As a gynecologist and the CEO of Anova Fertility and Reproductive Health in Toronto, Dr. Dixon is on a mission to educate women about the many options available so they don’t have to suffer in silence. These options range from access to fertility planning and treatment to minimally-invasive surgeries to the latest technologies for improving sexual function.
Tailored fertility options for women’s unique needs
Though many fertility treatments, technologies, and procedures exist on the market, they don’t work for each woman in the same way. “I have patients come in and say their friend had success with a particular approach, and I tell them that might be fine for your friend but not necessarily for you,” says Dr. Dixon.
That’s because so many components — like a woman’s medical history, ovarian reserve, and medications, as well as her male partner’s sperm health, testicular issues, past surgeries, and potential infection — affect the success or failure of a fertility plan. “The approach really has to be individualized with all of these components factored in, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all process,” says Dr. Dixon.
Within the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, there are many components that are geared toward a variety of issues that couples experiencing infertility may benefit from. Anova uses specific treatment modalities to target a patient’s individual needs. Closed-circuit monitoring system maintains appropriate oxygen levels for optimal embryo growth by preventing the need to retrieve embryos for monitoring. For those who have recurrent implantation failure, a special type of cell medium is used in the fertilization and embryo transfer process, ultimately enhancing implantation and accomplishing a successful pregnancy.
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Anova’s new minimally-invasive surgical unit uses advanced technologies to perform surgical procedures under conscious sedation rather than general anesthesia. “We can do things like myomectomy or endometrial ablation for uterine fibroids, hysteroscopy, and dilation and curettage (D&C) all on a walk-in-walk-out basis,” says Dr. Dixon. “It’s also less costly to the health care system because these procedures don’t require expensive hospital time, staff, and operating room resources.”
For a woman under fertility care needing to have a fibroid or polyp removed, it means not having to wait six months to a year for an appointment or delaying family planning. “She can have the procedure done at the clinic and then proceed immediately to her fertility treatment,” says Dr. Dixon.
Anova can offer custom solutions to women based on the latest advancements and innovations in women’s health, fertility, and reproductive care.
Sexual health and enjoyment after menopause
The drastic physiological changes in perimenopause and menopause can affect a woman’s ability to have an orgasm or experience sexual satisfaction. That’s because the estrogen hormone — required for all the tissue of the female genital tract, including the clitoris and the vagina, and for lubrication of the mucosa — declines. “About 50% of women suffer from what we call genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which can also include urinary incontinence. They’re often caught off guard and don’t know what their options are,” says Dr. Dixon.
The CliovanaTM, a device based on soundwave technology, is applied to the clitoris to stimulate the nerve endings and blood flow to the area to increase the frequency and improve the intensity of orgasms. “It’s 100% non-invasive with no side effects and is applied in only four sessions over a two-week period, with zero down time,” says Dr. Dixon.
The MonaLisa laser is a fractional CO2 laser that can be used to treat vaginal dryness by delivering laser energy to the soft tissues. “The reports from women who have had this treatment are that it’s made a huge difference, and while it may not work for every woman, it’s one more thing we can add to our tool kit that’s part of that individualized approach to care,” says Dr. Dixon.
With so many options accessible under one roof, Anova can offer custom solutions to women based on the latest advancements and innovations in women’s health, fertility, and reproductive care.
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