Patient Story- Chloe- Asherman's Syndrome
Today we are featuring Chloe’s patient journey with intrauterine adhesions. According to Dr. Miller, these adhesions are one of the hardest things to deal with in infertility. Chloe sought Dr. Miller’s help after a pregnancy loss and being diagnosed with Asherman’s syndrome, a condition where adhesions form inside the uterus. Dr. Miller performed surgery to remove the adhesions and Chloe participated in a clinical trial aimed to prevent the return of these adhesions. The surgery was successful and Chloe recently welcomed her daughter, Charlotte. We are so happy to have played a part in helping Chloe become a mother.
Check out Chloe’s story:
In September 2021 we found out that we were pregnant with our first baby and we were over the moon. Fast forward to January 2022 and we lost our little boy when I was 23 weeks pregnant. We were distraught and didn’t know what to do. On top of losing our baby I was then diagnosed with Asherman's Syndrome. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Asherman’s syndrome is an acquired condition where scar tissue (adhesions) form inside your uterus. The scar tissue can build up, decreasing the amount of open space inside your uterus. Women with Asherman’s syndrome may experience light or no periods, pelvic pain or infertility.
We weren’t very educated on this syndrome at the time, but later on found out that it would be difficult to get pregnant with Asherman's syndrome. I was told that I would need a hysteroscopy to get rid of these adhesions. A hysteroscopy is a procedure in which a surgeon inserts a thin, lighted telescope to see inside the uterus. Adhesions can be removed at this time.
I knew that I wanted to make sure I had the best doctor performing this procedure since my ability to have kids depended on it. I learned about Dr. Miller from my husband's cousin, who is a nurse in Park Ridge. At the end of 2022 I scheduled an appointment. Dr. Miller ended up performing the hysteroscopy and lysis of adhesions in March 2023. I took part in a clinical trial to get rid of my adhesions. The trial looked at the effect of a soft gel-like material, called Juveena™ Hydrogel, inserted into the uterus after the removal of adhesions to reduce the formation of adhesions again.
After my procedure the nurse told me that my adhesions were some of the worst she had ever seen. However, they felt like they had gotten all of them. I had a follow up a few months later where I was told everything looked good and I was ready to try for another baby.
In November 2023 I found out that I was pregnant again. My husband and I were very excited, but also nervous after everything we had previously gone through. Dr. Miller and his team were great from the moment I told them that I was pregnant. They got me in for a visit right away and started monitoring me until they felt I was in the safe zone.
In June we welcomed a sweet little girl named Charlotte into the world. We are so in love with our baby and so thankful to Dr. Miller and his team. If it wasn’t for him I truly don’t believe we would have Charlotte. I know if I have any issues in the future Dr. Miller would be the first person I would reach out to.
Understanding Male Factor Infertility- Semen Analysis
Did you know that male factor infertility accounts for almost half of all infertility cases? It’s a common issue that many men face, but it's not talked about as often as female infertility.
As part of a comprehensive approach, we order a semen analysis for every male partner after taking a thorough medical history review.
What is a Semen Analysis?
A semen analysis is a lab test that evaluates male fertility. The test is usually done by having the partner collect a masturbated sample after abstaining from intercourse for 3-7 days. The sample is ejaculated into a sterile container, usually a sterile wide-mouth urine cup, either at home or in the office. The analysis evaluates:
- Specimen Volume
- Sperm Concentration
- Total Sperm Count
- Motility
- Morphology
Semen Analysis Metrics
Specimen Volume
Specimen Volume refers to the amount of semen produced.
Usual Parameter: 1.5 ml or greater
Sperm Concentration
Sperm Concentration measures the density of sperm within a given volume of semen.
Usual Parameter: Greater than or equal to 15 x 106 spermatozoa
Sperm Count
Usual Parameter: Between 20-100 million sperm.
Generally, anything below 20 million is considered a low sperm count. However, sperm numbers can change daily, weekly and monthly. Colds, flus, STDs, infections, antibiotics, temperature and ejaculation frequencies will affect the number. Men with sperm counts of well below 20 million have often been able to father children.
