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Do you have
questions about the services that we offer?
Below
is a list of some frequently asked questions, but please feel free to call our office if
you need additional information. We are always pleased to assist you.
FAQ's
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Am
I Infertile? |
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Infertility is defined
as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected coitus. It is
estimated that 15% of couples experience difficulty achieving conception. Fortunately, in most cases, the cause of infertility can be identified and
treated.
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When
should a couple be seen by a Board Certified Reproductive
Endocrinologist? |
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When a couple first discovers they have an
infertility problem, seeing a Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist
immediately is to their advantage. Dr. Witten has special training focused
on infertility, and has passed the qualifying written and oral exam administered
by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is an expert in his
field ranging from the most basic treatment with oral medications, to high tech
IVF (in vitro fertilization) with its specialized laboratory technologies.
Quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment is essential in the interest of time.
Advanced maternal age (35 or more years old) has a definite impact on
infertility and pregnancy outcome.
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What is a
Reproductive Endocrinologist? |
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A Reproductive
Endocrinologist is a physician who has completed a medical degree (4 years), an
Obstetrics and Gynecology residency (4 years), and an approved fellowship in
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (2-3 years). This subspecialty of
Obstetrics and Gynecology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of infertility
and its many associated conditions. These conditions vary from anatomical to
hormonal. In order to treat the variety of conditions which his or her patients
may present, a Reproductive Endocrinologist is trained in the most advanced
conservative surgical techniques in both the endoscopic and microsurgical realm.
This allows him or her to perform restorative procedures to treat the many
patients who suffer with endometriosis or other anatomical conditions. He or she
is also trained extensively in advanced reproductive techniques such as In Vitro
Fertilization (IVF) and Embryo Transfer.
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How
does Dr. Witten identify the cause of infertility? |
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In order to try to
identify the cause of infertility, we routinely depend on an initial history and
physical exam, a hysterosalpingogram (an x-ray of the pelvis), a semen analysis
(sperm count), some basic blood tests, and at times, an ultrasound exam. At
times, patients may need further evaluation with additional tests on an
individual basis. Dr. Witten takes pride in guiding patients through their
evaluation with efficiency, compassion, and understanding.
Discovery of the
specific cause of infertility requires diligence, interest, and attention to
detail. Dr. Witten has extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of
infertile couples. It is the hope of our clinic that this information makes our
patients feel more at ease with what is much too often a very anxious
decision...to finally visit 'The Fertility Specialist."
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Will
I have twins or triplets if I take fertility drugs? |
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When taking fertility drugs, there is always a
chance for multiple births. Dr. Witten, however, can use ultrasound and blood
tests to monitor egg production each cycle. Medication can be adjusted to
increase or decrease egg production and minimize the risk of multiple birth.
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My
tubes have been tied and I have now remarried. Is there a chance
I can become pregnant? |
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Yes. The IVF procedure bypasses the
fallopian tubes. Eggs are collected from the ovaries and embryos are
replaced directly into the uterus. A pregnancy can therefore be achieved
without having to reopen the tubes. However, depending on the method used
when the tubes were tied, they may be reopened surgically (tubal reanastomosis).
The success rate for pregnancy (non-IVF) following a tubal reanantomosis is
somewhat decreased.
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Does
Dr. Witten take my insurance? |
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Insurance benefits vary widely and it is impossible
for us to know the coverage related to infertility for each plan. Because
each plan was selected by you or your employer, it is important to call the
member services number on your insurance card and ask about your benefits before
you begin treatment. Below are a few standard questions to ask when
talking with your insurance company:
- Does my insurance plan cover diagnostic
evaluation for infertility, such as lab work, ultrasounds,
hysterosalpingogram, and semen analysis?
- Does my insurance plan cover infertility
treatment, such as artificial insemination or In Vitro fertilization?
- What is my co-payment to a fertility
specialist?
- What is my deductible?
- Does my insurance cover oral or injectable
medications for infertility (such as Clomid and Follistim)? If you
have separate pharmacy coverage, you may have to call your pharmacy plan to
get this information.
Remember, you are their customer and have more
influence with your insurance provider than your physician. Your
involvement and assistance in coordination of authorizations is an important
part of this process. The more you know about your coverage, the easier it
becomes to go forward with treatment. If a referral is required, it is
your responsibility to obtain one from your OB/GYN or primary care physician
prior to your first appointment. info@achildforus.com
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Dr. Barry Witten performing reproductive services including in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, embryo cryopreservation, sperm cryopreservation, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, post-coital test, follicle study ultrasound, follicular cyst aspiration, endometrial biopsy, cultures, reversal of tubal ligation, exploratory laparotomy, diagnostic laparoscopy, laser vaporization of endometriosis, laser vaporization of pelvic adhesions for St. Louis and the surrounding area.

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