AboutEdward Joseph Ramirez, MD, FACOG Expertise I am a specialist in infertility and advanced gynecological care. I can answer questions about infertility, gynecology related ills, menopause...virtually anything that affects women's health. PLEASE tell me where you are writing from as I am always interested.
Experience I have been practicing as an Ob/Gyn and Infertility Specialist for over 23 years. Gynecology, advanced laparoscopic surgery, basic infertility, IUI's, IVF, reproductive surgery, and ovulation induction are all areas of my expertise. I am Board Certified. I have been doing In Vitro Fertilization in my clinic for 15 years.
Organizations American College of OB/GYN, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Fellow of The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists,Resolve-National Chapter, Open Path - Northern California, Board of Directors Monterey Medical Society
Publications American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Education/Credentials Medical Degree from Stanford University, Residency at Tripler Army Medical Center, Reproductive Training at Pacific Fertility Center, San Francisco
Question Hello, I am 42 years old Live in the UK and have been TTC conceive for 2 years, have had 2 m/c at 7 weeks. One with severe bleeding and blood transfusion and the second 16 months later which was easier as i recognised the lack of pregnancy symptoms and had a ERPC before any bleeding. In both cases the embryo didn't implant properly.I'm onto my 3rd month of TTC and my last cycle was 18 days o'd on day 12. Taking vitamin b6 and vitex. I have 7 children conceived with ease during my 20s and late 30's the youngest is 4 years old. Should I go down the route of Assisted conception or would that push my body into menopause? Thank you.
Answer Dear Delaney,
I would recommend Assisted reproduction only because it can help reduce the chances of a miscarriage and increase your pregnancy rates. What you are facing is the problem of "old" eggs. This leads to abnormal embryos, which the body recognizes and stops the pregnancy.
With IVF, we are able to stimulate the ovary harder and get more eggs, which increases the chance that there will be a good one in the group. It is not guaranteed, but with natural cycles you are ovulating only one egg and the statistical chances are that it is a bad one. As you can see IVF can be better and more efficient.
In addition, with assisted reproductive treatments, we use additional hormones which can help maintain the pregnancy if the embryo is not abnormal.
I hope that answers your question.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D.
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
