UCSF Center for Reproductive Health

Help UCSF Center for Reproductive Health researchers answer urgent questions about the safety of newly pregnant women and their babies during COVID-19. Support the ASPIRE Study Today! https://givingtogether.ucsf.edu/fundraiser/2731591

Although preventive measures (universal masking, physical distancing, hand hygiene, and prompt testing with isolation and contact tracing) can significantly decrease the transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 illness, the consensus among experts is that only an effective COVID-19 vaccine will end the pandemic. Despite the categorization of pregnancy as a high-risk condition for severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, and mortality, pregnancy remains an exclusion for... participation in vaccine trials. There was no biological reason for exclusion of pregnant or lactating patients from these trials. At UCSF, in alignment with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, we recommend that pregnant patients and patients who are actively trying to conceive have access to COVID-19 vaccines, and that they and their healthcare professional engage in shared decision-making regarding receipt of the vaccine. Counseling should balance available data on vaccine safety, risks to pregnant patients from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and an individual's risk for infection and severe disease. mRNA vaccines, which are the first vaccines available, do not contain a live virus but rather induce humoral and cellular immune response through the use of viral mRNA. The theoretical risk of fetal harm from mRNA vaccines is very low. If you are actively trying to conceive and are eligible for the vaccine, there is no reason to delay pregnancy attempts or fertility treatment because of vaccine administration or to defer treatment until the second dose has been administered. Patients who conceive in the window between the first and second dose of the vaccine should be offered the second dose of the vaccine at the appropriate interval.

Decreased physical activity can increase stress levels, which has been associated with early drop-out from fertility treatments and possible decreased IVF success. The Physical Activity in Fertility Care (PACE) Study aims to determine the safety and value of maintaining, versus reducing, physical activity during ovarian stimulation. If you're a female, 18-43 years of age, and undergoing your first ovarian stimulation for elective oocyte cryopreservation OR in vitro fertilizat...ion treatment, you may be eligible to enroll. To find out more, visit https://crh.ucsf.edu/fertility-research #fertilitytreatments #fertilityjourney #fertilityresearch

One in eight U.S. women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, making it one of the most common forms of cancer in women, regardless of race or ethnicity. At UCSF CRH, we can help you on your breast cancer journey by offering fertility preservation services and support. With a dedicated medical team that is at the forefront in fertility preservation, and one of the most highly respected certified embryology laboratories in the nation, we are uniquely qualified to offe...r the latest treatments, so you can begin your family planning journey when you're ready. To learn more about your options, contact our Fertility Preservation Team at 415-353-9115 #fertilitypservation #breatcancerawareness #keephopealive

This year has changed a lot of things. Luckily, it has also changed the conversations we are able to have. One in four families lose baby during pregnancy, delivery or infancy. Miscarriages and infant loss are more common than we may expect, yet these important conversations are rare. When stories like this come to light, it allows more individuals that chance to share and to heal. We may not all understand the experience, but at UCSF, we're committed to supporting you. If you're a UCSF patient who has experienced first or second trimester pregnancy loss, join us tomorrow for a virtual support group. Contact us at 415-514-2670 or [email protected] to learn more.

For those coping with infertility, the holiday season can be a painful reminder of what's missing. Here are our tips for coping during the holidays: Set boundaries: When it comes to the holidays, saying no to friends and family can feel impossible, but it's important to set boundaries to protect your mental health. Opt out of situations, conservations or events that may be too painful, and don't feel guilty. Create new traditions: Replace potentially painful traditions w...ith new traditions. If your holiday season typically involves big celebrations with families, and you aren't feeling up to it, it may be time to start a new tradition. Spend quality time alone or with your partner or help those who are less fortunate. Do something that makes YOU happy. Stay healthy: Monitor both your mental and physical health this holiday season, to ensure that you are prepared to continue your fertility treatments. That means taking breaks, eating wholesome meals and getting enough sleep. Remember that you aren't alone in coping with infertility this holiday season.

VF, IUI, surrogacy, donor sperm. There are many methods available to help you on your fertility journey, but these terms may be new or confusing to many. Scroll through our convenient cheat sheet on the most common types of fertility treatments to learn more. If you're wondering which path is right for your fertility journey, contact us today for a consultation. #eggdonor #iui #ivf #infertilitytreatments

This week, we would like to give thanks to our Physician Assistants, Nurse Practioners, Certified Nurse Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists and Nurse Midwives! These valuable members of our care team are medical providers who are trained and educated similarly to physicians. They help to provide a seamless care environment for all UCSF CRH patients. This week, make sure to thank your Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)! Have any questions for the UCSF CRH APPs? Let us know if the comments! #healthcareproviders #fertilitycareproviders

Whether you're undergoing IVF or preparing for your first IVF treatment, you may have question. To help, our reproductive endocrinologists are breaking down the A through Z of IVF lifestyle recommendations. This week, we discuss skin and hair care, travel and vaccinations. Have any questions for our team? Drop them below.

