Forty may be the new 30, but when it comes to reproduction, ovaries never lie. "The physiological truth about starting a family is that women who are in their late 30s have a much more difficult time conceiving than do younger women," says Dr. Mark Rispler, an infertility specialist at the Innovative Fertility Center (www.innovativefertility.com) in Manhattan Beach, California. "Unfortunately, many mothers-to-be don't realize that their window of opportunity is closing, and are shocked when they learn that they need advanced treatment, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) strategies."



Although each person's experience is unique, some women defer childbearing until they can juggle both work and family, while others wish to have children with their second husbands. "Often, a woman believes that, because she leads a healthy lifestyle and is fit, she'll be able to get pregnant," says Dr. Rispler. "It's crucial for women to understand that the ovarian biological clock has a much shorter lifespan than the rest of the body, and that they have to take an assertive approach."

Although the Centers for Disease Control estimate that 7.3 million women and couples are affected by infertility, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine notes that a third of the time, infertility is the result of male factors, another third can be ascribed to female factors, and the remainder are caused by either a combination of male and female factors or is unexplained.

Innovative Fertility Center begins a woman's journey with comprehensive testing to determine what treatment is needed. The Center offers patients a variety of treatment options, and is recognized for their IVF success. "Artificial insemination, combined with ovarian stimulation, is often a viable alternative for many younger women and couples with fertility issues, but because time is of the essence for women in their mid- to late-thirties, IVF is often the necessary option," says Dr. Rispler.

Board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility as well as in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Rispler first uses extensive diagnostic testing to determine a patient's chances for successful IVF. The actual IVF procedures are complex, and incorporates a committed team of experts. Generally speaking, the woman is given medication to stimulate follicle growth, and then egg development is monitored. Her eggs are then retrieved and sent to a laboratory, where they are fertilized. The embryos are then relocated to her uterus, and she is closely monitored and supported. If she becomes pregnant, Dr. Rispler continues to monitor and test her progress through her first three months.

Throughout the process, Dr. Rispler recognizes that each woman is on her own individual journey, and emphasizes treating the whole woman - not just her uterus. "Because our practice is small and our goal is to create families, we are able to provide a patient with a variety of services and referrals to support her throughout a very difficult time," he notes. "Our relationships with our patients and continuity of care are of primary importance."

To achieve that objective, Dr. Rispler and his staff have a league of professionals that help support patients, including a dietician, an acupuncturist, a psychologist, and a group that focuses on mind-body wellness. They also have associations with stellar egg donor agencies - and even adoption agencies and attorneys. "We support creating families - in whatever form they take," maintains Dr. Rispler.