Posted by Lisa Rosenthal on Wed, Feb 13, 2013 @ 11:44 AM
Reproductive Endocrinologist, Dr. Cynthia Murdock Won the 2012 Patients' Choice Award
Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut is very proud of having five board certified reproductive endocrinologists. Dr. Cynthia Murdock has won an award, not surprisingly, based on patient reviews and ratings. She is known for her professionalism as well as her compassion. Read on to hear more about her and RMACT other award winning fertility specialists.
Dr. Cynthia Murdock of Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) has earned the “Patients’ Choice 2012” award, which is given to only five percent of the nation’s 870,000 active physicians and dentists. This award is tabulated by PatientsChoice.org based on patient reviews and ratings on care and service on websites such as Vitals.com.
The Patients' Choice Award is No Easy Feat
Millions of patients go online each year to rate their doctors on various components of care, including accuracy of their diagnosis, the amount of time they spent with the doctor, and the doctor's bedside manner and follow-up care. Patients' Choice reviews these rankings and other quality measures to compile its yearly list of award winners. Dr. Murdock joins her RMACT colleagues Drs. Spencer Richlin and Joshua M. Hurwitz, who also received this award.
“I try to work with my patients as a woman, a mom and a doctor,” says Dr. Murdock. “Each of these three perspectives is helpful when developing their unique infertility treatment plan. That relationship and helping them start a family is rewarding on its own, so being recognized by my patients with this award is extraordinary.”
Dr. Murdock earned a BA in biology at Cornell University and an MD at Creighton University School of Medicine where she graduated magna cum laude. She completed her residency at Creighton University Medical Center where she was named Berlex Best Teaching Resident. In 2003 she completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the National Institutes of Health.
An experienced researcher, Dr. Murdock has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed studies and presented at several of the most prestigious conferences in the field of reproductive medicine. The focus of much of her research has been on estrogen receptors, hypothalamic neuron function, and precocious puberty.
Dr. Murdock is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, as well as a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Posted by Lisa Rosenthal on Mon, Aug 08, 2011 @ 08:00 AM
Read below what the medical director of Reproductive Medicine Associates of 
Connecticut (RMACT) and the team of board certified reproductive endocrinologists in the program have to say about frequently asked questions.
"Infertility can be confusing, and people frequently ask questions because they want to know if they should seek help from a fertility specialist," says Dr. Mark Leondires, Medical Director. "The questions and answers below are intended to give some basic knowledge. Many couples put off seeing a fertility specialist when they are having trouble getting pregnant, but they are typically reassured after being diagnosed and starting a treatment plan."
What is infertility?
Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system often diagnosed after a couple has had one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse, or if the woman has been unable to carry a pregnancy that results in a live birth.
Is infertility a "women's problem"?
Infertility is a medical problem. Approximately 35% of infertility is due to a female factor and 35% is due to a male factor. In the balance of cases, infertility results from problems in both partners or the cause of the infertility cannot be explained.
How long should we try before we see a doctor?
In general, if you are less than 35 years old and have been trying for more than one year you should schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist. If you are greater than 35 years old we would like to see you after at least six months of timed, unprotected intercourse. However, if you have a reason to suspect you may have a problem getting pregnant such as a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, painful periods, miscarriage, irregular menstrual cycles, or if your partner has a low sperm count, you should seek help sooner. Many couples have a hard time admitting that there may be an infertility problem, but be reassured there are often many things we can do to help.
What is a Fertility Specialist?
A fertility specialist, or Reproductive Endocrinologist, is a medical doctor who has been specially trained in the complex issues that can contribute to infertility. In addition to being trained as an Obstetrician/Gynecologist which requires a four-year residency a fertility specialist must complete an additional two to three year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology. This fellowship training is highly specialized to focus on the diagnosis and treatment of infertility and female endocrinology.. A physician can become Board Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology by successfully completing the fellowship as well as written and oral examinations.
Currently in the Unites States, there are only about 1,000 Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologists. Specifically for infertility related to males, Urologists with a sub-specialty in Andrology are the most qualified experts as they have often completed two-year fellowships and passed exams to become Board Certified in Andrology.
At what time of the month is a woman fertile?
