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Meet the Team: Joelle Taylor, MD, FACOG

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“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” – Helen Keller

Joelle Taylor, MD, FACOG is a board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and a Diplomate with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has been a leading fertility expert at IVFMD since 2017.

We spoke with Dr. Taylor to get a better understanding of who she is and what drives her to help so many people achieve their family-building goals.

How do you approach patient care?

“I treat each patient as if they are my friend or family member.  Each patient is unique and so is the care I provide. I practice individualized medical care and try to meet the patient where they are physically and mentally.”

“I keep the work up simple, concise and we devise a treatment plan together.  I am very transparent and try not to be misleading in any way.  I believe being upfront and honest about the prognosis is the key to establishing a good patient-physician relationship.”

“While I can’t guarantee 100% success every time, I can guarantee I will always give 100% to trying.”

What is one thing you recommend to people trying to conceive?

Dr. Taylor is keenly interested in longevity medicine and spends a great deal of time discussing ways to optimize overall health through diet, exercise, and proper sleep.

“I spend a lot of time discussing these 3 pillars of good health with my patients.  I encourage a healthy whole food diet focused on consuming adequate protein, daily exercise (at least 30 minutes per day) and good sleep (7-8 hours).  I think this trifecta improves overall health, decreases inflammation and stress which promotes fertility.”

Why did you become a REI?

“I feel the field of reproductive endocrinology affords a lot of diversity in my workday including procedures, consultations, and surgeries. I love the intimate relationships established with patients and the opportunity to provide hope through medicine and counselling.”

“Patients are super motivated to make big lifestyle changes to achieve their goals.  It’s exciting to watch patients embrace a healthy lifestyle and improve their longevity while on their fertility journey.”

What would you say to someone that is struggling to get pregnant to encourage them to take the first step?

“Come in for a conversation and a basic evaluation.  Being informed provides a patient with more control and power.  A workup isn’t a commitment to any specific type of treatment but equips them with options.”

What is your favorite specialty?

“I love to work with my hands so diagnostic procedures, transvaginal ultrasounds, performing egg retrievals and transfers are my favorite way to spend a day.  I love discussing lifestyle modifications and ways to improve health span in the context of fertility.”

Scientific Societies

Dr. Taylor is member of numerous scientific societies, including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI), the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Education

Dr. Taylor earned her medical degree at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2006. She was a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholar award recipient and spent a year doing research at the National Institutes of Health during her training.

Dr. Taylor completed a four-year residency at Wake Forest University in 2010 in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She pursued fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the prestigious Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine in Norfolk, Virginia, the site of the first IVF baby in the United States. During her training, she was awarded several research grants, published numerous articles, and presented her research at national meetings.

Dr. Taylor resides in Jupiter with her family and Australian Labradoodle. When she is not in the office, she enjoys weightlifting, yoga, pickleball and cooking for family and friends. She has completed 7 marathons and at least 10 half marathons. Today, Dr. Taylor’s favorite form of exercise is weightlifting, and she even competed in a body building competition in 2022.

Whether you are ready to begin treatment, looking to explore fertility preservation options, or just have questions about your reproductive health, Dr. Taylor is here to help. Schedule a consultation and take the first step on your fertility journey.

Hear what Dr. Taylor’s patients say:

“Dr. Taylor listened to my fertility goals and provided incredible insight of options. She took the time to understand and listen to my story and together we came up with a solid plan. I walked in feeling lost and hopeless but left feeling like I knew what to do next.”

– Google Review

“Infertility treatment is a very difficult journey for any couple. Dr. Taylor and her team will provide you with your absolute best chances of success! We are beyond grateful to her and wanted to share our positive experience. Dr. Taylor is highly competent, extremely knowledgeable, and a very skilled surgeon if any procedures are needed. She individualizes her approach to treatment based on the specific details of each case. She is confident in her decision making and guides you through each step of the process, which is highly appreciated since treatment is stressful by nature. I highly recommend Dr. Taylor.”

– Google Review

How Does IVF Work? A Comprehensive Guide

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Overview of How IVF Works

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to assist with the conception of a child. The duration of an IVF cycle varies, but generally, it takes about 8 weeks from the start of initial preparation and ovarian stimulation to the pregnancy test when doing a fresh embryo transfer or creating embryos. If the embryos have been cryopreserved, then it is an additional 8 weeks to prepare for the embryo transfer. Below are several key steps during IVF Treatment.

Initial Consultation and Pre-Treatment

This includes initial consultations, blood tests, ultrasounds, and possibly other preliminary exams to plan the IVF protocol.