As one of the first egg donor programs in the Bay Area, we've been helping patients become parents using donated ova since 1991. Our team understands the needs of women who choose to donate their eggs and provides you with compassion, counsel and support as you embark on this generous journey. By choosing UCSF CRH, you will receive top quality care within a highly respected university setting. You also will have the advantage of visiting only one location for all your care ...to help you feel comfortable throughout the process. If you are between the ages of 21 and 33 you may qualify to become an egg donor. Compensation is up to $14,000 per donation and you can donate up to six times. Please note: Egg donation involves a screening process. Not all potential egg donors are selected and not all selected egg donors receive the monetary amounts of compensation advertised. As with any medical procedure, there may be risk associated with human egg donation. Prior to entering into an egg donation contract, consultation with your doctor is advised. If you're interested in becoming an egg donor, contact us at [email protected]

Meet Dr. Victor Fujimoto! Dr. Fujimoto is a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and fertility. He is an expert in IVF technologies and noninvasive techniques for gynecologic treatment. As a former fertility patient, Dr. Fujimoto understands the emotional journey many infertile couples face. He strongly believes that patients should understand their reproductive potential and treatment choices. To learn more about Dr. Fujimoto, or to request an appointment, visit: https:/.../www.ucsfhealth.org/providers/dr-victor-fujimoto #ivfspecialist #infertilitysupport #healthcareprofessionals

If you're part of the LGBTQ+ rainbow, there are many paths to family building: surrogacy, gestational carriers or sperm donors. But navigating these paths can be complicated and confusing. Join Family Equality on December 10 for "LGBTQ+ Paths to Pregnancy: Using Donor Sperm to Build Your Family." This informative, virtual event will focus on family-building with donor sperm, including insemination, working with known and unknown donor sperm and legal suggestions for protecting your family. To learn more and to register for the event, visit: https://www.familyequality.org//lgbtq-paths-to-pregnancy-/

Pregnant during the pandemic? Interested in participating in the ASPIRE program? Join us TOMORROW on Instagram Live. At 12:30PM PST/3:30PM EST, ASPIRE Co-Investigator, Dr. Huddleston, will be answering your questions live! We'll be discussing the ASPIRE program, how to participate, what is involved, and more. Have a question? Drop it below

Did you know that one in four families will lose a baby during pregnancy, delivery or infancy? It happens to families of all races, ethnicities, income levels, and ages. On Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, remember to support those who have lost and those who are grieving. And if you're interested in improving the outcomes during pregnancy and childbirth, there are many research projects to support or become involved in across the U.S. and globally. Interested in le...arning more? Visit https://starlegacyfoundation.org/awareness-month/ #NeverBeStill #1in4 #PregnancyandInfantLossAwareness

Curious about the UCSF ASPIRE Study? Join us on IG Live Tuesday, October 20th at 12:30PM PST. We will have our ASPIRE Principal Investigators answering your questions about the study, our goals and how to get involved. Have a question? Drop it below to hear it answered live ... #covidpregnancy #covid19 #pregnancysupport

Did you know that a regular dose of awe is a simple way to boost healthy ‘prosocial’ emotions such as compassion and gratitude? According to the latest study between UCSF and Trinity College Dublin, older adults who took weekly 15-minute awe walks for eight weeks reported increased positive emotions and less distress in their daily lives. Negative emotions, particularly loneliness, have well-documented negative effects on the health of older adults. By taking short walks to... focus on your surroundings, rather than yourself, you'll actually stay healthier. Read more here: https://www.ucsf.edu//418551/awe-walks-boost-emotional-wel #mentalhealthawareness #infertilitymentalhealth #worldmentalhealthday #mentalhealthwalks

Struggling with infertility can cause a strain on both your physical and mental health. Feelings of turmoil, frustration, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness are normal. Remember that you are not alone in experiencing these, or any other emotion, during your fertility journey. If you need additional mental health support, we have reproductive psychologists on our team to guide you through your journey. #worldmentalhealthday #worldmentalhealthday2020 #infertilitymentalhealth

An increasing number of people are choosing egg donation as a way to grow their families. Because of it’s high rate of success, egg donation is often an excellent option for those seeking to become parents, especially when other fertility therapies have been unsuccessful, unavailable, or when hormonal tests indicate limited reproductive potential. While initiating the process of having a baby through egg donation may seem complicated at first, recipients of egg donation can ...take comfort in knowing that our experienced physicians, nurses, and counselors will guide you step-by-step through the entire process. To find out more how you can be a recipient of an egg donation, click the link in our bio. #eggdonor #eggdonorbaby #fertilityjourney #fertilitytreatments

Are you pregnant during the pandemic? Are you wondering how COVID-19 might impact your pregnancy? Are you worried about your, and your baby's, health and wellbeing? Our ASPIRE study aims to investigate and answer these questions using a cohort of pregnant women from across the U.S. On Tuesday, October 20th at 12:30PM PST, join a ASPIRE Co-Principal Investigator for an Instagram Live Q&A on the ASPIRE study, our goals and how to get involved. Have a question? Drop it below ... #covidpregnancy #pandemicpregnancy #pregnancysupport

At UCSF Center for Reproductive Health, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality of care. Voted San Francisco's top medical center, our team of reproductive endocrinologists and fertility specialists are extremely knowledgeable in all areas of the fertility journey. We strive to ensure all UCSF CRH patients feel extremely confident in their advice, expertise and care. Interested in meeting with UCSF CRH? Get to know our team here: https://bit.ly/3kCZ5D

The Assessment and Prevention of Pain During Ovarian Stimulation in Patients with Endometriosis, or APPOSE Study, is active and enrolling. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of hyperstimulation on symptoms related to endometriosis using patient surveys, and to evaluate the impact of Letrozole use during this stimulation with respect to symptoms related to endometriosis, embryo quality, and pregnancy rates. You may be eligible if you are diagnosed with Endom...etriosis and are undergoing fertility treatments. For more information on this study, please visit: https://crh.ucsf.edu/crh-research-studies #endometriosis #endometriosisstudies #researchstudy See more