Infertility Guide

Why Smoking Causes Infertility?

2010-03-04T13:50:00.004+05:30

Various causes can result in trouble becoming pregnant.

So, everyone needs to understand what can trigger your fertility and conception.

Smoking is the factor that can trigger your fertility to a greater extent.

So, women who want to become pregnant should give up smoking. There are various researches conducted on why smoking causes infertility.

The studies found some of the causes for negative effect of smoking on your fertility.

Nicotine present in cigarettes has a greater negative impact on your fertility. Nicotine affects the maturation of eggs, decreases ovulation rates and thereby decreasing fertility rates. Also the studies showed that women who smoke during pregnancy have greater chances of developing chromosomal abnormalities in their eggs.

Also study showed that smokers had twice the risk of still being childless five years after ending the use of contraceptives than did non-smoking couples. Researchers estimate that smoking women who want to conceive take, on average two months longer than the nonsmokers. Smoking women have 40% less chances of becoming pregnant than nonsmokers. Also, smoking women have greater chances of miscarriage and smoking men are more likely to become impotent if they continue smoking.

Effect of smoking on IVF:

Women who get in vitro fertilization also experience the negative effects of nicotine on their pregnancy. Smoking women have less egg retrieval with IVF, less rates of fertilization of the eggs and more number of miscarriages even with IVF also.

Even smoking men also have negative effect on IVF. Smoking causes damage to the sperm. So, smoking causes negative influences on IVF for both the men and women.

If you want to become pregnant, then you need to adopt various lifestyle changes that increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Say goodbye to cigarettes, so that it can dramatically and quickly influence your chances of holding a beautiful baby.

Effects of smoking on women fertility:

Alterations in ovum

Lower rates of fertilization of the eggs with IVF

Increased risk of unprompted abortion and ectopic pregnancy

Likelihood of incidence of cancer in the babies of smoking parents

Damage to the fallopian tubes that produce healthy eggs

Chances of getting menopause early by 1 to 4 years

Effects of smoking in male fertility:

Decreased sperm count in men

Infertility caused by changes in the series of DNA in sperm cells

Iterations in the sperm morphology

Decreased sperm strength

Quality and quantity of ejaculated semen

IVF May Increase Risk Of Stillbirths!

2010-02-26T12:47:00.001+05:30

According to the recent studies, women who consume with the help of fertility treatments such as IVF are at four times the risk of having stillbirths. Research said that women who consume with the help of fertility procedures such as IVF and ICSI were at more risk compared to women who consume naturally.

Research proved that risk of stillbirths for women who consume naturally or non-IVF procedures was 4.3 per 1,000 pregnancies, whereas the risk associated with IVF and ICSI was 16.2 per 1,000 pregnancies.

The findings also proved that the reason for women who are at greater risk of stillbirths with IVF and ICSI is mainly due to their age. But the research does not completely find whether it is IVF or ICSI that increase the risk of stillbirths.

Researchers already proved that risk of multiple pregnancies is greater with fertility treatments and also the research proved that risk of low birth weight, preterm births and other serious health problems is greater with multiple pregnancies. So, women who are undergoing IVF should get single embryo transfer to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.

Debilitating Signs And Symptoms Of Infertility In Women!

2010-02-24T14:27:00.002+05:30

As women age, the most significant factor that effect is the ability to conceive.

Nowadays most of the women wait a longer time to have a baby. As the age increases, the ability of your ovaries to produce normal eggs will decrease, risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases and unsuccessful implantation thus leading to infertility in women.

The ability of a woman to conceive will start decreasing during her 30’s. After 38 there is a more rapid decrease in women’s fertility.

20’s is the most prominent period for a woman to get pregnant. Doctors usually recommend that after 35, women should have fertility evaluation once after attempting pregnancy for six months.

Though there are various causes of infertility in women, they differ from one woman to another.

Symptoms of infertility in women:

Some women may experience physical symptoms associated with infertility, but some may not have any physical symptoms.

Abnormal menstrual period

Absence of menstruation

Pelvic pain

Rapid weight gain

Chronic acne

Unable to get pregnant

Various emotional reactions by either or both members of the couple and the reactions are great among the childless couple.

Test to perform in infertile women:

Calculating the basal body temperature

Monitoring cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle to note the wet, stretchy, and slippery mucus associated with the ovulatory phase

Biopsying the uterine lining or endometrium

Measuring the amount of luteinizing hormone in urine with home-use kits to predict ovulation and assist with timing of intercourse.

Progestin challenge when the woman has sporadic or absent ovulation.

Checking serum hormone levels

Laparoscopy for direct visualization of your pelvic cavity

Determining existence of any cysts with pelvic exam

About 85-90% of the cases of infertility in women can be determined with the above test. Seeking right therapy in right timings can give 50 - 60% of chances to become pregnant. Usually, the treatments for infertility in women include: IVF, intrauterine insemination, and ovulation induction.

Some Foods May Contribute To Infertility!

2010-02-10T09:43:00.000+05:30

There are various digestive disorders that can damage your small intestine when you eat wheat, rye and barley. Gluten is a protein found in these foods can cause these problems. Celiac disease is one among those digestive disorders. There are varied symptoms of this disease.

Celiac disease can lead to infertility or inability to become pregnant. Also this disease can cause various gynecological and obstetrical problems along with miscarriage and preterm births. Men who ignore the condition of celiac disease can also have fertility issues.

Celiac disease in women can lead to start periods later and stop menstruating earlier than average. Also, women suffer from secondary amenorrhea, a condition in which menses start but then stop. Collectively, these menstrual problems can lead to fewer ovulations thus resulting in fewer chances to become pregnant. Improper nutrition and hormonal factors can play a role in causing these problems.

Celiac disease in men can cause sperm abnormalities, such as: low sperm count, reduced sperm functioning and altered sperm shape. Untreated celiac disease can lead to low testosterone levels.

One study stated that sexual relations occurred less often when one partner had active celiac disease compared with couples in which the partner’s celiac disease was being treated.

Even women with celiac disease become pregnant; there are some problems that they may get during pregnancy such as smaller babies, miscarriage. These are the most common conditions that can be noticed in women with untreated celiac disease. So, women who experience repeated miscarriage or unable to conceive should get screening for celiac disease.

How To Enhance Your Sex Life?

2010-02-09T09:03:00.002+05:30

Almonds, seafood, avocados, figs and strawberries can enhance your sexual function and experience. Here are some of the health benefits of each for your life:

Almonds: They are abundant in nutrients and minerals like zinc, vitamin E and selenium.

They are very essential for women sexual and reproductive health. Vitamin E is responsible for the production of estrogen and testosterone.

Vitamin E helps to enhance your sexual desire and helps in fertility.

Seafood: wild salmon, oysters and herring are rich in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. They increase the release of sex hormones. Zinc increases the sex hormone in both the sexes and oysters boost your libido. Seafood can keep your sex and heart life healthier.

Avocados: These are the best sources of mono unsaturated fats that keep your healthy and strong.

A healthy heart can direct the blood to all the organs and also boosts the sex instincts.

Heart disease in men keep them at greater risk of erectile dysfunction.

You will get enough saturated fats from your diet, but mono saturated fats are not. So, consume avocados for these fats.

Figs: They are good sources of soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber is essential to keep your heart healthy. Also, it curbs your hunger. High fiber content is essential particularly for women who main healthy weight, which makes them feel and look sexy.

Strawberries: They are good sources of folic acid, which helps to prevent birth defects in women.

Folic acid helps to boost the sperm count in men. Color of strawberry boosts your libido.

Citrus foods: They are good sources of anti-oxidants, folic acid and vitamin C. It helps to maintain reproductive health in men. Include lot of citrus in your diet.

Antioxidants available in vitamin C have very short life span, so to the continuous benefits, men should consume a lot and very frequently. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables as they can lessen heart disease and adversely affect the man’s performance.

IVF Procedure May Inherit Fertility Problems in Baby Boys!

2010-02-08T16:23:00.000+05:30

A new study conducted on baby boys who born through IVF treatment that involve single sperm being directly introduced into a woman egg frequently inherit shorter fingers, which is a trait identified to be connected with infertility.

The study conducted on one million babies across Europe who born through IVF procedure. One in every 50 British babies is conceived artificially. Almost half of the couples having this treatment go through a treatment called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

The procedure evades the normal competition where only the healthy sperm cell is able to reach the female egg and fertilize it. Study proved that low sperm count in men can lead to have ring finger the same length as the index finger. But in healthy fertile men ring finger is relatively larger than the index finger.

This effect is reversed in women, most fertile women have index finger slightly larger than the ring finger. Finger length is known to be set within the first 14 weeks of pregnancy and is linked to testosterone exposure which is, in turn, governed by a specific group of genes.

Evening Primrose Oil To Regulate Fertility!

2010-02-02T13:51:00.002+05:30

Evening primrose is a mixture of vitamin E and the antioxidant selenium in addition to the optimal, nutritionally-sound amount of evening primrose oil for trying-to-conceive women.

Evening Primrose Oil or EPO is an essential fatty acid that contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA).

GLA s converted to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 which has anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator.

These anti-inflammatory properties of evening primrose oil help people suffering from pains, aches and cramps.

This oil gives women with Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid converted in the body to prostaglandins - types of enzymes which can balance female reproductive hormones and support a wide range of bodily functions, including moisture regulation of mucous membranes.

Key benefit of evening primrose oil for women trying to conceive is its purpose in lubricating and preserving mucus membranes and production, hence helping your body to naturally regulate the quality of fertile cervical mucus.

One of the major characteristics of well and abundant cervical mucus throughout the fertile period prior to ovulation is its capability to maintain sperm in a healthy means and to permit sperm to shift freely through the "hostile," or pH-challenged, environment of the cervix.

During ovulation, healthy fertility relies on the change in texture and increase in amount of a woman's cervical mucus. Don’t take evening primrose oil during the pre-ovulation period of each cycle.

Smoking And Fertility In Women!

2010-01-22T14:08:00.000+05:30

Various factors can trigger a woman’s chance becoming pregnant.

For every woman it is very important to understand what factors can be avoided and what can’t be helped.

Among those factors, smoking is one that can be avoided.

Smoking affects your fertility in various ways and it causes a great deal of waiting for that magical pregnancy.

Before going to know how smoking affects your fertility, here are few facts about smoking and fertility in women:

Smoking women are 60 percent more risk of becoming infertile than nonsmokers. Smoking greatly delays your period of conception.

Smoking women are less fertile and have longer waiting time to become pregnant.

Heavy smoking women face more risk in conceiving than lightly smoking women.

The toxins and chemicals present in tobacco may change your cervical fluid. These toxins can harm your ovaries.

Smoking has a “devastating impact” on a woman’s chance of bearing a baby through IVF.

The effect of smoking more than one cigarette a day for a year reduced women’s chances of having a live birth through IVF by 28%.

How smoking affects your fertility?

Cigarette smoking causes hormonal changes that can lead to menstrual irregularities and even anovulation, in which menstrual cycles where ovulation fails to occur.

Women who smoke also have an increased risk of cervical cancer. In advanced stages, surgery is needed to treat cervical cancer. This procedure can leave the women permanently infertile.

Cigarette smoking may be harmful to a woman’s ovaries, where eggs are produced; this can resulting in a lower egg count or even destroyed or unviable eggs.

Women who smoke can produce lower levels of estrogen, which could impact fertility and egg development. Smoking can also damage the fallopian tubes, inhibiting proper ovulation. And smoking can bring on early menopause, cutting short a woman’s fertility by several years.

If a couple is trying to conceive via in vitro fertilization (IVF), it can take twice as long and require higher doses of fertility drugs if the woman is a smoker, if the process works at all. Smoking has also been connected to an increased risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.

Ovulation Induction For Infertile Women!

2010-01-20T15:25:00.004+05:30

Do you have ovulatory problem?

No effect of clomiphene citrate on your conception?

In these cases, other fertility medications are suggested to induce follicle development and ovulation.

What exactly is ovulation induction?

Usually, medications for ovulation induction are prescribed by a fertility specialist.

Ovulation induction is a safe and effective means of helping infertile women who do not ovulate or who ovulate irregularly. A careful selection of treatment regimens combined with diligent monitoring can bring excellent results.

Ovulation induction procedure involves stimulation of ovaries to produce one or more eggs. This can be achieved by using different medications. Medications help to induce the development and release of multiple eggs in ovulatory women undergoing other infertility treatments.

Are there any risks associated with ovulation induction?

Medications that are used for ovulation induction can increase the chance for high order multiple births and the development of ovarian cysts. A rare condition that can occur is ovarian hyper stimulation. Symptoms of this condition include: severe pelvic pain, abdomen and chest pain, bloating, vomiting, nausea, weight gain and difficulty breathing.

What are the most commonly used medications in ovulation induction?

Gonadotropins: It is an injectable medication. This medication is suggested to induce the release of eggs once the follicles are developed and after that the eggs will mature. Most common side effects include: mood swings, bloating, abdominal discomfort, restlessness or fatigue. In most of the cases, these side effects are relieved by follicular aspiration.

Gonadotropin is highly successful when it comes to inducing ovulation. More thn 90% of women taking this drug begin to ovulate. Pregnancy rates per cycle are generally around 15%. Approximately 15% of all pregnancies are twins, and 3% are triplets or higher order multiples.

Parlodel and/or Bromocriptine: These are oral medication which should be taken after the meals. These medications are suggested for lowering of the prolactin levels. Also, they help to reduce pituitary tumor size. These medications have very few side effects and are inexpensive. More than 90% of women using these medications experience normal menstrual cycles

Clomiphene citrate: It comes in tablet form. It is prescribed for women who have irregular or long menstrual periods. Most common side effects of this medication include: hot flashes, blurred vision, and headaches.

Metformin: It acts as an insulin lowering medication. It is prescribed for women with PCOS. It helps to reduce endocrine abnormalities that come with PCOS. This medication helps to reduce hair loss, decreases hair growth on your face and body, decreases high blood pressure, regulates your menstrual cycle, normal fertility and weight loss.

Who can benefit from ovulation induction?

Women who are seeking fertility treatment can benefit from ovulation induction. Also, women who are suffering from the following conditions can get benefit:

Irregular menstruation

PCOS

Anovulation

Pituitary disorders

Are there any factors that affect the success rate of ovulation induction?

Before considering ovulation induction, your fertility specialist will analyze the following factors:

Your egg quality

Your egg quantity

If these two factors are not perfect, then ovulation induction may not be the right choice for you.

More Subtle Sex Response In Women Than Men!

2010-01-06T13:49:00.002+05:30

A new study proved that, when it comes to measure the sexual response, women and men are poles apart.

The study found that, men's reports of feeling sexually aroused tend to match their physiological responses, while women's mind and body responses are less aligned.

During the study, the participants were asked how provoked they felt throughout and after experiencing a range of sexual stimuli. This measure of arousal was compared with physiological responses such as: changes in genital blood flow for women and changes in penile erection for men.

Subjective rating for men was closely matched with their physiological measures when compared to women. Also, men’s bodies and brains were almost always in agreement, but there was an inconsistency reported between women’s bodies and brains.

The study also found that it was more likely for women to be sexually aroused physically and mentally if she was exposed to a number of stimuli including visuals and audio. In men, the amount or type of sexual stimuli did not play a significant factor in whether a man was both physically and mentally aroused.

What Increases A Woman’s Risk Of Infertility?

2009-12-29T16:53:00.005+05:30

Most of the risk factors for infertility are same for men and women, but some are different.

If you're under 35 and have had frequent unprotected sex for more than a year without conceiving, there is a good chance that you or your partner may have a condition that is interfering with your chances of conceiving, but only a doctor can diagnose a fertility problem for sure.

Risk factors of infertility for women:

Many things can change a woman’s ability to have a baby. They include:

Age: Maternal age is probably the most significant risk factor that is related to a woman’s ability to conceive. As age increases, the ability of ovaries to produce normal and healthy eggs decreases, so the chance of becoming pregnant decreases.

Even you conceive during 30’s, there are great chances for chromosomal abnormalities and unsuccessful implantation. The ability of successful pregnancy starts to decrease from your 30s.

