New Leaders In Fertility & Endocrinology

Infertility and Reproduction

Infertility is a rapidly changing field of medicine that requires unique knowledge and training to provide quality results. This practice offers the latest fertility services such as Advanced Ovulation Induction, Intrauterine Insemination, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). In fact, NewLIFE's advanced CAP certified (College of American Pathology), ART laboratory was the first in the region to introduce the full panel genetic screening PGS (see PGS below). Blastocyst Culture and Transfer is routinely practiced in order to avoid multiple pregnancies and its associated risks to mother and child.

The "NewLIFE" commitment to quality is demonstrated by our application to and acceptance for membership by the Society for Assisted Reproduction Technologies, SART (www.sart.org ). SART’s mission: "The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology promotes and advances the standards for the practice of assisted reproductive technology to the benefit of our patients, members, and society at large."

Male Infertility

Male infertility patients receive diagnostic assessment through hormonal and high-complexity semen evaluation in a state-of-the-art laboratory within the practice and we have partnered with specialty laboratories to provide the latest proven diagnostic technologies related to male and female infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. For male infertility, these recent advances in sperm function testing are often more helpful in directing treatment than a traditional semen analysis. NewLIFE provides the latest sperm retrieval techniques (PESE, TESA, TESE) for men with prior vasectomy and severe male infertility. When sperm is obtained for future reproduction such as for men planning vasectomy or chemotherapy, NewLIFE offers cryopreservation on site and long-term storage arrangements through its affiliation with ReproTech, LLC (www.reprotech.com ).

The field of human reproduction is constantly advancing, bringing true benefits to patients. This is most recently evident for women experiencing the doubt and grief with recurrent pregnancy losses. There are new techniques that allow selection and transfer of only the most healthy embryos.  The approach, using Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS), has been shown to reduce the chance of micarriage.  In fact, it appears to improve the reproductive chances for some older women.  Finally, a way of reducing the impact of a woman's age on her outcome.  This breakthrough was implemented by the Leaders at NewLIFE in 2010 and the successes have been astounding.  If you or someone you know has suffered from pregnancy loss, please be encouraged to learn more.

Surgery to Help Fertility

Laparoscopy (“band-aid surgery”) is the method of choice when surgery is needed to evaluate and to treat infertility associated with conditions such as endometriosis and adhesions. This minimally invasive and outpatient surgical approach offers shorter recovery and proven outcomes.

Dr. Ripps holds international acclaim for his pioneering contributions to the understanding and treatment of endometriosis and its associated consequences. He is one of the few surgeons in Northwest Florida specifically trained in laser laparoscopy and certified by the Accreditation Council for Gynecologic Endoscopy. This endoscopic expertise extends to hysteroscopic surgery for removal of "internal" fibroids, polyps, and endometrial ablation as effective alternatives to hysterectomy that may maintain childbearing as an option.

Tubal Ligation Reversal

For women, a previous sterilization by a tubal ligation does NOT have to be permanent! Dr. Ripps is a Fellowship-trained and Board Certified (SREI, ACGE) Reproductive Surgeon with more than 20 years of tubal ligation reversal (TLR) experience. The procedure is usually completed on an outpatient basis and patients are able to readily return to their routine activities. Additionally, patients can visit Pensacola, Florida for a successful reversal procedure without the difficulty and added expense of travel to North Carolina, Georgia or Texas.

This same-day procedure for women yields excellent surgical results with re-opening of one or both tubes in 95% of cases. A pre-surgical consultation and some testing help assure that TLR is the correct choice and that a successful pregnancy is likely. Though the woman’s age is a factor, for women with confirmation of open tubes, the NewLIFE experience offers a 71% pregnancy rate.

Providing low-cost reversal of tubal ligation is a specialty of this practice. In Pensacola and Tallhassee, most cases are completed for a predetermined fee* negotiated with the facilities and it includes the surgery, anesthesia, and facility fees.