The most fertile time of a woman's cycle is just before or the of day ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs two weeks before a period starts, so it is necessary to count backwards from the anticipated start of the next period in order to find the most fertile time. Take the number of days in the usual cycle (from the beginning of one period to the beginning of the next) and subtract 14. For example, a woman with a 32-day period would likely ovulate around day 18 (32-14=18), while a woman with a 28-day cycle would ovulate around day 14 (28-14=14). We recommend every other day intercourse around the day of ovulation. That would mean days 12, 14 and 16 for women with 28 days cycles.
It is best to have intercourse before ovulation rather than afterwards, so a woman who ovulates on day 14 would have a good chance of conceiving if she has intercourse on either day 13 or 14. For women with irregular cycles you can extend the period of having sexual relations to every other day from day 11 to 18 ( 11-13-15-17). In order to better understand what day you ovulate take your average menstrual cycle length (for example 32 days) and subtract 14 and that will give you that day you ovulate around (that would be about day 18). Therefore you would have relations days 15-17&19 to cover all your bases.
Alternatively, women with irregular cycles may want to use an ovulation predictor kit, which can be purchased over the counter at most local pharmacies. This involves testing your urine around the time of ovulation using a detector stick, which give you a visual reading. Additionally, there are electronic monitors which detect ovulation by tracking two hormones (estrogen and luteinizing hormone) starting with urine testing on day one of your menstrual cycle. The methods that utilize urine predictor sticks or urine ovulation detector machines are usually highly sensitive, accurate, and reliable.
How can a woman tell if she ovulates?
The simple, inexpensive way of finding out the approximate time of your ovulation is to take your basal temperature (that is, your body temperature at rest) every morning and record it on a chart. You can buy a Basal Body Thermometer at your local drug store. Save all your charts so you can review them with your doctor. Three or four months of charting should be adequate. If your temperature goes up after the middle of your menstrual month you likely do ovulate. In general you ovulate about two days prior to the temperature rise.
How often should we have intercourse?
It is a good idea to have intercourse every other day around the time you ovulate. Remember, every woman is different, and may not ovulate exactly on "Day 14." And, just because you ovulated on "Day 14" this month, doesn't mean you will next month. It is preferable to have intercourse every other day rather than every day so that sufficient sperm will be available. To increase your chances of the egg becoming fertilized, do not douche or use lubricants immediately before having intercourse.
What fertility testing should our fertility doctor perform?
Your doctor will likely do the following:
- Blood tests to check reproductive hormone levels in the woman; estradiol (E2), progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid hormone, prolactin, and possibly male hormone levels.
- Complete semen analysis on the male partner
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), an x-ray exam to evaluate if the woman's fallopian tubes are open
- Ultrasound to confirm the normal appearance of your uterus and ovaries in the woman
What about smoking and drinking alcohol and caffeine?
There is evidence linking reproductive impairment with exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.
Alcohol and tobacco use have been demonstrated to affect the reproductive capacities of both men and women, and tobacco is an especially potent reproductive toxin that negatively effects female fertility by damaging eggs. In men there is a direct effect on sperm quantity, quality, and reproductive function. In general we ask that women consume less than 150 mg of caffeine per day which is equivalent to two small 8 oz cups per day. Remember sodas and tea also contain caffeine. In addition, it is wise to be in the best physical shape possible while you attempt to conceive and, of course, to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Are hot tubs really bad for a man?
Yes. High temperatures can damage sperm. That is why the scrotum is located outside the body - to act as a kind of "refrigerator" to keep the sperm cool. So, it is a good idea to avoid hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms when men are trying to help in the pregnancy pathway.
What else can we do?
Learn as much as you can about infertility.
- Get and read good, reliable information (not just from popular magazines) from your doctor, library, or trusted friends or family.
- RESOLVE (http://www.resolve.org/) and the American Fertility Association (AFA - www.theafa.org) has over 60 fact sheets on different topics related to infertility, and support groups in many areas.
- Also visit the ASRM (http://www.asrm.com/), SART (http://www.sart.org/), ACOG (www.acog.org) and CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/) web sites for more information.
Posted by Lisa Rosenthal on Wed, Feb 16, 2011 @ 08:03 AM
Top Fertility Doctor: Cynthia Murdock, MD on Infertility and Birth Control
Dr. Murdock is a board-certified
Reproductive Endocrinologist at Reproductive Medicine Associates of CT and talks with us about infertility and birth control.