Morphology
Morphology is the shape of the sperm. Abnormally shaped sperm appear with malformed heads (two heads, tiny heads, round heads) and tails (two tails, short tails). These shapes tend to affect their motility.
Usual Parameter: Anything greater than or equal to 4% normally shaped sperm indicates good morphology based off Krueger Strict criteria.
Motility
Motility is the ability of sperm to move forward by swimming inside the vagina, through the cervix, and into the fallopian tubes, where it could fertilize an egg.
Usual Parameter: More than 40% motile
Next Steps After Semen Analysis
After conducting a semen analysis, Dr. Miller carefully reviews the results and recommends the best next steps for the couple. Depending on the findings, this may involve treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or the use of donor sperm. Each treatment plan is tailored to address the specific needs and challenges identified during the analysis.
Whether you are with a partner or are ready to move ahead on your own, schedule an initial consultation with us today and learn more
May 10 is Dr. Miller Day!
Did you know May 10th is Dr. Miller Day? Neither did we, until our patient, Jamie, shared that she created this special day to remember her fertility journey, the support she received from her “village” and of course the doctor who helped her become a mom!
Jamie writes:
Our fertility journey started as most do, with a lot of hope and a lot of disappointing negative pregnancy tests. During my initial testing, I found out I had 2 fibroids and one was very large. Although I kept asking about the large one, I was told by 3 different doctors that they weren’t an issue and was encouraged to start IUI or IVF.
Although reluctant, we started planning on how and when to move forward. Through that process, we started applying for grants. While looking at the grant application, I started reading into how it would be scored. In the fine print, I noticed certain types of fibroids would disqualify us from the grant, and that is because they can make IVF less successful. This made me, once again, question my fibroid. I told my husband that I wanted to find an expert opinion to rule out the fibroid causing my fertility issues before beginning any treatment. I started to research fibroid experts, and one name kept coming up again and again in my search, Dr. Charles Miller.
In April 2022, during my consultation with Dr. Miller, I expected to hear, once again, that the fibroid was “fine.” Dr. Miller recommended surgery, and on May 10th, 2022 he successfully removed both fibroids. We spent the next few months healing, trying to enjoy life, appreciating what we have, and planning our next steps to bring home a baby of our own.
In August 2022, I returned to Dr. Miller’s office, and he told me that things healed well and we could start trying again. During that same month, I was on pins and needles hoping to hear that we got the IVF cycle grant. However, less than three weeks after my follow-up visit with Dr. Miller, our jaws dropped when we got our positive pregnancy test! It was clear that the fibroid was what had been causing my infertility, and if we hadn’t done our research and sought out Dr. Miller’s expertise, we would have spent thousands on IVF without any success.
On April 17, 2023 our miracle baby girl, Fontana, was delivered via c-section. We cannot thank Dr. Miller enough for taking his time to listen to our concerns, truly evaluating the fibroid and its impact, and for his flawless surgery. Without Dr. Miller, we wouldn’t have had a first birthday to celebrate last month.
This Friday we will celebrate our second Dr. Miller Day. This year we took the time to reflect and appreciate those who were a part of our village by writing cards to family, friends, and those strangers who supported us during our darkest days of infertility. Each person is represented by a house, and when we put them all together, it was empowering to see just how many people helped us along the way. No two infertility journeys are the same, but for those still in the trenches, trust your gut and advocate for yourself.
Patient Story- SJ
SJ has been a patient of ours since 2012. After years of trying at another clinic, she underwent surgery with Dr. Miller, and then made the difficult decision to use donor eggs. In 2013, SJ and her husband welcomed twins! However, their family was not complete, and they welcomed another son last year! SJ understands the complexities of using donor eggs but hopes her journey brings awareness and inspiration to others in similar situations.
If you would like to learn more about our donor egg program, please contact Lindsey Bartscher (lbartscher at drcharlesmiller.com). Special thanks to SJ and her husband for sharing their inspiring story.