Florida locations are ideal to accommodate out-of-town patients. Delightful hotels are conveniently close and many couples vacation at the world's most beautiful beaches during their visits.

*Actual cost will vary for some patients based on individual needs for medications and other services.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

NewLIFE for Women with PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common female "hormone disorder" and reproductive endocrinologists have continually been at the forefront of research and management of this often frustrating condition. As a new understanding has evolved, more effective treatments have followed. Dr. Ripps is a community and national leader in management of polycystic ovary syndrome, its excessive hair growth, stubborn weight gain, and associated infertility. Treatment is important because PCOS can progress, leading to other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and high cholesterol. Recently developed natural and medical therapies are consistently effective and outpatient surgery and fertility therapies can successfully aid in re-establishing a woman’s ovulation. In this practice, pregnancy and long-term relief from these symptoms are realistic goals for women with PCOS, including restoring hormones, reducing and preventing weight gain, removing unwanted hair, and preventing additional hair growth.

Laser Hair Removal offers the best cosmetic approach after the underlying hormonal problems are stabilized; the latest laser technology is available on-site for virtually painless and permanent hair removal. In as little as three to four treatments, our laser removes unwanted hair from the legs, arms, back, shoulders, upper lip, and the bikini area. Both men and women who want to rediscover the ease, beauty, and confidence of hair-free skin can have that attractive appearance they've always desired. For more information visit www.bareskinpensacola.com or call 850-857-3733 to schedule a free consultation.

Research and Development

Dr. Ripps is a committed teacher and researcher affiliated with the Florida State College of Medicine. Pioneering efforts in the areas of infertility, osteoporosis, and endometriosis have secured national recognition and grant funding. Dr. Ripps continues to provide education to residents and practicing OB/GYN physicians through lectures, conferences, and seminars. His ongoing endeavors support therapeutic interventions that are at the forefront of reproductive medicine.

Emotional Concerns Involving Infertility

Our commitment to ease the process of fertility treatment is apparent from a patient’s first visit. Our facilities are specifically designed to be comfortable and quiet while our staff members put forth every effort to create a smooth and minimally disruptive experience. Free standing, home-like offices without parking garages help in this effort. There is personal interest in seeing to all aspects of our patients' sense of well-being. We recommend the services of qualified and experienced counselors, massage therapists, and alternative medicine providers. Recent clinical studies are suggesting that these forms of intervention can actually aid in promoting conception earlier.

Success Rates with Assisted Reproductive Technologies

We are proud of our pregnancy successes at NewLIFE and offer our outcomes to be as consistent as any. Success rates have increased every year but reports are delayed by up to 2 years. For the latest outcomes for patients at NewLIFE, please contact our office, (850) 857-3733.

However, it is well known how difficult if not impossible it is for patients to obtain and compare accurate pregnancy outcomes from published reports. The organizations that collect ART outcome data specifically caution patients that comparison between two practices is not valid or advised. This is because the factors that most significantly affect pregnancy rates are how the couples are counseled and managed. Some practices will artificially elevate their perceived statistics by encouraging good prognosis couples (younger, prior pregnancies, etc) to use ART while poor prognosis couples (older, low egg numbers, etc) are declined access or referred for donor egg.

ART pregnancy rates at NewLIFE have consistently been in the middle of the “bell curve” near the national average for several years. Our research and others have suggested that in this progressive field of clinical medicine, being “average” is considered a compliment. Those practices that report results far above the national average are likely manipulating their patients and those far below the national average may need technical assistance or more experience.

Consistent with our overall practice philosophy, NewLIFE attempts to avoid artificially improving our statistics. We offer honest counseling and patient education, and ultimately allow our couples to decide which, if any therapies, are desired. We do not mix fresh and donor egg cycles to determine outcomes and we report ongoing pregnancy rates to avoid the misleading patients by including early miscarriages.

As savvy consumers, infertile patients should use the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website (http://www.cdc.gov/ART ) to assess individual practices but as recommended do not attempt compare practices using these numbers.