Path to Fertility Gives RMACT Staff Members Opportunity to Share Perspective, Knowledge

Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) has launched a blog as an extension of the fertility practice’s website (www.PathtoFertility.com).  The RMACT Blog, called the Path to Fertility, fulfills the intellectual and emotional needs of patients by educating readers about their fertility and fertility treatments and addressing the emotional rollercoaster of infertility.

Unlike many other fertility resources, the Path to Fertility will be written by a rotation of staff members, each with their own professional perspective and personal experiences.  The blog, which will have fresh content five days a week, will have input from the practice’s team, which includes reproductive endocrinologists, nurses, acupuncturists, embryologists and yoga instructors.  The lead writer will be Lisa Rosenthal, practice support liaison of RMACT, who has over twenty-five years of experience in the fertility field, including her work with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association and The American Fertility Association.

“Working with RMACT gives me an opportunity to educate patients and other readers about infertility and the impact of responsible fertility treatment,” says Rosenthal.  “Our hope is that through providing relevant information and frank opinions, we can act as a community – that type of support is crucial for men and women facing fertility challenges.”

Path to Fertility’s first blog is an honest look at Thanksgiving – its cherished pleasures and why some people find it difficult to feel thankful during the holiday season.  Subsequent entries will focus on fertility education by clarifying fertility misconceptions, and the RMACT staff will give their opinions on current fertility topics seen in the media.  Additionally, readers will be invited to post their opinions and experiences.

“Patients, especially new patients, are often consumed by a need to learn about infertility and try to get a handle on their unique medical situation and treatment plan,” said Dr. Mark Leondires, medical director of RMACT.  “We strive to help provide education in our offices, and through the blog we are extending this fertility education to give our patients all of the support they need.  Like our approach to treatment, the blog provides comprehensive information from our multidisciplinary staff.”

Fertility challenges commonly remain hidden until a couple struggles to get pregnant.  This revelation takes many couples by surprise, leaving them feeling isolated, frustrated and misinformed or under-informed about their fertility.  Complicating this situation is the common reluctance to speak with friends and family about their situation; this leaves patients longing for support.  Path to Fertility gives these patients a place to hear from others in similar situations, as well as to find much-needed information.

“We want people to know that they are not alone, that they do not need to go through the journey alone, and that we are here. Our blog is a way to offer them company, support and understanding,” Rosenthal adds.

Infertility Study Confirms Laser Acupuncture Improves IVF Pregnancy Rates

RMACT the only fertility clinic in Connecticut to offer laser acupuncture treatments for IVF fertility treatments.

Norwalk, CT  May 28, 2009 -- Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) announced today the results of a recently conducted survey that showed the use of laser acupuncture performed both before and after embryo transfer during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, improves a women's chances of implantation by up to 15%. Acupuncture is the traditional Chinese method of using pin-point thin needles placed at strategic "energy points" around the body to improve functioning and promote natural healing. Growing medical evidence indicates that acupuncture may improve a woman's chance of conceiving when performed in conjunction with IVF fertility treatments. Today, acupuncture is frequently used by women with infertility issues to help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce stress and improve blood flow to the pelvic area and uterine lining. The study, one of the largest clinical trials ever conducted on acupuncture, had 1,000 participants who were randomly assigned to one of five study groups. The first group received traditional acupuncture, the second group received laser acupuncture, while the third or "placebo group" thought (along with the acupuncturist and physician) that they also received laser acupuncture. The fourth, relaxation group lay in a dimly light room with soft music, and the last group received no treatment at all. All treatments were administered for 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer.

"The results of this large prospective study are exciting in that they provide additional support in showing that acupuncture has a direct effect on improving fertility," said Amy Matton, a licensed acupuncturist at RMACT. "Like traditional acupuncture, laser acupuncture uses low level light to regulate qi and help balance the body. Laser acupuncture is a viable alternative form of fertility treatment for people who may have a fear of needles."     

"This exciting, first-of-its-kind study offers another tool to help couples achieve pregnancy, with only two painless treatments" said Dr. Mark Leondires, Medical Director at RMACT. "Our customized patient programs, personal attention, and leading research and technology, enable RMACT to provide each of our patients with the latest and most effective fertility treatment possible."

RMACT IVF Fertility Treatment Laser 

Currently, RMACT is the only fertility center in Connecticut to offer laser acupuncture. All of RMACT's licensed acupuncturists have been trained in the use of laser acupuncture. To make an appointment or to learn more, call (800) 865-5431, or contact us via our Fertility Clinic Contact Form

RMACT Fertility Clinic and Egg Donation offices specialize in the treatment of infertility. With fertility clinics in Norwalk, Danbury and Greenwich, CT, and an affiliate office in Rye, NY, our team of Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologists offer a wide range of infertility treatments from basic fertility services including ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) to the most advanced assisted reproductive technologies including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Egg Donation and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). The RMACT physician team includes, Dr. Mark P. Leondires, Dr. Spencer S. Richlin, Dr. Joshua M. Hurwitz, and Dr. Cynthia M. Murdock. All physicians are members of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Fairfield County and Connecticut Medical Societies. RMACT's IVF laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and CLIA; other accreditations include the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). RMACT offers individualized treatment plans in a patient-focused and supportive environment. Fertility treatment support services, such as psychological counseling, acupuncture and yoga are also available. 