Recently I was reading an article about the 50th anniversary of the birth control pill. The pill has represented freedom for women, freedom to choose when to have children and how many, freedom to control their lives and have careers that they might not have been able to prior to the advent of the pill. Recently, however, the pill seems to have gotten a bad rap. Now it seems that the pill is also to blame for the so-called “epidemic of infertility”. Boldly stated in the center of the article was the following statement “The Pill didn’t create the field of infertility medicine, but it turned it into an enormous industry.”
Birth Control and Infertility
Let’s take a look at the facts. When we look at the causes of infertility they fall into 4 categories.
- Thirty-five percent of cases are due to anatomic problems; this category would include blocked fallopian tubes, scarring in the pelvis, and problems with the uterus.
- Twenty percent of cases are due to anovulation.
- Thirty-five percent of cases are due to the male partner.
- Ten percent are idiopathic, meaning all tests are run and everything is normal. Many cases of age-related infertility fall into this group.
We know that there is an age-related decline in fertility. Using birth-control to delay childbearing increases the average age of women attempting to conceive. Women over 35 should seek an evaluation for infertility after 6 months of attempting to make sure none of the other causes are present. Women who are having difficulty achieving a pregnancy have enough feelings of guilt without being made to feel it is somehow their fault for delaying childbearing and taking the pill. We know that very often the cause is more complex than that.
More women are seeking fertility care, not because they took the pill, but because more and better care is available today, and because infertility does not carry the same stigma that it once did. Thirty years ago if a couple couldn’t conceive there were very few options available to them, and even less support or discussion about it. Today we are able to talk more freely, and able to treat many more complex fertility problems than ever before. Also, referencing the causes above, age related infertility still only accounts for perhaps ten per cent of all infertility. This would hardly constitute an epidemic.
Remember the pill is a medication that most would argue has forever changed women’s lives for the better. Let’s stop the guilt and blame game and wish the pill a happy 50th birthday!
Posted by Lisa Rosenthal on Tue, Feb 15, 2011 @ 06:56 AM
Let's face it, infertility does not make anyone feel sexy. In fact, quite the opposite. Knowing that the anatomy is not cooperating does not make the heart, the mind or the libido feel confident or upbeat.
The whole concept that any of us are "less than" because of infertility does enter into this conversation. We are "less than" women or men because our reproductive system does not function perfectly normally.
We all know this isn't true. We do. But secretly, past our brains, in our heart, we feel that this is true. That without the ability to do easily, that which we were designed to do, that we are less than men and women.
After all, we were made to have babies. Women have wider hips made for childbearing, uteruses specially designed, menstrual cycles that ebb and flow in time with the moon and much, much more. Men make sperm, regularly, so as to have a fresh, healthy supply. They have errections so that the sperm can be placed in an optimal place for a woman to become pregnant.
Really though. How many of us ever only use our sexual organs when we want to have a child? Anyone? If our reproductive organs were only designed to reproduce, then why were they also designed to have the most sensitive tissue in the body? So that we could have sex every two years? Really? Come on. Doesn't make sense to me.
What does make sense to me is how most of us do operate in the real world. We have sex because it's enjoyable, because it creates intimacy, because it's a release. Not just because we want to have a baby and certainly, for most of us, not just WHEN we want to have a baby.
So is it possible to take reproduction out of sex? Infertility challenges will often do that for you. Often, in fertility treatment, we don't have to have sex to become pregnant, or only when prescribed. We are actually allowed to have sex almost whenever we want. Not a bad prescription actually.
It comes down to this. We take sex and intimacy out of infertility and treatment. Our feelings of being less than drain our libidos. Instead of enjoyment, sex and intimacy is a reminder of what our bodies are not cooperating with.
I'm not going to give you any easy answers here. As usual, I ask questions, try to raise awareness and ask you to ask questions.
Not being able to conceive is a tremendous heartache. Period. It made me sad when having sex with my husband was so drastically affected as well. Perhaps you have this in your life. If so, consider what can be done so that the losses around infertility don't start piling up too high.
Tomorrow, read what Dr. Cynthia Murdock wrote for you about infertility and birth control. And on Thursday, we'll resume the conversation about infertility and sexuality. If you have had problems responding to this blog, please try again. If you continue to have problems, please email me directly and let me know. lrosenthal@rmact.com
Posted by Lisa Rosenthal on Tue, Nov 09, 2010 @ 07:17 AM
The Holiday season is here. Maybe you believe that it doesn’t begin until Thanksgiving. For me, Halloween ushers in the roller coaster of up’s and down’s that don’t end until after the beginning of January. The almost endless gatherings and celebrations for family and friends.