Our journey to build our family was a long one, but we are happy to say we are on the "other side" of infertility thanks to Dr. Miller and his wonderful staff!
We started trying to conceive in May 2009 when I was 29 years old. Both of our parents had conceived easily, and we were both healthy, so we didn't expect to have any problems. Unfortunately, after a year of negative cycles, we started seeing a fertility doctor in June 2010. Despite all our tests looking normal, we did four IUIs that all failed. When we finally got to the point of doing IVF, we just expected it would work. Our first IVF cycle, I got pregnant and for the first time ever saw two pink lines! Even though my hcg numbers were low, I thought just the fact that I'd finally seen a positive pregnancy test meant things might work out. We lost the pregnancy around 5.5 weeks and quickly moved into a frozen embryo transfer (FET). That cycle failed, and we did two more IVF retrieval cycles and fresh transfers that both failed. After our third failed IVF cycle, my original fertility doctor suggested that we may need to use donor eggs. I was not ready to move forward with donor eggs then, so we tried one more IVF cycle with our original doctor. When that cycle failed, our doctor suggested not only donor eggs but donor sperm. We asked our doctor if he would be willing to perform further testing and a laparoscopy to test for endometriosis, since my sister had recently been diagnosed with it. When he refused, we decided it was time to switch clinics.
I had a friend who was able to get pregnant after a procedure Dr. Miller performed, so based on her recommendation and a lot of research, we decided Dr. Miller's office was the right place for us to continue our journey. Dr. Miller was completely on the same page as us and understood that before we did donor eggs or donor sperm or another IVF, we wanted to be 100% sure we had tested for any potential issues like endometriosis or immune issues that could affect implantation of an embryo. Our motto was "no regrets," so we wanted to make sure we had no regrets about our decisions on this fertility journey. Dr. Miller performed a laparoscopy after finding mild endometriosis, and he discovered I had homozygous MTHFR, both issues he thought could affect IVF success. We tried one more IUI cycle and one IVF cycle with Dr. Miller. After our first IVF cycle with Dr. Miller, he told me I had "soft" eggs and recommended donor eggs. He said he did not think we needed donor sperm, but he showed us the statistics on donor eggs and explained how such a cycle would work. Dr. Miller's Donor Egg IVF Coordinator also gave us a lot of information on donor egg agencies and counselors.
After taking a few months to regroup and make sure we were ready, we decided to move forward with donor eggs in August 2012. Dr. Miller also added Lovenox and Medrol to my cycle due to my MTHFR and repeated IVF failures. We found an amazing donor egg agency (Graceful Conceptions) and moved forward with a fresh donor egg cycle in December 2012. The difference between our donor egg cycle and my egg cycles was night and day! We had so many more embryos to work with that we did with my cycles, and they were all top quality! We transferred two embryos on December 18th and were able to freeze five more high graded embryos. And right before Christmas I got two beautiful pink lines on a pregnancy test! It was the BEST Christmas gift we could ever imagine! We found out two weeks later that we were expecting not only one but TWO babies!
Our twins were born healthy in 2013, and we kept our frozen embryos for several years. Eventually, in 2022, we decided to try and expand our family. We knew it might take a few tries, but we got lucky and had success on our second frozen embryo transfer in May 2022.
We know some people are not comfortable with donor eggs, but Dr. Miller made us feel so comfortable about it, and he reminded me that with donor eggs I would still be carrying my children. We know our three beautiful children would never have been possible without donor eggs or Dr. Miller. We are forever grateful we decided to switch clinics back in 2012, and we are thankful Dr. Miller was so straightforward about donor eggs being our best chance of having a baby and building our family. We explained to our kids that donor eggs are just part of their story and something that makes them special, and they will always know how much they were wanted and loved! We hope our story gives other couples hope, especially when faced with failed IVF cycles. "Success" looks different for everyone, but we are blessed and grateful that our donor, Dr. Miller and science have made our family possible!
