new patient information: tips for optimal health and wellness

New Patient InformationTips for optimal health and wellness

ADVANCED FERTILITY CENTER OF TEXAS

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)Assisted Hatching

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)Egg Donor Program

Gestational SurrogacyIntrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)3-D Ultrasounds

Complex Laparoscopic SurgeryMini In-Vitro Fertilization Cycles

Ovulation Induction (OI)Fertility Preservation including egg and sperm freezing

OMNI-MED LABORATORIES

Sperm WashSperm Analysis

Sperm Function TestsPre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Family Balancing (gender selection)Down Syndrome detection

LISANNE WELLNESS CENTER

Acupuncture and CuppingTraditional Chinese Medicine

Alternative MedicineAllergy Elimination

ChiropracticHormone Balance

Laser TherapyDiet and Nutrition Programs

Vitamin and Nutriceutical SupplementsAromatherapy

Weight LossCholesterol Lowering Programs

Fatty Liver TreatmentFunctional Medicine

DetoxificationFatigue

Fertility ProgramPCOS Program

Vitamin Deficiency Testing

www.infertilityanswers.com • 713.467.4488 or 877.DRALLON • Dial ext. 40 for a new patient appointment


Advanced Fertility Center of Texas▌We strive to bring you the most advanced and comprehensive

treatments by using the latest information to improve your rate

of success. Whether you are trying to conceive or not, the points

described here apply to anyone. We hope that by having this

valuable information you can take a proactive role in your health

to rapidly achieve your goals.

WELCOME TO ThE

FOLIC ACID (B9 VITAMIN) Folic acid is vital to building DNA (cell

building blocks), and is essential in ovulation

as well as in the prevention of spinal cord

defects, cleft palate and an array of birth defects,

as well as decreasing the risk of miscarriages.

It is also important for men’s fertility. You

should have at least 700 micrograms daily to

improve ovulation and conception. We may

use 4,000 micrograms in some patients who

lack the enzymes that metabolize folic acid. Folic

acid is found in leafy green vegetables like

spinach, citrus fruits, nuts, legumes (beans,

peas and lentils), and whole grains.

VITAMIN DVitamin D is found in milk, fatty fish, cod-

liver oil, and (to a lesser extent) eggs. Sunlight

provides a major source of vitamin D and a

deficiency is linked to a depressed immune

system, diabetes, colon cancer, cardiovascular

disease and osteoporosis.

IRON The recommended intake of iron is 30-80 mg

a day. The source of iron is important; iron

from fruits, vegetables and beans are preferable

to iron from meat sources. These higher doses

of iron may decrease the risk of ovulation

disorders. It seems that an egg or embryo

(union of sperm and egg) need iron for the DNA

and protein synthesis needed for fertilization and

energy to power it. Look at the fortified cereals

for additional iron as well as foods like pumpkin

seeds, soybean nuts, bran spinach, and red

kidney beans.

B6 AND B12 VITAMINS B12 vitamin deficiencies can cause ovulation

disorders and impair the ability of a fertilized

egg to implant. Vegetarians are often deficient in

B12 because it is found in fish, meat, poultry eggs,

milk and milk products. B6 may improve PMS.

ZINC The recommended intake of zinc is 8-11 mg

a day. It is a trace mineral and is essential in

normal ovulation, fertilization in women and

is essential for sperm production in men.

DhAOmega-3 fats have many benefits including

decreasing inflammation, improving insulin

resistance and during pregnancy it can improve

a fetus’s neurological development and a host

of other benefits. These healthy fats are found

in herring, salmon, Atlantic mackerel, sardines.

Concern regarding mercury contamination in

our waters has led to cautious diet intake of

these fish an increase in supplementation.


Nutrition for Health & Reproduction


VITAMINS FOR MALE INFERTILITY Men produce new sperm about every 72 days

and there is sufficient evidence that there is

reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed inside

the genitals may damage sperm during its

maturation. Several antioxidants have been

shown to improve and protect the sperm.

VITAMIN E:

Protects sperm movement and normal shape.

VITAMIN C:

Improves sperm movement and reduces DNA

damage.

N-ACETYL-L-CYSTEINE:

Improves sperm movement and reduces ROS.

It improves the function of sperm by improving

sperm morphology, sperm concentration and

count.

ZINC, FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN B12:

Improves sperm maturation and function.

SELENIuM:

A powerful antioxidant and Selenium

deficiency has been associated with poor

sperm movement.

CO-ENZYME Q10:

Improves sperm movement and health by its

energy promoting properties.

N-ACETYL CARNITINE:

A strong antioxident that can improve glucose

in diabetics and improves heart disease. It also

improves sperm function.

