Blog Articles

Have You Had Multiple Miscarriages? 5 Possible Reasons for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Experiencing multiple miscarriages can be heartbreaking and confusing. You’re not alone, and this is not your fault. There are answers — and hope. Learning the possible causes of recurrent pregnancy loss can help you find the solutions.

Apr 8th, 2025

IVF vs. IUI: Which Is the Best Fertility Treatment for Endometriosis?

Endometriosis symptoms like heavy periods and chronic pelvic pain are bad enough — but struggling to conceive a baby can feel even worse. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) offer new hope.

Mar 13th, 2025

Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients: What You Should Know

A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Many women worry about the effects of cancer treatment on their fertility, but fertility preservation treatments can protect your options for the future so you can focus on recovery.

Feb 1st, 2025

Family Balancing: When to Consider Choosing Your Baby’s Sex

Reproductive technology advances now allow parents to consider family balancing, or gender selection, as part of fertility care. Learn when family balancing could be a good option and how this process can support your family planning goals here.

Jan 14th, 2025

4 Tips for Coping With Infertility When the Holidays are Challenging

The holidays can be difficult for any one of us. If you’re struggling with infertility, they can make an already stressful period even worse. Between family gatherings, social events, and the focus on children, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Dec 13th, 2024

What Are the Treatment Paths for Age-Related Infertility?

Many women today choose to start building their families later in life. While it’s an empowering decision, age-related infertility is a common problem when you’re 35 or older. There’s good news, though: We have treatments that can help.

Nov 1st, 2024

What Causes Male Infertility?

Male infertility is more common than you may think. It can be highly distressing and frustrating, but it's important to know that there are solutions. Finding the right treatment starts with finding the causes.

Oct 16th, 2024

Why Does Menopause Cause Weight Gain?

Weight gain is one of the biggest frustrations for many women during menopause. You might wonder if menopause is the direct cause of your weight gain — and if so, what you can do about it. Read on to find out.

Sep 20th, 2024

Can Acupuncture Help Me Get Pregnant?

There’s no doubt that infertility is challenging. But, with a multifaceted treatment approach, you can often find a path to pregnancy. Acupuncture is one of the lesser known ways to support fertility, and it combines well with IVF.

Aug 19th, 2024

The IVF Process: Step-by-Step

After a struggle with infertility, in vitro fertilization (IVF) provides new hope. As you start this journey, it’s an exciting time, but of course, you wonder just what to expect. Today, we cover the step-by-step IVF process.

Jul 22nd, 2024

How Can I Prepare My Adult Teenager for Her First Wellness Exam?

Older teenagers are technically adults, but they still need their parents. This is especially true when it’s time for your daughter’s first women’s wellness exam. You can help your teen prepare for a smooth exam with a few simple tips.

Jun 17th, 2024

I’m 40; What Are My Chances of Getting Pregnant?

Want to have a baby but worried about your age? It is possible to get pregnant at 40. But, it’s not as easy as it is for women in their 20s. Learning about age-related fertility factors can help you have the best odds of a successful pregnancy.

May 17th, 2024

Can My Male Partner’s Infertility Be Corrected?

If your male partner has infertility, it may be possible to correct it. Here’s what you need to know about how to deal with this situation.

Apr 8th, 2024

What Are My Pre-Treatment Steps of IVF?

If you are about to go through IVF, you should take some extra steps to prepare. Learn more here.

Mar 13th, 2024

Preparing for IVF: 6 Essential Tips

If your journey to parenthood requires in-vitro fertilization, you can do certain things to prepare. Learn more about how to get ready for IVF.

Feb 9th, 2024

Start the New Year Right With a Well-Woman Exam

Why should you get a well woman exam every year? Lots of reasons. Learn more about them here.

Jan 1st, 2024

Chemical Pregnancy Explained: Facts, Myths, and Recovery Tips

A chemical pregnancy can be a confusing and bewildering experience. Learn more about what causes this to happen and how you can recover.

Dec 6th, 2023

Preserving Fertility After a Cancer Diagnosis: Your Comprehensive Guide

You may have planned to have children — someday. But a cancer diagnosis changed everything. Learn more about how to preserve your fertility.

Nov 1st, 2023

Understanding Male Factor Infertility

Although infertility has many causes, male factor infertility doesn’t always get much attention. Learn more about how male factors contribute to infertility.