A time where it feels impossible to get away from the questions, comments and uncomfortable silences. The questions are eerily similar, regardless of your ethnic background or religion. The questions conform easily to those asked of an investigative reporter. Who, what, where, why and when.
Children.
Who is having them. (Not us right now!)
What are we waiting for? (Ummm…. For it to happen???)
Where do we fit as a family, marriage, partnership without them? (Perhaps the loneliest question to wonder about.)
Why aren’t we pregnant yet? (Made me burst into tears on more than one occasion.)
When are we going to give our parents the grandchildren they are hoping and wanting? No one’s getting any younger! (In case infertility is not challenging enough, let’s throw a little guilt at it!)
How sad is it that those are only a single variation on a theme that most of us are very familiar with. It’s very possible to create scores of different questions based on the 5 W’s above; all pierce the heart of those of us trying to build our families.
Holidays are also a great time to gain weight. For a few of us, that’s a plus. For many of us, not so much. Dr. Cynthia Murdock and Carolyn Gundell, MS, (both from RMACT) will be speaking at the seminar this weekend, open to the public. Information on how to attend is below.
What I can share about this seminar is that last year I made sure to attend as I was tired of the eat too much, gain weight, feel guilty, have to lose weight holiday season. Carolyn spoke eloquently and compassionately about the issues around hunger, food, weight and the holidays; she gave realistic, helpful and new outlooks on how to cope with all reasons that I had for gaining weight. What I know is that I gained no weight during the holidays last year. In fact, I lost two pounds.
I’ll be there this year. Hope to see you there as well.
Fall 2010 Fertility Seminar Series
Seminars held at our Norwalk office: 10 Glover Avenue, Norwalk, CT
Please check our website or call to confirm date, time and/or location as they are subject to change
Saturday November 13th 11:00 AM -12:30 PM
Taking the Guilt and “Weight” Out of Holiday Eating
The Holidays can be filled with warm memories, family and friends, but are often stressful due to endless delicious food tasting opportunities. This seminar will provide you with a non-dieting, guilt free approach to holiday eating - share in recipe ideas and tips on how to get through the holidays without the typical 10 lb weight gain. Led by Carolyn Gundell, MS and Cynthia Murdock, MD.
Posted by Lisa Rosenthal on Wed, Oct 20, 2010 @ 07:29 AM
Recently, I had the privilage to conduct a personal interview with Dr. Cynthia Murdock, board certified reproductive endocrinologist from Reproductive Medicine Associates of CT (RMACT). Dr. Murdock is one of four physicians with RMACT and the first to be interviewed here, for our blog. It was a pleasure to get to know her a little better through her thoughtful answers and her willingness to share her more personal side.
Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist & Infertility Specialist - Dr. Cynthia Murdock: Speaks Personally
- What drew you to the field of infertility?
I was attracted to the combination of cutting-edge science and the strong doctor-patient interactions that are formed.
- What are the things that you would like to see evolve in treatment of infertility? At this point, I think the next big step in IVF is going to be the development of better and better ways to choose the best single embryo to transfer. Hopefully the day will soon be here that we can dramatically increase pregnancy rates and dramatically reduce the risk of multiples. I believe that we are getting closer to this goal every day.
- What appeals to you most about being a doctor?
As a physician, you are exposed to people from all walks of life. I feel that this is a real privilege. You have intimate contact with people who are outside of your immediate social sphere, I think this makes for a richer life experience.
- What is the one thing that you would like your patients to know about going through treatment?
Patients often ask “will I be able to have a baby?” The answer is almost always YES. Sometimes this may involve options or treatments that you didn’t think about initially, and at times the financial aspects may be difficult, but we are willing to stick with you through your family-building journey no matter where it takes you.
- Tell us something you would like every patient to know about you.
I really enjoy working in my yard, I like the physicality and the sense of accomplishment. I love taking the dog for walks around the neighborhood with my daughter. This is the time I talk to her about her friends and school. It’s good exercise for the dog as well. Personal questions
- What kind of things do you like to do in your spare time? Mostly I like to spend time with my daughter and my husband. Anything that involves being outside…even in winter!
- If you could travel anywhere in the world in the next month or so, where would you like to go?