At IVFMD, you will discuss your family goals and collaborate with your fertility specialist to plan treatment and undergo preliminary exams. We are happy to answer any questions you may have to ensure you are educated and confident before you start treatment.

Ovarian Stimulation

The process begins with hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Typically, a woman naturally produces one egg per cycle, but IVF aims to collect multiple eggs to increase the chances of success. Regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds to track the development of the follicles (fluid-filled sacs containing the eggs).

Before starting any medications, your team at IVFMD will conduct an ultrasound and blood test to verify you are ready to start stimulation. We will also closely monitor follicular development and hormone levels to ensure your safety throughout the ovarian stimulation process.

Trigger Shot and Egg Retrieval

When the follicles are ready, a trigger shot of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) or a GnRH agonist (Lupron) will be administered to release your eggs in preparation for retrieval. Your IVFMD physician will work closely with you to assess the best time for the trigger shot to be administered.

Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries in a minor surgical procedure approximately 35-36 hours after  the trigger shot.

This is usually done under sedation using a thin needle inserted through the vaginal wall to reach the ovaries. The procedure itself takes about 10-20 minutes  and is done under sedation.

Fertilization and Embryo Culture

The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in the lab. This can be done through conventional insemination or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).

Conventional insemination: mature eggs can be transferred to the incubator, where sperm is combined with the eggs and fertilization occurs naturally.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): a single sperm is injected directly into each egg. We typically recommend this approach when there is a known male factor or unexplained infertility. Speak with your IVFMD physician about the correct approach for you.

Prior to fertilization, sperm from the male partner or sperm donor is processed and prepared.

The fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are cultured in the lab for 5 to 7 days to develop.

Fresh Embryo Transfer (ET)

You will be instructed to take medications in preparation for your embryo transfer. Typically, one embryo is selected for transfer and is transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter. The procedure is quick, does not require anesthesia, and you will be able to return home the same day. After your transfer, it is recommended to take it easy for the next few days and limit rigorous physical activity.

Any remaining viable embryos may be frozen for future use.

Pregnancy Test

A blood test is done to determine if the embryo has implanted successfully and if pregnancy has been achieved.

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) with PGT

Your embryo has reached the blastocyst stage after roughly 5-7 days of development and can be safely biopsied to perform preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): a process in which a small number of cells are removed from the trophoblast (what becomes the placenta) and sent to a genetic testing lab to perform PGT analysis.

After your embryos have been biopsied your embryos are vitrified (frozen) and stored on site at the clinic. Consult with your IVFMD physician about long term storage options.

The results from the PGT analysis are usually ready within 2-3 weeks. At that time, you will discuss with your physician to plan for your embryo transfer.

To prepare for your embryo transfer, you will visit the clinic for an ultrasound and blood work to verify you are ready for your embryo transfer. After your test results are approved, you will start at home medications and progesterone injections may be prescribed. Similarly to a fresh embryo transfer, you will visit the clinic for monitoring to ensure you are ready for your transfer.

Frozen embryo transfer is conducted similarly to a fresh embryo transfer. The procedure is relatively quick and rarely requires anesthesia. After your transfer, relax, catch up on Netflix, and do not perform any intense physical activity.

Summary

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has helped thousands of women achieve their family building dream. It involves the use of medications, close monitoring, and is most successful when you have an experienced team of fertility experts working to help you. It’s important to work closely with a fertility specialist to understand your specific chances and to take steps to improve your overall health and readiness for pregnancy.

At IVFMD, our fertility specialists have been conducting IVF procedures since 1991 and take pride in providing individualized care plans specific to your needs. Schedule your consultation today and the first step to achieving your dream of parenthood.

 

Is it time to see a fertility doctor?

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Seeing a fertility specialist can be a critical step if you’re facing challenges trying to conceive. This blog will dive into when it might be time to consult a specialist and how to choose the right fertility clinic.

For Women

Under 35: If you have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success.

35 and Over: If you have been trying to conceive for 6 months without success.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles: If your periods are irregular, infrequent, or absent, it may indicate ovulatory issues that a specialist can help diagnose and treat.

Known Fertility Issues: If you have been diagnosed with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or if you have a history of pelvic infections or surgeries.

Multiple Miscarriages: If you have experienced two or more consecutive miscarriages, a fertility specialist can help determine if there is an underlying issue.

Other Health Conditions: If you have a history of cancer treatment, autoimmune diseases, thyroid issues, or genetic conditions that might affect fertility.