-SJ
Patient Story- Charlinda
As we wrap up Endometriosis Awareness Month, it’s only fitting that we share a patient story with you. Charlinda had endured years of pain and surgeries because of her endometriosis and wondered if she would ever be able to have a child. In 2017, she was referred to Dr. Miller. He performed surgery and three short months later, Charlinda conceived her son, Preston. Today is Preston’s 6th birthday! Charlinda shares her journey so that others won’t let a diagnosis like endometriosis discourage them from motherhood. Read Charlinda’s inspiring story below.
I remember how what first looked like a super sad day actually became a blessing in disguise. Sitting nervously in my OBGYN office, hearing her tell me she could no longer see me, felt like a huge break up. She was the only doctor I trusted since moving to Illinois. Due to the numerous endometriosis surgeries she performed on me and the fact that I wanted to become a mom one day, she felt there was another doctor who could better help me. With tears in my eyes, I reluctantly took the number of Dr. Charles Miller.
At the time, I was in my late 30s and not feeling particularly optimistic about meeting a new doctor and his staff for the first time. However, my OBGYN said Dr. Miller was the best in the area and I trusted her judgment. I walked into the waiting room and saw anxious couples and beautiful baby pics posted on the walls. At that moment I told myself my child will be on that wall one day. I finally met Dr. Miller who just returned from vacation, fully tanned and full of life. He listened intently as I explained my health journey and how I knew IVF financially wasn’t an option. It’s been some years but I do remember him saying this was not a problem and that he would get me as close as he could as though I would be an IVF patient. Per his recommendations, I exercised more and ate a healthier diet in preparation of my surgery to remove the endometriosis. I can honestly say after all of my other surgeries this one was the easiest recovery I ever experienced. I followed his plan to a tee and I conceived three months later. Now my son just turned 6 years old.
I know everyone’s journey is different but I share my story so others won’t allow a diagnosis that “may” increase infertility discourage you. Once realizing I was determined to defy the odds, I kept reminding myself what my parents constantly told me, fear and faith cannot live in the same house. I was so proud to announce to Dr. Miller I had a successful pregnancy. Once he knew I conceived, it was onto the next patient. This just goes to show his dedication to his craft. This is so important because I didn’t need him to hold my hand but to get me healthy enough for a fighting chance to conceive naturally. I was glad to get him quickly back to make other women moms. Words can’t express the gratitude our family has towards Dr. Miller and his entire staff!! Thank you.
Cervical Cancer Prevention- Q&A with Dr. Sasaki
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society estimates almost 14,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer this year. However, with proactive measures, prevention is possible. We asked Dr. Kirsten Sasaki to explain the key aspects of cervical cancer, including risk factors, screening methods and the role of the HPV vaccine.
Q: Who is most at risk for cervical cancer?
A: Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for cervical cancer. Unprotected intercourse with multiple partners increases a patient's risk, as well as any conditions that may suppress one's immune system (HIV, being on chronic steroids).
Q: How do you screen for cervical cancer and how often?
A: I screen patients for cervical cancer by performing regular screening pap smears which look at the cells of the cervix, as well as testing for evidence of the HPV (human papillomavirus) virus.
Q: Do you recommend the HPV vaccine for prevention of cervical cancer? If so, who is eligible?
A: Yes, I recommend everyone get the HPV vaccine. It is best to get it around ages 11-12, but you can receive as early as 9 years old. Patients can receive the vaccine up to 45 years old, but it is less effective if you have already been exposed to the HPV virus.
Q: How does the HPV vaccine prevent cervical cancer?
A: More than 90% of cervical cancer is caused by HPV. The vaccine helps to build up your immune system to fight off an HPV infection, so if you are exposed to HPV in the future, your body may prevent it from infecting your cells, and thus placing you less at risk for cervical cancer.
Q: What is the one thing you would like your patients to know about this disease?
A: I would like patients to know that cervical cancer can be prevented with vaccination and regular pap smear screening. Do not be afraid to get a pap smear, because most patients who develop cervical cancer have not been screened with a pap smear for many years.