This summer I was fortunate enough to go to the Galapagos Islands a place I have always wanted to go. I guess if I could go anywhere I would go to Antarctica..if I could get 2 weeks off work!
- Who is your favorite author?
I love reading, but I don’t have a favorite author. I would say that the 2 books that have left the most lasting impression on me are “Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
- Favorite genre of movie?
Don’t have a favorite, not really a movie-goer at this point in my life
- If your schedule allowed for an unexpected few hours free, what would you do with them?
Spend them with my daughter
- What is your favorite ethnic food?
Indian
- If you could sit down for lunch with two people, living or not, who would they be?
I am most interested in how regular people really lived in past societies. I would want to meet with a middle class woman from Ancient Rome and ask her about her every day life. Also I think it would be fascinating to meet someone from the stone age and learn what life was really like then.
Posted by Lisa Rosenthal on Tue, Oct 19, 2010 @ 06:55 AM
Reproductive Medicine Associates of CT (RMACT) is full of announcements this morning.
Coming up tomorrow on this blog we have an interview with Dr. Cynthia Murdock of RMACT, sharing the more personal side of herself. What she enjoys doing, why she decided on reproductive medicine, how she likes to spend her time off and more. Read tomorrow to get to know this board certified reproductive endocrinologist as a real person.
This coming Saturday, Carolyn Gundell MS, and Dr. Spencer Richlin, RMACT’s Surgical Director, will be presenting an interactive seminar as part of our fall series. Open to the public, the seminar will be held in our learning center in Norwalk.
Fertile Nutrition: Tools for Success
A discussion on how to increase your chances of pregnancy and optimizing your health prior to pregnancy with nutrition and lifestyle choices. Led by Carolyn Gundell and Spencer Richlin, MD.
Seminars are $10 per person or $15 per couple
RSVP to Cori at 203-750-7492
Dr. Spencer Richlin is a busy man these days! He will be speaking next Tuesday at TLC (Total Learning Center in Norwalk CT). Very exciting panel discussing the patient being treated in an integrative manner. The details are as follows:
On Fertile Ground:
Holistic & Traditional Approaches to Infertility
Figures vary, but as many as 40% of infertility cases have been described as 'unexplained' which means that following thorough investigations, doctors can find no specific or identifiable medical problem at the root cause. Clearly even today, it's still a bit of a mystery why pregnancy may or may not occur.
On Fertile Ground is a panel discussion which looks deeper at some possible causes - lifestyle factors, nutritional imbalances, even emotional elements and offers ways in which couples may be able to overcome their fertility challenges by taking responsibility for themselves, rather than handing it all over to the doctors.
Our panel represents Western, Eastern and Integrated approaches to fertility - offering a strong potential for success in promoting fertility.
Hear from:
Joel Evans, MD: founder and director of The Center For Women's Health, nationally recognized wellness expert, educator, author and physician specializing in nutrition, mind/body medicine and spirituality.
Spencer Richlin, MD: Surgical Director and a specialist in reproductive endocrinology at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut.
Vicki Kobliner, MS RD: a RegisteredDietitian with extensive experience in using dietary modification, appropriate supplementation and functional lab testing to achieve optimal wellness.
Elaine M. Malin, MTCM, L.Ac.: a licensed acupuncturist and a Diplomat of Oriental Medicine, treating physical and emotional issues in adults, children and infants.
Tuesday, Oct. 26th
7:30am-10am
Continental Manor
112 Main Street
Norwalk, CT
Next up, is Dr. Joshua Hurwitz. We are delighted to announce that American Registry, a leader in recognizing excellence, has awarded our very own Dr. Joshua Hurtwitz with its prestigious One of 2009's "Most Compassionate Doctors" Award.
Dr. Hurwitz's patients have expressed their esteemed opinion of his bedside manner and have identified him as one of America's Most Compassionate Doctors. Only a handful of physicians receive such complimentary reviews nationally. In fact, of the nation's 720,000 active physicians, less than 3% were awarded this honor in 2009.
Dr. Hurwitz will be presenting at the following of RMACT’s fall seminar series:
Saturday October 30th 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
The Science of Dieting, Weight and the Fertility Connection
This seminar will discuss which meal plans work best, dieting fads and myths, and how body composition can affect fertility, pregnancy, and long term health for both mother and baby. Led by Carolyn Gundell and Joshua Hurwitz, MD.