Oct 1st, 2023

Eat This, Not That — Infertility Edition

What you eat makes a big difference in your fertility. Learn more about the foods you should eat to maximize your fertility and the foods you should avoid.

Sep 1st, 2023

Ovulation Induction: Helping Your Body Help Itself

If you’re having trouble conceiving, one of the first treatments we may try is ovulation-inducing drugs. Learn more about how they work.

Aug 1st, 2023

The Truth About Stress and Infertility

Being too stressed isn’t good for your health in many ways. Learn more about how stress can impact your fertility.

Jul 1st, 2023

What to Expect After Automated Semen Analysis

A basic fertility evaluation involves many complex parts. We have to look at several different factors to help determine the best course of treatment to help you achieve your goal of building your family.

Jun 1st, 2023

What are Your Chances of Pregnancy After 40?

It’s true that your fertility declines as you get older. Learn more about the possibilities of conceiving after age 40.

May 1st, 2023

Amenorrhea: 4 Potential Causes of Missing Periods

Missing your periods is usually not a good sign. Learn more about the potential causes.

Apr 1st, 2023

Understanding the Basics of Donor Egg IVF

If you can’t conceive a child on your own, using donor eggs in in-vitro fertilization may be an option. Learn about the basics.

Mar 1st, 2023

Serious Health Effects of Menopause and How to Avoid Them

Menopause is a major life transition that can have profound effects on your life. Learn about the serious health risks associated with menopause and how to avoid them.

Feb 2nd, 2023

7 Important Benefits of Your Annual Well-Woman Exam

Your annual well-woman exam has so many benefits. Learn more about 7 of the biggest rewards you can get from such an exam.

Jan 1st, 2023

Insulin Resistance and Infertility: Understanding the Connection

Insulin resistance is a common cause of infertility, but many people don’t understand the connection. Learn more about how insulin resistance can cause infertility.

Dec 1st, 2022

5 Reasons Universal Genetic Testing is Highly Recommended

Genetic testing isn’t just for people who have known problems. Learn why everyone can benefit from genetic testing.

Nov 1st, 2022

All About Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination is a procedure that improves your chances of conception. It places semen directly into the woman’s uterus.

Oct 2nd, 2022

5 Reasons to Choose a Gestational Carrier

There are many paths to parenthood, especially if you are facing infertility. Learn more about the reasons why you may want to choose a gestational carrier.

Sep 15th, 2022

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Severe or Long-Lasting Pelvic Pain

Severe or long-lasting pelvic pain is often an indicator of something more serious. Learn more about pelvic pain and its causes.

Aug 16th, 2022

4 Ways to Thrive During Menopause

Menopause is a time of big transitions in a woman’s life. Learn more about how you can thrive during menopause.

Jul 6th, 2022

Can Your Diet Impact Fertility?

When you’re trying to get pregnant, what you eat can make a difference. Learn about how your diet can impact your fertility.

Jun 1st, 2022

Is Infertility Genetic?

Infertility can have many causes, but you may wonder if genetics is one of them. Learn more about the causes of infertility.

May 1st, 2022

Trying to Get Pregnant? Here are Some Dos and Don’ts

Fertility can seem complicated if you don’t understand it. Here are some things you need to do and what you need to avoid.

Apr 4th, 2022

Stress and Fertility: Here’s What You Should Know

It’s a fact that stress is linked to your fertility. Here’s how stress affects your fertility and what you can do about it.

Mar 8th, 2022

The Link Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Infertility

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is one of the most common causes of infertility. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of PCOS.

Feb 10th, 2022

Treatment Options for Male Infertility

It may seem like infertility is a woman’s problem, but over 35% of cases come down to men’s problems. Learn more about how we treat male infertility.

Jan 1st, 2022

Can I Still Have a Baby After Cancer Treatment?

Starting a family is a natural part of life, but for women who’ve been treated for cancer, that part may seem out of reach. However, all is not lost. Read on to learn more.

Dec 8th, 2021

I Had My Tubes Tied, but Now I've Changed My Mind: What Are My Options?

Though there are many reasons you might consider reducing or eliminating your ability to get pregnant, if you later decide to start a family, you have options available. Read on to learn more.

Nov 1st, 2021

The Importance of Wellness Exams

Protecting your health is protecting your fertility. Choosing to get regular check-ups can protect you from issues later down the line, or prepare you for any possible issues. Read on to learn more about the importance of wellness exams.