Personal Curiosity and Family Planning: You want to learn more about your reproductive health or plan for the future. IVFMD’s fertility specialists empower women by enabling them to start a family, when the time is right for them. There are endless factors that contribute to when a person may be ready to start their family. Career growth, higher education, health management, and finding the right partner are just a few reason women choose to freeze their eggs. If you are considering having children in the future, egg freezing is a great way to preserve your family-building options.

For Men

Semen Analysis Results: If a basic semen analysis shows low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology.

History of Urological Issues: If you have a history of varicocele, undescended testicles, or other conditions affecting the reproductive organs.

Medical Conditions: If you have a history of cancer treatment, significant health issues, or genetic conditions.

Erectile or Ejaculatory Problems: If you experience difficulties with erections or ejaculation that might affect the ability to conceive.

Hormonal Problems: If you have been diagnosed with low testosterone or are taking any testosterone or steroid supplements.

For Both Partners

Failed Attempts with Timed Intercourse: If you have been using ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature charting, or other methods to time intercourse for several cycles without success.

Family History: If there is a known family history of genetic disorders or infertility issues that could be impacting your chances of conception.

Lifestyle Factors: If either partner has significant lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, or high stress levels, which can impact fertility.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Severe Menstrual Pain: If menstrual pain is severe and disruptive, it may indicate endometriosis or other conditions needing specialist care.

Absence of Menstruation: If a woman has never had a period (primary amenorrhea) or if periods have stopped for an extended time (secondary amenorrhea).

Pelvic or Abdominal Surgery: Past surgeries, especially those involving the reproductive organs, can affect fertility and warrant specialist evaluation.

How to Choose the Right Fertility Clinic

Choosing the right fertility clinic is an extremely personal and important decision. Some of the most important factors to consider include expertise and credentials, state-of-the-art technology, high success rate, and personalized treatment plans.

At IVFMD, you can be assured your fertility treatment is in the hands of some of the best reproductive endocrinologists in the country.

Expertise and Credentials: Our group’s collective knowledge and collaborative environment ensures you are receiving the best care possible, not just the opinion of one doctor. All the fertility specialists at IVFMD are board certified in OBGYN and Reproductive Endocrinology.

State-of-the-art Technology: You will benefit from the industry’s most advanced technology and groundbreaking methodologies.

Accreditations and Success Rate: A good fertility clinic will be accredited from reputable organizations like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). It is very important to research your fertility clinic and ensure they adhere to the strict standards of care and ethics outlined by these organizations. We are proud of our success rates and to be a partner of both ASRM and SART.

Personalized Care: At IVFMD you are not just a number. We strongly believe every patient’s journey is unique and your treatment plan is customized to consider your unique circumstances and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Early consultation with a fertility specialist can help identify potential issues and improve the chances of successful conception. If you fall into any of the above categories, it might be beneficial to seek professional guidance sooner rather than later.

IVFMD has helped over 10,000 couples from all over the world achieve their dreams of having a baby. We understand what you are going through because many of us have been through it as well. Schedule your initial consultation and take the first step in your fertility journey.

 

 

 

 

IVFMD Did Not Use The Recalled Embryo Culture Medium Named in Recent Lawsuits

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We can confirm that our labs did not use the recalled CooperSurgical media culture in the development of embryos. Your safety and trust are our top priorities.
Am I affected by the press I see regarding CooperSurgical?
IVFMD can confirm that our lab did not use the recalled CooperSurgical media culture.
What is CooperSurgical?
CooperSurgical is a fertility technology company that provides healthcare providers with a range of medical solutions, including an embryo culture medium used to grow embryos for in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Why are they being sued?
The Lawsuits allege that three lots of CooperSurgical embryo media were missing a key nutrient, magnesium, that allegedly compromised embryo development. The recalled lots of media were used by clinics across North America in November and December. The Food and Drug Administration posted a public recall notice on Wednesday 2/14.
What are “culture media”?
Culture media are substances that supply vital nutrients and minerals to support the growth of microorganisms. In the context of IVF, once an egg and sperm have been combined to create an embryo, that embryo is grown in a culture medium before implantation in the uterus.
What culture media do you use?
All clinics use culture media from various manufactures, all of which are leaders in IVF and reproductive genetics, providing innovative products and services for every step in the ART journey. We can assure you that the three affected lots in question were not in use by our clinic for developing embryos.
Do you work with CooperSurgical?
They are an industry partner, and a global leader in IVF and reproductive genetics. Most clinics work with CooperSurgical in some capacity. We have done our diligence and know that the recalled CooperSurgical lots were not used in the development of embryos.
Should I have any concerns about my embryos?
Patients should feel safe and secure growing their families with our team. Our state-of-the-art IVF laboratories have sophisticated processes in place to protect all embryos, eggs, and sperm.