Endometriosis: It is estimated that 40-50% of the infertile women may have endometriosis. Endometriosis can disrupt the ovaries' normal cycle of egg development and release. Scar tissue from endometriosis can form adhesions around the ovary and restrict the available surface area of the ovary for egg release.

Diabetes: Women with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to have fertility problems. When insulin resistance is controlled through diet, exercise and in some cases use of diabetes drugs such as metformin fertility tends to improve. For women with diabetes, good blood sugar control improves pregnancy rates and the success rate of pregnancy.

PCOS: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility and is associated with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Many women with PCOS are also diabetic or pre-diabetic.

Irregular periods: Irregular periods can be troublesome when trying to get pregnant. Irregular or abnormal ovulation and menstruation accounts for 30% to 40% of all cases of infertility. Women with irregular periods are often prescribed fertility drugs like Clomid to increase the number of ovulation periods.

Smoking: Women who smoke are 60% more likely to become infertile than nonsmokers.
Smoking can significantly delay the time of conception. It takes them longer time to become pregnant when they try to conceive.

Even you consider IVF procedure; smoking has a devastating effect on a woman’s chance of bearing a baby.

Overweight: Many women who are overweight wonder if this is a factor in their infertility. Today, in America, nearly 50% of women between the ages of 25 and 55 are overweight. The issue that is more common for overweight women is ovulation problems.

STDs: Approximately 65 million people in the United States have an STD. STDs can cause severe damage for a woman’s reproductive organs. Recent studies showed that 38 percent of infertility cases are caused by STDs.

Pelvic inflammatory disease: It is an inflammation of a woman's upper reproductive tract, including the structures of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The relationship between PID and infertility is relatively well accepted. PID causes infertility by the scarring process that occurs during the healing of sexually transmitted infections.

Fallopian tube damage: Damage of fallopian tubes is the most common cause infertility. About 20-25% of infertility cases are due to blocked or damaged fallopian tubes. This is usually caused by either pelvic infection or pelvic endometriosis.

Thyroid disease: Thyroid disease and infertility affects each other condition. Women who have a family history of hypothyroidism need to be extra diligent about getting tested for the presence of the antibodies. This condition can lead to not only infertility, but miscarriage, premature babies, growth issues for the child, and may also contribute to more complications later in the pregnancy.

What Does Lunar Fertile Period Mean?

2009-12-28T17:09:00.002+05:30

Most women know that mid cycle or biological ovulation is the period to fall pregnant in when they have unprotected sex.

The thing that most of you don’t know is that ovulation can be triggered at any time and bring on fertility during your menstrual cycle, even during the period also.

All these depends on what phase the moon was at the time of your birth. This is your natal lunar phase fertile period.

Specifically, natal lunar phase fertile period indicates the angle between sun and moon at the time of your birth.

Every month when the moon comes to this same position that is as it was during your birth time, it can trigger your body for spontaneous ovulation even if the time occurs beyond your normal fertile period.

If you are using oral pills, make sure that you take your pill. These active hormone pills during this lunar fertile period reduce the risk of pregnancy occurring through unprotected sex.

The moon’s trigger effect is increased by two factors such as sexual intercourse and stress, which means, if you have sex during this phase, there are increased chances for ovulation to occur. This period varies from individual to individual as it completely depends on your birth data.

So, it is beneficial to synchronize your biological cycle with your lunar cycle. If you want to become pregnant, synchronizing the cycle increases your chances of becoming pregnant during the fertile period.

Also, sex of your child can be determined by the position of the moon at conception time. The possibility of pregnancy and fetus is reliant upon the relationship of the closer celestial bodies.

The problem is, calculating your own lunar fertile phase involves quite a bit of "number-crunching" and it's easy for the inexperienced to make mistakes. There are various sites in the web where you can find out on which moon phase you were born. With the help of this information, you can make the most of the limited conception opportunities that you have each menstrual cycle.

Link Between Sex And Cervical Cancer!

2009-12-22T17:28:00.002+05:30

Recent study found that having sex at an early age may double the risk of cervical cancer. Sexually active younger women are at great risk from the disease.

Also, the study stated that the age at which women had their first baby can also a contributing factor for cervical cancer. Also, smoking and multiple sex partners can increase the risk of cervical cancer.

The study stated that poorer women have a higher risk of cervical cancer because they are likely to have sex four years earlier than more affluent women. If you have started having sex at young age and have multiple sex partners, then you have great chances for developing cervical cancer.

During the young ages, your cervix is underdeveloped and has an immature epithelium (top most layer of tissue on the cervix). With this immature epithelium, virus that cause cervical cancer can be easily penetrated into it and increase your chances of developing the infection.

The best way to protect from cervical cancer is by not having multiple sex partners and having safe and well protected sex. Also, cervical cancer vaccination protects young women from the risk of cervical cancer. Also, getting regular Pap test can help to detect abnormal cervical cells that indicate cancer risk.

Endometrial Biopsy To Determine Infertility Cause!

2009-12-20T08:06:00.000+05:30

This is the diagnostic test used to detect any of the endometrial abnormalities.

In endometrial biopsy, a small sample of your uterine lining is removed to test under the laboratory.

Endometrial biopsy is the most reliable measure of a woman’s luteal phase.

Why endometrial biopsy is recommended?

When you consult your healthcare provider for any problem associated with the endometrium, first he/she will evaluate whether or not your uterine lining responds normally to the progesterone hormone.

The effect of progesterone hormone is measured by changes to the different cells of the endometrium that indemnify adequate preparation of the uterine lining.

This procedure helps to detect abnormal uterine bleeding that is the result of hormone imbalances. This diagnostic test helps to evaluate the cause of infertility, uterine infections and also helps to observe response to certain medications.

This procedure is less complicated when compared to the procedure known as dilation and curettage (D&C). In D&C, a great amount of uterine lining is removed by using special instrument to dilate the cervical opening. This procedure can be performed at doctor’s office that doesn’t require anesthesia or hospitalization.

Pregnant women are not allowed to undergo endometrial biopsy. Also, this procedure is suggested for women with cervical cancer or abnormal narrowing of the cervical opening.

How endometrial biopsy is performed?

The best time to undergo endometrial biopsy is three to seven days before your menstrual cycle starts. The procedure is performed at your doctor’s office.

During the procedure, you will lie on an examination table. With the help of a speculum, your doctor tries to open your vaginal canal to clearly observe the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus. Then, your doctor inserts a metal tubular device through your cervix into the uterus in order to remove a tiny piece of the inner lining tissue.

During the procedure, you will experience mild cramping or pain. Some doctors suggest taking ibuprofen prior undergoing the procedure to minimize the discomfort.

Are there any risks associated with endometrial biopsy?

Generally there are very few risks. Mainly it causes pain or cramping. These discomforts go away after completing the procedure. Some other less common risks are bleeding, possible infection, feeling faint or light-headed and rarely, perforation of the uterus.

Shock Wave Treatment For Impotence!

2009-12-19T16:44:00.000+05:30

Researchers had discovered a new treatment for impotence or erectile dysfunction. Researchers reported promising preliminary results from using low-intensity shock wave therapy to treat vasculogenic erectile dysfunction or impotence.

Research said that 15 out of 20 patients with mild or moderate erectile dysfunction when treated with shock wave therapy had a significant improvement in their condition. Most of the patients were stopped their treatment with phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors once they undergone shock wave therapy.

Using low-intensity shock wave therapy promotes regeneration of coronary vessels in patients with angina and patients who are unable get angioplasty and coronary surgery.

In each treatment sessions, low-intensity shock waves are applied on your penile shaft and crus for about three minutes in each of the five anatomical sites. These shock waves are 1/10^th the level of intensity as the shock waves that are used to mash the kidney stones.

At each session, a device that resembles a computer mouse applied shock waves. Each site on the penis received some 300 shock waves over the course of three minutes.

Researchers said that these shock waves can really reverse erectile problems. Study said that shock wave therapy could help men whose erectile dysfunction stems from reduces blood flow to their penises.

Does Irregular Period Cause Infertility?

2009-12-16T12:23:00.003+05:30

Yes, for some extent it is true. Menstrual cycles that differ more than a few days in length from month to month are considered irregular cycles or periods.

Usually, menstrual cycle occurs about every four weeks, with the normal range between 24-35 days.

To measure the length of your menstrual cycle, start counting from the first day of your last menstrual period and stop counting on the first day of your next menstrual period.

Irregular periods can be really tough or even intolerable to track. Irregular periods are common in unfertile women. However, many women are very confused about the relation between irregular periods and their infertility.

There is no need to worry, if you experience one or two irregular menstrual cycles because most of the women occasionally experience a small variation in their periods. This can be due to sleepless nights or even dieting.

For some extent, irregular period causes problems if you are trying to conceive. A normal menstrual cycle is four times as more fertile than the menstrual cycle that is ten days or more outside the normal range.

However a moderately consistent pattern of irregular cycle means that you need to pay some attention to what your body is trying to tell you.

The most important thing for a woman to be fertile is the release of the eggs. If you don’t release an egg that often, you don‚t have as many opportunities to get pregnant. Women with irregular periods are often prescribed fertility drugs like Clomid in order to increase the number of ovulation times.

Usually, irregular periods indicate that there are no ovulations and without ovulation it is impossible for conception to occur. You should check your progesterone level in the second half of the cycle. Irregular periods are often one of the first signs that a woman is approaching her menopause stage.

Though the right symptoms of irregular periods vary depending on a woman's special cycle, virtually all women will go through irregular periods for three to ten years before periods stop completely. Irregular periods are plainly what are irregular for you.

Caution For Testicular Cancer Survivors!

2009-12-14T16:56:00.002+05:30

Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in young men ages 15 to 35. Early detection is critical because testicular cancer typically grows quickly and begins to spread to other parts of the body just a few months after the first symptoms appear. But treated early, it is almost 100 percent curable.

Recent studies stated that long-term testicular cancer survivors who received treatment with cisplatin-based chemotherapy are experiencing more severe side effects such as neurological and Raynaud-like phenomena when compared to men who were not received chemotherapy.

Side effects include: tinnitus, sensory neuropathy, Raynaud-like phenomena (Discoloration of the hands or feet on exposure to cold), and hearing impairment.

Researchers found that at 4 to 21 years after starting the treatment for testicular cancer, men who were received chemotherapy were at considerably higher risk for greater risk of all assessed symptoms when compared to men who were not received chemotherapy.

Men received chemotherapy were suffering from more severe hearing impairment when measured with audiometry than those who were under dose-intensive therapy.

Finally, the study said that the main aim of testicular cancer treatment is to reduce the toxic effects without negotiating the high cure rate.

Natural Fertility Management Contraception Kit!

2009-12-11T07:30:00.000+05:30

Natural fertility management or NFM kit guides you through the practical steps that will help you to avoid contraception and follow natural contraception.

With this kit, you will definitely know how and when your body is fertile and how best to avoid conception during these times.

Once you will know them, easily you can relate them to your remaining fertile life.

The methods you are going to learn with this kit have been proved as reliable when compared to other forms of contraception.

Most of the studies have given it as 97% and 99.8% effective, when used properly.

Any woman can use this NFM kit, whether or not she has regular menstrual cycle and during any stage of her fertile life. The only thing that is needed is inspiration and curiosity about your own body.

Here are some advantages of NFM kit:

Simple and easy to apply

Period regularity is not needed

No dependence on drugs or any other devices

No side effects

Greater knowledge about your own fertility and menstrual cycles

No fear to your future fertility, conception or children

Suitable for all women

Improves your chances of conception

Suitable when you forget the pill, breastfeeding and also during perimenopause

Decreased use of barrier control methods, in which infection is a major concern

With NFM kit, you will be familiar with your fertile times by observing and understanding the:

Basal body temperature readings

Changes in the cervical mucus – These two methods help you to identify fertile days in your hormonal cycle.

Bio-rhythmic lunar cycle – Allows you to identify when an extra, spontaneous ovulation may occur.

NFM kit includes:

Complete list of instructions to learn and become familiar with the methods

12 cycle charts to note the observations

Guidelines to your diet for healthy reproductive system

Does Casual Sex Cause Emotional Damage?

2009-12-10T12:29:00.001+05:30

No, there is not any link between casual sex and your emotional health. Recent studies have proved that there is not any link between casual sex among young adults and their emotional and psychological health. But there are some physical risks of casual sex.

Casual sex won’t result in harmful psychological outcomes as compared to sexually active young adults in more committed relationships.

Though there has been a strong speculation in public discourse that sexual encounters beyond a committed romantic relationship may be emotionally damaging for young adults.

A research conducted on 1,300 young adults in Minnesota regarding their most recent sexual encounters, self-esteem and emotional well-being stated that about one fifth of the adults had their last sexual encounters casual.

However, overall emotional status of these people is no different than the remaining four fifths who were in committed sex relationship. So, from the study it is concluded that casual sex is not for everyone as an emotional matter.

10 Herbal Remedies To Treat Infertility!

2009-12-08T17:43:00.003+05:30

Herbs are one of the most effective alternative medicines help to treat infertility.

People who are going to use herbs should keep in mind that this type of medicines looks to address both the mind and body.

Herbal remedies are effective for people with infertility problems, particularly women who have irregular periods and for people with hormone imbalances.

Herbal remedies contain 8-20 ingredients and can be taken in the form of pills, teas, tablets or granules.

They are most effective when they are fresh. They can be manufactured from leaves, roots, flowers, fruits and bark. Herbs for infertility treatment may actually require prolonged and continuous use or ingestion.

Some of the herbs for infertility have been scientifically proven to reverse infertility while others are supplements which aid in promoting fertility and conception. Here are most effective herbs that can treat male and female infertility.

Herbs for male infertility:

1. Astragals: This is an herb that is well known to promote male sperm motility.

2. Siberian Ginseng: This herb is useful to enhance and promote sexual functions in males by stimulating the production of testosterone hormone.

3. Pumpkin seed: This is well known herb used to treat infertility in men. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and helpful for healthy function of male reproductive system.

Herbs for female infertility:

4. Dong qui: This is the herb that is being in use for several years, which can help to promote regular menstruation and fertility. This herb is rich in iron, vitamin E and cobalt, which help in promoting healthy reproductive system. To get the desired results, you should use this herb for a long period of time.

5. Red raspberry: This herb works similar to dong qui, but the elements and properties are different such as calcium, iron, manganese, vitamin A, C, D, E, and B-complex. These leaves are very good treatment for infertility.

6. False unicorn: The root of this herb is used in many cultures as treatment for infertility. It acts as a uterine tonic, and a diuretic. It was approved as a herb that promote fertility in women.

7. Wild Yam: This is a well known herb that promotes fertility in women. This herb stimulates the production of FSH that stimulates your ovaries to release eggs.

8. Black cohosh: This herb has been shown to increase pregnancy rate in infertile couple. The components of black cohosh can function similar to estrogen and helps to stimulate release of eggs from ovaries.

9. Chasteberry: Also known as Vitex agnus castus, is often used in conjunction with other compounds like green tea or antioxidants. It works effectively in increasing pregnancy rates.

10. False unicorn root: It is considered as a fertility herb as it contains compounds called steroidal saponins that herbalists suspect may be responsible for its normalizing effect on female hormones.

New Hope For Men With NOA!

2009-12-07T10:25:00.000+05:30

New research conducted on men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), lack of sperm in the semen stated that the condition is not due to an obstruction within the reproductive system and it is a wrong consideration that the people are not suitable to undergo IVF procedure.

New research showed that sperm produced from men with non-obstructive azoospermia and obstructive azoospermia are equally capable of producing embryos.

Study revealed that the elevated implantation rate per embryo transferred and to the resultant live births indicates to the quality of embryo being created with either type of surgically regained sperm.

While assessing the possibility of NOA sperm, also researchers were able to study paternal effect on genomic activation. One of the initial morphologic signs of embryonic genome activation is improved cell-to-cell observance at the 8-cell stage, leading to compaction.

Research found that embryonic compaction was similar in all three groups. These outcomes revealed that zygotic activation is independent of sperm origin and type of azoospermia.

Testicular Torsion And Infertility!

