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Dr. Eduardo Hariton advises on the appearance of vaginal discharge

Giddy logo for news article on vaginal discharge | RSC of the SF Bay AreaVaginal discharge serves as a natural lubricant and helps protect against infections and irritations. But the color, consistency and odor of your discharge can vary based on different factors like hormone levels, bacteria and your menstrual cycle.

In this article for Giddy, RSC’s Dr. Eduardo Hariton explains the different meanings behind clear discharge, suggesting a few can be potential signs of ovulation or pregnancy. According to Dr. Hariton, the colors of discharge can also indicate potential medical concerns such as sexually transmitted infection (STI) or bacterial vaginosis (BV).

“Monitoring your vaginal discharge is an important aspect of understanding your reproductive health,” Dr. Hariton said. “It can help you identify changes in your body and when it is important to seek medical attention.”

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Party of Five – Success with IVF After Failed Artificial Insemination

When intrauterine insemination at their local fertility clinic proved ineffective, Alicia and David’s research led them to RSC.

Alicia and David celebrated 26 years of marriage last October. They stay very busy these days managing a full house as they keep up with their teenage daughter and twin boys. But when they first started trying to have children over a decade ago, they were doubtful that their family would ever grow beyond the two of them.

“I had three miscarriages over the course of six years,” Alicia explains. Residents of Sonoma County, David and Alicia soon met some friends at a wine tasting who were facing similar issues. That conversation ultimately led Alicia to schedule an appointment with a fertility clinic nearby.

“I visited a fertility doctor in Sonoma County who diagnosed me with endometriosis,” Alicia recalls. “I had a surgery to remove endometrial cysts, and then he suggested that I undergo IUI treatment.”

IUI, short for intrauterine insemination, is a type of artificial insemination procedure in which sperm are placed directly into the uterus to bypass potential obstacles to sperm reaching the egg. Fertility doctors commonly recommended this type of artificial insemination for more mild cases of endometriosis. Unfortunately, after two IUI rounds, Alicia failed to get pregnant.

“We were running out of money and patience,” Alicia recalls.

After failed artificial insemination, a visit to RSC changed everything

The failed IUI attempt at artificial insemination performed at their local fertility clinic prompted Alicia and David to expand their research to surrounding cities. Specifically, they focused on published success rates. Their search quickly led them to RSC.

“RSC’s success rates with endometriosis patients were really high,” Alicia explains. “We went out and visited Dr. Weckstein and we loved him. Right away, he explained that the IUIs weren’t working because my endometriosis was a serious case, and he recommended that I get my tubes tied. Then, we began in vitro fertilization (IVF).”

Dr. Weckstein recommended that Alicia get her fallopian tubes tied because abnormal fluid was accumulating in them and backing up into the uterus. This fluid accumulation was reducing Alicia’s chance for a successful pregnancy.

Alicia vividly recalls the day in 2001 when she found out that she was pregnant.

“After we did the transfer, Dr. Weckstein said he was going to be off work the day that the test results came in to determine if the embryo transfer was successful. He ended up calling me on his day off to deliver the good news. I remember he said ‘I just couldn’t stand it – I had to come in and see your results.’ That meant a lot that he came in on his day off and called me.”

A few years later, David and Alicia would go on to transfer frozen embryos preserved from their original IVF cycle. This transfer led to the birth of their twin boys in 2005. Alicia describes her experience with IVF as “an extreme success story,” and has since focused on encouraging other couples and individuals who are just beginning their fertility journey.

Wisdom and advice for new fertility patients

It’s clear that Alicia gleaned some valuable wisdom during the course of treatments, both the failed artificial insemination and the successful IVF.

When asked what advice she’d give to couples and individuals who are just beginning their fertility treatment journey, Alicia offers some surprising insights.

“There are going to be many people in your life that will judge you and openly express their opinions,” she says. “No matter what, be confident in your decision to go down this road and stick together as a couple. We talked regularly about what our lives would look like with and without children.”

“We had people criticize us because we chose to pursue IVF, saying ‘If God meant for you to have children, he would have let it happen naturally.’ Our friends who chose to stand by us had the best of intentions and we welcomed any and all good thoughts and wishes for our success as a family,” Alicia recalls.

“We look at our fertility journey like this: If we can help one other person, then it was all worth it. Stay the course, and embrace the outcome together, whatever it is.”

 

Find a Gestational Carrier

For many hopeful parents, working with a gestational carrier (commonly known as a surrogate) is a meaningful path to growing their family. A gestational carrier helps carry a pregnancy when medical, genetic, or personal circumstances make it necessary.

We partner with the Center for Surrogate Parenting (CSP)—a leading surrogacy agency with over 40 years of experience helping individuals and couples, including LGBTQ+ and single parents, realize their dreams of parenthood through gestational surrogacy.

Why work with CSP?

CSP is known for its compassionate, ethical approach and extensive experience in matching intended parents with carefully screened, committed surrogates. Their team prioritizes open communication, emotional support, and a structured, transparent process designed to give intended parents peace of mind every step of the way.

