Dr. Avner Hershlag

08/23/2022

Hooked on your morning latte and thinking of getting pregnant? Think about your caffeine intake now.

Most research studies show that high caffeine consumption is associated with prolonging time to conception and a higher miscarriage rate. While the American College of ObGyn (ACOG) and the European Food Safety Authority recommends limiting your coffee intake to 200 mg of caffeine a day (roughly 2 cups, or 2 espresso shots), more recent studies suggest that the miscarriage rate has increased at even a lower caffeine consumption.

I don't tell my patients to stop having coffee while trying to conceive. The more "not to dos" I give, the less the stress build-up as you go through the process. But once pregnant, I do recommend limiting coffee to the very minimum (either eliminate or half-caffeinated half decaf in am only).

We can further discuss the impact of lifestyle on your fertility when you come to see me. Call (631) 638-4600 to schedule a consult and let’s explore your options.

Clinical Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medici

08/22/2022

Thrilled to be a part of an informative Q&A webinar to explore the implications of BRCA in the Jewish Community.

While BRCA mutations are more common in Ashkenazie Jews, the are found in non-Jews as well.

I’m proud to be a panelist, alongside Estie Rose, Genetic Counselor at JScreen. Moderator Eliana Fine, MD hosts the discussion that will cover your risk of carrying a BRCA mutation, how to prevent gene transmission to your children and prevent their lifetime chance to develop cancer.

Block out this Sunday at 8PM EST on your calendar and register to attend here: https://loom.ly/iat7O5k

08/15/2022

Join me for an informative Q&A webinar to delve into the implications of BRCA gene in the Jewish Community.

While BRCA is more common in Ashkenazie Jews, it is found in non-Jews as well. I will share the panel with Estie Rose, Genetic Counselor at JScreen. Moderator Eliana Fine, MD hosts the discussion that will cover your risk of carrying a BRCA mutation, how to prevent gene transmission to your children and dramatically reduce your children's lifetime cancer risk.

Mark 8 PM EST on 8/28 on your calendar and register to attend here: https://loom.ly/iat7O5k

08/05/2022

Join me for an informative Q&A webinar to delve into the implications of BRCA gene in the Jewish Community.

While BRCA is more common in Ashkenazie Jews, it is found in non-Jews as well.

I will share the panel with Estie Rose, Genetic Counselor at JScreen. Moderator Eliana Fine, MD hosts the discussion that will cover your risk of carrying a BRCA mutation, how to prevent gene transmission to your children and dramatically reduce your children's lifetime cancer risk.

Mark 8 PM EST on 8/28 on your calendar and register to attend here: https://loom.ly/iat7O5k

07/27/2022

Stops smoking before trying to conceive? Is it a myth?

No, it's actually based on multiple studies, showing that active and passive (second‐hand) to***co is associated with decreased fertility and a reduced chance of a healthy, live birth.

Women had a 40% lower chance of getting pregnant if they smoke, according to a report published by the British Medical Association. Men are included in this study, too, as smoking decreases s***m count and increases s***m abnormalities.

Further evidence shows the reduced success of IVF and ICSI in smokers. Both men and women should quit smoking before trying to conceive. I know it is hard to shake off long-standing habits. But consider the rewards!

Want to explore your fertility options? Call (631) 638-4600 to schedule a consult.

Clinical Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medici

07/08/2022

What is the right fertility treatment for me?

My job is to untangle the complex, intertwined factors that may be, almost always temporarily, making it hard for you to conceive.

These are some issues we'll address on your first visit:

*How long have you been trying to conceive (the feeling of urgency makes short exposure to pregnancy seem an eternity)

*Are there any clues in your medical history to point to a certain direction? (like irregular periods, s*xual dysfunction, infections)

*Where are you in the reproductive life-cycle?

*And we don't forget the male - it takes two to tango.

Taking a good history is the first step in determining the best options for treatment.
Call (631) 638-4600 to arrange a consultation.