2009-12-04T11:49:00.000+05:30

Testicular torsion has been estimated to affect 1 in every 4 000 males younger than the age of 25 years and has peaks of incidence occurring in the neonate and the adolescent entering puberty.

Inside the scrotum, the testicles are protected on either side by a structure called as spermatic cord. But, sometimes spermatic cord gets twisted around a testicle thus stopping the blood supply to that testicle.

The cause of testicular torsion is still not known, but it can result from any serious injury to the testicles or by doing any strenuous activity. Sometimes, there is no apparent reason for this condition. The condition is more common in infant boys and boys who are going through puberty.

Effects of testicular torsion:

The condition causes sudden and severe pain, enlargement of the affected testicles, swelling and tenderness.

Your testicle may seem swollen or may look like it is higher in the scrotum than the other testicle. You may also experience vomiting, nausea, blood in the semen and dizziness.

Is there any treatment for testicular torsion?

The condition needs immediate medical attention. Surgery called as orchiopexy is the treatment for correcting testicular torsion. The functioning of the testicle can be saved if the condition is diagnosed and corrected immediately.

If the testicle is restricted from the blood supply for a long time, the testicle can become permanently damaged and may need to be removed.

If you experience any pain in the scrotum, immediately consult your doctor. Because any damage to the testicle can cause fertility problems and sometimes lead to infertility.

Does Age Affect Your Fertility?

2009-12-03T16:24:00.001+05:30

Most of the women wait until their 30’s and 40’s to have children. In fact, about 20% of the women in US have their first child after the age 35. So, age is a growing cause of fertility problems.

Approximately one third of the couple in which the women is over 35 has fertility problems.

As age increases, various factors can trigger a woman’s chances of having the baby. They include:

As age increases, your eggs are not that much healthy for conception to occur

Your ovaries are less likely to release the eggs

You are more likely to have miscarriage

As age increases, there are less number of eggs remain in your body. As you get older you have fewer viable eggs left; in cases of early menopause, the eggs run out much sooner than usual

There is a greater chance to develop health conditions that can cause problems with your fertility

The endometrium, lining of your womb becomes thinner and less hospitable to a fertilized egg.

Vaginal secretions or mucus secretions become less fluid and more hostile to sperm

As age increases, your body is more likely to affect with any diseases and these diseases may decrease your fertility

As time passes, there are some conditions that affect your reproductive organs such as: Chlamydia, endometriosis and PCOS

As we get older, we gain some of the weight. Being overweight or obese makes it more difficult to become pregnant

How Uterine Polyps Causes Infertility?

2009-12-02T13:04:00.002+05:30

Uterine polyps are excess tissues that grow on the inner walls of your uterus.

Uterine polyps can develop in women of any age, but generally they develop in women during their 40’s and 50’s.

Uterine polyps sometimes cause problem with fertility or can increase your risk of miscarriage.

A normal and healthy uterine cavity and endometrial lining is necessary for a woman to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Most of the polyps are very small and do not represent a compromise to reproductive capabilities. But, larger and multiple polyps can interfere with the reproduction and thus causing infertility or increases the risk of miscarriage.

What will polyps do in our body?

Usually, uterine polyps nourish on estrogen hormone. If you have more estrogen with uterine polyps, your polyps will grow more and more. Once these polyps attain a certain size, then they swill tart to protrude into your uterine cavity.

The size of polyps ranges from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Usually, polyps are attached to the uterine walls by a large base or a thin stalk. During in some cases, these polyps are slips down into the cervix.

How polyps affect your fertility?

Polyps reduce the blood flow to the parts of endometrial lining. This can disrupt the fertilization of fertilized embryo from implanting in the endometrial lining. Even after the implantation of embryo, these polyps can cause a miscarriage.

Studies showed that removing the polyps can boost a woman’s fertility if she was previously infertile. For instance, one study showed that 63% of women who have uterine polyps became pregnant via intrauterine insemination (IUI) after they had their polyps removed.

What are the symptoms that you experience with uterine polyps?

For some women polyps won’t cause any symptoms. But some may experience symptoms such as:

Painful or heavy periods

Unpredictable or irregular menstrual bleeding

Vaginal bleeding even after the menopause

Infertility

What are the treatments used to remove polyps?

Most of the polyps do not require any treatment. But treatment is suggested for people who experience severe discomfort. They include:

Hormonal medications: Progestins and GnRH agonists are recommended to stop estrogen production so that polyps will slowly shrink down.

Surgical method: Polypectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove uterine polyps. This treatment is suggested mostly for infertile women.

Are There Any Specific Fertility Signs?

2009-12-01T12:29:00.000+05:30

Yes, you can easily recognize the fertility signs in your body.

There are various methods to monitor your fertility such as: cervical mucus, cervical position, and basal body temperature.

These three fertility signs when combined with charting can be very effective to track your cycles.

This chart allows you to know just when your most fertile period is and helps to increase the chances of conceiving.

1. Cervical mucus:

This is the most evident among the fertility signs. Estrogen hormone is responsible for producing cervical mucus. After completion of your menstrual period, you will be dry for few days. After that those dry days will turn into sticky days. These dry and sticky days are known as sub-fertile days or the period during which your fertility is very low.

When these dry or sticky days completes, your cervical fluid will turn into creamy or watery. This fluid is white or clear in color and is very thin. This is the most evident indicator of raising your fertility.

Some may experience watery or creamy cervical fluid while some others won’t produce any fluid. Mucus production is a very good signs because it is the only medium for sperm to swim easily and combine with the egg to occur conception. Good cervical fluid providers shelter for sperm to live longer.

After this, the next phase is producing cervical fluid called ‘egg white’ as it is similar to the color of raw egg white. This kind of fluid production indicates the most fertile sign. Egg white fluid is clear and stretchy and the sperm can live longer when compared to the previous phase.

After ovulation or the day of ovulation, rapidly again you will become dry or produce sticky mucus. You should observe this until your next menstrual period starts.

Sticky or dry mucus – Not fertile i.e. intercourse is improbably increase your chances of conceiving

Watery or creamy mucus – Fertile i.e. intercourse increases your chances of conceiving

Egg white mucus – Very fertile i.e. intercourse has definite chances to become pregnant

2. Position of cervix:

Changes in the position of your cervix can also indicate one of the fertility signs. Cervical position changes are due to the increase in estrogen hormone during the period of ovulation. During this period, your cervix becomes soft and rises higher in your vagina. Also, the cervical opening becomes little bit larger to allow easy passage of sperm.

After completing the ovulation period, your cervix becomes harder and cervical opening closes a little. Until your menstrual period, your cervix remains hard.

While checking the cervix, neatly wash your hands before and after checking. Make sure that your nails are short and trimmed properly. It is very difficult to check the cervical position by yourself. It needs proper practice and time to become familiar with the changes.

3. Basal body temperature (BBT):

BBT is the temperature taken early in the morning before doing any activity. Your body’s temperature is lower during the first part of the cycle. Usually, it will rise between 0.4 to 0.8 on the day of ovulation. It will stay up until just before the start of your next menstrual period.

What Is Gamete Intrafallopian Tube Transfer?

2009-11-30T13:34:00.000+05:30

Gamete intrafallopian tube transfer or GIFT is one of the assisted reproductive technologies that include removing the woman’s egg and mixing it with the man’s sperm and immediately placing it in your fallopian tubes.

In this procedure, fertilization takes place inside of your fallopian tubes.

For the procedure to be successful, you should have healthy fallopian tubes.

GIFT may be suggested when there is a low sperm count, or sperm with poor motility (ability to move) and for couples with unexplained infertility.

Steps involved in GIFT procedure:

You are suggested to take medications that can stimulate your ovaries to produce more number of eggs.

Your eggs are collected with the help of an aspiration procedure.

Immediately, four to five eggs are mixed with about 200,000 mobile sperm and placed in a special catheter.

This mixture is transferred through a laparoscopic procedure, in which a catheter is placed in your fallopian tubes and the mixture is injected.

The final step is waiting for pregnancy symptoms to appear. Blood test is performed to confirm your pregnancy.

Who can undergo the GIFT procedure?

GIFT can be received by anyone, except the one with:

Significant tubal damage

Tubal blockage

An anatomic problem with the uterus, such as severe intrauterine adhesions

Generally, IVF is a best procedure for male factor infertility because it is less invasive and there is more control over the quality of the resulting embryos.

Complete GIFT cycle takes four to six weeks. With GIFT, egg retrieval and gamete transfer happens in the same operation. You will be discharged the same day of the surgery.

The success rate of GIFT depends on your type of fertility problem and it is about 25 to 30%. Success rate is more with younger women as they have more eggs.

Are there any disadvantages of GIFT?

This procedure is not as widely used as IVF because it includes laparoscopic surgery. In IVF, embryo is transferred to the uterus via the vagina and cervix, which is a much less complicated procedure.

The probability of having twins or triplets is higher with GIFT than natural conception. With multiple pregnancies, there is greater risk of miscarriage.

Also, the use of fertility drugs for stimulating egg production can cause severe side effects. You need to be carefully monitored while taking them.

Other risk associated with GIFT procedure is ectopic pregnancy, in which embryo implants in your fallopian tubes or abdominal cavity instead of the uterus.

ICSI And Fewer Male Births!

2009-11-30T13:22:00.000+05:30

Recent studies stated that undergoing fertility treatments like ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) may decrease the birth rate of baby boys.

Previous studies stated that natural conception can lead to 105 baby boys out of 100 baby girls. This helps to balance the higher number of deaths among male fetuses and infants.

But according to the recent studies, the ratio of baby boys to girls is reversed with the people who take assisted reproductive technique such as ICSI.

This procedure is generally used to treat male factor infertility. ICSI involves injecting sperm from the father directly into eggs taken from the mother; if one or more embryos develop over the next few days, they are transferred to the mother's uterus.

The effect of fewer baby boys is observed when ICSI was performed by using blastocyst-stage embryos, in which embryos are matured a couple days longer than the traditional norm before they are transferred to the mother. It makes your doctor to transform fewer embryos to reduce the odds of having multiple births.

So, to prevent this harmful side effect, scientists suggested physicians to confine the use of ICSI to couple that are in extreme needs.

Exhaustive Physical Exercise And Women Infertility!

2009-11-27T14:26:00.000+05:30

Recent studies showed that exhaustive physical exercise may increase the risk of infertility in women. Strenuous and frequent physical workouts may decrease women’s fertility.

Study proved that women who trained to the level of exhaustion and women who trained regularly were at higher risk of infertility. Women who did both are even at increased risk.

Women who trained to the point of exhaustion are at three fold higher risk of impaired fertility. Also, the study stated that moderate physical activity is only recommended for the people who are trying to conceive.

Also, researchers said that hard training can be a temporary cause of infertility. Researchers said that women who are searching for the natural ways to increase their fertility can consider various alternative treatment options such as, acupuncture, certain homeopathic remedies and proper diet habits.

Diet rich in vitamin C and E is essential to maintain good ovulation cycle. Beta-carotenes can also help in ovulation and to increase sperm count and motility in men.

What Increases The Risk Of Male Infertility?

2009-11-27T14:06:00.000+05:30

There are various factors that can increase the risk of a man’s infertility. A man’s sperm can be affected by his overall health and lifestyle.

Here are few things that may reduce the health or number of sperm:

Illegal usage of drugs

Heavy consumption of alcohol

Increased age, men older than 35 may have a gradual decline in fertility

Usage of medicines for other illnesses

Receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer

Cigarette smoking

Other health problems like hormonal problems, mumps, or serious conditions like kidney disease

Exposure to environmental toxins, including lead and pesticides

Psychological disorders like emotional stress, anxiety, depression and social pressure

Taking anabolic steroids

Occupational exposure to pesticides, excessive heat and various other chemicals

Medical conditions like Thyroid disorders, Disorders of adrenal glands, Diabetes, Disorders of pituitary gland, genetic diseases, Liver or kidney failure and HIV/AIDS

Being overweight or too thin

Prostate infections

Celiac disease

Defect or obstruction in the reproductive system (anarchism, cryptorchidism)

Hormone dysfunction (caused by disorder in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis)

Injury (e.g., testicular trauma)

Undescended testicles

What Causes Abnormal Sperm Morphology?

2009-11-26T13:33:00.001+05:30

Do you know what morphology is?

It is the term used to refer the size and shape of your sperm.

Sperm morphology is regularly conducted test as a part of standard semen analysis.

The World Health Organization says good quality semen should contain 60 percent normal sperm morphology.

That means that a semen sample can include up to 40 percent abnormal sperm and still be considered fine. If a person has more than 40 percent of abnormal cells, then this condition is called as teratospermia.

Every man produces some abnormal sperm, but the reason is not known. A normal man can produce 10 million to 50 million new sperm per day. Any lifestyle or eating habits can lead to abnormal sperm morphology.

The results of sperm morphology exam specify the percentage of sperm that look normal when the semen is observed under the microscope. If the test results in abnormal sperm morphology, then it can be a major cause of infertility.

Normally, sperm have an oval head and a long tail. For abnormal sperm, there can be either head or tail defect like: double or crooked tail, misshapen or large head. These irregularities can impair sperm ability to reach and fertilize an egg.

Sperm morphological abnormalities include:

Micro cephalic Sperm - Small Sperm

Macro cephalic Sperm - Large Sperm

Tapered Sperm

Amorphous sperm with midpiece and tail defect

Major causes of abnormal sperm morphology include:

Infections

High fever

Usage of illegal drugs

Alcohol consumption

Congenital testicular abnormalities

Varicocele – Enlargement of veins within the scrotum

Toxin exposure causes reduced sperm motility

Cigarette smoke causes abnormal morphology

Organic solvents causes coiled tails

When you lower your exposure to these agents, abnormal morphology levels usually decrease. If there are any changes in the sperm morphology, it is best to repeat the test in four to six weeks to determine whether it is permanent or temporary.

Don’t get too worried if the semen analysis results in abnormal sperm morphology. There are things that can be done such as intrauterine insemination or IVF. Your doctor will know the best track of fertility treatments for your situation.

Sperm Agglutination – Sperm Stick To One Another

2009-11-25T17:35:00.000+05:30

Sperm agglutination or clumping is a condition in the male reproductive system, in which sperm cells are attached to one another.

This condition is not be confused with other conditions where sperm sticks to other cells or objects.

Generally, sperm agglutination is determined by semen analysis. This condition occurs due to the reversal of vasectomy.

Also, it can be due to the inflammatory conditions like prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate.

Inflammatory conditions lead to a great increase in number of white blood cells in the semen thus causing the sperm to stick one another.

Apart from inflammatory conditions, there are some other conditions such as antisperm antibodies present in the semen cause the agglutination.

Sperm can stick to one another in various ways: from tail to tail, from head to head and middle to middle and also in combinations like head to tail. The extent of agglutination can vary from small groups to large amounts.

Most common effect of sperm agglutination is fertility problems. Sperm agglutination can interfere with the process of effectively reaching and fertilizing with the egg.

Fertility problems that are associated with sperm agglutination can be treated with procedures like in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination.

How Does Fibroids Lead To Infertility?

2009-11-24T22:03:00.000+05:30

Fibroids are smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. They grow from the muscle cells of the uterus and are also called uterine leiomyomas, or myomas.

Fibroids are benign and are most commonly found in young women.

Uterine fibroids can cause infertility, but not in every woman. But, they can affect your fertility to a great extent.

Generally uterine fibroids are of three types, such as:

Subserosal fibroids: They develop on the outer lining of your uterus. They are less symptomatic or asymptomatic unless they become severe. They give your uterus a bumpy look.

These tumors can cause pelvic pain, cramping, frequent urination and back pain. If they become large enough, they can affect your kidneys and other surrounding organs.

These fibroids won’t cause any infertility issues, but when they become large; they can put pressure on your ovaries, fallopian tubes and inhibit their function.

Intramural fibroids: They develop in the muscles of your uterus. They grow in round shape and greatly vary in sizes from microscopic to massive. These fibroids cause your uterus to become enlarge.

Some of the symptoms of intramural fibroids include: cramping, menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, back pain and pelvic pain. These fibroids won’t cause any noticeable symptoms. They can only be discovered while performing vaginal examination or during any infertility treatment.