CELIAC DISEASECeliac disease is a digestive disorder that is due

to the body inability to digest gluten which is a

protein used by the food industry particularly

in wheat, barley, and rye.

There are several foods which contain gluten

and it appears that this intolerance is under

diagnosed but can cause a flare up of the

body’s immune system to react against the

small intestine destroying its ability to absorb

many nutrients. It is a culprit of irregular menses,

earlier menopause, ovulatory dysfunction and

male infertility.

Symptoms may include abdominal bloating,

diarrhea, flatulence, lactose intolerance or

no symptoms. Gluten is found in rye wheat,

barley, and most breads and cereals. A gluten

free diet will typically resolve most symptoms.

There is some evidence to suggest that in some

patients a gluten free diet can restore their fertility.

Vitamin C found in fruit like oranges can improve sperm movement and reduce DNA damage.

Stress & Infertility

▌Infertility has been ranked as one of the greatest sources of stress in a person’s life comparable to cancer. Stress can lead to an increase in a hormone called cortisol which will than inhibit LH (luteinizing hormone) which is essential for ovulation.

Stress will increase CRH (Corticotrophin releasing hormone) which can directly affect the uterus by decreasing implantation and potentially increasing infertility and miscarriages.

Prolonged stress has been implicated in decreasing the immune system and causing menstrual cycle abnormalities, insulin resistance, weight gain, hypertension, anxiety, and depression.

Numerous studies have shown that almost 30% of patients discontinue treatment due to physical or psychological stress. Many of these patients could have achieved their goal if they could have better communication with their physician and learned different techniques to overcome their stress. We recommend that you apply several approaches to reduce stress such as:

MEDITATIONSlow deep breaths while repeating a calming word or phrase block out all other thoughts, feelings, and sensation . If you feel your attention wandering, bring it back to your breathing.

GuIDED IMAGERYPicture a favorite location or vacation spot. Take several deep breaths. Go in your mind to your special place. Focus on all the sensa-tions: what can you smell, see, feel, and hear. Allow yourself to become totally absorbed with your images. Stay in your special spot for 10-20 minutes, and then gracefully return to you environment.

EXERCISEAny amount of exercise can help.

hAThA YOGAHatha yoga involves tightening and then relaxing different muscle groups.

MINI RELAXATIONAllow the abdomen to rise and fall with each breath and count down from ten to zero, take one complete breath with each number.

DISCOVERING MuSCLE TENSIONLie on your back in a comfortable position. Allow your arms to rest at your sides, down, on the surface next to you. Raise just the right hand and arm and hold it elevated for 15 seconds. Notice if your forearms feel tight and tense or if the muscles are soft and pliable. Let you had and arm drop down and relax. The arm muscles will relax too. As you lie still, notice any other parts of your body that feel tense, muscles that feel tight and sore.

FOOT BAThSSoak your feet with warm water at night and add Epsom salts, soothing lavender oil, or peppermint oil. Listen to soft music and breathe deeply into your lower abdomen. This will increase the blood flow to your uterus and ovaries.

COGNITIVE RESTRuCTuRING Cognitive restructuring involves reducing stress by turning automatic negative thoughts into more positive realistic ones.

SOCIAL SuPPORT Talk to a trusted friend or family member.

EMOTIONAL EXPRESSIONWrite about a stressful event, 20 minutes a day for 4 days.

SELF NuRTuRANCEWhen first awakening, spend 15 minutes thinking of one nice thing you can do for yourself that day.



WEIGhT AND EXERCISEAn ideal weight lies between 18.5 and 24.9

BMI (Body Mass Index. For reference, use

www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi). A BMI of 25-

29 is considered overweight and greater than

30 is considered in the obese range.

From the nurses’ health study we learned that

a BMI less than 19 is detrimental for infertility

and a high BMI will increase your levels of

estrogen and inhibit your ovulation as well as

increase your insulin resistance (prediabetic

stage).

Exercise has long been shown to improve long

term health benefits and overweight women

who are not ovulating will restore their menstrual

cycle and ovulation by 5-10% weight loss.

From the studies on pregnant women we learn

that an exercise program which has an average

of 43 minutes three times per week at a maxi-

mal heart rate of 144 beats per minute has no

detrimental effects.

We recommend three types of exercises:

• Low-impact cardio (walking, swimming,

fitness classes, treadmill, stationary bike,

elliptical trainer).

• Muscle toning by building your core

muscles which include your back and

stomach (Yoga and Pilates).

• Resistance training -start with low-resistance

light weight (no more than 5 lbs) at

least eight times for 3 times a week.