06/30/2022

🏳️‍🌈 What is the path to parenthood for male same-s*x couples to become parents?

While a "traditional surrogate" contributes the eggs and then carries the pregnancy, a "gestational carrier or surrogate" has no genetic connection to the pregnancy she carries. An egg donor contributes the eggs, which are then fertilized by s***m from the intended genetic father. This latter form of gestational carrier is less complex from the legal standpoint, as well as the psychosocial perspectives.

Men seeking surrogacy can now pursue it in NY, thanks to recent legislative changes. My team and I would love to guide you through this journey. We'll simplify the process for you, connect you with the appropriate resources. Parenthood is within your reach.

My team and I would love to guide you through this journey. We'll simplify the process for you, and connect you with the appropriate resources. Parenthood is within your reach. Call (631) 638-4600 to schedule a consult.

06/23/2022

Did you know that PTSD can be linked to infertility?

June is PTSD Awareness Month. Women and men frequently experience stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances and depression that may be the result of trauma in their past - in the battlefield, or in their personal life: r**e, domestic violence, and even - pregnancy loss. Veteran women with PTSD are more than twice likely to experience infertility.

Men with PTSD have difficulties in s*xual performance. As many as two thirds of women going through IVF had symptoms of mild or greater PTSD. Elevated blood test results associated with stress (cortisol and alpha-amylase) have been associated with lower pregnancy rates. Your emotional well-being plays a center-stage role in your reproductive journey. It shouldn't be ignored, left to ferment by the wayside. Your emotional web and your pursuit of having a child are interconnected.

We can discuss how to overcome these issues and move forward. Call (631) 638-4600 to schedule a fertility consult.

06/21/2022

🏳️‍🌈 If you are in a same-s*x relationship, what is your best path to parenthood?

You may have considered the "turkey baster" option. There are reasons why "doing it at home" may not be the best way to try to conceive.

Since you will be doing donor s***m, doing it through a fertility clinic increases safety for you and your babies. We can guide you in choosing an appropriately tested donor, including not only for s*xually transmitted diseases but also for genetic conditions.

Success rates of donor inseminations are high. If inseminations don't succeed, moving on to IVF would be the next step. Many of my patients now have several children from embryos created, at times, in a single cycle, for same s*x couples. Then we would proceed with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

I'd love to see you and help you become a parent.

Call (631) 638-4600 to schedule a consult.

06/17/2022

On this Father's Day, you may have been wondering why you haven't become a father yet?

There are several simple steps you can take that may make you a father by next Father's Day. First and foremost is lifestyle changes.

Did you know that anabolic steroids (such as testosterone) act as a contraceptive, wiping out s***m production in your te**is? Stopping the hormones, with some additional treatment, can renew s***m production and may be all you need to achieve a pregnancy with your partner. Other lifestyle changes include smoking cessation (>7000 chemicals in ci******es); reducing excessive alcohol; stopping recreational drugs; a healthy diet and significant weight loss for obese men, and stress reduction.

For further testing and guidance, call (631) 638-4600 for an appointment. With diagnostic testing and a solid fertility plan, you can be a dad by next Father's Day.

06/17/2022

💙 HAPPY FATHER'S AND FATHER-TO-BE DAY!

Sending all the best wishes to all the fathers, soon-to-be fathers and fathers who-will-be. Enjoy a relaxing Father’s Day Weekend.

My team and I would love to help you become a dad. Call (631) 638-4600 to schedule a consult.

06/16/2022

🏳️‍🌈 Happy Pride Month!

Same s*x parents have a lot to be proud of: A Dutch study comparing 1,200 children raised by same-s*x couples to more than 1 million kids raised by heteros*xual couples, showed that the children of same-s*x couples performed better in school than kids raised in traditional homes.

Not only did kids of same-s*x couples have higher test scores throughout elementary and secondary school, they were also more likely to graduate high school than their peers reared in traditional homes.