These fibroids can cause problems when you are trying to conceive. Also, they are problematic during implantation and lead to miscarriage.

Submucous fibroids: These are very much linked with fertility. They develop inside of your uterus. They interfere with uterine lining development and placement, which can lead to miscarriage and problems while implantation.

These fibroids cause excessive bleeding and painful periods. They develop as a stack and can project from the stack into the uterus. If these tumors become large, your uterus may identify them as foreign substance and contract to eject it. If this is the case, you will experience severe pain like labor pains.

Fibroids can be recognized during regular checkup, but this is not always the case. Commonly, they are found during surgery or ultrasound scan. Severe fibroids require treatment or surgery for fibroid removal.

One of the surgical procedures is myomectomy, in which fibroids are removed one by one. This is the most common treatment for women who want to conceive. Before going to decide, talk with your infertility specialist about what treatments are suitable for you.

Nutritional Therapy For Infertile Couple!

2009-11-24T13:18:00.000+05:30

For proper functioning of your body, a balanced diet is very much essential.

For some extent, supplements can also help to improve your fertility.

Deficiency of proteins and calories from undernourishment is a cause of infertility.

So, sufficient nutrition should be the basis for treating any kind of illness.

Here are some dietary and lifestyle recommendations for infertile couple:

Stop taking illegal drugs and quit smoking.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol and high sugar intake.

Avoid taking foods with gluten and wheat protein.

Avoid acidic foods like red meat and tea.

Take whole foods that are high in vitamins and minerals as much as you can, because whole foods are essential for reproductive health.

Take supplements containing vitamin E, which regulates the production of cervical mucus. Main sources of vitamin E include: nuts, eggs and vegetable oils. These foods protect your fatty tissues, which are essential to improve fertility.

Increase the intake of fatty acids, as the intake of fatty acids stimulates the production of sex hormones. Main sources of fatty acids include: seeds, pulses, oily fish, fish liver oil, beans, and unrefined vegetable oils.

Take sufficient vitamin A products

Get regular exercise.

Early recognition can help to avoid the food allergies.

Vitamin B6 supplements can help to increase the levels of progesterone hormone in women with irregular or absent menstrual cycle.

Consider supplements containing starflower oil, borage seed oil, linseed oil, blackcurrant oil and evening primrose oil.

Take folic acid and vitamin B supplements as deficiency of these supplements can cause anemia, which is associated with infertility.

Take sufficient selenium products, as deficiency of them can cause infertility in women.

Bee pollen and royal jelly are extremely nutrient-rich bee products that help stimulate fertility.

Take vitamin A and zinc because they correct any nutritional deficiencies in your body thus promoting some hormonal imbalances. Pumpkin seeds are the best sources of zinc.

Extracts from animal adrenal glands or glandular can help to adjust the hormonal imbalances.

Do relaxation exercises such as meditation, deep breathing, visualization, prayer, etc for 10-15 minutes everyday.

Everyday drink at least 8 glasses of water.

Nutritionists recommend alkaline foods like peas, bean sprouts and milk to reduce acidity in the cervical mucus as it can inhibit sperm.

7 Most Common Infertility Tests!

2009-11-20T16:42:00.000+05:30

Infertility tests are performed to help you find out why you can’t become pregnant.

The tests help to find whether the problem is with the woman, man or both.

Generally, the tests include blood tests, semen analysis, physical examination and other special procedures.

The most common procedures include:

Hysterosalpingogram

Sonohysterogram

Hysteroscopy

Laparoscopy

Endometrial biopsy

Dilation & curettage

Post-Coital Test

1. Hysterosalpingogram: Also known as uterosalpingography, is an X-ray examination of a woman’s uterus and fallopian tubes. This test uses a special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy and a contrast material. This helps your physician to diagnose and treat medical conditions.

2. Sonohysterogram: Also known as hysterosonogram, is an office based ultrasound procedure that can determine if there are abnormalities inside the uterus that might interfere with pregnancy.

It is important to have an evalaution of the uterine cavity with a sonohysterogram or other method before proceeding with an IVF cycle. This test involves no radiation, and there are very few risks from the procedure.

3. Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your surgeon to look inside your womb (uterus) using a narrow tube-like telescopic camera called a hysteroscope. t's carefully passed through the vagina and cervix (neck of the womb) and into your womb.

Also, this procedure helps to find the cause of symptoms like vaginal bleeding or discharge. Also, conditions like polyps and fibroids, heavy periods and early signs of womb cancer.

4. Laparoscopy: This method is used to observe your ovaries, peritoneal cavity, uterus and outside of your fallopian tubes. This procedure is used to look for endometriosis, adhesions and malformations. Before undergoing the procedure, your physician gives you anesthesia.

The doctor will then insert a scope through a small incision inside the navel or just below it to view the outside of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

5. Endometrial biopsy: This is a procedure in which a tissue sample is taken from the lining of the uterus (endometrium), and is checked under a microscope for any abnormal cells or signs of cancer. This procedure may be done with or without anesthesia.

Your health care provider will do a pelvic examination, and will insert an instrument into the vagina to hold it open and see the cervix.

6. Dilation & curettage: Also called as D & C, is the procedure in which your doctor removes tissue from the inside of your uterus. This procedure is used to diagnose or treat various uterine conditions, such as heavy bleeding and clearing the uterine lining after abortion or miscarriage.

In this procedure, your doctor dilates and expands your cervix. A surgical instrument called a curette is then inserted into your uterus to remove tissue. Curettes used in a dilation and curettage can be sharp or can use suction.

7. Post-Coital Test: This test involves an examination of the mucus around the cervix shortly after intercourse has taken place. It is like having a smear test, and under the microscope interactions between the sperms and cervical mucus are analyzed.

Digital Basal Thermometer To Predict Ovulation!

2009-11-19T13:34:00.000+05:30

Basal body temperature (BBT) is the temperature that is taken immediately in the morning upon awakening.

Monitoring your basal body temperature is useful and an inexpensive approach for determining the length of your menstrual cycle.

There are various kinds of BBT thermometers available but a digital basal thermometer is your best bet.

Most basal thermometers come with a blank basal body temperature chart that you can use. You can also download a free basal body temperature chart online to use.

For couple, who are trying to conceive, monitoring their BBT and noticing various other signs of fertility such as changes in cervical mucus and also general physical changes, done over various cycles, will greatly help them for determining the pattern and to identify your fertile period.

How to use digital basal thermometer?

Measure your BBT early in the morning.

It is best to take the temperature at as close to the same time each day as possible.

Using the digital basal thermometer after 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep can give you accurate results.

Make note of BBT everyday.

You can use digital basal thermometer vaginally, orally or rectally.

Everyday, place the thermometer in the same way.

You will observe a great fall in BBT one to two days prior to ovulation. You can use the chart that comes along with the kit to identify whether there is a fall in your temperature or not.

Follow this for several cycles to know the pattern. It is best to track your BBT two months prior to use ovulation test kits. This can greatly helps to determine the length of your menstrual cycle.

If you observe a drop in your basal temperature, have sex to get pregnant.

Digital Basal Thermometer provides readings with accuracy within 1/10th of a degree. It is up to four times faster than a glass basal thermometer and safer, too.

Basal thermometer features a beeper to indicate peak temperature reading, large, easy to read digital display, memory recall of last reading and is waterproof. It includes a clear storage case, replaceable 15V battery and a free ovulation chart.

What Are The Most Fertile Days For Women?

2009-11-18T19:05:00.000+05:30

Every woman should have an idea about when she is able to fertile or ovulating.

Knowing your fertile days can save an enormous amount of anxiety and worry and also control the risk of unwanted pregnancy.

Everyone should know the facts that there is only certain period during your monthly cycle during which you are fertile or can get pregnant. So, it is essential to know when this time is.

Everybody can clearly know when fertility is approaching and happening.

Your body gives clear clues about this. A woman is said to be fertile when ovulation happens and for some days prior to ovulation, you will observe cervical mucus.

Generally ovulation occurs during mid cycle that is precisely 14 days before the onset of bleeding. But, most of you mistaken it as the day 14 of your menstrual cycle. Typically, ovulation occurs within day 11 to day 21 of your menstrual cycle.

Sometimes, ovulation can be disturbed with various factors like travel, sickness, stress, alcohol, etc, which makes counting the period difficult.

Sometimes, ovulation can also occur during the natal lunar phase. This phase can occur at any time throughout the menstrual cycle, including before, during, and after your menstrual period.

Natal lunar fertile time varies from woman to woman. Also, this phase can be calculated based on your birth data that is “with which phase of the moon you were born under”. Here is the data, which gives you an idea on the physical and emotional symptoms that you will experience during your menstrual cycle.

Here the time frame I have mentioned is very approximate, so don’t worry if your cycle is not the same. Apart from these symptoms, if you notice any other signs and symptoms, let me know. So that I can add them to the list.

Week 1 from first day of bleeding: Along with bleeding various other symptoms that you experience will greatly vary from individual to individual.

Generally, during the post bleeding phase, you will notice an increase in your energy and vitality. Your appetite and sleep patterns become normal and you may notice absence of vaginal mucus.

Week 2: When ovulation is approaching, your vaginal mucus becomes more slippery, wet and white

Week 3 Premenstrual phase right after the ovulation: You will observe a great decrease in mucus production, and also mucus becomes drier and thicker. You mood becomes normal.

Week 4 Premenstrual Phase: This is the time to start premenstrual symptoms. That range from headaches, bloating, insomnia, food cravings, and cramps. You energy levels will greatly decrease and libido may also increase.

Is Infertility A Woman’s Problem Only?

2009-11-18T12:34:00.000+05:30

No, infertility is not always a woman’s problem. Men and women can have similar problems that cause infertility, both are affected almost equally.

More than 1 out of 10 couples experience infertility.

It is estimated that 6.1 people throughout the United States are infertile.

Conception and bringing a pregnancy to term are both very complicated and both greatly depend upon a variety of factors.

Both of them are not only dependent on the man’s ability to produce healthy and viable sperm, but also they both depend on the woman’s ability to produce healthy eggs.

Also, they are strongly dependent on the unblocked fallopian tubes to ensure the sperm to meet the egg.

One more important fact is the ability of the sperm to penetrate and meet the egg for fertilization to occur.

Lastly, two factors that ensure a healthy conception are the ability of the fertilized egg to implant into the uterus and the ability of the embryo to develop as it is supposed to do.

One third of women’s problems are responsible for infertility, another one third is due to male problems and the remaining are due to a mixture of male and female problems or may be due to some unknown causes.

It is a myth that infertility is always a woman’s problem. About 80% of the cases with a diagnosed cause, about half are due to male problems, such as azoospermia, a condition that produces no sperm, oligospermia, a condition that causes low sperm count, increased testicular abnormalities, and a decreased reach of climax.

For women, the most common causes of infertility include endometriosis, tubal blockages, and waiting until later in life to try to get pregnant.

An estimated 20 percent of infertility cases are connected to unknown causes. Regardless of where the source of infertility lies, this is a problem that negatively impacts both partners.

How To Test Male Infertility?

2009-11-12T13:40:00.000+05:30

Male infertility testing is simple and routine one. Approximately 50% of infertility cases are due to male infertility.

In order to determine the male infertility factor, testing is very essential.

Semen analysis is the most common procedure used to determine male infertility factor.

Your sperm is collected into a specimen jar and tested under a microscope to evaluate the shape, count, mobility and appearance.

While evaluating the sperm count, your technician checks whether your sperm concentration is above or below 20 million sperm cells per milliliter of ejaculation fluid.

If the test results in low sperm count, then the specialist recommends for testing blood testosterone levels, LH, FSH and prolactin levels.

Sometimes, urine analysis is recommended for testing white blood cells that indicate an infection. If the specialist finds sperm in the urine, then it is a problem with your ejaculation and is known as retrograde ejaculation.

If all the above tests analysis is normal, then your specialist recommends tests for your partner before considering further evaluation of the man.

Here are some infertility tests with a brief description:

Hemizona assay: This laboratory test includes cutting a non-usable human egg into half. The aim of this procedure is to observe whether the sperm can enter into the outermost protecting layer of the egg.

Testicular biopsy: In this test, a piece of tissue is taken from the tubules in your testes and is tested to find out whether you are producing healthy sperm or not.

Ultrasonography: This test is used to find any damages or blockages in your reproductive tract, including seminal vesicles, ejaculatory ducts and prostate.

Sperm agglutination: This laboratory test helps to find whether the sperm are clumping together or not. Clumping stops the sperm from flowing the cervical mucus.

Acrosome recreation: It helps to determine whether the sperm heads can undergo through the chemical changes that are essential to dissolve an egg’s tough outer shell.

Vasography: It is an X-ray exam used to determine any blockages or leakages in the vas deferens.

Sperm penetration assay: It uses hamster eggs in order to assess your sperm ability to penetrate into the egg. But, it is a rarely used procedure.

Hypo-osmotic swelling: It uses a special type of salt and sugar solution to detect your sperm’s tail and its ability to penetrate into the egg. The healthy sperm’s tails gently swell in the solution, while abnormal or dead sperm can’t swell.

Benefits Of Testicular Self-Examination!

2009-11-11T13:23:00.000+05:30

Testicular self-examination (TSE) is one of the best ways to maintain good sexual health. No need of doctor’s consultation, you can test the testicles at your home only. Testicular self-examination helps to find any unusual lumps or bumps, which can be an indication of testicular cancer.

TSE is a risk-free and pain-free way to check your testes for potential cancers and various other problems.

Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor found in men between the ages of 20-34 years. If the condition is detected and treated in early stages, it is almost 100% curable. If undetected, it can spread to the lungs and lymph nodes.

Usually, the tumors are detected on one side, but 2-3% of men can get them on both the sides. So, it is essential to do a testicular self-examination every month. It makes you to become familiar with the normal size and shape of your testicles. Then you can easily identify when you feel something different or abnormal.

How to perform testicular self-examination?

You can do TSE during morning or night after having hot shower. After having the bath, the scrotum is most relaxed, so that it will be easier for you to examine the testicles.

It is best to examine one testicle at a time. With the help of your hands, gently roll the testicle between the fingers. Keep the thumbs on top of the testicle and then rotate it between the fingers.

During the process, you can feel the epididymis, which is the sperm carrying tube. It feels like soft, tender and a rope like structure. You can locate the epididymis at the top of the back part of each testicle. Remember that it is a normal lump.

You should know the fact that one testicle is larger than the other. But it is not for all men and this is also normal.

While examining the testicles, observe any lumps or bumps along the sides or front. Lumps can be as small as a piece of rice or pea.

If you notice lumps, swelling or any variations in the color or size of your testicles, or any pain in groin area, then immediately consult your doctor.

During the testicular self-examination, observe any of the below mentioned symptoms because they indicate testicular cancer.

Change in the consistency of the testicles

Heavy feeling in your testes

Tenderness or swelling of the breast

Pain in your testicles

Lump in the testicles

Testicle enlargement

Hardening, swelling or painful inguinal lymph nodes

Laparoscopy To Determine The Infertility Cause!

2009-11-04T22:31:00.000+05:30

Laparoscopy is the procedure that evaluates the condition outside of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Laparoscopy procedure checks for the existence or absence of adhesions, scar tissue, endometriosis, fibroid tumors and various other conditions that lead to infertility.

How is laparoscopy beneficial for infertile women?

If any of the above mentioned conditions are recognized, then they can be corrected with operative laparoscopy.

This procedure includes inserting instruments through the ports in the scope and through additional, narrow (5 mm) ports, which are placed at the top of the pubic hair line in the lower abdomen.

Usually this procedure is performed by a reproductive specialist as a surgical treatment. It is performed during diagnostic evaluation. This may reduce or eliminate the need for secondary laparoscopy. Endometriosis or adhesions if present can be treated during the procedure only.

The entire laparoscopic treatment takes about an hour and the patients are released from the hospital within three to four hours after the surgery.

When is laparoscopy performed?

If your doctor suspects any cause of infertility, then this procedure is suggested. Normally, laparoscopy is performed only after undergoing other infertility tests. If you have pelvic pain, which is a major symptom of PID or endometriosis, then laparoscopy is performed to determine the cause of pain. Sometimes, laparoscopy surgery can also be performed in cases of ectopic pregnancy.