With CSP, you’ll benefit from:

  • A rigorous surrogate screening process
  • Professional counseling and ongoing support
  • A thoughtful matching process designed to align values and expectations
  • Extensive legal guidance to protect everyone involved
  • Experience working with families across the U.S. and more than 60 countries
Find a Gestational Carrier
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Integrative Medicine for Fertility

A Holistic Approach to Fertility Care

Integrative medicine combines traditional reproductive treatments with holistic therapies to enhance overall well-being, addressing the mind, body, and spirit. This patient-centered approach recognizes that fertility challenges often stem from multiple factors—physical, emotional, and environmental. By incorporating evidence-based complementary therapies alongside conventional fertility treatments, integrative medicine can help optimize reproductive health and improve treatment outcomes.

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The Role of Integrative Medicine in Fertility

Fertility treatments can be physically and emotionally demanding. Integrative medicine supports patients by reducing stress, improving hormonal balance, and enhancing the body’s natural fertility potential. At RSC, we offer three primary integrative medicine approaches: acupuncture, nutrition, and mind-body connection.

Acupuncture for Fertility

Acupuncture is one of the most widely accepted integrative therapies in fertility treatment. By inserting fine needles at specific points on the body, acupuncture helps:

  • Increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, promoting a receptive uterine lining.
  • Regulate reproductive hormones and support ovulation.
  • Reduce the side effects of fertility medications.
  • Alleviate stress, which can negatively impact fertility.

Studies suggest that acupuncture may improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates, with some research showing up to a 65% increase in conception when used alongside fertility treatments. At RSC, we work closely with certified reproductive acupuncturists to ensure personalized and effective care.

Nurture Acupuncture for Fertility
Reproductive Science Center partners with Nurture Acupuncture to provide integrative, whole-person care alongside conventional fertility treatments. Acupuncture can enhance fertility by improving blood flow, regulating hormones, and reducing stress—key factors in conception success.

Nurture Acupuncture is available on-site in San Ramon for pre- and post-IUI and IVF treatments. Research shows that acupuncture alongside fertility treatments can increase success rates by up to 65%.

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Nutrition and Fertility

Diet plays a crucial role in reproductive health. A well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet can:

  • Support hormonal balance and ovulation.
  • Improve egg quality and endometrial receptivity.
  • Reduce inflammation and support overall wellness.

Integrative medicine emphasizes preconception nutrition, ensuring the body is primed for pregnancy. Patients are often advised to incorporate fertility-boosting foods, essential vitamins, and targeted supplements into their daily regimen.

Mind-Body Connection and Stress Management

The emotional toll of infertility is significant, often comparable to that of a serious medical diagnosis. Mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness-based stress reduction can help:

  • Lower cortisol and stress hormones that may interfere with conception.
  • Improve emotional well-being and resilience during fertility treatments.
  • Enhance overall relaxation and hormonal balance.

Scientific studies show that women who practice stress-reducing techniques during fertility treatment have higher success rates and improved emotional outcomes. At RSC, we offer structured mind-body programs designed to support patients through their fertility journey.

The Growing Role of Integrative Medicine in Fertility Treatment

Integrative medicine has gained widespread acceptance in reproductive healthcare. Research shows that nearly 50% of fertility patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, often alongside conventional treatments. However, only 30–40% discuss these therapies with their doctors. At RSC, we prioritize patient education and safety, ensuring that integrative treatments are both effective and aligned with medical recommendations.

Personalized Integrative Medicine Assessments

A successful integrative fertility plan begins with a comprehensive assessment, considering medical history, lifestyle, nutrition, emotional well-being, and environmental factors. Our approach includes:

  • Initial Consultation: A detailed evaluation of medical history, lifestyle habits, and integrative therapy options.
  • Customized Treatment Plan: Recommendations tailored to each patient’s unique fertility needs.
  • Ongoing Monitoring and Support: Regular assessments to track progress and adjust therapies as needed.

Embracing a Whole-Person Approach to Fertility

Integrative medicine enhances traditional fertility treatments by fostering balance, reducing stress, and optimizing reproductive health. Whether through acupuncture, nutrition, or mindfulness practices, these therapies empower patients to take an active role in their fertility journey.Throughout treatment, close monitoring is essential to track progress and adjust medication as needed, optimizing success rates while minimizing risks.

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Frozen Eggs Safeguarded Her Options

Single, in her mid-30s and finding out Mr. Right was Mr. Wrong, Kelley decided to preserve her dreams of motherhood.

Shortly after Kelley’s long-term relationship came to an end when she was 33 years old, she was faced with a question she’d not previously considered. During an annual exam, her OB-GYN asked her if she’d given any thought to freezing her eggs to preserve her reproductive options. The doctor explained that after age 35, women often have more difficulty conceiving and carrying a healthy baby to term.