So many of my same-s*x patients have already become happy parents. My team and I would love to guide you too on your journey to becoming a parent.

Call (631) 638-4600 to schedule a consult.

06/06/2022

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, there is a question still left largely unanswered: Fertility and stress: which is the chicken - and which - is the egg.

A recent study from Chicago (Olivia Negris & colleagues) has shown that 70% of fertility patients believed that emotional stress could reduce the success of fertility treatment.

The chicken and the egg question is still up in the air: Stress, anxiety and depression may precede infertility; fertility may cause or aggravate this triad: More stress, more anxiety, depression getting out of hand. So with the spotlight turned on your mental state, how do you break that vicious cycle?

As shown by Ali Domar and others, improvement of your mental state will increase the chances of a pregnancy! The best advice I can give you is, be kind to yourself!

Realize your proactiveness in seeking help to pursue your dreams of parenthood, and while you're at it, realize what is it that makes you relax? Take a walk. Seeing nature may do wonder. Have a drink with a friend. Go on a wild trip. And yes, Yoga, acupuncture, massage, meditation - you know which makes you feel better. And whether you're wearing a mask or not - smile, because positive thinking gets you this much closer to reaching your goal!

If you wish, we can discuss these issues further, and together explore your fertility options.

Call (631) 638-4600 to arrange a consultation.

06/01/2022

Semen analysis is a cornerstone in the evaluation of male fertility. The most important findings in a semen analysis are the s***m concentration (normal >15 million per ml) and motility (>40%).

The shape of the s***m ("morphology") is not considered as critical as it was considered in the past, especially if the count and motility are high. A high number of white blood cells may indicate an infection, treatable with antibiotics. This basic test is extremely important in for formulating a fertility strategy.

Our Andology Lab offers nearly all diagnostic testing performed on site to streamline the process. Call (631) 638-4600 to arrange a consultation and discuss your results.

05/24/2022

🍳 Eating for nutrition as well as taste? Look to the egg.

Eggs contain a powerhouse of nutrients and may be able to boost your fertility. Egg yolks contain iron, calcium, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A and zinc. Wonderful sources of lean protein, eggs are a food that has the perfect balance of healthy protein and fat.

In honor of National Egg Month, think about an omelet with spinach and tomatoes and don’t leave out the yolk!

Need help on your road to parenthood? Call (631) 638-4600 for a consultation.

05/17/2022

Did you know that many people aren’t aware that they have high blood pressure?

Up to 8% of mothers worldwide experience high blood pressure during pregnancy, with nearly 2% experiencing it after delivery.

May is National Blood Pressure Month. High blood pressure or hypertension during pregnancy increases the risk of complications for women and their babies. High blood pressure may impact the development of the placenta, which provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby, resulting to low birth weight, early delivery and placental separation.

High blood pressure can and should be controlled before pregnancy starts to minimize the risk of obstetrical complications. It is essential to have regular annual wellness checkups, especially if you are planning to get pregnant soon.

Call (631) 638-4600 to learn more about your fertility options. My team and I would love to help you realize your dream of becoming a parent.

05/08/2022

🌻 Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms and not-yet-moms. We celebrate you for taking on and preparing to become a nurturing force for love in the world.

If you’re going through fertility challenges, one way to honor yourself today is to allow yourself to feel. By giving your emotions a voice and giving yourself permission to feel whatever emotions come up, anger, sadness or hope, you’ll be giving yourself the chance to cope.

When it is time to explore your fertility options, my team and I would love to help. Call (631) 638-4600 to schedule a consult.

04/29/2022

These are some of the most common problems women encounter that are associated with infertility:

*Irregular, painful or abnormal periods or lack of periods
*Unexplained weight gain
*Facial hair and acne
* Thinning scalp hair
*Hot flashes
*Painful in*******se
*Decreased libido

With diagnostic testing available on site and a dedicated team who will create a strategy to fulfill your dream to become a parent, I invite you to call (631) 638-4600 to schedule a consult.