To view Abstract published in the November 2008 issue of Fertility and Sterility, The Official Journal of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine: , click here: IVF Fertility Treatment Laser Acupuncture Abstract 

2006

United Press International (UPI), LIFESTYLE MAY AFFECT FERTILITY RATES, in a story about
lifestyle issues affecting fertility, Jan 6, 2006

2005

American Baby, AN INFERTILE START, in a story about infertility, August 2005
Connecticut Post, EMOTIONAL IMPACT, EXPERTS LOOK AT THE ROLE STRESS PLAYS IN
PREGNANCY LOSS, about stress and miscarriage, 3/1/05
Connecticut Post, FRUITFUL STUDY, about IVF twins, 4/14/2005
Connecticut Post, WHAT BIOLOGICAL CLOCK? WOMEN WANT OPTION TO FREEZE EGGS, in a
piece about freezing eggs, 8/4/2005
Connecticut Post, YOUNG WOMAN FACES FERTILITY PROBLEMS, about Kassandra Vaughn
Harper's problem with fertility, 9/4/05
Connecticut Post about RMA baby reunion, November 6, 2005
ePregnancy Magazine, SMARTER IVF, in a piece about IVF, February 2005
Fairfield County Business Journal, FERTILITY CLINICS EXPECT NEW LAW TO BRING PATIENTS,
in a piece about insurers and IVF, July 18, 2005
Forbes.com, STUDY LINKS STRESS TO MISCARRIAGE, in a piece about stress and miscarriage,
August 4, 2005
Greenwich Times, STATE MOM CHRONICLES BATTLE WITH INFERTILITY, about Kassandra Vaughn
Harper's problem with fertility, Sept 19, 2005
Infertility Times, NEW STUDY LINKS STRESS TO MISCARRIAGE, about miscarriage, Feb/Mar 2005
Infertility Times, NEW TREATMENTS FOR POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME OFFER HOPE FOR
MILLIONS, about pcos, May 2005
Infertility Times, FOR EGG DONORS, PROVIDING A WAY OUT OF INFERTILITY'S DEPAIR IS BEST
REWARD, about egg donation, June 2005
iParenting.com, THE OVERSEAS CONNECTION, A TRIP ACROSS THE OCEAN MAY SOLVE
FERTILITY PROBLEMS, about ART, Spring 2005
News-Times (Danbury CT), 40ISH WOULD-BE PARENTS DISCOVER HOPE, HELP IN NEW
FERTILITY CLINIC, in a feature piece on RMA, 3/6/05
News-Times (Danbury CT), CANCER DRUG AIDS WOMEN'S FERTILITY, in a piece about a cancer
drug for infertility, 7/11/05
News-Times (Danbury CT) in a story about fertility and freezing eggs, 10/10/05
Preconception.com, FINDING A LINK, about stress and miscarriage, June 2005
Pregnancy & Baby, NEW PROCEDURE CAN PREVENT GENETIC DISEASE BEFORE PREGNANCY,
in a piece about PGD, Spring 2005
Record Journal, YOUNG WOMEN FACING HURDLES, about Kassandra Vaughn Harper's problem with
fertility, Sept 18, 2005
WebMD, CAN YOU TIME YOUR PREGNANCY? in a piece about timing your pregnancy, July 2005
WebMD, FAST-TRACK YOUR CONCEPTION, in a story about fast tracking pregnancy, July 2005
Woman's World, MASSAGE MADE HER A MOM, about massage and fertility. January 11, 2005
Woman's World, WILL I HAVE ANOTHER MISCARRIAGE? in a piece about miscarriage, May 17, 2005

2004 and earlier

Connecticut Parent, FERTILITY THERAPY GIVES HOPE TO OLDER WOMEN, in a story about fertility
and older women. April 2004
Connecticut Post in a story about infertility and depression, 11/ 11/ 2004
Connecticut Post, COUPLE'S INFERTILITY OFTEN LINKED TO MEN, BUT FIXABLE, in a story about
men and fertility. 6/ 20/ 2004
ePregnancy Magazine, CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP YOU CONCEIVE?, in an article about acupuncture
and fertility. October 2004
ePregnancy Magazine, PRECONCEPTION TROUBLESHOOTING, in an article about fertility
troubleshooting. June 2004
First for Women Magazine on Stress's effects, February 16, 2004
Norwalk Citizen in a news item about Dr. Spencer Richlin joining RMA, August 13, 2004
Norwalk Hour, COULD WE BE INFERTILE, in a piece about infertility, April 19, 2004
Norwalk Hour in a news item about Dr. Spencer Richlin joining RMA, June 23, 2004
Norwalk Hour about depression and infertility. November 1, 2004
Organic Magazine, LONGING FOR A BABY, in a piece about natural fertility, July/Aug 2004
Pregnancy & Baby, NEW PROCEDURE CAN PREVENT GENETIC DISEASE BEFORE PREGNANCY,
in a piece about PGD, February 2004
Pregnancy Magazine, INFERTILITY ESCAPE, in a story about infertility escapes. September 2004
PregnancyToday.com, GO FOR IT, 9 REASONS WHY NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO HAVE A BABY, in
a story the best time to have a baby. June 2004
Stamford Advocate and Greenwich Times, BUNDLE OF JOY, in a story about greeting a son born via
medical miracle. April 21, 2004
Stamford Advocate and Greenwich Times in a news item about Dr. Spencer Richlin joining RMA, June
9, 2004
StamfordTimes, INCREASING YOUR CHANCES OF PREGNANCY, in a piece about increasing your
chances of pregnancy, 3/14/04
StamfordTimes in a news item about Dr. Spencer Richlin joining RMA, June 13, 2004
Westchester Parent Magazine, NEEDLES OF HOPE: ACUPUNCTURE AND INFERTILITY, November
2004 

www.rmact.com/pdf/newsquotes(1).pdf