Basic steps for a couple trying to conceive
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• Transvaginal Ultrasound: An internal ultrasound is used to evaluate a woman's uterus and ovaries
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• Semen Analysis: Test of the male partner's sperm count, shape, and motility to assess his fertility
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• Hormonal Testing: Tests of important hormones that give important information about a woman's reproductive system
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• Endometrial Biopsy: Evaluation of the uterine exposure and response to progesterone by taking a small sample of tissue
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• Post-coital Test: A test to evaluate the male-female interaction
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• Hysterosalpingogram: An X-ray of the uterus following injection of dye through the cervix used to evaluate the fallopian tubes and uterus
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• Basal Body Temperature Charting: By taking her temperature each morning, a woman can identify whether ovulation occurs and on what day it occurs.

The clinical and scientific teams at Mount Sinai and Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York were among the first to help women conceive using previously frozen oocytes (eggs) from egg donors. Effectively, this could halt the biological clock as these eggs could be successfully preserved before egg quantity and quality undergo their natural age-related decline in function.

To schedule an appointment at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, please contact us at one of the following locations:

• Manhattan 212-756-5777
• Westchester 914-997-6200
• Long Island 516-746-3633