Oct 6th, 2021

The Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause

Are your hot flashes connected to menopause 一 or perimenopause? Is there even a difference? In this blog, we explain the difference between perimenopause and menopause and how you can get relief from your less-than-pleasant symptoms.

Sep 19th, 2021

How Age Affects a Woman’s Fertility

One thing to know about starting a family is that you have a limited amount of time when you’ll be most fertile. Learn more about how your fertility changes with age.

Aug 16th, 2021

Understanding the IVF Process

In-vitro fertilization is a confusing or sensitive topic for some people. Understanding how the process works removes the mystery surrounding it and clarifies how IVF can help you.

Jul 7th, 2021

Four Lifestyle Changes to Promote Fertility

When you’re trying to get pregnant, lifestyle changes can make a big difference in your likelihood of conceiving. Learn more about what you can do to promote fertility.

Jun 8th, 2021

Is It Possible to Get Pregnant When You Have Endometriosis?

If you have endometriosis, this diagnosis doesn’t mean that you can never get pregnant. Although it can contribute to infertility, there are advanced infertility treatments that can help. Read more about this condition and its infertility impact.

May 17th, 2021

What a Semen Analysis Can Tell Us

A semen analysis holds all the information you need to understand if your sperm are viable and healthy. It’ll also give you peace of mind in knowing if your vasectomy or vasectomy reversal was successful. Here’s what you can expect.

Apr 6th, 2021

Cryopreservation: When You Want to Preserve Your Fertility

For those facing a cancer diagnosis, the future possibility of pregnancy can be frightening. That’s why we offer experienced and compassionate alternatives to those who come to us wishing to preserve their reproductive ability using cryopreservation.

Mar 3rd, 2021

Myths and Facts About Birth Control

Family planning is crucial to living the life you want. Having reliable birth control can make deciding when you want children possible. Sadly, there’s a great deal of incorrect information regarding birth control. Let’s set the record straight.

Feb 16th, 2021

Tips for Living With Menopause

During the time before you’re permanently finished menstruating, you may have to deal with a range of uncomfortable and potentially life-disrupting symptoms. Here are a few tips to help you manage these symptoms.

Jan 17th, 2021

What You Should Know Before Considering IVF

Have you tried everything to get pregnant? If you’ve had a thorough evaluation, tried other approaches, and still been unable to conceive, you may want to try in vitro fertilization. In fact, sometimes, IVF is the only viable path to conception.

Dec 6th, 2020

Is There a Way to Prevent Infertility?

Infertility is a more common problem than you may realize, but it’s often treatable. Both men and women can experience issues that lead to infertility, so if you’re trying to become pregnant and struggling, you should see a professional.

Nov 15th, 2020

My Pap Smear Was Abnormal - Now What?

A Pap smear, or Pap test, is a screening test recommended for women ages 21-65 to detect early signs of cervical cancer. Abnormal results can be scary, but there are a few things you need to know.

Oct 7th, 2020

5 Common Myths About Infertility

Infertility can send you on a search for answers. Unfortunately, there are a lot of wrong answers out there. This post sets the record straight regarding five common myths about infertility.

Sep 21st, 2020

Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing?

Couples who have chosen in vitro fertilization are taking a big step toward becoming parents. Preimplantation genetic testing is an important part of the process and can ensure your embryo is healthy before being transferred to the uterus.

Aug 6th, 2020

5 Symptoms of Endometriosis

Are you experiencing uncomfortable symptoms related to your menstrual cycle? Between 2% and 10% of American women have endometriosis, which can cause numerous symptoms.

Jul 24th, 2020

TTC After Surgery For Stage Four Endometriosis

Jun 25th, 2020

COVID-19 Update and Measures Taken

Dear patients, Update: As of April 6, 2020 our clinic will be operating on minimum staff. Dr. Ramirez has been deployed with his U.S. Army medical reserve unit to the East Coast to assist in supporting a field hospital.

Mar 19th, 2020

44 Year Old Trying IVF For A Baby For The First Time: Can I Use My Own Eggs?

Dear Dr. Ramirez, WOW!!!! I am so glad I found your blog “Women’s Health & Fertility“. You have given lots of great information that is very straight forward. Thank you for that.

May 17th, 2017

State Of The Art Semen Analysis

Severe male factor infertility, once a barrier to parenthood, has virtually ceased to exist due to breakthroughs in the field of fertility medicine. One of those is ICSI, a procedure done during the in vitro process by our embryologist.

Feb 24th, 2017

Pregnancy at 48–Natural or Donor Eggs?