Dr. Sasaki emphasizes the importance of regular screenings and vaccination as powerful tools in the prevention of cervical cancer. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sasaki call 630-428-2229 or request one online.
Ovarian Pexy- A Simple Procedure to Help Improve Egg Retrieval Outcomes
We posted a video of Dr. Miller discussing a recent surgical procedure he performed called an Ovarian Pexy that helps improve egg retrieval outcomes. We figured this was a procedure many were unfamiliar with, so we asked Dr. Miller for more information. Get ready to understand how this simple procedure can make a big difference on your road to becoming a parent.
Q: What is an Ovarian Pexy?
Dr. Miller: A laparoscopic procedure to move the ovaries closer into the pelvis so that the follicles can be more easily identifiable.
Q: How do you know if you are a good candidate for Ovarian Pexy?
Dr. Miller: The procedure would be performed on someone whose ovaries are out of position. A woman can be born with her ovaries misplaced, making IVF difficult. Additionally, another potential cause is adhesive disease – whether from infection, endometriosis or prior surgery, the ovaries are simply pulled away from the pelvis.
However, keep in mind that you don’t know whether or not there is room for improvement until you look at the anatomy. If I cannot see the ovary, I will not take the patient to stimulation. Generally, we have indications that the ovary is not in the right place and see this while the patient is undergoing transvaginal ultrasound or when I perform a saline infused sonogram. At that point, I recommend surgery. Pexy of the ovaries is ultimately a game time decision at the time of surgery, when the anatomy can be seen.
Q: Why does this procedure improve your chances for a more successful egg retrieval?
Dr. Miller: It gets the ovaries to a place where they can be easily visualized via ultrasound and thus, makes egg retrieval easier.
Q: What is the recovery time and how soon can you do an egg retrieval after the procedure?
Dr. Miller: The recovery time is 5-7 days at home and the patient can start preparing for an egg retrieval with her next cycle.
Q: How common is an Ovarian Pexy?
Dr. Miller: Since most reproductive endocrinologists do not perform surgery, this procedure is not routinely performed. Instead, patients settle for a lesser amount of eggs. Oftentimes, Dr. Miller sees patients who have gone through cycles with other physicians and have not had eggs retrieved on one side because of the ovary position. After the ovarian pexy procedure, patients can go from not being able to retrieve eggs to having a comparable number of eggs retrieved from either ovary.
Interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Miller? Call 630-428-2229 to set up an appointment or request a consultation online.
IVF Superstitions Uncovered: From McDonald’s French Fries to Pineapples and More
You’ve been there, late night scrolling through Instagram or TikTok and filing away any and all tricks that hold the key to a successful embryo transfer. We decided to take a closer look at some of these IVF superstitions and better understand their origins.
McDonald’s French Fries
One popular superstition among IVF patients is consuming McDonald’s French Fries on the way home from the embryo transfer. The origin of this myth is unclear, but it is believed that the high salt content in the fries may help the body to absorb any excess fluids, potentially fending off ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). However, it should be noted that there is no scientific evidence to support this belief.
Pineapple
Eating one ring of pineapple, including the core, daily for five days starting on the day of the embryo transfer is another common IVF superstition. Because pineapple contains bromelain, a mix of enzymes that may break down scar tissue and decrease inflammation, patients were eating pineapple on an empty stomach the day of their embryo transfer. But again, there is no scientific research that supports this will improve implantation.
Pomegranate Juice
Drinking pomegranate juice before and after the embryo transfer is another IVF superstition. Pomegranate juice is known to contain antioxidants and vitamins, and it is thought to thicken the uterine lining, which could aid with implantation. Additionally, the antioxidants may improve egg quality prior to the transfer. Despite these potential benefits, there’s no scientific evidence to back up this practice.
Water
Drinking more than 64 ounces of water in the days after the embryo transfer is another common recommendation. It is believed that staying well-hydrated can support blood flow to the uterus, which in turn can aid in implantation.