How is laparoscopy performed?

Usually it is done in a hospital under anesthesia. Well before the surgery, your doctor will tell you about the surgery. The surgery needs you to not to eat or drink for about 8 hours before undergoing the surgery. You are suggested to take antibiotics before the surgery.

After administering the anesthesia, a small cut is made around your belly button. A needle is inserted through the cut to fill carbon dioxide gas in your abdomen. It allows your doctor to observe the inner organs and move the surgical instruments.

After introducing carbon dioxide gas, laparoscope is inserted through the cut to observe the pelvic organs.

How will I feel during and after the surgery?

During the procedure, you won’t feel any pain as you are under the effects of anesthesia. After completing the procedure, you will experience sore throat, which is caused by a tube inserted at that area for free breathing during the surgery.

You may feel sore at the area of surgery and you feel tender abdomen, particularly when your doctor removes lot of scar tissues. Bloating and sharp pains at your shoulder, but it goes away in few days.

Can Luteal Phase Defect Cause Fertility Problems?

2009-10-29T18:47:00.000+05:30

Luteal phase defect (LPD) is a most common problem in women with fertility issues.

LPD can impact your fertility and prevents implantation. Finally this can lead to miscarriage.

Do you know what luteal phase defect is?

During your normal menstrual cycle, LPD will start followed by ovulation and it continues until your period starts.

In this time, the corpus luteum releases progesterone hormone and makes your endometrial lining ready for implantation.

Women with luteal phase defect are unable to produce sufficient progesterone hormone during luteal phase or endometrium doesn’t respond properly to the stimulation of progesterone hormone. Finally it leads endometrial lining to prepare improperly and makes it difficult for implantation.

What causes luteal phase defect?

The causes of luteal phase defect are difficult to find out. There are various factors that can affect your menstrual cycle and trigger the production of progesterone hormone during the luteal phase.

In rare conditions, LPD can lead to hyperprolactinemia or thyroid problems in some women. Hyperprolactinemia happens when you have high levels of prolactin hormone, which is responsible for production of milk.

Here are some causes of luteal phase defect:

Poor follicle production, occurs due to the improper production of follicle stimulating hormone

Premature failure of the corpus luteum, occurs when the initial quality of the follicle/corpus luteum is adequate

Failure of the uterine lining to respond, occurs even in the presence of adequate follicle development and a corpus luteum that persists for the appropriate length of time

What type of symptoms will appear?

Most of the women can’t notice any symptoms until they experience problems when they try to conceive. Women with luteal phase defect will get normal menstrual cycle. Only a few women experience frequent but light periods.

How to find the condition of luteal phase defect?

The best way is charting your basal body temperature. During the luteal phase, your basal body temperature will rise. When you chart your basal body temperature, you may observe that your temperature is not elevated during the luteal phase.

Women who are charting their ovulation can find that their periods occur sooner than the average 14 days after ovulation.

How to correct the problem of LPD?

No need to worry, because luteal phase defect can be easily corrected. Consult your doctor before starting any treatments. Usually, luteal phase defect can be corrected with over-the-counter remedies or prescription drugs.

Over-the-counter drugs for luteal phase defect:

Vitamin B6 and progesterone cream are the two main over the counter remedies. You can take vitamin B6 in dosages from 50-200 mg. vitamin B6 can help to prolong your luteal phase. Progesterone is suggested for menopausal women and it helps to lengthen the luteal phase. Use a cream with natural progesterone.

Prescription drugs for luteal phase defect:

Clomid or progesterone suppositories can be suggested for LPD. Take clomid as suggested by your doctor. Progesterone suppositories are used through the vagina after occurring the ovulation.

Fertilaid For Women Trying To Conceive!

2009-10-28T19:06:00.000+05:30

FertilAid for women, doctors’ approved supplement that is designed to enhance your fertility and improve your reproductive health.

fertilAid helps to balance your hormones thus promoting reproductive wellness. A good reproductive health helps to support your fertility and improving the chances to conceive.

FertilAid for women contains fertility improving nutrients with a just right formula of folic acid, minerals and essential nutrients.

This formula makes the fertilaid a good supplement and offers preconception vitamin support and helps for women who are trying to conceive.

Take fertilaid as a natural part of your diet and lifestyle. This fertility supplement contains herbal formula that includes red clover, vitex, gingko biloba, and siberian ginseng.

Here are few FAQs about FertilAid:

What is the right dosage of FertilAid?

The recommended dosage of this supplement is three capsules per day and take after having the meals. Stop using the supplements when you find that you are pr may be pregnant. It takes three months to get effective benefits. Avoid using the supplement if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

When the supplements start affecting on my system?

It takes three months to exert the full effect of fertility-enhancing herbal ingredients on your reproductive system.

Can I take FertilAid along with other fertility drugs like Clomid?

It is better to avoid taking FertilAid along with other fertility drugs like clomid.

Are there any side effects of FertilAid?

There are no known side effects with FertilAid. Similar to other dietary supplements, you should discuss with your doctor about taking fertileaid if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Why should I take FertilAid?

FertilAid for women is a fertility supplement that gently balances scientifically validated fertility enhancing nutrients with a formula of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Warning signs with FertilAid:

In case of any accidental overdose of FertilAid, call your doctor or poison control center immediately.

Keep it out of reach of your children.

Don’t use FertilAid if tamper seal is broken or missing.

It doesn’t contain any allergens or trans fats. There are no artificial colors and of low cost.

Effects Of STDs On Your Fertility!

2009-10-27T15:34:00.001+05:30

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)! Are you having problems in getting pregnant?

Then immediately set up an appointment with your doctor and get tested your sexual health.

You and your partner get tested for STDs and ensure that you are in good sexual health before trying to conceive.

It is very important to monitor your sexual health and be aware of STDs, particularly when you are trying to conceive.

Having regular tests can prevent fertility problems and prevent the infections and STDs from spreading further.

So, whenever you are planning to conceive, get yourself and your partner tested immediately.

Types of STDs and their effects on your fertility:

Most often, STDs are greatly related to infertility. There are various types of STDs that can cause serious life-threatening reactions to less serious ones. If you think that you have an STD, get treated immediately. Leaving STDs untreated can cause various effects on your fertility.

Chlamydia: Most common STD and every year, it affects millions of men and women. This is due to the bacteria existed in vaginal fluid or semen. This disease is transmitted through sexual intercourse. If the condition is untreated, it can cause infertility and also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. It can cause damage to the fallopian tubes and makes it impossible for pregnancy to occur.

HIV/AIDS: HIV virus causes AIDS. This disease is transmitted through sexual intercourse and by sharing needles, blood transfusion and also through blood milk.

Gonorrhea: It is caused by a bacterium, which live in body fluids and transmitted through sexual intercourse. Gonorrhea leads to infertility and also pelvic inflammatory diseases.

Herpes: This STD is transmitted through skin to skin contact. Herpes can cause burning, itching of your anus and genitals.

Syphilis: Transmitted through sexual contact from an infected person. If the disease is detected in early stages, it can be treated effectively. If it is left untreated, it can lead to conditions like blindness and also some psychological disorders.

Trichomaniasis: Most common STD transmitted through sexual contact. The disease can lead to swelling of the fallopian tubes and makes it impossible for pregnancy to occur and finally leads to infertility.

Pubic lice: Also known as crabs and look like small and parasitic insects. These stick to the hair over your body that is on pubic hair. Crabs can cause irritation and itching of the skin at affected area.

Hepatitis B: Transmitted through sexual intercourse, by sharing the needles and infected blood. Symptoms of hepatitis B include: fever, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. This is a most serious disease and can cause liver damage.

What Causes Low Sperm Count?

2009-10-25T13:45:00.001+05:30

Have you gone through fertility testing and find that you have low sperm count? Then it is essential to understand what low sperm count is.

This is the most leading cause of male infertility. Probably you have many doubts on what causes low sperm count and how to counteract this issue.

Here are various possible factors that lead to low sperm count:

1. Food and your weight

Your eating habits and your body weight can greatly affect your sperm count and quality.

Deficiency in vitamin C, zinc, folate and selenium can cause low sperm count. If these are the causes of low sperm count, then you should undergo physical examination and blood test.

Obesity is also a major factor for low sperm count. So, avoid binge eating and keep your weight under control and do regular workouts.

2. Smoking and drug abuse

Smoking and drugs like marijuana and cocaine can all affect sperm quality and lead to low sperm count. It is proven that the use of marijuana and cocaine can reduce your sperm count by as much as 50%. Marijuana lowers sperm movement and causes its ability to combine with egg less effective.

Not only smoking affects sperm count, also it hurts sperm lifespan and motility. Smoking keeps your fetus at risk for various genetic problems. A research conducted on smokers proved that they have lower sex drive and reduced sexual activity.

3. Genes

Much of our health system depends on genes. Genetic factors like Klinefelter syndrome, Kartagener syndrome and cystic fibrosis can cause low sperm count. You should discuss with your doctor about any issues that affect your sperm count.

4. Environmental factors

There are some locations that can keep you at a risk of low sperm count. Exposure to chemicals, toxins and infections can affect your sperm quality and quantity. Great exposure to metals like arsenic, cadmium and lead can also affect your sperm production. X-rays and radiation exposure can damage your sperm count.

Heavy exposure to heat can also lead to low sperm count. This may happen at your work place, hot Jacuzzi or sauna use, or high fever can affect sperm production.

5. Age

According researchers, men under 39 have about 60% of fertilization rates and men over 39 have slightly over 50% of fertilization rates.

6. Bike riding

For many of you, it is very surprising to hear that extensive bike riding can affect your sperm production. Bicycle riding can be linked to low sperm count and impotence. Pressure due to the bike seat can damage nerves and blood vessels that are essential for erection.

7. Other life styles factors

Emotional and physical stress can inhibit sperm count. Stress affects the hormone GnRH and hence leads to low sperm count. Usage of lubricants like oils, Vaselines or spermicides can also limit your sperm count.

Intrauterine Insemination For Infertile Couples!

2009-10-21T23:30:00.000+05:30

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination is a fertility procedure, in which sperm is deposited in a woman’s uterus through artificial means.

Most of the couple treats this as a less invasive and more affordable alternative to IVF.

Along with IUI, couples with other fertility problems can also consider intracervical insemination (ICI), intratubal insemination (ITI) or intravaginal insemination (IVI).

In IUI method, the sperm used should be prepared properly.

This process is called as sperm washing. Just how far in advance the sperm you are using in your procedure is prepared can influence the chances of success with this procedure.

Though the procedure is painless, you will notice some mild cramping. Your doctor will suggest when you avoid intercourse and any resting periods after receiving IUI.

Best time to perform IUI:

Ideal time to perform IUI is within 6 hours after occurring ovulation from either side. When your ovulation period is depend up on hCG injection, then IUI is done between 24-48 hours later. Ideal time is 36 hours post hCG.

IUI is suitable for:

People who take clomid for their cervical problems, IUI procedure can greatly increases the chance of success on injectible cycles no matter what the sperm count.

Fertility Vitamins – Essential For Preconception

2009-10-19T12:10:00.000+05:30

Pre-conception period is the most important for every one of you.

In order to help you during this period, there are various fertility vitamins and minerals.

But, one thing you should remember that taking fertility vitamins should not replace your healthy eating habits.

Also, remember that there is no evidence that one single vitamin can restore your fertility.

Remember that your sterility can not be only replaced with vitamins, but definitely they can balance any of your nutritional deficiencies.

Difficulty in getting pregnant can’t be treated when you take vitamins, but not taking the fertility vitamins can even worse your condition. Vitamins and supplements to treat infertility are only meant for replenishing your body from vitamins and minerals that it needs.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies and exposure to toxins can greatly interfere with egg and sperm production and lead to miscarriages.

Choose high quality vitamins:

When you are going to buy fertility vitamins, it is better to choose the vitamins made of whole foods, which do not contain colors, preservative and fillers.

Here is the list of vitamins and the quantity that men and women needs:

Vitamins and Minerals	Men	Women
Folic acid	400 mcg	400-1000 mcg
Selenium	200 mcg	200 mcg
Chromium	400-600 mcg	400-600 mcg
DHA	400 mg	400 mg
Vitamin A	5,000-10,000 IU	5,000 IU
Vitamin B6	up to 50 mg	up to 50 mg
Vitamin B12	up to 50 mcg	up to 50 mcg
Vitamin C	2000 mg	500 mg
Vitamin E	400-800 IU	400-800 IU
Flaxseed oil	1000 mg	1000 mg
Calcium	1,000 mg	1,500 mg
Iron	20 mg	30 mg
Zinc	50 mg	25-30 mg
PABA		400 mg
L-carnitine	500 mg
CoQ10	100 mg
L-arginine	1-4 g

Folic acid: Sufficient folic acid helps to prevent birth defects. You should start taking folic acid immediately you start thinking about becoming pregnant. Folic acid helps to birth defects like spina bifida, and also it is proven that folic acid improves your fertility to a great extent.

Vitamin A: This vitamin is important for the usage of minerals, proteins and other vitamins. Cod liver oil is the best source of vitamin A. The antioxidant properties of vitamin A can be essential for healthy development of your baby’s eyes.

Also, higher levels of vitamin A can lead to birth defects. If you are taking vitamin A in the form of retinol, then don’t exceed the dosage more than 2,500-5,000 IU.

Vitamin B6 and B12: These vitamins are essential for your reproductive health. B6 helps to improve female fertility and B12 helps to improve men sperm count.

Vitamin C: Smoking men can get great benefits from vitamin C. Antioxidant property of vitamin C helps to suppress the chemicals found in cigarettes.

Also, vitamin C helps with the women who take fertility medication like clomiphene to increase the chances of conceiving. Juices and citrus fruits are wonderful sources of vitamin C. You can also consider vitamin supplements.

Vitamin E: Most of the times, doctors recommend men to take vitamin E, when their partners are undergoing IVF treatment. Taking high levels of this antioxidant can greatly increase the chances of IVF treatment to be successful.

Wheat germ oil is an excellent source of vitamin E. Broccoli and spinach are also good vitamin E sources.

Selenium: Selenium is an antioxidant, which protects your baby from free radicals. Also, this mineral helps to reduce the chances of birth defects and also increases the sperm count. Chicken, tuna, meat, whole grain bread and enriched pasta are good sources of selenium.

Zinc: Levels of testosterone can be maintained with zinc mineral. Insufficient zinc levels can lead to low sperm count. In women, the usage of estrogen and progesterone hormone greatly depends up on zinc levels.

Sea foods and meat are good sources of zinc. Remember that taking higher levels of zinc vitamin can be harmful to your health.

Calcium: It is the most important vitamin during pre-conception period. Calcium aids in alkalizing your body, which is helpful for sperm and fertilized egg.

Chromium: It is essential for insulin production. Chromium deficiency can greatly interfere with glucose metabolism. Taking chromium supplement can help with glucose tolerance factor, which is related to PCOS.

L-Arganine: It is an amino acid aids in circulation to your uterus, genitals and ovaries. Women who take L-Arganine can have healthy environment in the uterus for embryo implantation.

PABA: PABA or para-aminobenzoic acid is a part of the B-complex family. PABA helps women with vitamin and mineral deficiency to increase the chances of pregnancy.

Iron: Iron is important for blood building. It helps to increase your fertility and supports ovulation. Take whole food supplement instead of synthetic ones as they can cause constipation.

Flaxseed oil: It is very helpful to promote fertility. Flaxseed oil helps to treat infertility, endometriosis and menstrual cramps.

DHA: Taking DHA during preconception helps in the development of your baby’s brain. The anti-inflammatory properties of DHA help to decrease endometriosis and dysmenorrhea. This vitamin should be taken along with vitamin E.

Top 22 Tips To Improve Male Fertility!

2009-10-17T00:29:00.000+05:30

Are you trying to conceive? But, not getting pregnant?

Then there are some factors associated with male infertility might be the cause of your fertility problems.

Various factors can result in male infertility, such as lifestyle factors and environmental hazards.

