Category: Treatments Offered

Meet Dr. D!

It’s been quite awhile since we introduced you to our expert, so we thought we’d tell you a little about Dr. Davenport, or as we call him, Dr. D!?

Dr. D moved to Huntsville in 2014 with his wife Kelly and four children. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, he received his undergraduate degree from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, and attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. He then successfully completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tennessee, followed by a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont.

Dr. Davenport is a skilled surgeon, excelling in robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and hysteroscopic surgery. He is the only reproductive endocrinologist in North Alabama who performs robotic tubal reanastomosis, and also the only REI in the region to perform testicular sperm aspiration/extraction for vasectomized/obstructed males prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF).

He has been actively involved in clinical research and has also authored several publications. Dr. Davenport has a love for teaching and lecturing.?

But the most special thing about him?

He is passionate about providing excellent patient care and is committed to providing the most state-of-the-art solutions in all aspects of infertility and reproductive endocrinology.

Dr. D understands that infertility and hormonal imbalances are some of the most emotionally, spiritually, and mentally consuming issues that an individual or couple may face, and most patients appreciate his compassionate yet candid approach to problem solving.❤️

You’re one of a kind, Dr. D!

#meetDrD #FINA #HelpingFamiliesBuildFamilies

September is PCOS Awareness Month

The month of September? is dedicated to raising awareness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Also known as the “perfect hormonal storm,” PCOS is one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders in women and involves irregular function of the ovaries.

PCOS is caused by an imbalance in the hormones (chemical messengers) in your brain and your ovaries, and it usually happens when a hormone called LH (from the pituitary gland) or levels of insulin (from the pancreas) are too high, which then causes the ovaries to make extra amounts of testosterone.

Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.

The cause of polycystic ovary syndrome isn’t well understood, but may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

If you feel like you may be experiencing these symptoms, consult your gynecologist or primary care provider. Lab tests and imaging can be used to help determine if you have PCOS and which treatment may be right for you.?

#FINA #HelpingFamiliesBuildFamilies

What to say and What not to say

Do you have a loved one who is currently on their fertility journey but you aren’t sure how to best support them?
 
Maybe you don’t know what to say or you’re wondering why they missed your recent celebration.
 
Last month, we asked some of our fertility warriors what is most helpful to them.
 
✨What do they wish their loved ones understood?
 
✨What is the most encouraging thing for someone to say/do?
 
Here’s what some of them had to say:
 
? “It was extremely hurtful and frustrating when people would tell me to stop stressing out and I would get pregnant. Also, it was annoying and hurtful when people would constantly ask when we were going to have kids.”
 
? “I wish people would have stopped telling me to just relax and let it happen. I wish they knew how much time, energy, money, and emotions goes in to trying to get pregnant.
My most helpful supportive friends just sat and listened to me.”
 
? “I wish people understood how hard baby showers, gender reveals, and birth announcements were for us. I’d rather people try to understand that we’d like to attend your party, but we’re not for our own mental and emotional health. I’m happy for you, but understand it’s too hard to celebrate in person and please try to be understanding instead of offended.”
 
? “During this time, ‘at least’ statements were hard because they minimize your pain and almost make you feel guilty for feeling how you do. I heard, ‘at least it was early,’ or ‘at least you were able to get pregnant,’ and I know others who have experienced secondary infertility who have heard, ‘at least you have other children,’ etc.”
 
? “The best, most helpful thing for me was when people would just be there with open arms and ears. To listen without offering opinions or comments is a gift! I also liked hearing the stories of other infertility/recurrent miscarriage warriors. Most of all, for me personally, knowing that others were praying for me was a huge blessing.”
 
? “From people who had experienced loss, the most comforting thing someone told me was that anything I was feeling was valid. Everyone processes a miscarriage differently. And whatever way you do, is the right way for you and your family.”
 
? “The most validating thing someone said to me was, ‘I am so sorry. I don’t know what to say.’ Just acknowledging that they had not been in my position and they didn’t know what to say was the perfect thing to say.”
 