Warm Feet/Cozy Socks
Many people believe that keeping your feet warm during the transfer is beneficial. The reasoning is that if your body is sending blood flow to your extremities to keep your feet warm, it may redirect blood flow away from the uterus and embryo. However, like all the other superstitions, the scientific support for this is lacking.
Dr. Charles Miller Weighs in on IVF Superstitions
Dr. Miller, a renowned fertility expert, acknowledges the existence of these superstitions. He notes, “While all of these IVF myths have some sort of scientific support, at the end of the day, none of them have been studied and certainly, none have been shown to be effective.”
He adds humorously, “Nonetheless, I’m waiting for the day that one of our patients walks into the office eating the McDonald‘s Infertility Happy Meal consisting of fries, pineapple core and pomegranate juice. I guess it’s healthier than chicken nuggets and a Coke!”
In conclusion, while these IVF superstitions may seem to have a scientific basis, there is no evidence to suggest that any of them actually influence the outcomes of IVF treatment and they should not replace the medical advice from your fertility care team. Remember, success in IVF is primarily determined by medical factors and a tailored treatment plan.
Do's and Don'ts During the Two-Week Wait After Embryo Transfer
Transfer Day is an exciting and hopeful point on your fertility journey, but the two-week wait that follows can be a challenging period filled with stress, anxiety and impatience. To help you make the most of this crucial time, we consulted with Monika and Mel from our amazing IVF team. They shared some important do's and don'ts to help you through the two-week wait post embryo transfer.
❌Don't Google - Trust Your Medical Team for Guidance
We know it’s tempting, but one of the most common instincts during the two-week wait is to turn to Google for answers and reassurance. However, this can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion. Remember your fertility journey is unique to you and best understood by your medical team. Rely on their expertise and guidance to ease your concerns and not Dr. Google.
✅Follow Medication Instructions
Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, make sure to continue your medication regimen. Medications like progesterone help support embryo implantation. Consistency in following your doctor's orders is key to your success.
❌Don't Take a Pregnancy Test
It's natural to be anxious and eager to confirm a positive outcome, but taking a home pregnancy test too early can be inaccurate and potentially lead to disappointment. These tests may show a negative result because it's too soon to detect the necessary hormone levels. Or, in some cases, they might show a positive result, but the pregnancy may not continue to develop as expected. Instead, wait for the blood test, which provides more accurate and reliable results.
✅ Rest on Transfer Day, but Stay Active
While it's important to take it easy on the day of the embryo transfer, this doesn't mean you need to spend the entire two weeks in bed. Light activities such as walking can actually help boost blood flow, potentially benefiting the implantation process.
❌ Don’t Have Sexual Intercourse
To support the best conditions for the embryos to implant, refrain from sexual intercourse and orgasm during the two-week wait. This helps prevent uterine contractions that may interfere with the process.
✅ Do Delay Having a Bowel Movement
After the embryo transfer, it's wise to avoid any activities that might strain the pelvic area, including pushing during a bowel movement. Wait for about 5 hours before trying to have a bowel movement.
❌ Don't Drink Alcohol
During this critical period, it's best to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including your diet. Avoiding alcohol and focusing on a well-balanced diet is essential.
✅ Try to Relax and Manage Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are natural during the two-week wait, but managing these emotions is crucial. Consider relaxation techniques such as acupuncture, yoga, journaling or simply pampering yourself. A calm mind supports your fertility journey.
Always remember to follow the specific instructions provided by your dedicated care team. They are here to support and guide you through this journey. You're not alone, and we're here for you every step of the way.
For any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We're here to provide the care and assistance you need.
The Advanced IVF Institute Joins the CCRM Fertility Network of Clinics
Big news for our practice- the best just got better! We are pleased to announce we are now a part of the CCRM Fertility network of clinics. CCRM Fertility is a global pioneer in fertility treatment, research and science and specializes in the most advanced fertility treatments, with deep expertise in IVF, fertility testing, egg freezing, preimplantation genetic testing, third party reproduction and egg donation, achieving some of the highest Iive birth success rates in the U.S.