Look to reading more about Dr. Mark Leondires (Medical Director of RMACT) in just a few weeks. Or better yet, watch and listen to him speak about how to optimize an IVF cycle. A subject that could help you enhance your chances of pregnancy and just a click away. Dr. Leondires has been a leader in supporting men and women on their path to their fertility and quest to create their families
Posted by Lisa Rosenthal on Wed, Oct 06, 2010 @ 08:10 AM
A very exciting news announcement earlier this week shook the reproductive health community in the best possible way. The Nobel Prize, arguably the most famous and prestigious scientific prize awarded each year, has been bestowed on Dr. Robert Edwards.
Dr. Edwards was one of two men responsible for the first In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) baby in the world (Louise Brown). Dr. Edwards worked with Dr. Patrick Steptoe as far back as 1968, creating the first fertilized human embryo in a laboratory setting.
Read what Scientific American had to say:
Edwards, a professor emeritus at the University of Cambridge, began research on the problem of infertility in the 1950s. The first "test-tube baby," Louise Brown, was born in 1978, an event that the Nobel expert panel called "a paradigm shift." Since then, approximately four million babies have been born worldwide via IVF, many of whom now have children of their own.
Something else to be noted:
Since it was first awarded in 1901 the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has rarely been bestowed on an advance that has led to such a singular clinical application (last year's Nobel in physiology or medicine was awarded to Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider and Jack Szostak for their work with telomeres and telomerase), and it has rarely been given for work in reproductive research.
Read Medical Director of Reproductive Medicine Associates of CT (RMACT), Dr. Mark Leondires comments about Dr. Edwards:
The achievement of Dr. Edwards has had a profound effect on the world. Not only has he helped millions of couples achieve the dream of having a family, but his work has led to over 4 million new lives. These live represent children who were truly a gift to their parents. This work has opened up new doors and continues to open eyes across the globe. I am still in awe at the time of embryo transfer to see dividing embryos under the microscope. I thank him for his work and courage in the face of adversity. I hope to proudly continue his legacy and dream to help infertile patients conceive and have families.
Dr. Mark Leondires
Dr. Cynthia Murdock, another board certified reproductive endocrinologist from RMACT, had these comments:
The awarding of the Nobel Prize to Dr. Robert Edwards is a long overdue recognition of his and Dr. Patrick Steptoe’s pioneering work in developing IVF. It is so important because of the statement it makes about the importance of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). There are over 4 million babies, children, and adults out in the world today who would not be here today if it was not for their discovery. This award also represents the fact that IVF is in the mainstream and is no longer considered to be an experiment, but a legitimate medical treatment that has the potential to benefit many more people.
Dr. Cynthia Murdock
I have had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Robert Edwards many times over the past two decades. He is always charming and acts as though he has all the time in the world for whatever conversation he is immersed in. Dr. Edwards always supports patient organizations by giving interviews, participating in events and discussing the importance of the work that they do. Although first and foremost a scientist, his obvious concern for the patient, for those needing the techniques that he was at the forefront of creating, is always apparent. He very much understands the human side of what his work has allowed.
To have IVF called a paradigm shift by the Nobel expert panel is an acknowledgement of reproductive health that has not occurred in any way before. It is huge. Really no other way to say it, it’s simply huge. And it validates all of you using this technology. This is not a lifestyle choice, this is not frivolous, this is important, life changing medicine. A paradigm.
Posted by Lisa Rosenthal on Fri, Oct 01, 2010 @ 07:35 AM
Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut have an amazing fall seminar series planned. Weight, exercise, food, grocery tours and much more. Seminars on Saturday, Grocery Tours in the evening.
And don't forget about Fertile Yoga on Saturdays. Norwalk 9:30-11:00 and 4:15-5:30 in Danbury/Brookfield
Exercise, Nutrition and Fertility "The Balancing Act"
Saturday October 2nd 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM
Is it actually possible to be too physically fit to conceive? Medical education and nutrition tools to support exercise, balance body composition, and optimize health for conception will be shared. Led by Carolyn Gundell, MS and Mark Leondires, MD.
Grocery Tours
Can "fertility foods" be found in your grocery store? Do you sometimes feel misled by food labels? Food shopping does not have to be stressful or confusing. Join Carolyn Gundell, MS for a shopping tour!