#FINA #HelpingFamiliesBuildFamilies #SupportingOurFertilityWarriors

Can Folic Acid Affect the Ability to Get Pregnant?

❓You’ve asked and Dr. D answered!

?“Can folic acid absorption affect the ability to get or stay pregnant?”

Got a question for Dr. D? Let us know!

#AskDrD #FINA #HelpingFamiliesBuildFamilies

“Sometimes miracles take a little time.” ?

“Sometimes miracles take a little time.” ?
Sending out a huge thanks to our sweet patient for this framed photo! We are so blessed to have been part of your journey.

FINA’s mission is to meet each patient with transparency and compassion at the unique place where they are in their fertility journey and to offer the most up-to-date and effective treatment options available.

Call 256-217-9613 to schedule your consultation today!

#FINAbaby #HelpingFamiliesBuildFamilies#HuntsvilleReproductiveDoctor
?: Chelsie Lee Photography

Introducing INVOcell!

▶️ INVOcell
▪️What is it?
▪️Is it affordable?
▪️Who is it for?

INVOcell is a treatment option that allows egg fertilization and early embryo development to take place in the woman’s body, in vivo, while offering success rates that are comparable to IVF if patients meet certain diagnostic criteria.

FINA is the first and only clinic in North Alabama with this option, and the entire process is completed locally in our office, right here in Huntsville.

The costs of INVOcell are also lower than IVF. It requires a similar egg stimulation and retrieval process to IVF, but instead of incubating the early egg and embryo in our lab we place an FDA-approved intravaginal culture device into the woman. This allows her to be a natural incubator while the embryos grow. The embryos will then be removed, and an embryo transfer subsequently performed.

INVOcell is designed for young and healthy patients with infertility.

If you’re interested in more information about this option, check out our website or call to schedule your consultation. We would love to discuss with you further in order to help you determine if this might be the right option for you and your partner.?

#FINA #HelpingFamiliesBuildFamilies #INVOcell

Do certain health issues increase the risk of fertility problems?

Some health issues increase the risk of fertility problems.

Women with the following issues should speak to their doctors as soon as possible:

* Irregular periods or no menstrual periods

* Very painful periods

* Endometriosis

* Pelvic inflammatory disease

* More than one miscarriage

No matter how old you are, it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor before you start trying to get pregnant. Doctors can help you prepare your body for a healthy baby. They can also answer questions on fertility and give tips on conceiving.?

#FINA #HelpingFamiliesBuildFamilies

Factors that Increase a Risk of Infertility

What things increase a woman’s risk of infertility? When should a woman consult a doctor?

Many things can affect a woman’s ability to have a baby. These include:

* Age

* Stress

* Poor diet

* Athletic training

* Being overweight or underweight

* Tobacco smoking

* Alcohol

* Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

* Health problems that cause hormonal changes

Most healthy women under the age of 30 shouldn’t worry about infertility unless they’ve been trying to get pregnant for at least a year. At this point, women should talk to their doctors about a fertility evaluation. Men should also talk to their doctors if this much time has passed.

In some cases, women should talk to their doctors sooner. Women in their 30s who’ve been trying to get pregnant for six months should speak to their doctors as soon as possible. A woman’s chances of having a baby decrease rapidly every year after the age of 30. So getting a complete and timely fertility evaluation is especially important.

To schedule your consultation, give us a call or visit our website. We are here to help! ?

#FINA #HelpingFamiliesBuildFamilies

What’s in the name?

Did you know that FINA, though it is also an acronym, has a deeper meaning?

In Hebrew, the name FINA means “He shall add”. That is exactly what we are about at Fertility Institute of North Alabama (FINA). 

Dr. Davenport and his staff use the most current resources, scientific knowledge, and technology available to make sure that you optimize your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Ultimately we believe that it is God that will add to any family, and we can confidently give thanks for every pregnancy in which we are privileged to assist.?

#FINA #HelpingFamiliesBuildFamilies