But, there are few tips that can help to increase male fertility and alleviate problems associated with male infertility.

Here are 22 male fertility tips:

1. Be careful with your weight

Having body mass index (BMI) less than 20 can cause male infertility, whereas BMI greater than 25 can also lead to decreased sperm count that is about 22%.

So, it is clear that maintaining healthy weight is crucial to enhance male fertility.

2. Have a healthy diet

Have a healthy diet and do regular exercise to boost your fertility. Consume foods that are rich in antioxidants as they are essential to produce healthy sperm. Vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E are particularly important for a man’s reproductive health.

3. Drink more and more water

Three to four liters of water a day is essential for everyone to maintain good health and good weight. Drinking enough water is even more important for couple who are trying to conceive. 75% of human body is made up of water.

Body’s normal functions mainly depend on water. Not drinking enough water can ruin your body’s systems. To keep your body running smoothly and to provide proper fluids for conception to occur, water is essential.

4. Avoid refined carbohydrates and junk foods

Completely avoid refined carbohydrates such as chocolate, flour, biscuits, sugar, cakes, sweets, etc. Also, you should avoid saturated fats, hydrogenated fats, for example, margarine.

Men should completely say no to junk foods when they are trying to improve sperm health. Consume foods like fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, poultry, legumes, whole grain and seeds.

5. Regular sex

The more sex you have, the greater the chances of conceiving. Chances of becoming pregnant will be doubled if you have sex 3 or 4 times a week than once in a week.

6. Get enough sleep

Enough sleep is very much essential for good sperm health and sleep improves your testosterone levels.

7. Avoid over heating

Heat is a great enemy for healthy sperm. So, avoid tight jeans and trousers. Avoid steam rooms and hot baths. Wear loose underwear and avoid tight underwear made of synthetic materials. Everyone known that the scrotum area should be 4 degrees less than your body’s temperature.

8. Prefer herbs

It has proven that gingko and green tea improves male fertility. Gingko increases blood circulation to the capillaries, whereas green tea boosts your overall health and energy thus increasing your sexual energy and overall sexual performance.

9. Go for nuts and seeds

Consume natural seeds and nuts, but not salted and roasted. Seeds and nuts are very essential for sperm health, such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, chestnuts, Brazil nuts and sunflower seeds.

10. Quit smoking

Smoking causes adverse effects when you are trying to conceive. Smoking not only affects your health, but also it causes severe effects on the fetus, and your baby.

Various studies have showed that smoking can increase the chances of miscarriage in your partner.

11. Reduce alcohol intake

No need to ban alcohol completely, which means that avoid excessive drinking and binge drinking. A glass of good quality red wine, full of antioxidants is helpful for your health.

12. Take vitamin supplements

People who eat a well balanced diet full of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals; there is no need to take vitamin supplements. Even though, a good multi vitamin is beneficial for your health.

13. Proper workout regimen

Regular workouts, particularly weights increase your testosterone levels and greatly help to improve the sperm health.

14. Try alternative treatments

Among alternative treatments, acupuncture showed great improvement in male fertility. Acupuncture works by removing blockages in the energy flow.

15. Everyday get some sun

It is very helpful for you if you get some sun every day. Sun exposure improves your testosterone levels and also reduces melatonin levels, which decreases your fertility.

16. Reduce your stress levels

Excess stress levels can show adverse effects if you are trying to conceive. Even if you are seeking any fertility treatments, stress doesn’t make it to give best results.

17. Relax as much as you can

Relaxation techniques improve your sexual performance. There are various relaxation techniques that can greatly boost your immune system thus improving circulation.

18. Reduce exposure to toxins

Exposure to harmful toxins such as pesticides, weed killer, and various household chemicals can cause severe effects on your fertility. Instead of your normal deodorants with chemicals, it is better to use natural products.

19. Avoid too much caffeine

Researchers have already proved that drinking caffeine can cause severe effects when you are trying to conceive. Excess caffeine can cause low birth weight and miscarriages.

20. Don’t use illegal drugs

Drugs have severe side effects on male fertility, such as marijuana reduces your sperm count. Also, it increases the number of abnormal sperm in that a man produces.

21. Don’t try too hard

Ejaculating more than twice a day can be harmful for male fertility.

22. Avoid steroids

Don’t take any substances that contain steroids or testosterone, for example muscle building products. Steroid consumption can lead to testicular shrinkage and infertility, because steroids make your body unable to produce testosterone.

Premature Ovarian Failure And Infertility!

2009-10-15T22:17:00.000+05:30

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a condition that affects approximately 1 out of every 1000 women who are between 15-29 years of age.

This condition leads to stop in the normal functioning of ovaries in women younger than 40.

Some practitioners also uses a term primary ovarian failure to describe this condition.

Also, this condition is known as hypergonadotropic hypogonadism or premature menopause.

How to know that you have POF?

The first and the most common symptom in women with premature ovarian failure is irregular periods. Some women experience the symptoms similar to a menopausal woman, such as:

Poor concentration

Decrease in breast size

Lack of breast development during puberty

Irritability

Hot flashes

Night sweats

Vaginal dryness

Infertility

Pain during intercourse

Bladder problems

Sleep problems

Mood swings

Decreased sexual desire

Some women with premature ovarian failure may also experience other health conditions and some of them are so serious. They include:

Heart disease

Osteoporosis

Addison’s disease

Low thyroid function

What kind of treatments help to overcome from the symptoms of POF?

Frankly speaking, there is no such treatment that can bring your ovaries to work normally. But there are some treatments that help to relieve some of the symptoms of POF.

Hormone replacement therapy is one of the most popular methods that help women with lower estrogen levels and other hormonal deficiencies. Hormonal therapies help women to have regular periods and also lower the risk of osteporosis. Testosterone therapy helps to prevent bone loss in women with premature ovarian failure.

Women with POF who want to have children can find various option such as donor eggs, fertility treatments or adopting a child. Some of the fertility treatments include:

Danazol

Human menopausal gondotropins (hMG)

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)

Clomid

Estradiol corticosteroids

What causes premature ovarian failure?

For most of the women, the cause of POF is unknown. Causes which are identified include:

Genetics

Eatingdisorders

Turner syndrome

Autoimmune disorders

Viral infectionn

Thyroid dysfunction

Radiation therapy or chemotherapy

Insufficient gondaotropin secretion or action

Hysterectomy

About 10-20% of women with premature ovarian failure are due to family history. Women with POF are unlikely to become pregnant because their ovaries do not work properly. During these cases, there are no proven treatments that improve your fertility.

ICSI Procedure – Modern Fertilization Treatment

2009-10-03T00:00:00.000+05:30

ICSI or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection is a very delicate and difficult IVF procedure.

The initial stages of ICSI are very much similar to IVF.

ICSI is an effective method to get fertilization of the eggs in IVF lab after they have been retrieved from your partner.

ICSI along with IVF includes the use of specific micro-manipulation tools and ICSI needle to collect the sperm.

Then carefully, the needle is inserted through the outer shell of the egg and then sperm is injected into the inner part of the egg. Usually, this procedure leads to normal fertilization in about 70-80% of the couple who seek ICSI procedure.

Woman who want to seek ICSI procedure are first prescribed with medications that stimulate the ovulation and undergo an egg retrieval procedure. These eggs can be used for IVF and ICSI.

Who can seek ICSI procedure?

There are no standard conditions that restrict the use of ICSI procedure. Some doctors prescribe it for severe male factor infertility, while some others prescribe it for all infertility cases.

Usually, IVF with ICSI is prescribed for:

Couples with infertility who have sperm concentration under 15-20 million per millimeter, sperm mortality below 35% and poorer sperm morphology.

Couples who have rigorous male factor infertility, who don’t want to seek donor sperm insemination.

Couples who are currently seeking IVF and have had previous cycle with no fertilization or decreased fertilization.

Couples who are currently seeking IVF and have very little yield of eggs.

The process of ICSI:

Any one of the mature eggs is seized by using a holding pippet.

With the help of a sharp, hallow and delicate needle, a single sperm is immobilized and collected.

Then the needle is carefully inserted into the egg shell and then into the cytoplasm of your egg.

After inserting the sperm into the cytoplasm, the needle is removed carefully.

The next day after this process, your eggs are observed to confirm normal fertilization.

Success rate of ICSI:

Success rate of IVF with ICSI is more than IVF without ICSI. Usually, egg quality and quantity is better in ICSI cases. Also, there are less likely to occur problems with ICSI when compared to the cases with unexplained infertility.

Success rate of ICSI greatly varies depending on the individual needs. Sometimes, IVF with ICSI is recommended for egg factor cases such as low ovarian reserve conditions. That means having low quantity of eggs or low quality eggs.

Fertility Yoga To Become Pregnant Naturally!

2009-10-01T18:16:00.000+05:30

Yoga, an ancient form of exercise and relaxation, which offer you various benefits.

Yoga helps to improve your overall muscle tone and strength.

Nowadays, yoga is being used by many couples who have the problem of getting pregnancy.

Fertility yoga is a procedure that help to treat both female and male fertility.

I know, now you are very much excited to know about fertility yoga. Here is detailed information about fertility yogs:

Following the basic principles of yoga, fertility yoga includes traditional yoga poses along with the poses that are particularly designed to improve your reproductive health, thus increasing your chances of becoming pregnant.

Fertility yoga improves the conditions such as stress, mental health, etc, that can lead to both male and female infertility. Stress causes hormonal imbalance, which is a great cause for infertility in both men and women.

What are the health benefits of fertility yoga?

There are various physical and mental benefits associated with fertility yoga.

Physical benefits of yoga include:

Improves your overall muscle tone and strength.

Improves your body’s alignment.

Improves breathing

Improves blood circulation

Imrpoves your flexibility

Improves sleep patterns

Improves digestion

Improves ovulation

Improves your sperm count

Improves your sexual performance

Rejuventes your cells, tissues, and organs

Gives you young look

Proper blood circulation is very much important to improve your fertility because improved blood circulation supplies enough oxygen and nutrients to your reproductive organs. Also, blood circulation improves your stamina and energy.

Mental health benefits of yoga:

Improves your positive attitude

Reduces stress

Reduces fatigue

Improves mind-body balance

Reduces the symptoms of mental health disorders such as anxiety

Still there is research going on to find the exact relation between stress amd fertility. One study has concluded that women who practice yoga regularly are twice as likely to get pregnant than others. But, it is still unclear whether yoga is related to woman’s ability of becoming pregnant.

Another great benefit of yogs is it promotes communication and interactivity between the couple. Either this may be verbal or non-verbal communication, and finally leads to greater understanding.

9 Causes Of Female Infertility!

2009-09-30T10:15:00.001+05:30

Female reproductive process is very difficult to understand.

In order to get pregnant, each and every step, from the release of an egg from ovaries to fertilization to implantation of fertilized egg and growth in the womb has to happen precisely.

In women, various factors can trigger this procedure at any stage. Here are the possible causes of female infertility:

Ovulation factors:

Ovulation factors are one of the causes of female infertility and is responsible in about 52% of the infertile couple. Ovulation problems are mainly due to changes in the reproductive hormones produced by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus or due to the troubles in the ovary itself.

You are said to have ovulation problems if you ovulate irregularly or completely stops ovulating.

Here is the list of ovulation disorders that are the main causes of female infertility:

1. Polycystic ovary syndrome: In women with PCOS, great changes occur in their pituitary gland, ovary and hypothalamus and causes overproduction of male hormones called as androgens, which affects ovulation. PCOS is also linked to obesity and insulin resistance.

2. Premature ovarian failure (POF): It is due to the autoimmune response where your body can mistakenly attacks the ovarian tissues. POF destroys the egg in the ovary and also decreases production of estrogen.

3. Abnormal LH and FSH secretion: LH and FSH are responsible for egg release in each month. LH, luteinizing hormone and FSH, follicle stimulating hormone are released by the pituitary gland every month during the menstrual cycle.

Excess emotional or physical stress, very low or high body weight can disrupt this production. Main cause for this problem is irregular or missed menstrual cycle which are the main causes of female infertility.

4. Luteal phase defect: Insufficient production of progesterone hormone after ovulation can result in luteal phase defect. Progesterone hormone is essential in preparing the uterine lining for implantation of fertilized egg.

5. Endometriosis: Endometriosis causes uterine tissue to implant and grow in other locations. Surgical removal of this extra tissue can cause scarring, which disturbs your fertility. Studies showed that excess tissue growth can also interfere with conception.

6. Uterine abnormalities: Women in their 30’s are more likely to get tumors or polyps in the uterus. This can disturbs fertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or by disturbing implantation. Scarring in the uterus can disrupt implantation. Also, women who born with some abnormalities like bicornate uterus will have problems in becoming pregnant.

7. Fallopian tube damage: Damaging or blocking of the fallopian tubes can cause sperm not to combine with the egg. Main causes behind fallopian tube damage include:

Swelling of fallopian tubes due to gonorrhea or Chlamydia

Have had ectopic pregnancy, in which egg implants and develops in the fallopian tube

Abdominal or pelvic surgery

8. Cervical blockage: Also called as cervical stenosis. This condition is due to hereditary defects or cervical damage. This condition results in the inability of cervix to produce mucus for sperm mobility and fertilization. Sometimes, cervical opening can be closed that results in sperm from not reaching the egg.

9. Unexplained infertility: During some instances, causes of female infertility can not be determined. But, the couple with unexplained infertility can get spontaneous pregnancy when compared to all the infertile couple.

5 Tips To Produce Healthy Sperm!

2009-09-29T00:40:00.000+05:30

Infertility is a condition that both the man and woman should undergo examination.

Most of the people think that the problem is only related to women, but is certainly wrong.

Fertility problems associated with men can also create difficulties when trying to conceive.

About 75% of male fertility problems are due to unhealthy sperm production and low sperm count. So, every man should carefully go with healthy diet, daily workouts and good lifestyle habits.

The greater the men can do to prevent fertility problems, the more it will help them in healthy sperm production. Here are five tips that help you in healthy sperm production and also increase your sperm count.

1. Maintain healthy weight:

Healthy diet and exercise are essential for healthy living. Studies showed that having BMI less than 20 or greater than 25 can lead to unhealthy sperm production or low sperm count. So, practice workouts regularly and stay healthy.

2. Stress and relaxation:

Stress causes negative impact on everyone. So, reduce stress and try to relax more and more when you are trying to conceive. Stress causes low sperm count and also decreases your sex drive. Practice regular exercise, relaxing music, herbal teas, yoga, or any other method that makes your stress go away.

3. Good habits:

Drinking, smoking and usage of illegal drugs can influence your sperm production and lead to low sperm count. Research has showed that smoking is related to sperm health. Smoking causes DNA damage to sperm and lead to birth defects.

Alcohol consumption can lead to male impotence and illegal drugs can impact the sperm negatively. The most important thing that you should know is it takes complete three months for the development of healthy sperm.

So, people who are trying to conceive should keep this in mind act accordingly with your actions and your behavior. To produce strong and healthy sperm, quit smoking and avoid drug usage for three months before you are trying to conceive. Also, don’t exceed drinks more than two a day.

4. Exposure to heat and sun:

Research showed that exposure to heat and sun is actually related in a positive way to testosterone levels, which means that natural exposure to sun can cause healthy sperm production. Also, avoid over exposure to heat. Excess heat causes testicles to create low sperm count.

Also, avoid very hot baths when you are trying to conceive. Last but not the least, avoid working with your laptop by keeping it in your lap.

5. Check your sexual activity:

It is wrong assumption that when you are trying to conceive you need to have sex all the time. This can lead to negative effect on your chances of conceiving. Studies showed that ejaculation more than twice a day can decrease your fertility. It takes some time for the sperm to regenerate in your body and to create healthy sperm count for ejaculation

12 Amazing Sex Benefits For Your Health!

2009-09-27T10:59:00.000+05:30

Sex has much more to it than most of us think and know. Do you know that sex is a type of physical activity?

Having sex thrice a week can burn lot of calories and if you maintain it throughout the year, it is equivalent to jogging 75 miles.

Studies showed that an active sex life helps you live longer. Your body’s organs and systems function better and remain healthy because sexual activity improves oxygen supply to the cells and boosts the activities of various organs and systems.

