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). 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 patients receive diagnostic assessment through hormonal and high-complexity semen evaluation in a state-of-the-art laboratory within the practice. We’ve partnered with Repromedix to provide the latest proven diagnostic technologies related to male and female infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. Sperm retrieval techniques (PESE, TESA, TESE) are effective options for men with prior vasectomy and for severe male infertility. These services are readily available within this practice setting. Once sperm is obtained, NewLIFE offers cryopreservation on site and long-term storage arrangements through its affiliation with ReproTech, LLC (www.reprot.com ).

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.

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 68% pregnancy rate.

Providing low-cost reversal of tubal ligation is a specialty of this practice. In Pensacola, most cases are completed for a predetermined fee* negotiated with the facilities and it includes the surgery, anesthesia, and facility fees. Through affiliate facilities, Dr. Ripps is able to provide Tubal Ligation Reversal in the Ft Lauderdale/Hollywood area as well.

Both 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 478-2000 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.

Costs of IVF and Insurance Coverage
At NewLIFE, we are constantly seeking to offer our services in the most cost-effective manner to provide savings to our patients. With the specialized equipment and highly trained personnel involved, these services are usually considered expensive, but we are confident in our outcomes and that our prices are well below metropolitan competitors.  There truly is a small-town advantage and we would enjoy providing you with detailed costs and showing how much can be saved after taking the opportunity to review your records and identify your specific needs.  NewLIFE is determined to make completing an ART cycle well within your reach.

Office visits and testing are usually required before starting an IVF cycle. As diverse as the causes of infertility are, the actual IVF expenses may vary greatly from one couple to another. The expense of fertility medications is additional and will vary with an individual patient's age and diagnosis. Extra services may be needed in some cases such as ICSI, cryopreservation, and assisted hatching.*

NewLIFE participates with many insurance plans and will file claims when appropriate. However, insurance coverage and benefits for fertility treatment can be ambiguous and usually require more investigation. Unfortunately, verbal confirmation by insurance company representatives will not guarantee payment. Our staff is uniquely trained to assist you in evaluating your health insurance policy.

*These are estimates. Actual costs will vary for individual patients, and charges are subject to change prior to website updates.

With the most advanced office services available, NewLIFE is proud to be the area’s only provider of the new Essure ® permanent contraceptive procedure. For decades, men have enjoyed the convenience of office vasectomy. Now with Essure ®, women can achieve a non-reversible form of contraception without general anesthesia, without the risks of major surgery and the longer recovery times. Most patients are able to return to work the same day. Women who previously considered permanent contraception but feared the other procedures, have found Essure ® to be a better choice. To determine if Essure ® is right for you, or to learn more, you can access the Conceptus, Inc website: www.essure.com or call the NewLIFE office. After using these resources, an appointment to discuss Essure ® with a physician who regularly performs the procedure will best assist in the decision.

Features of Essure®:
    * Incision-less, similar to other office gynecologic services
    * General anesthesia is not needed
    * Short recover time, typically less than 1 day
    * No long-term hormone effects
    * Permanent with proven effectiveness
    * Covered by most insurance plans