Some studies suggest that exercise that strenuous

exercise such as exercise to exhaustion can be

detrimental to fertility by increasing the core

temperature, and decreased uterine blood flow

leading to rapid fluctuation in hormone levels.

A helpful measure of an appropriate exertion

is the ability to carry a normal conversation

with moderate exercise intensity.

ACuPuNCTuRE BENEFITSAcupuncture has been used for centuries in

Chinese Medicine to treat and prevent health

issues by balancing the body’s energy and

inducing harmony for optimal physiologic

function.

Acupuncture inhibits the sympathetic nervous

system which results in improved uterine and

ovarian blood flow. This improved blood flow

increases the chance of pregnancy. Many

studies have demonstrated improved

implantation rates when acupuncture is

used in conjunction with IVF and embryo

transfer. Just like many treatments, positive

benefits may take several treatments.

Acupuncture increases B-endorphins which

stimulate FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)

and LH (luteinizing hormone) and improve

ovulation.

Acupuncture can decrease anxiety, stress and

depression and is used to improve many types

of pain.

Acupuncture, Weight & Exercise


Infertility Herbs

RASPBERRY LEAFCan restore a hormonal balance and nourish the uterus. Some sources say it is most effective when used with Red Clover.

RED CLOVERRed clover can nourish the uterus, relax the nervous system, and balance hormones. It is high in calcium, vitamins, and magnesium.

ChASTETREE BERRYAlso known as Vitex Angus, it is used to help balance hormones by stimulating the pituitary gland, which produces sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

ROYAL JELLYRoyal jelly can be beneficial for individual with hormonal imbalance as it helps to provide support for the endocrine system.

FALSE uNICORN ROOTFalse unicron root is used to encourage ovulation and restore hormonal balance.

DONG QuAIA traditional Chinese fertility herb that is said to help balance estrogen levels and improve the chances of embryo implantation.

LADYS MANTLECan assist in the regulation of menstruation and to help build up the uterine lining.

STINGING NETTLEUsed to help regulate the body’s hormones, ovulation, and menstruation. It is high in chlorophyll and minerals.

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL (EPO)EPO helps to increase fertile quality cervical fluid and also contains essential fatty acids which are good for the brain. You may take this EPO from menstruation to ovulation.

RED RASPBERRY LEAFYou may take this herb during the entire cycle as it strengthens the uterine lining, thus helping to lengthen the luteal phase.

VITEX (ChASTE BERRY)Vitex helps regulate hormones and should be taken either the entire cycle or the first half from menstruation to ovulation.

DON QuIDon qui is used for the health of the reproductive system in females by regulating menstrual cycles and improving the overall health of the uterus. Women with endometriosis find significant relief of their pain when taking dong qui.

Although there may be several benefits to taking herbs, we ask that you do not take herbs when undergoing a fertility treatment or IVF as it may interfere with the hormone stimulation.

Raspberry Leaf used with Red Clover is said to restore hormonal balances and nourish the uterus.


General Points

SMOkING Smoking will decrease the amount of eggs that you release and it has been shown to cause pre-mature menopause. Smoking can lower your estrogen and increase the risk of miscarriages, preterm delivery and low-birth weight babies.Smoking in men will decrease the count by at least 15% and reduce motility and increase the number of abnormal sperm. Numerous studies have shown that smoking results in reduced fertility.

ALCOhOLIt is advisable to have no more than 2-4 alcoholic drinks per week prior to ovulation. One drink is 12 ounces of beer, 1 ounce of liquor, or 4 ounces of wine. You should abstain from alcohol completely after ovulation or during pregnancy. For men consumption of more than 5-7 drinks a week can result in decrease testosterone which will decrease sperm production.

CAFFEINEThis subject has always been debated many experts agree that moderate amount of caffeine does not affect infertility. Limit your caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg a day. A tall starbucks coffee ≈ 260 mg of caffeine• One cup of coffee ≈ 100 mg of caffeine• One cup of tea ≈ 40 mg of caffeine• One soda/pop ≈ 40 mg of caffeine, and this will depend on the soda type

MALE FERTILITYIt is best for the male partner to avoid excess heat as that will tend to kill sperm. The testis maintain a temperature of 95 degrees which is cooler than our own normal of 98.6. We ask the male partner to avoid placing the lap top on his lap, hot baths, prolonged exercise which may increase the heat to the testis.

MENSTRuAL CYCLEThe menstrual cycle can vary between 25-35 days. If your cycle varies by more than 5 days than you may not be ovulating. Most women will ovulate between cycle days 11-18 (first day of heavy menstrual flow is considered day 1) and since the sperm can live for 3 days and the egg will typically last one day, we advise that you have intercourse every other day during that fertile week. If you are tracking the time of your menstrual cycle a good rule of thumb to approximate the ovulation day is to subtract 14 from the longest interval between your menstrual cycles.

