Preventing Infertility and the Future of Fertility Treatments

DENVER, Feb. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Fertility Association (The AFA), a national family-building non-profit organization, is heading to college campuses around the country to educate young men and women about infertility - a disease affecting one out of 6 couples in the U.S. The 2011 College Tour Series kicks off on March 4th at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Students will learn about preventing infertility by avoiding certain environmental toxins, STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) prevention, and about the realities of the biological clock. Brenda Strong, The AFA's national spokesperson, board member, and Desperate Housewives actress, will be on hand to talk about the benefits of yoga to help alleviate stress, which can affect fertility. She will also lead a yoga demonstration for the students. Though The AFA's goal is to prevent infertility whenever possible, sometimes infertility can't be avoided. Dr. Mark Bush, a reproductive endocrinologist with Conceptions Reproductive Associates in Denver, will speak at the event so students are aware of savvy treatment options.

Later that night, The AFA will honor Dr. Mark Bush with the Joyce M. Vargyas, MD, Visionary Award at the Illuminations Denver Cocktail Party. Dr. Bush has extensive experience in all aspects of reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and assisted reproductive technologies. He has published numerous scientific and clinical papers in the field of women's health. Recently, Dr. Bush has taken a serious interest in elective single embryo transfer in order to avoid multiple births. The AFA strongly supports the use of single embryo transfer when possible for the safety of the patient and the child.

This year's Illuminations Denver will focus on The AFA's work, empowering young men and women to take control of their fertility. Illuminations Denver will be held at Palazzo Verdi at Fiddler's Green, and special guests will include Brenda Strong, Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald from Comedy Central and Animal Planet and pianist Joseph Eisele with the prestigious Young Musicians Foundation of Colorado. The event is designed to raise much-needed funds to support the educational outreach work of The American Fertility Association.

The media is welcome, and encouraged, to attend both events. The AFA would like to thank all of our sponsors who are helping to make both of these events a huge success, including our Platinum Event Sponsors, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Conceptions Reproductive Associates, and our Gold Event Sponsor EMD Serono. Special thanks to Disney / ABC Television Group for their support as the Charter Sponsor of our 2011 College Tour. If you're interested in sponsoring Illuminations Denver or purchasing tickets, please contact Corey Whelan at 718-853-1411.

The American Fertility Association, a 501(c)(3) national non-profit organization, is a resource for infertility prevention, reproductive health and family-building. AFA services and materials are provided free of charge and without reservation. These services include an extensive online library, resource directory, hosted message boards, daily fertility news and a toll-free support line. http://www.theafa.org or 888.917.3777

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SOURCE American Fertility Association