The benefits of sex are not anecdotal. Each of these sex benefits for health is proved by scientific scrutiny.

Here are the benefits of love making in a relationship:

1. Sex as immunity booster

Good sexual health always gives better physical health. Having sex thrice a week can boost the levels of antibody called as IgA or immunoglobulin A. IgA can protect you against colds and other infections. Research conducted on people who have had sex once or twice a week showed that these people contain 30% higher levels of IgA.

2. Sex improves your cardiovascular health

You may notice that whenever you feel sexually aroused, there is a great increase in your heart and breathing rates. The main reason behind this is your body prepares for the act of sex by increasing blood flow to the genitals. This increases adrenaline in your bloodstream.

Once the orgasm is achieved, you will release a hormone called as oxytocin. Oxytocin has various health benefits such as it lowers your blood pressure. Lowering the blood pressure means that you are at less risk of heart attack and stroke.

3. Sex controls your bladder

Have you heard of kegel exercises? The muscles which work during the sexual activity are the same that work while doing kegel exercise.

4. Sex as pain reliever

You know that sex increases the hormone oxytocin in your blood. Again oxytocin increases increases endorphins, which gives pain relief. Also, higher oxytocin levels can give you relief from headaches, PMS symptoms and arthritis pain.

5. Stress makes pelvic floor muscles strong

As kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, the same way sex can also make those muscles strong. Strong pelvic floor muscles can reduce the risk of incontinence in later life.

6. Sex as sleep booster

Oxytocin hormone can also promote good sleep. So, getting enough sleep can give you various benefits such as you can maintain healthy weight and blood pressure. Endorphins and oxytocin can also act like natural sedatives.

7. Sex as stress reliever

One of the greatest health benefits of sex is lowering the blood pressure and reducing the stress. Women with higher levels of oxytocin are usually calm, more relaxed and less stressful than others.

Studies showed that higher levels of estrogen boost the calming effect of oxytocin, whereas testosterone may counteract it.

8. Sex as anti-depressant

Endorphins that release your pain can also make you feel euphoric after the sexual activity or masturbation.

9. Sex enhances your spirituality

Sex not only helps you to gain deeper sense of yourself, but also you can experience an energy that feeds various other areas of your life. Many who consider of sex as a spiritual practice told that they have a stronger sense of self and of their relationships.

10. Sex improves sense of smell

Sex improves the production of hormone called as prolactin. This again causes stem cells in your brain to develop new neurons in brain’s olfactory bulb, which is the smell center.

11. Sex promotes weight loss

Sex nothing but physical activity burns 200 calories, which is same as running 15 minutes on a treadmill. When you are sexually aroused, your pulse rate raises from 70 beats per minute to 150, which is same as that an athlete putting out maximum effort.

Muscle contractions during the sexual activity make your thighs, pelvis, arms, neck, buttocks and throat work together. Sex increases the production of testosterone hormones, which strengthens your muscles and bones.

12. Sex improves blood flow

When you are sexually aroused, the blood starts to pump at quicker rate and also the flow increases to your brain. Increased heart rate and increased blood flow can result in better performance. The fresh supply of blood pumping through your body provides the organs with a healthy dose of oxygen and rids the body of old and wasteful products. This means sex also helps in cleaning your body system.

Acupuncture For Treating Infertility!

2009-09-26T12:24:00.000+05:30

Want to try an alternative treatment to cure your infertility?

Then consider acupuncture. The idea behind acupuncture for infertility is that acupuncture regulates the blood supply for sexual organs and readjusts the hormones present in your body.

Acupuncture for infertility is most commonly applied when you are experiencing functional issues like fluctuating ovulation, endometriosis, or hormonal imbalances.

During some cases, acupuncture can be used as a supplemental procedure for in vitro fertilization (IVF). During IVF, acupuncture helps you to relax the uterus while transferring the embryo.

On the other hand, acupuncture can not be effective in treating structural problems such as blocked fallopian tubes, or improperly formed epididymis, which leads to infertility.

How acupuncture works for infertility?

Acupuncture is the insertion of ultra-thin, sterile needles in particular acupuncture points on your body, which exist in channels or meridians. Meridians are the pathways in both the exterior and interior of your body.

Acupuncture stimulates the energy points that are considered to be central to your spiritual, mental, physical and emotional balance. For treating infertility, acupuncture needles are placed in energy points that are connected to your reproductive organs in order to improve the energy flow to these areas.

If the causes of infertility in women include: lack of energy, excessive stress or unregulated menstrual flow, then acupuncture for infertile women mainly targets on the meridians for the heart, kidney and liver.

Kidneys can provide your body with sufficient energy, so treating this area give you more energy that you need to offer a baby.

Treating the liver meridians can regulate your menstrual flow and also diminishes the psychological effects of PMS, anxiety and depression.

The heart system is considered to be related to a person’s emotional state. Applying acupuncture to these meridians helps to reduce the stress and allows relaxation and also help throughout your conception.

When you get treatment for all these areas, your egg quality greatly improves, uterine lining becomes healthy, menstrual flow regulates, and achieves hormonal balance.

According to the western medicine, the most common causes for infertility include: PCOS, hormone imbalance, ovulation irregularities. PCOS occurs when your ovaries produce higher levels of male hormone.

This again generates imbalance in your whole hormone levels. This can greatly impede your egg production and lead to the formation of cysts in your ovaries thus decreasing or stopping the ovulation.

During this case, acupuncture helps to rebalance your body’s system and increase the blood flow to reproductive organs to restore your ovarian functionality. This increased blood flow thickens the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. Thus it creates a fertile environment for the egg to grow.

Abnormal thyroid functioning and overweight are also the causes of infertility. Undergoing acupuncture can rebalance your body’s forces and help to regulate your thyroid function and also reduce the weight.

When you seek acupuncture treatment for infertility, following proper timing consistency is very important. In order to get best results, one to two sessions a week for three to six months is essential.

How Diet And Fertility Link Together?

2009-09-24T12:39:00.000+05:30

Diet and fertility always go hand in hand.

Three out of every seven people in USA are infertile with unknown cause. For those people, diet helps a lot.

There are certain foods that can help boost your fertility, whereas some others can harm.

Healthy diet - Foods you need to eat

Healthy diet is the key when you are trying to conceive. You should take healthy and balanced meals that contain foods from all food groups.

Fruits, vegetables, whole wheat, organic foods can help increase your chance of becoming pregnant. Foods from these groups contain minerals and vitamins, which have major role in conception and baby development.

Foods that contain proteins such as poultry and meat can help you to maintain healthy levels of iron. Insufficient iron levels during first trimester of your pregnancy can increase postpartum risks such as anemia. Postpartum affects 27% of women.

Purely vegetarian diets are also healthy, but sometimes, you need to take iron supplements to reduce the risk of anemia when your diet lacks sufficient sources of iron and dairy.

Eat fish that contain low mercury levels because fish is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids greatly boost your fertility and keep your heart healthy.

Avoid fishes such as shark, marlin, white tuna and frozen swordfish as they contain high mercury levels. Fishes with low mercury levels include: flounder, tilapia, canned chunk light tuna, haddock, salmon, trout, and haddock.

For women who worry about eating fish or if they are vegetarians, flax seeds are a best source of omega 3 fatty acids. Bread and yogurt are also best sources. Bread containing whole grains will give sufficient amount of fiber. Whole grains are important nutrients that help to boost your health.

Consume foods with sufficient calcium levels. Dairy foods contain high calcium levels such as yogurt, cheese and milk. These foods are sources of saturated fats, so moderate consumption is recommended.

Vegetables like oranges, kale and broccoli are also best sources of calcium. Pumpkin, broccoli and peas are good sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Eat fruits and veggies that have bright color. Kale, red peppers and blueberries are particularly healthy.

Lemons and oranges are also recommended to eat as they are good sources of folic acid. Folic acid stimulates your sex hormones and also reduces the risk of spina bifids in your infants.

Vitamins are also essential to boost your fertility. Folic acid, zinc and vitamin B are essential. Zinc supports cell division during fetus development, whereas lack of zinc causes less number of eggs to produce before the conception. So, zinc is greatly recommended to increase fertility.

Intake of large fluid levels is very much important while trying to conceive.

Unhealthy foods – Foods you need to avoid

Foods containing artificial sweeteners should be avoided as they greatly affect your blood sugar levels and hormone levels. Fatty foods should also be avoided.

Avoid diet soda and caffeine, particularly if you have trouble conceiving or under IVF procedure.

Avoid refined carbs such as pasta, white bread and rice.

Eating high quantities of meat is also not recommended as it increases your body’s ammonia levels, which disturbs egg implantation in the uterus.

Avoid alcohol consumption, taking illegal drugs and smoking.

10 Factors That Affect Your Fertility!

2009-09-23T13:48:00.000+05:30

Giving birth to a child is one of the most exciting moments in every woman’s life.

Right from the conception to birth, pregnancy is a happy and joyful journey.

But, there are various factors that can trigger your fertility. They include:

1. Diet

Not following good dietary guidelines can greatly trigger your fertility.

Healthy diet is essential for a successful pregnancy and also a healthy baby. Most of you are unaware of the fact that diet can help to correct the hormone imbalances that can affect of the ability to conceive.

Certain foods and drinks can lower your fertility.

2. Caffeine

Research found that drinking caffeine can greatly trigger your fertility. Drinking as little as one cup of coffee in a day can decrease your chances to conceive by 50%.

Also studies showed that problems can increase with the amount of caffeine that you consume each day. Also, some foods and drinks that contain caffeine can decrease the chances to conceive. So, it is essential to stop caffeine consumption at least three months before you conceive. Foods you need to avoid include: coffee, colas, and black teas.

3. Smoking

Smoking can affect your fertility to a great extent. Smoking can make the menopause to strike in your life too early. This is an essential consideration for older women who may be trying to beat the clock.

4. Xenoestrogens

These are the estrogens that come from pesticides and plastic industry. If you are trying to conceive, the most important thing you need to do is to balance your hormones.

It is most essential to avoid any thing that can cause hormone imbalance. One of the essential ways to avoid an excess intake of xenoestrogens is to take organic produce during the pre-conceptional period.

5. Alcohol

Drinking any type of alcohol can reduce your fertility by 50%. The more you drink, the less likely you are to conceive. One study showed that women who drink less than 5 units of alcohol a week are twice as likely to become pregnant within 6 months period.

6. PCOS

This is also known as syndrome O and is the most common cause for infertility. This can cause hormonal fluctuations and imbalances that can interfere with your ovulation process. PCOS can lead to irregular period, increased hair growth on your face, neck, stomach and back.

7. Endometriosis

This can occur when the endometrial tissue that grows beyond its boundaries. This condition can trigger your fertility if these endometrial cells block the fallopian tubes and affect the normal ovulation process.

8. Cancer treatment

Based on the dosage and duration, some radiation can lead to infertility.

9. Chronic illnesses

Certain illness can have negative impact on your fertility.

10. Mucus secretions

Vaginal secretions can become less fluid and more hostile to sperm.

Female Infertility Drugs To Promote Ovulation!

2009-09-22T12:51:00.000+05:30

Most often fertility drugs are the first option for many infertile couple.

Throughout the world, millions of women are prescribed with fertility dugs such as clomid or clomifene, gonadotropins and bromocriptine.

These drugs stimulate the production of hormone there by promoting ovulation.

Hormones in your brain are stimulated and make one or more eggs ready to release each month from your ovaries. Women with irregular or rare ovulation can get great benefits from these drugs.

Most of the drugs for infertility can be safely for about 30 years. But, they also have some side effects and greater chances for multiple pregnancies. One in ten women who take fertility drugs has a chance of multiple pregnancies.

Gonadotropins are the hormones that control ovulation and these hormones are produced in the pituitary gland. These hormones stimulate the activity of gonads, also called as the ovaries in women. Major gonadotropins produced by the pituitary gland are luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones enter into the bloodstream and travel to your ovaries.

Clomid: This fertility drug helps you more likely to ovulate every month. Women who ovulate irregularly or not at all and also women with PCOS can benefit from this drug. Women with unexplained infertility are also prescribed with clomid.

This is an anti-oestrogen drug taken in pill form. It benefits by increasing the levels of LH and FSH hormones that stimulate your ovulation. This makes ovaries to produce number of eggs ready for fertilization. After completing the drug cycle, hypothalamus will produce LH. This alerts your ovaries to release a mature egg from the follicles and send it into one of the fallopian tubes. The drug cycle will be 3-5 days in a monthly menstrual period.

Gonadotropins: Most often these dugs are suggested for women with PCOS and women who are not responding to clomid. Gonadotopin is a mixture of FSH and LH. It directly stimulates your ovaries to produce and mature eggs.

Gonadotropins are injected into your body. After receiving gonadotropins for 7-12 days, you will get an injection called hCG (human chronic gonadotropin) to tell the ovaries to release the egg.

Bromocriptine or parlodel : These drugs are suggested for women with ovulation problems due to excess of prolactin hormone produced by pituitary gland. This condition is caused by pituitary adenoma. This drug works by reducing the production of prolactin hormone.

This drug can be taken in the form of tablet, capsule or vaginally. Dosage of pills is 2-3 times a day, if it is required, the dosage may also be increased. Once prolactin levels becomes normal, you are about to menstruate and ovulate.

Every fertility drug has some sort of side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, dry mouth, nasal stuffiness, and drowsiness.

Azoospermia! No Sperm Present In Semen

2009-09-21T22:31:00.001+05:30

Azoospermia is a male medical condition of not having measurable level of sperm in his semen.

This condition is associated with low levels of infertility.

Azoospermia is of two types, one is obstructive azoospermia and the other is non-obstructive azoospermia.

In obstructive azoospermia sperm are generated but they won’t be mixed with the remaining ejaculatory fluid due to any physical obstruction.

In non-obstructive azoospermia, there is a problem with production of sperm.

Researchers said that azoospermia is a result of androgen drugs and corticosteroids. Similar to azoospermia in men, women too get a condition called as amenorrhea. There are various factors that lead to this condition.

Causes of obstructive azoospermia:

Infections: Any disturbances in male reproductive system, such as prostate or testicles can affect your fertility.

Genetics: Some people are born with genes that affect their fertility. Sometimes these genes may affect transportation of sperm.

Trauma: Any injury or surgery to your spine, lower abdomen, sex organs, or pelvis can cause disturbances in male reproductive system. Sometimes, trauma can affect the production of sperm and obstruction in the flow or transportation of sperm.

Varicocele: In this condition, scrotum veins are enlarged and dilated thus finally affecting sperm transportation.

Causes of non-obstructive azoospermia:

Drugs: Certain drugs like antibiotics, steroids, and cancer drugs can greatly affect male infertility. Usage of alcohol, illegal drugs and smoking can cause various problems with production of sperm.

Hormones: Any problem with testicles can produce abnormal levels of hormones, which affect sperm production.

Genetics: Sometimes, genes that come with birth can affect production of sperm. Also, these genes can affect formation of reproductive tract organs.

Radiation: Radiation therapy that is used to treat testicular cancer can affect your sperm production.

Signs and symptoms of azoospermia:

Increased body fat, breast tissue and body hair

Inability to make your partner pregnant

Water, clear and whitish discharge from the penis

Emotional stress and pressure from not being able to conceive a baby

Testicles that become small, non-palpable or soft

Swelling of the scrotum

Enlarged or twisted veins in the scrotum

Treating azoospermia:

Treatment for azoospermia mainly depends on the cause. Treatment options include:

Medicines: You are suggested to take medicines that treat the infection of your reproductive system. Hormone supplements are suggested to treat hormonal imbalance.

Sperm extraction: Sperm are collected from the testicles and then used to fertilize with your partner’s egg.

Percutaneous embolization: This is method used to treat varicocele. Blockage is made in the enlarged veins to stop the flow of blood.

How To Deal With Female Sexual Dysfunction

2009-09-19T13:17:00.000+05:30

Four among every ten women may experience some sort of problems in their sexual health at some point in their life.

Are you experiencing recurrent or persistent problems with your sexual response or experiencing problems that make you strained or distressed the relationship with your partner?

