Happy Holidays

We thank all of you who sent the many Christmas cards we received this year which made our front office more beautiful this time of year. It is wonderful to see how each child has grown and some are already teenagers. This is the happiest time for us when we share in all your happiness. Happy new year and on to more VCRM babies!
 

2013 Top Doc

Dr Sharara was recently nominated by Northern Virginia magazine as one of the 2013 Top Docs in Infertility. This has been a continuous honor since the launching of the magazine in 2009. The issue goes on sale in February 2013.

Welcome Melissa

We are very happy to announce that Melissa Riggs, RN, has joined VCRM as our new nurse manager and third party donor coordinator. Melissa brings in extensive experience and professionalism.

Egg freezing no longer experimental according to ASRM

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/23/opinion/we-need-to-talk-about-our-eggs.html?_r=1&

Dr Sharara receives the 2012 ASRM Star Award

Dr Sharara received the 2012 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Star Award in recognition of presentations for at least 9 of 10 successive years at the ASRM Annual meeting.

Autism and father's age again

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/2012/08/22/older-dads-hand-more-dna-changes-kids-opening-autism-debate-new-york/3attVS1vwftNQt1H9LBJKP/story.html

Putting off having children secondary to the poor economy

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-07-25/low-US-birthrate-economy/56488980/1

Caffeine and Pregnancy

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/caffeine-during-pregnancy-shows-no-effect-on-child-behavior-in-study/2012/07/16/gJQAWgaBpW_story.html

VCRM receives Best of Reston Award for a record 5th year

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VIRGINIA CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE Receives 2012 Best of Reston Award
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
NEW YORK, NY, April 17, 2012 -- For the fifth consecutive year, VIRGINIA CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE has been selected for the 2012 Best of Reston Award in the PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
This is the first year that a business has qualified as a Five-Time Award Winner. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2012 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@uscaaward.com
URL: http://www.uscaaward.com

More evidence that obesity lowers IVF success. I had one of the first publication on this in 2001:
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/06/21/more-evidence-obesity-may-lower-ivf-success/

A new non invasive test for fetal genetic anomalies

http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-fetal-genome-sequence-20120607,0,7625263.story

Birth defects and fertility Treatment

Birth Defects and Fertility Treatment

---

Two studies focusing on birth defects and fertility treatment techniques recently have been published. The finding of both studies show that certain fertility treatments are associated with increased risks of birth defects, but neither study revealed why this association occurs.

In a meta-analysis of 46 studies, the number of birth defects in children conceived using in vitro fertilization (IVF) was compared with the number of birth defects in children conceived without any intervention.¹ Researchers identified more than 124,000 children conceived via IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). These children were 37% more likely to have a birth defect than children conceived naturally.

There are several theories about why birth defects are more likely to occur with fertility treatments. One is that the same reasons that a couple is infertile are the reasons that lead to an increased risk of having a child with a birth defect. Another explanation is that IVF techniques or the drugs involved with fertility treatment may cause a birth defect. A third theory is that infants born as a result of fertility treatment are monitored more closely than those conceived naturally, and any increase in risk is because of this closer monitoring.

Another study conducted in Australia used a birth registry with data on 308,974 births, of which 6163 births involved some form of fertility treatment.² The risk of any birth defect was 8.3% when assisted reproduction technologies were involved, compared with a risk of 5.8% for naturally occurring pregnancies. When IVF was used, the risk of birth defects was 7.2%. The risk increased to 9.9% when ICSI was used. The children of women who used clomiphene to stimulate ovulation were 3 times more likely to have a birth defect than the children of women with no record of infertility. In addition, any history of infertility, even if spontaneous conception occurred, was significantly associated with birth defects.

According to lead researcher Michael Davies, PhD, MPH, a limitation of this study is that the most recent data used is 10 years old, a necessity to ensure a 5-year follow-up for all births. He suggests that risk of birth defects may be lower today, since treatments have evolved and pregnancy rates involving ICSI have improved.

Pertinent Points:

- In reality, there is only a 2.5% greater risk of birth defects when using fertility treatments.

- After adjustment for parental factors, the increased risk of birth defects associated with IVF was no longer statistically significant.²

- Every pregnancy, whether spontaneous or assisted, involves some risk.

Is your commute killing you?

http://www.slate.com/articles/business/moneybox/2011/05/your_commute_is_killing_you.html

What every patient should know: "payers don't like to pay"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/health-insurance-companies-push-to-diversify-raises-concerns/2012/04/27/gIQAWoSkoT_story.html

VCRM receives Best of Reston Award for the Fifth straight year

For the fifth consecutive year, I am pleased to announce that VIRGINIA CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE has been selected for the 2012 Best of Reston Award in the PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS category by the US Commerce Association (USCA). "This is the first year that a business has qualified as a Five-Time Award Winner. I'm sure that your selection as a 2012 Award Winner is a reflection of the hard work of not only yourself, but of many people that have supported your business and contributed to the subsequent success of your organization. Congratulations on your selection to such an elite group of small businesses".

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Top Doctors Washingtonian Issue

The Washingtonian Top Doctors issue is currently on sale. Dr Sharara has been named one of the Top Doctors in Infertility again, a continuous honor since 2005

What I have been saying for years...

... but very few listen:
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Sugar-a-Toxic-Substance-138565879.html

Wow!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/30/asher-stewardson-13-pound-baby_n_1241904.html

Washingtonian Top Doctor

Dr Sharara was nominated again as one of the area Top Doctors by the Washingtonian magazine. This has been a continous honor since 2005. Dr Sharara was nominated by his peers and a panel of experts composed of selected physicians at each area hospital.

Why you need to follow our recommendations!

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/01/13/some-ivf-patients-fail-to-follow-lifestyle-recommendations/

New ways calories can cause weight gain

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203462304577138993430777580.html