Grocery Tour at ShopRite in Brookfield
Monday October 4th 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM
143 Federal Road, Brookfield, CT - Grocery Tours will meet in Produce section of supermarket
Grocery Tour at Super Stop & Shop in Norwalk
Wednesday October 13th 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM
380 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT - Grocery Tours will meet in Produce section of supermarket
Fertile Nutrition: Tools for Success
Saturday October 23rd 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM
A discussion on how to increase your chances of pregnancy and optimizing your health prior to pregnancy with nutrition and lifestyle choices. Led by Carolyn Gundell and Spencer Richlin, MD.
The Science of Dieting, Weight and the Fertility Connection
Saturday October 30th 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM
This seminar will discuss which meal plans work best, dieting fads and myths, and how body composition can affect fertility, pregnancy, and long term health for both mother and baby. Led by Carolyn Gundell and Joshua Hurwitz, MD.
Taking the Guilt and "Weight" Out of Holiday Eating
Saturday November 13th 11:00 AM -12:30 PM
The Holidays can be filled with warm memories, family and friends, but are often stressful due to endless delicious food tasting opportunities. This seminar will provide you with a non-dieting, guilt free approach to holiday eating - share in recipe ideas and tips on how to get through the holidays without the typical 10 lb weight gain. Led by Registered Dietician Carolyn Gundell
Coping with the Holidays
Monday November 15th 6:30 PM until 8:00 PM
An evening event for individuals and couples to talk about the difficulties that the holidays can bring. Learn coping and planning strategies to help deal with the stress of family and friend gatherings throughout the holiday season. Led by RMACT psychologist, Lisa Tuttle, PhD.
* * * * * * *
Seminars are $10 per person or $15 per couple
RSVP to Cori at 203-750-7492
Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut
Cynthia Murdock, MD
www.rmact.com www.PathToFertility.com
Click here for link to Fertility Seminar Flyer
Posted by Lisa Rosenthal on Wed, Sep 29, 2010 @ 05:01 AM
As promised, read below to hear from Dr. Cynthia Murdock about one of the scariest situations while dealing with infertility-
If I had to choose one single problem which causes the most stress and anxiety among our patients, I would say that it is bleeding in early pregnancy. The official medical terminology for this is first trimester bleeding. Nothing is worse than working so hard to achieve a pregnancy only to discover that you are bleeding. The first thought that enters everyone’s mind is “I am losing this pregnancy”.
All bleeding should be evaluated with a blood test to check estrogen and progesterone levels, and an ultrasound to rule out any bleeding in the uterus. Most often when the bleeding is light we may not find a reason for the bleeding, but luckily most light bleeding episodes are limited to 1-2 days. Common recommendations are abstinence from sexual intercourse. In some cases of heavy bleeding we may ask you to decrease your activity level, but there is no evidence that this will prevent a miscarriage.
Luckily we have some positive news on this front. First of all, approximately 25% of all women have bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy. A recent large study of over 4,000 women revealed that of the 25% of women who have bleeding , only 8% have heavy bleeding (defined as more than a normal menstrual bleed). The majority of women (92%) who have bleeding, have only light bleeding(less than a menstrual period) or spotting. The good news is that women with only light bleeding or spotting are at no increased risk for a pregnancy loss. The not-so-good news is that women who experience heavy bleeding have a 3-fold increase in the risk of miscarriage. The most important messages that we can take home from this study are that first trimester bleeding is common, and that greater than 90% of women with first trimester bleeding are at no increased risk for a miscarriage.
Remember bleeding is common, but luckily most of the time it poses no risk to the pregnancy. Call your nurse so you can be evaluated but don’t panic!
Dr. Cynthia Murdock
Dr. Murdock earned a BA in biology at Cornell University and an MD at Creighton University School of Medicine where she graduated magna cum laude. She completed her residency at Creighton University Medical Center where she was named Berlex Best Teaching Resident. In 2003 she completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the National Institutes of Health.
An experienced researcher, Dr. Murdock has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed studies and presented at several of the most prestigious conferences in the field of reproductive medicine. The focus of much of her research has been on estrogen receptors, hypothalamic neuron function, and precocious puberty.
Dr. Murdock is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, as well as a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Murdock was previously an assistant clinical professor at Creighton University School of Medicine and a staff physician with Reproductive Health Specialists at Nebraska Methodist Hospital. She has also served as an Assistant Professor of OB-GYN at the National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Dr. Murdock is now a staff physician and a fertility specialist in Reproductive Medicine at RMACT. She is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.