IntegraMed Conference Identifies 3 Trends That Will Transform Fertility Success Rates
More than 100 reproductive endocrinologists, lab directors and scientists attended 2010 Council of Physicians and Scientists (C. O.P. S.) in Dallas to Discuss the Future of Fertility Care.
Purchase, NY (PRWEB) May 3, 2010
The Council of Physicians and Scientists, an invitation-only event sponsored by IntegraMed (integramed. com), concluded their annual conference on Saturday, May 1 following three full days of discussion about the emerging technologies and trends in fertility care. More than 100 reproductive endocrinologists, lab directors and scientists attended the 16th annual conference which was held in Dallas, Texas.
“We are proud to be in our sixteenth year with C. O.P. S.” said Joe Travia, C. O.P. S. Vice Chairman and Senior Vice President, Eastern Region for IntegraMed Fertility. “By bringing together the nation’s thought-leaders in reproductive endocrinology, we remain on the forefront of advancements that support our commitment to provide patients the best possible fertility care and treatment options at our IntegraMed Fertility centers.”
C. O.P. S. is co-chaired by Dr. John A. Schnorr, of the Southeastern Fertility Center, located near Charleston, SC. “This year we focused on three transformational technologies and topics that we are confident will positively impact the future of fertility,” said Dr. Schnorr.
The three trends in fertility treatment are:
1. Improved pregnancy rates with decreased multiple rates through metabolomics. With metabolomics, embryo quality can now be evaluated non-invasively to more accurately measure their quality. In doing so, only the most viable embryo needs to be transplanted rather than multiple embryos, thus improving pregnancy rates while significantly reducing the instances of multiples through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
2. Use of vitrification technology to successfully freeze eggs. One of the most exciting and long-awaited advances in fertility preservation is the ability to successfully freeze eggs via a technology called vitrification. Through vitrification, eggs are plunged in liquid nitrogen and instantly frozen, ensuring that this largely water-based cell does not form crystals that would expand and disrupt the egg’s membrane.
Dr. Schnorr predicts that within the next three to four years about 25% of all fertility preservation will utilize vitrification.
3. Improvement in the evaluation and treatment of severe male-factor infertility. Today 40 percent of infertility problems are attributed to the man. Procedures to improve the evaluation, risk assessment and treatment of severe male-factor infertility were discussed.
“C. O.P. S. embraces the spirit of collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Collectively we can accomplish more than we would ever be able to achieve individually,” concluded Dr. Schnorr. “That’s what C. O.P. S. is all about.”
About C. O.P. S.:
Sixteen years ago, IntegraMed formed the Council of Physicians and Scientists (C. O.P. S.) as a means for physicians and scientists from the IntegraMed Fertility Network, as well as specialists within the field of reproductive endocrinology from around the world, to meet and learn about advancements in fertility care. Physicians and scientists can earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits while at C. O.P. S.
About IntegraMed America, Inc.:
IntegraMed America, Inc. manages highly specialized outpatient facilities in emerging, technology-based, niche medical markets and is the leading manager of fertility centers and vein clinics in the United States. IntegraMed supports its provider networks with clinical and business information systems, marketing and sales, facilities and operations management, finance and accounting, human resources, legal, risk management and quality assurance services. IntegraMed's fertility network is the nation's largest fertility network, comprised of 39 contracted centers with over 120 locations in 34 states and the District of Columbia. Nearly one of every four IVF procedures in the U. S. is performed in an IntegraMed network fertility practice. The IntegraMed Vein Clinic network is the leading provider of varicose vein care services in the US, currently operating 36 centers in 13 states, principally in the Midwest and Southeast.
For more information about IntegraMed please visit:
Www. integramed. com for investor background
Www. attainfertility. com for fertility
Www. veinclinics. com for vein care
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