“I’d always wanted to be a mom, but I was starting to get worried,” says Kelley, which for the sake of privacy is not her real name. “A girlfriend of mine had frozen her eggs in her mid-30s so I had some familiarity with it and decided I would look into it. My OB-GYN referred me to a few fertility doctors including Dr. Sgarlata (now retired) at Reproductive Science Center.”

Before her visit to RSC, Kelley had a disheartening consultation at another clinic. When she brought up the topic of frozen eggs, she was told her future odds of success were slight.

“The doctor at the other clinic really downplayed egg freezing, saying I’d need at least 20 eggs, which would require at least two cycles,” Kelley recalls. “I understand that he was trying to set realistic expectations, but he really made me feel like I had no chance.

“Dr. Sgarlata’s office had a totally different vibe. He gave me hope. He couldn’t offer me any guarantees but he was very encouraging. He said that based on my tests that I would be a good candidate to pursue egg freezing. After one cycle, I ended up getting 13 eggs from the retrieval procedure at RSC.”

Finding love and facing obstacles

Shortly after banking frozen eggs at RSC, Kelley began dating the man who would soon become her husband. Happy and in love, the couple started trying to have children shortly after walking the aisle. Kelley wanted to try to conceive naturally, but she knew she had the eggs as a backup plan.

“We tried for about a year on our own, but I didn’t get pregnant,” Kelley explains. “Then we went back to RSC and talked to Dr. Deborah Wachs. She laid out all of our options given our circumstances and explained our odds of conceiving. I don’t think my husband was ready to go through IVF or any other type of treatment so we decided we’d keep trying naturally for a little bit longer.”

Now 37 years old, Kelley continued to struggle to get pregnant. She visited her OB/GYN, who recommended she start taking Clomid, a medication that stimulates ovulation. This medication is often coupled with ultrasound monitoring, allowing the doctor to administer an injection that triggers the release of egg follicles on the ovaries when they reach maturity. In Kelley’s case, the ultrasound turned up something unexpected.

“The technician said that she observed uterine polyps on the ultrasound,” Kelley explains. “I left the OB/GYN feeling distraught. The info she gave me was very vague. I called Dr. Wachs and I was in tears as I spoke with her. She assured me that this wasn’t the end of the world and that treatment was possible.”

Pursuing IVF with frozen eggs

Dr. Wachs partnered with Kelley and her husband to develop a game plan. First, they scheduled an outpatient surgical procedure to remove the polyps, which can prevent an embryo from implanting in the uterus.

“During my procedure, Dr. Wachs was at my bedside rubbing my feet and making sure I was comfortable,” Kelley recalls. “I just don’t know many doctors who are that caring.”

Even with the polyps removed, Dr. Wachs explained that based on the results of fertility testing, the length of time they had been trying, as well as Kelley’s age, the couple’s chances of conceiving naturally were still quite low – around 5 percent in any given month. In vitro fertilization (IVF) using Kelley’s frozen eggs had a much better prognosis, so they decided to pursue this route.

“Dr. Wachs respected our wishes to not have an excessive number of embryos,” says Kelley. “She thawed six of the 13 frozen eggs and all six survived. We ended up with three viable embryos. We transferred one, and froze the other two. Dr. Wachs came in on her day off to do the transfer personally, because I wanted her to be the one to do it.”

Egg freezing is an investment

Now in the midst of her second trimester of pregnancy, Kelley and her husband expect to meet their daughter this September (prenatal testing revealed the gender). After that, they’re considering returning to RSC to continue building their family.

“We definitely want more kids,” Kelley says. “We may try naturally again, but we know we have those two healthy embryos left so we will probably be back for the others.

“Egg freezing is a financial investment,” she continues. “But fertility isn’t something you can get back. There’s no amount of money in my mind that’s worth more than that.”

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RSC’s AI program is designed to improve IVF by selecting the best embryos for implantation

 

US Healthcare Journal logo for news article on RSC's AI program | RSC of the SF Bay AreaThe AI program helps physicians and embryologists identify embryos most likely to result in a pregnancy and increases RSC’s database of knowledge, while the success rate of IVF pregnancies has increased to around 68%. AI can also help determine which embryo created through IVF has a better chance of becoming a baby, and provide data on the rate of chromosomally normal embryos. All that being said,  the AI program is not making decisions.

“Nobody wants a machine to fully make medical decisions; machines have no bedside manner and don’t know the nuances of a patient’s desires and needs,” said RSC’s Dr. Mary Hinckley. “But you want a clinic that integrates that machine learning, which might be better than a doctor’s memory and experience, because it’s more reliable. Good doctors use medical science and technology but they add the personalization of patient care to make AI come alive and feel personal while being precise.”

 

With AI and machine learning being trending topics in fertility medicine, Dr. Hinckley identifies them as essential components of moving fertility medicine into a more scientifically based field.  One of her patients, Erin Hale, who has one child through the help of RSC’s AI program and another on the way, approves of this plan.

Though AI may have a futuristic connotation, Hale said using historical data compiled by machine learning increases the odds of IVF success. “There is no downside! A data informed selection is better than pure randomness and chance.”

 

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