Dr. Miller and our dedicated and innovative team can’t wait to join forces with CCRM Fertility to provide exceptional care to our patients and give them the best opportunity for success.
Rest assured, Dr. Miller will remain as Practice Director and you will continue to receive the outstanding and personalized care you expect of us; however, now your access to top-tier medical resources has expanded to become even more innovative, efficient and accessible.
Dr. Miller had this to say: “It is an honor to join the prestigious CCRM Fertility network. Together, we are committed to our patients through innovative thought, procedures and technologies. I look forward to caring for existing patients and welcoming new patients through our doors as they face fertility and gynecologic challenges.”
We are excited to join with CCRM Fertility to bring joy to even more families! Check out the official press release below.
CCRM Fertility Broadens North American Footprint By Adding The Advanced IVF Institute to its Network
CHICAGO, Aug. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CCRM Fertility, a global pioneer in fertility treatment, research and science, has added The Advanced IVF Institute, to its rapidly expanding fertility treatment and family-building network. Dr. Charles Miller leads two Chicago-area locations and provides cutting-edge fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility preservation and reproductive surgery.
For more than 35 years, CCRM Fertility has helped transform lives through exceptional fertility care. CCRM Fertility's diverse, highly regarded team of physicians, research scientists, embryologists and professional staff are dedicated to helping patients achieve their dream of having a baby today, or in the future, achieving some of the highest Iive-birth success rates in the U.S. CCRM Fertility's expansive network currently serves 16 major metropolitan areas with 37 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Now, Chicagoans can have the benefit of the CCRM expertise in their own backyard.
"We are excited to welcome Dr. Miller and his team to our network, as they spearhead one of Chicago's leading IVF and surgery clinics and are recognized nationally and globally," said CCRM Fertility CEO Bob LaGalia. "Dr. Miller is an innovator in reproductive surgery and has a passion for learning new procedures, techniques and instrumentation that can positively impact patient outcomes. Dr. Miller and his experienced team will be an invaluable asset to CCRM as we collaborate to make assisted reproductive technologies more efficient and accessible for our patients."
As an internationally renowned expert in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and in the treatment of infertility, Dr. Miller founded The Advanced IVF Institute in 2008. He is a graduate of the Honors Program in Medical Education from Northwestern University and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Parkland Memorial Hospital. Dr. Miller then earned his fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Miller is a past president (2008) of the AAGL (formerly the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists), the largest association of laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgeons dedicated to the research and advancement of minimally invasive gynecologic procedures. Dr. Miller is also a past president (2011-2013) of the ISGE (International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy).
In 2022, Dr. Miller received the AAGL esteemed distinction of Honorary Chair for his exemplary service to the AAGL and the outstanding contributions he has made in the field of reproductive medicine and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
Dr. Miller is the Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and since 2010, Director of the Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Program at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. He is the current president of the Foundation of the AAGL. He is also a faculty member of the Clinical Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Dr. Miller's ongoing dedication to developing young minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons earned him the AAGL's honorable John F. Steege, MD, Mentorship Award in 2018.
"It is an honor to join the prestigious CCRM Fertility network. Together, we are committed to our patients through innovative thought, procedures, and technologies," said Dr. Miller, who will continue to serve as Practice Director. "I look forward to caring for existing patients and welcoming new patients through our doors as they face fertility and gynecologic challenges."
About CCRM Fertility
CCRM Fertility is a global pioneer in fertility treatment, research and science. Founded by Dr. William Schoolcraft more than 35 years ago, CCRM Fertility specializes in the most advanced fertility treatments, with deep expertise in IVF, fertility testing, egg freezing, preimplantation genetic testing, third party reproduction and egg donation. CCRM Fertility leverages its own data and a dedicated team of in-house reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists and geneticists to deliver industry-leading outcomes. CCRM Fertility is a proud strategic partner of Unified Women's Healthcare, which is accelerating meaningful change in women's healthcare by building healthy, innovative and mission-driven businesses to meet the comprehensive needs of women across the entirety of their health journey. For more information, visit www.ccrmivf.com.