Infertility Diagnostic Workup and Treatment Descriptions

Hirsutism

The growth of long, course hair on the face, chest, upper arms and upper legs of women in a pattern similar to that of men

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

A radiology procedure done at Exeter Hospital to evaluate the uterine cavity and patency of the fallopian tubes

Ovulation Induction (OI)

Hormonal drug therapy to stimulate the formation of eggs and to monitor ovulation for timing of timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)/Therapeutic Donor Insemination

The injection of a concentrated sample of motile sperm into the uterus at the optimal time for fertilization to take place

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

A procedure in which eggs are removed from the ovaries (egg retrieval), mixed with sperm in the laboratory, placed in an incubator and, once fertilized, transferred into the uterus (embryo transfer)

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

A variation of IVF in which each egg is directly injected via a microscopic needle with a single sperm (for men with very low sperm counts)

Assisted Hatching (AH)

Involves making a hole in the covering (zona pellucida) that surrounds the embryo

Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)

Procedure to biopsy/aspirate and use sperm for IVF/ICSI in men who have sperm in their testes or the ducts emerging from them, but none in their ejaculate

Cryo Embryo Transfer (CET)

The placement of thawed embryos into the uterus, following hormone treatment to enhance implantation

Donor Egg/Gestational Carrier IVF program

This service is coordinated through our staff with Brigham and Women’s staff

Oocyte Freezing (egg freezing)

Medications are used to prevent ovulation; injections of naturally occurring hormones, and monitoring of the ovaries by blood tests and ultrasounds are then used to time the retrieval for subsequent freezing.  The eggs are thawed and inseminated in the future.

Office Hysteroscopy

A diagnostic procedure done at CRC using a hysteroscope to examine the uterine cavity prior to attempting pregnancy.  This is helpful in diagnosing abnormal uterine conditions such as uterine fibroids, scarring, polyps and congenital malformations.

Hysteroscopic Surgery

A surgical procedure done at Exeter Hospital using a hysteroscope to exam the uterine cavity. This is helpful in correcting abnormal uterine conditions such as uterine fibroids, scarring, polyps and congenital malformations.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Minimally invasive abdominal surgery done at Exeter Hospital using a laparoscope to treat various gynecologic diagnoses such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, adhesions and fibroids

Robotic Surgery

Through our affiliation program, we are able to coordinate surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a national leader using state-of-the art robotics, with Dr. Antonio Gargiulo, Medical Director, Center for Reproductive Care and Medical Director, Center for Robotic Surgery/Brigham and Women’s Health Care.  Dr Gargiulo and his team perform laparoscopic robotic myomectomy, hysterectomy and tubal ligation reversal.

Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients

The Center for Reproductive Care, in affiliation with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is one of the few centers in the world that offers specific evaluation and therapy for women with a recent diagnosis of cancer.  Dr. Elizabeth Ginsburg, Medical Consultant Fertility Preservation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute consults with patients here at CRC and coordinates fertility preservation care (egg freezing/embryo freezing) with local oncologists and ancillary providers.  Care may be coordinated with the Center for Cancer Care at Exeter Hospital.