Author: Jasmine L. Chiang, MD

Dr. Jasmine Lee Chiang, MD, received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University, where she obtained a B.A. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition. She achieved her M.D. at Tufts University School of Medicine. She completed her OBGYN residency at Maine Medical Center, where she received the Award for Excellence in Ambulatory Obstetrics and Gynecology. She then completed her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her areas of interest are infertility, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, IVF, fertility preservation, and recurrent pregnancy loss. Dr. Chiang has presented her research on the hormonal response to exercise at the national conference for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) in 2016. Her recent research on the role of mitochondria in ovarian aging will be featured at the ASRM national conference in 2020. Dr. Chiang is a skilled reproductive endocrinologist and strong patient advocate. Her philosophy is goal-oriented while establishing a culture of openness, wellness, and compassionate care. She integrates patient values, clinical evidence, quality, and safety to achieve the best possible outcomes for her patients.

What’s New in Egg/Embryo Freezing: All About the TMRW Tank

by Jasmine L. Chiang, MD, posted in egg freezing, embryo banking, fertility planning, Fertility Preservation, vitrification
Traditional Storage Tanks- Eggs/Embryos are frozen in a small vial with printed label in a designated cryotank and tracked manually or electronically through a separate system.
TMRW Tank- Eggs/Embryos are frozen in a small vial with their printed label and RFID chip in the TMRW tank, and are tracked through the integrated TMRW software system. Here is our All-star Conceptions Embryology Team with the TMRW Tank!

Egg and embryo freezing/banking have become extremely popular options over the last year. A major factor in this decision is Long Term Storage. Eggs and embryos can safely remain frozen for years until you are ready to use them. It is important to feel confident that your samples are stored at a reputable establishment in a safe, transparent, and accessible location. The TMRW tank is an evolution from our current equipment. The basic foundation is not brand new, since we have used cryotanks safely for years, but the software integration system is state of the art. It paves the way for a future where gamete and embryo data can be tracked remotely from our computers, or an app on your phone. Better still you have the assurance that your eggs and embryos are being monitored 24 hours a day every day of the year. Below is a summary of the TMRW Tank concept!

What is it?

  • TMRW Tank is the first and only automated egg/embryo storage platform
  • It links frozen egg/embryos to traceable RFID chips to completely prevent errors of identification
  • It facilitates labeling, tracking & locating samples
  • It gathers data to ensure cryogenic temperatures & egg/embryo wellness
  • It integrates all data into a software system monitored on our computers
  • It replaces old-fashioned liquid nitrogen storage tanks and manual labeling/monitoring

Why is it necessary?

  • Safer and more secure identification system- 100% digital chain of custody tracking
  • Easier monitoring in real-time with integrated software system on computer
  • Integrates embryology storage with the most up-to-date software technology

Who is using it?

  • The TMRW tank was rolled out to 30 leading fertility clinics in the US, including Conceptions
  • It was created by TMRW Life Sciences

When/where will it be in use?

  • Commercial launch was in December of 2020
  • The TMRW Tank is already at Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado!

You can read more about this at https://www.tmrw.org/

What’s in a Prenatal Vitamin?

by Jasmine L. Chiang, MD, posted in Diet, Fertility, fertility planning, Food and Diet, General Health, Herbs and Supplements, Lifestyle, Personal Care Products, Pregnancy, Supplements

What?

  • FOLATE aka FOLIC ACID (most important)
  • Iodine
  • +/- Iron (this can also be supplemented separately as needed, such as for anemia)

Why?

  • Folate reduces risk of neural tube defects (birth defects), such as spina bifida
  • Iodine optimizes thyroid health and fetal brain development

When?

  • Optimal to start about 3 months prior to conception
  • Take 1 serving (number varies by vitamin) daily

How much?

  • At least 400 mcg folate per day, but individual needs may be higher
  • 150 mcg per day of iodine

Where?

  • Any pharmacy or grocery store, or available online

Other ingredients?

  • Limited evidence for other ingredients, but they are usually not harmful.
  • It is important to avoid excessive quantities, such as for Vitamin A or B vitamins.

Which are legitimate products?

  • Prenatal vitamins can be given as a prescription from your doctor
  • Prescription brands are FDA-regulated
  • Direct-to-consumer (aka over-the-counter, or OTC) brands are not as strictly regulated
  • If you buy it OTC, check for the following certification standards:
    • Look for NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certified
    • Or look for USP (United States Pharmacopeia) verified

Introducing Dr. Chiang!

by Jasmine L. Chiang, MD, posted in Female Fertility Tests, Fertility, fertility planning, IVF

Greetings to the Enhancing Fertility Blog community! I am happy to be joining the Conceptions team and looking forward to connecting with everyone via this blog. I recently relocated from Alabama to my husband’s home state of Colorado. My areas of interest are infertility, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, IVF, fertility preservation, and recurrent pregnancy loss.

I enjoy working with patients on building their families, particularly problem-solving and navigating the challenges of health and life. Deciding to pursue fertility, defer fertility, or choose fertility preservation can be a complicated decision, and it is a topic almost everyone comes across in their lifetime. It requires patients to consider many factors, including their health assessment, emotional reserve, and financial status. I love being the doctor people can trust for guidance with that decision.

I joined Conceptions because the practice stands out to me as a local, ethical, privately held Colorado business model. The dedication is to professionalism and doing right by our patients in the long run, not to corporate shareholders. We focus on the people we care for. We empower patients to make personalized decisions that nurture physical and mental wellbeing on the road to having a baby.

You can follow my Instagram @jasmineleechiang