PERSONAL LuBRICANTSDo not use lubricants like KY jelly as it may destroy the sperm. It is best to use vegetable oil, corn oil or Pre-Seed personal lubricant.

Limit your caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg a day.

Our Specialists

Dmitri Dozortsev, MD, PhD, HCLD, is director of reproductive

laboratories for the Advanced Fertility Center of Texas and Omni-Med

Laboratories. He has been board-certified as a reproductive laboratory

director since 1996 and performed and supervised thousands of

assisted-reproduction cycles. He is also one of the most experienced

preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) experts in the United States. Dr. Dozortsev received his

medical degree from Pavlov’s Medical School in St. Petersburg in Russia, his Ph.D. with highest

honors from State University of Gent in Belgium, and his post-doctorate training at the world-

renown Reproductive Genetics Institute in Chicago. He served as a faculty with OB-GYN department

at Wayne State University for seven years and has more than 40 articles and chapters.

DR. DMITRI DOZORTSEV

Michael A. Allon, MD, FACOG, specializes in in-vitro fertilization,

polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hormonal and congenital

abnormalities, and complex laparoscopic surgery. Board-certified in

reproductive endocrinology and infertility, as well as obstetrics

and gynecology, Dr. Allon founded the Allon Health Center and

Advanced Fertility Center of Texas (formerly Center for Women’s Medicine) in 1997. Author of

several publications and book chapters, he has been recognized as a top doctor by several state and

local publications. He has a special interest in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome and has

held monthly support groups and given several national talks related to the syndrome. He received

his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, his medical degree from Texas Tech

University, and his post-graduate training at Baylor College of Medicine and Wayne State University.

His extensive experience in the field of in vitro fertilization and complex laparoscopic surgery

provide unique comprehensive treatments to a variety of infertility patients.

DR. MIChAEL ALLON

Our Specialists

Pei-Chi Tsai, MS, laboratory supervisor for the Allon Health Center and Omni-Med Laboratories, is an expert on IVF, ICSI, embryo culture, embryo transfer, semen analysis, overnight culture, and cryopreservation. She graduated from the National Chen-Kong University in Taiwan with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology, interned at Stanford University, and graduated from University of

Kentucky with a master’s degree in reproductive laboratory science.

PEI-ChI TSAI


Mary Turner, MS, WHNP, specialist in infertility and gynecology and

research nurse in uterine fibroids and endometriosis has been caring

for patients at the center for the past eight years. She received her

bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas at Austin and

her master’s degree in nursing as a women’s health nurse practitioner

from the University of Texas at Houston. In the early stages of her career, Mary cared for cancer

patients as a breast center and research nurse in surgical oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center,

and continues to help cancer patients who desire Fertility Preservation at the Advanced Fertility

Center of Texas.

MARY TuRNER

Stephan P. Krotz, MD, specialist in reproductive endocrinology and

infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), minimally invasive

surgery and fertility preservation for women undergoing cancer treatment

earned his undergraduate degree in Genetics at the University of

California at Davis, his M.D. at Northwestern University, completed

his OB-GYN residency at Baylor College of Medicine and his fellowship training at Brown University.

He served on the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine where he developed expertise in Premature

Ovarian Failure (early menopause). At Brown University, he pioneered the development of the first

Artificial Human Ovary for in vitro maturation of oocytes. He was awarded the 2009 Research Prize

from the New England Fertility Society for innovative research, has published over thirty scientific

articles, book chapters and abstracts, and is a reviewer for prestigious medical journals.

DR. STEPhAN kROTZ

Jodi M. Altman, DC, is the director of the wellness body and mind program at Lisanne Wellness Center. Dr. Altman specializes in restoration of the functional and structural deformities of the nervous system which can influence the endocrine system. She obtained her doctorate degree from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas. She has extensive post graduate work in Applied Kinesiology and has

done extensive work using a variety of wellness methods including the low level laser to reduce pain and rejuvenate the proper function of body systems.

DR. JODI ALTMAN


Texas Medical Center7700 S. Main, Suite 310, Houston, Texas 77030

Memorial City10901 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079

The Woodlands17198 St. Luke’s Way, Suite 410, The Woodlands, TX 77384

Cy Fair11302 Fallbrook Drive, Suite 110, Houston, TX 77065


College Station Medical Center1604 Rock Prairie Road, Suite 400, College Station, TX 77845

LOCATIONS6

katy18400 Katy Fwy, Suite 570, Houston TX 77094

new patient information: tips for optimal health and wellness

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