Question: This question is actually about my mother and not me. My mom is 48 years old. She has 2 grown up children but she wants to have another child.

Jan 11th, 2017

A Holiday Note Of Hope

We know that the holidays can be stressful, surrounded with so many expectations. There is pressure from family, friends and yourself to celebrate and to enjoy when unfortunately, for the person experiencing infertility, it can be very difficult to do so.

Dec 21st, 2016

What Is A Frozen Embryo Cycle “FET” And Why Should I Consider It?

At Monterey Bay IVF, we routinely have patients who undergo a Frozen Embryo Cycle or FET. How this happens and why

Oct 14th, 2016

Egg Maturity and HCG Trigger: Why Do I Have Immature Eggs?

QUESTION: I’m 39 years old and have done 3 IVFs. During the first two IVFs, half of my eggs were immature.

Sep 19th, 2016

Three IVF Cycles With Immature Eggs: PCOS and HCG Trigger?

QUESTION: Dear Dr. Ramirez, I'm 39 years old and have done 3 IVFs (in vitro fertilization cycles). During the first two IVFs, half of my eggs were immature.

Sep 19th, 2016

Ovulation Induction and Exercise

Question: Hi Dr. Ramirez, My husband and I are currently having Ovulation Induction (OI) because I have secondary amenorrhea and don’t ovulate by myself.

Aug 2nd, 2016

Dr. Ramirez’ Medical Mission In The Dominican Republic

Dr. Ramirez is currently serving with his Army Reserve unit, 352nd Combat Support Hospital, in the Dominican Republic as Chief Medical Officer.

May 25th, 2016

Can I get pregnant again at 46?

Hi Doctor, I recently visited a reproductive endocrinologist because I was having issues with my period (heavy clotty periods). They did an sonohysterogram and found a 2 cm uterine polyp. I am due to have that removed in May.

May 2nd, 2016

How to survive the holidays when you have infertility….

An excellent article, “Coping with the Holidays…again.” was published by Resolve back in 2009. Written by Linda Cimarusti, it still rings true… Coping with the Holidays — Again By Linda J. Cimarusti, PhD

Dec 27th, 2015

#IVF4VETS Monterey Bay IVF is proud to offer assistance for qualifying Veterans

The men and women in our armed forces go where our nation’s leaders direct them, serve in difficult and often dangerous conditions and do so with admirable dedication and professionalism. As a nation, we owe them our freedom.

Nov 12th, 2015

Woman With Endometriosis Failed IVF Cycle: Poor Egg Quality? Age Issue? PGS?

Question: I am 38 years old from Los Angeles. I just had a failed IVF cycle because my six embryos arrested on Day 5. On Day 3, five were Grade A and one was Grade B. They were 10, 8 and 6 cell.

Nov 3rd, 2015

Is There Any Way To Improve Egg Quality?

Hello Dr Ramirez. I am writing to you from Nebraska. I have had 2 fresh IVF cycles and 2 FET cycles. Only one pregnancy – from the first IVF 5 years ago.

Nov 3rd, 2015

History of Miscarriages, Now 9 Weeks Pregnant: Continue Progesterone Supplement (Crinone) ?

Question: I'm from the U.S. After a long struggle with secondary infertility and 2 miscarriages, I am pregnant again, 9 weeks along.

Aug 17th, 2015

Conceiving After 45: IVF With Your Own Eggs Or Donor Eggs?

Question: Dr Ramirez, What are the chances of a 45 year old woman conceiving using IVF with her own eggs? Would it be worth trying or would you recommend using donor eggs? A. from the UK

Jul 14th, 2015

“How In Vitro Fertilization Works”

Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples worldwide. But in the last 40 years, more than 5 million babies have been born using in vitro fertilization (IVF). How does it work? Nassim Assefi and Brian A. Levine detail the science behind making a baby in a lab.

Jul 14th, 2015

"How In Vitro Fertilization Works" Video from TED-Ed

Dear Readers, I recently found this nicely animated video on In Vitro Fertilization created on the new TED-Ed platform. You might find this a good way to not only inform yourself but also friends and family who might have trouble understanding...

Jul 13th, 2015

NIAW-National Infertility Awareness Week

Every year Resolve, the national infertility association, sponsors a week of advocacy called NIAW across the nation. There are many ways that one can participate, from the “Walk for Hope” to actually lobbying in Washington D.C.

Apr 23rd, 2015

Secondary Infertility…what test should I have done?

Hi Dr. Ramirez! I have a beautiful two year old daughter, but I can’t seem to carry another baby. I had a chemical pregnancy earlier this year followed by a blighted ovum.

Feb 17th, 2015

Submucous Fibroids: Do I Need A Hysterectomy?

Question: Hello Dr. Ramirez, I’m writing from Mexico. I’m 33 years old, never been pregnant and have just been diagnosed with fibroids. This year I’ve had heavy abnormal bleeding with large clots.

Dec 12th, 2014

Upcoming Frozen Embryo Transfer #4: Do I Transfer 1, 2 or 3????

Question: Hello, I have a son via FET. I have now had three cycles of FET total. The first did not work, the second we got my son, and this last one worked- however I had a miscarriage at 6.5 weeks pregnant.

Oct 1st, 2014

Failed IVF: Empty Follicle…Should I Try Again?

QUESTION: Hi Dr. Ramirez, I had an failed IVF attempt last week. It was my first attempt. I am 41 yoa. My estrodial was 1950 and I had 5 follicles (14, 16, 20, 20, and 25)

Aug 22nd, 2014

Recurrent Miscarriages: Is It A Hormonal Issue?

Question: Dear Dr. Ramirez, I am writing from Pennsylvania. In 2006, I had two or three miscarriages. After that, I went to a fertility clinic and had TSH, prolactin, DRVV, and anti-cardiolipin antibodies tested.

Aug 21st, 2014

REQUEST FOR HELP FROM MY READERS

Dear Readers, It has been a while since I last posted to this blog, and to my readers I apologize. Things have been quite busy, hectic and stressful this year.

Jun 1st, 2014

OPK–How do I read my ovulation predictor kit after my miscarriage?

Hi Dr. Ramirez, Thank you very much for your time, I greatly appreciate it. My question is this: I am 30 with 1 child, my husband is 43.

May 1st, 2014

Post-Lupron & Trying To Conceive

Hello, I am 24 years old and my husband and I are trying to conceive. I was diagnosed with endometriosis after a lap on Dec 15, 2007. I have been on two separate treatment cycles of Lupron Depo.

Jan 27th, 2014

Could I Be Infertile Or Am I Still Recovering From Surgery For Endo?

Question: Hello. I'm a 29 year old female. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for 7 months now. I had a laparoscopy done in June of 2013, due to an ovarian cyst on my right ovary.

Jan 23rd, 2014

Woman From India TTC Has Blighted Ovum and Recurrant Pregnancy Loss

Hello Doctor, I am from India and have been TTC (trying to conceive) for last 5 years. I am 29 years old right now. My first miscarriage was when I was 24 years old.

Dec 26th, 2013

Fertility At 40 After Having Had Children Earlier In Life: Is It Still Good?

Question: Hello. I just turned 40 years old. I am healthy. I had 1 miscarriage in my early 30s. I waited a few years to conceive after that and conceived two children back to back in the first month of trying so I am hoping my fertility is still good.

Dec 7th, 2013

I Have Endometriosis With Blocked Tubes & A Previous Ectopic

Dear Dr. Ramirez, A few years ago, I had an IUD inserted to which my body never adjusted to. I bled the entire time until it was removed months later to discover that it caused an infection.

Nov 27th, 2013

Poor Responder Needs To Know IVF Is Not All About Numbers: It 's About One Good Embryo

Question: Hi Dr. Ramirez, My name is A. and I am writing from Michigan. I am 33 years old and have DOR with an AMH of <.16, Hashimoto’s and positive ANA’s. I am on day 10 of stims for IVF #2 and responding poorly compared to our first attempt.

Oct 29th, 2013

Secondary Infertility: Six Chemical Pregnancies…How to Proceed?

Hi Dr Ramirez, I have found this site all the way from New Zealand and am hoping you could provide me with some other answers?

Oct 24th, 2013

After Failing 3 IVF, Reader Has Pregnancy Success After Writing To Me

Dear Readers, Sometimes I get great news from one of the many couples I help on AllExperts.com and this is one I would like to share with you. Over a year ago I began corresponding with this woman regarding her failed IVF cycles.

Oct 15th, 2013

Protect Your Fertility!

Dear Readers, The American Society of Reproductive Medicine has launched a campaign with the aim of educating women on how to protect their fertility by avoiding certain risk factors. The Society has made available a number of fact sheets, graphics ...

Sep 28th, 2013