Then this condition is medically termed as female sexual dysfunction.

Female sexual dysfunction is caused due to several factors and it causes various symptoms.

But, all these symptoms are almost all treatable. The only way to gain successful sexual satisfaction is by communicating your problems with your doctor and understanding the anatomy and body’s reactions to sexual activity.

Various symptoms of female sexual dysfunction include:

This condition can strike your life irrespective of the age. When there is hormonal fluctuations in your body, sexual concerns may take place. Sexual problems may also occur when you experience any major illnesses like cancer.

Here are the common problems that indicate you the problem of female sexual dysfunction:

Low or not having any desire to have sex

Experiencing pain during the sexual intercourse

Not experiencing an orgasm

Not maintain arousal during the sexual activity

Not becoming aroused even you desired to have sex

Most common causes of female sexual dysfunction include:

Various causes that lead to female sexual dysfunction are physical, hormonal, psychological and social problems.

Physical conditions: Arthritis, pelvic surgery, bowel problems, urinary infections, headaches, fatigue, and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis can lead to sexual dysfunction. Medications like antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs and blood pressure medications can lower your sexual desire.

Hormonal changes: Low levels of estrogen during menopause stage can cause genital changes and lower sexual desire. Hormonal changes make the vaginal lining thin and less elastic, especially when you are sexually inactive. So, in order to relax, you need more vaginal stimulation to lubricate and relax before the intercourse. All these factors can lead to painful intercourse.

Psychological changes: Lifestyle factors such as depression and anxiety can cause sexual dysfunction. Problems about sex or any other issues in your relationship can decrease the sexual responsiveness.

Treatments for female sexual dysfunction can give best results when used in combination. There are some medical treatments such as, vaginal estrogen gel, changing from one antidepressant medication to another. Sometimes, behavioral therapies and stress management techniques can address the problems associated with female sexual dysfunction.

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, strengthening your pelvic muscles through regular activity, and seeking counseling from a therapist can benefit you a lot.

Varicocele – An Infertility Cause

2009-09-18T23:06:00.001+05:30

Varicocele is a swollen vein in the scrotum. Usually veins in the scrotum are constricted and are not dilated, but in varicocele, the veins are dilated. Normally, varicoceles are found in the left scrotum than the right one.

Although they don’t happen to every guy, varicoceles are fairly common. This condition happens in about 15% of guys between the ages of 15-25 years and most commonly during puberty stage. During puberty stage, testicle growth is very rapid and needs more blood delivered to it.

If the valves that present in the veins function improperly, transportation of blood can’t be handled. Blood flowing to the scrotum will back up thus creating varicocele.

This condition is a well known cause for subnormal testicular function. About 20-25% of the males can experience this condition. Also, 40% of infertility males have this condition.

This is the most leading cause of infertility in males. This condition can be easily detected and also treated by surgical procedures.

It is very important that right sided varicocele should be investigated carefully. Sometimes, right sided varicocele may indicate cancer of right kidney.

Varicocele feels like a bag of worms. You won’t experience any pain, but the scrotum will be swollen and this may be at one or both the sides. Also, there are other problems that may cause swelling of the scrotum such as fluid in the scrotum, testicular cancer, spermatocele or cyst, etc.

Varicocele leads to various problems such as:

Testicular cancer

Infertility

Atrophy or testicular shrinkage

Signs and symptoms of varicocele include:

Pain in the testicles

Feeling of heaviness or dragging in the scrotum

Discomfort in the testicles or on the particular side of the scrotum

Dilated veins in the scrotum that can be felt

Dilated veins causes the testicles to become smaller

Testicular examination is conducted to diagnose this condition. High-resolution color-flow Doppler ultrasonography is also a method of choice.

The major treatment form of varicocele is surgery. Though it doesn’t need any surgical interference, there are various methods of surgical corrections such as microscopic sub-inguinal varicocelectomy, retroperitoneal and laparoscopic varicocelectomy and inguinal varicocelectomy.

Apart from the surgery, there are various methods for men to improve their semen quantity and quality. Some of these lifestyle changes include:

Reduced alcohol intake

Avoiding lubricants

Quitting smoking

Avoiding the use of anabolic steroids

Avoiding the use of drugs like cocaine and marijuana

Increasing aerobic activity

Effects Of PCOS On Infertility!

2009-09-17T15:47:00.000+05:30

In today’s world almost 15% of the women get affected with PCOS in their reproductive age.

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome are often infertile because they don’t ovulate. 40-80% of the women experience problems with fertility.

The reason behind this is that PCOS is a complex metabolic syndrome with various factors that can greatly interfere with fertility.

PCOS causes hormonal imbalance and irregular menstrual periods.

Women with PCOS produce increased levels of insulin. Higher amounts of insulin in your body cause it to react by producing high levels androgens or male hormone.

Usually in the first half of your menstrual cycle, a number of follicles will develop and each contains an egg. As your menstrual period goes on, one follicle will remain. This is the follicle responsible for the production of egg.

Once the egg has matured, levels of luteinizing hormone will increase thus causing the egg to come out from the follicle. During this period ovulation takes place.

High levels of androgens affect your hormonal production, which are necessary for ovulation. PCOS affects the women’s ability of hormone production that is responsible for follicle development.

Sometimes, they may develop and collect fluid but no one become that much large to support ovulation. Sometimes these follicles turn into cysts. This is because of ovulation failure and finally progesterone is not produced.

Progesterone is the hormone i.e. responsible for thickening the lining of the uterus. Absence of progesterone causes irregular menstrual cycle.

Various symptoms of PCOS that lead to infertility:

Irregular or infrequent menstrual cycle

Multiple ovarian cysts

Obesity

Higher insulin levels

Type II diabetes

Premenstrual syndrome or pelvic pain

Increased hair growth on face, back or chest

Thinning hair

Acne

Predicting ovulation in PCOS patients:

As PCOS affects hormone levels, it is very difficult to predict ovulation. You will find an anovulatory BBT (Basal Body Temperature) chart to predict ovulation. If women with PCOS are also ovulate, then it becomes very difficult to understand their BBT chart.

Also, PCOS affects results of ovulation prediction kits. Usually these kits work by evaluating LH levels. Higher LH levels can also make it hard to use ovulation prediction kit.

Infertility treatments for women with PCOS:

Ovarian drilling: In this procedure, a small needle is used to puncture the tiny holes of your ovary with an electrosurgical needle. Electric power destroys a portion of your ovary to decreases the androgen levels and thus supporting ovulation.

Weight loss: Loosing weight can also help in balancing the hormone levels and restoring your normal menstrual cycle.

In vitro fertilization (IVM): This procedure can sometimes call as test tube baby. This is a procedure that makes most of the infertile women to become pregnant.

Fertility drugs: Fertility drugs such as Metformin and clomid. Metformin improves your body’s sensitivity to insulin. Clomid is the drug that is used in treating PCOS related infertility.

Is It Andropause Or Male Menopause?

2009-09-16T20:36:00.001+05:30

Most of you are aware of menopause that women normally experience, but did you know that men too experience menopause.

Andropause is nothing but male menopause. It strikes man’s life at an age of 40-55 due to a decrease in male hormone called as testosterone. Andropause causes night sweats in men.

Unlike women, hormonal changes in men take place gradually. Effects of these hormonal changes are subtle. Similar to women, men also behave oddly in their late ages and seem lethargic.

Along with women, men are also victims of hormonal imbalances. Hormonal changes cause various bodily changes in men such as fatigue, changes in attitudes, lack of energy, mood changes, unable to participate in sexual intercourse and physical agility.

Apart from these conditions, decrease in testosterone can put men at risk various other health problems such as weak bones and heart disease.

Though menopause strikes every man’s life, some lifestyle factors such as psychological stress, medications, infections, obesity, surgery, alcohol and tobacco use can contribute to its early onset.

Andropause – What causes it?

Usually, male menopause strikes at about age 30. Levels of testosterone hormone decrease by 10 percent for every decade. Simultaneously, another hormone named sex binding hormone globulin or SHBG start increasing. This hormone traps greater amounts of testosterone that is still circulating and makes it unavailable to exert its effects in the body’s tissues.

How importance is testosterone in man’s life?

Still it is not clear that whether all the men go through this phase or not and also the cause is unknown why only some men experience this condition.

Testosterone is the male sex hormone and is responsible for generation and release of sperm. Also, testosterone provides muscular strength and it has a major role in initiating sexual desire in men.

Andropause – What are the symptoms?

Low testosterone levels can produce variety of changes in man’s life. They include:

Sleep problems

Erectile dysfunction

Increased body fat

Mood changes like irritability, depression and feeling tired

Low sex drive

Osteoporosis

Loosing muscle size and strength

Memory loss

Unable to concentrate

Is it andropause or male menopause?

This condition is also called as ADAM i.e. androgen deficiency of the aging male. It differs from a condition of female menopause in which the symptoms occur rapidly or female menopause is termed as sudden change. But, in men the change is very gradual and is difficult to recognize.

An Overview On "In Vitro Fertilization"!

2009-09-15T12:40:00.000+05:30

In vitro fertilization, also referred to as IVF is the method of fertilization by manually combining an egg with sperm in a laboratory bowl.

If IVF is successful, then the next procedure followed by IVF is embryo transfer, in which the embryo is placed in your uterus.

Procedure involved with in vitro fertilization:

IVF includes five steps followed by embryo transfer.

Monitoring and stimulating the development of healthy eggs in your ovaries

Collecting the eggs

Securing the sperm

Combining egg with sperm in the laboratory

Providing healthy environment for fertilization and embryo development

Transferring the embryo into your uterus

Step 1: You are prescribed with fertility medications that help to manage timing of egg ripening and also to enhance the chance of collecting more number of eggs. Usually this procedure is termed as ovulation induction.

Your doctor will monitor the development of eggs by using ultrasound in order to examine your ovaries. Blood test is also recommended to check the hormone levels.

Step 2: After egg development, your doctor collects the egg samples by following a surgical procedure in which a hollow needle is inserted into your pelvic cavity.

Removal of eggs with hollow needle is called follicular aspiration. You will experience mild cramping on the day of egg retrieval.

Step 3: After egg retrieval, it is combined with sperm, usually obtained by ejaculation.

Step 4: Combined egg and sperm are placed in an incubator to occur fertilization. This process is called as insemination. If there is poor fertilization, then intracytoplasmic sperm injection is used.

In this method, a single sperm is directly injected into the egg. Eggs are observed to ensure that fertilization and cell division are taking place. Fertilized eggs are called as embryos.

Step 5: Once the embryo has developed, it is placed in your uterus within 1-6 six days. Fertilized egg is divided to form a 2-4 cell embryo.

During the transfer process, a speculum is introduced in your vagina to expose the cervix. Then the embryos are suspended in a fluid and carefully positioned in a catheter then into your womb.

Success rate of in vitro fertilization:

Success rate mainly depends on your condition and treatment approaches. Also, it is essential to understand that pregnancy rates can not be compared with live birth rate. Birth rate for each in vitro fertilization case is as follows:

For women under 35 years, success rate is 30-35%

For women between 35-37 years, success rate is 25%

For women between 38-40 years, success rate is 15-20%

For women above 40 years, success rate is 6-10%

Risk factors associated with IVF:

Sometimes, ovary stimulation can lead to hyperstimulation, which causes swollen and painful ovaries.

Ovarian Hyper stimulation Syndrome can sometimes lead to nausea, vomiting, bloated feeling, and lack of appetite.

Some of the severe symptoms include: shortness of breathe, severe abdominal pain, rapid weight gain, and decreased frequency of urination.

Erectile Dysfunction – What Men Should Known About?

2009-09-14T14:23:00.001+05:30

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called as impotence is the inability to keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. This condition can strike a man’s life at any stage, but it is more common in men over 65.

There are various physical causes that can lead to erectile dysfunction. They include:

Fatigue

Tobacco and alcohol use

Hypogonadism (A condition that leads to lower testosterone levels)

Multiple sclerosis

Stroke

Kidney or liver failure

Parkinson’s disease

Some kind of bladder or prostate surgery

Spinal cord damage

Brain injuries

Radiation therapy to the testicles

Medicines such as antihistamines, blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, appetite suppressants, ulcer drugs, etc can cause ED like side effects.

Along with the above causes, there are some medical conditions that cause erectile dysfunction include:

Hypertension

Diabetes

Heart disease

Atherosclerosis

Not maintaining blood pressure and blood sugar under control can lead to get erectile dysfunction. So, you need to take medicines for these problems to keep under control.

Hormones becoming out of balance can also cause erectile dysfunction and medicinal drugs also.

Problems associated with your sexual partner can also cause ED. So, it is essential to improve your relationship for your successful sex life. If you want to undergo therapy, it will be most beneficial if you participate with your sex partner also.

Experts believe that psychological factors such as feelings can also lead to erectile dysfunction. They include:

Feeling depressed

Feeling stressed such as work stress and family stress

Experiencing problems with your sex partner

Feeling worried about sex due to a bad experience

Feeling so embarrassed that you can’t enjoy sex

Diagnosis of this problem includes blood test and your doctor asks you some queries about your sex life.

Treating erectile dysfunction:

Treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on its cause. Your doctor may suggest you some medicines. Some of these medications can also be directly injected into your penis while some others are taken orally. Everybody can not use these medicines, your doctor suggests you whether you are really in need of these medicines.

If you think that these medicines are not suitable for you, then you can use vacuum pump devices or you can also consider surgery. Usually, surgery has one of the three goals, such as:

Reconstructing the arteries to enhance blood flow to your penis

Implanting a device that makes penis to become erect

Blocking veins that cause leakage of blood from penile tissues

Link Between Endometriosis And Infertility!

2009-09-12T12:35:00.001+05:30

According to the study, about 40% of the women with endometriosis are infertile.

Endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of uterine cavity.

These tissues spread somewhere in your body such as ovaries or somewhere in your abdominal cavity.

The only way to confirm whether you have endometriosis is by undergoing a surgical procedure called as laparoscopy.

Laparoscopy is a procedure that helps to look inside of your abdominal cavity. Endometriosis can also be due to very painful menstrual cycles, painful intercourse, etc.

Mild endometriosis:

Most of the endometriosis cases are mild. Usually endometriosis can lead to lower abdominal pain and pelvic pain. Sometimes, endometriosis doesn’t cause any symptoms to appear. Though endometriosis causes infertility in some women, most of the fertile women can also have mild endometriosis.

Still there are studies conducting to find the definite link between mild endometriosis and infertility. Some studies had discovered that delayed pregnancy and infertility influences women to develop endometriosis, but not endometriosis is the cause of infertility.

So, most of the experts believe that infertility due to mild endometriosis is unexplained infertility.

Severe endometriosis:

This type of endometriosis causes to develop scarring at pelvic region and also disturbances in your pelvic structure. This type of endometriosis makes the fallopian tubes to become blocked and damaged.

There are some cysts of endometriosis found on ovaries and these cysts adhere to your uterus, pelvic side wall or bowel. Adhesions affecting the fallopian tubes can interfere with their ability to pick up the eggs released by the ovary and transport it to the uterus. All these distortions can result in infertility.

In some severe cases, eggs in your ovaries can be damaged, thus leading to reduced ovarian reserve and decreased egg quantity and quality.

Peritoneal fluid in women who have endometriosis includes various number of scavenger cells that are able to destroy sperm cells thus making fertilization more difficult.

Sometimes, endometriosis can also develop inside of your fallopian tubes, which results in blockages and makes fertilization impossible.

Infertility treatment for women with endometriosis:

Doctor suggests hormonal and surgical treatments to treat endometriosis. Women who receive treatment for endometriosis can have a chance of 35-65% to become pregnant. Studies showed that women with mild or minimal endometriosis don’t get any proven benefits from medical or surgical treatments.

The severe the endometriosis a woman has, the lesser the chance to become pregnant even after the treatment. Some women have greater chance to become pregnant during the first two years of treatment.

If the infertility cause is unknown, it is better to take treatment to prevent the progression of endometriosis. During the cases of unexplained infertility, it is best to consider laparoscopic surgery.

Very first step in the process of treating infertility is using medications to boost your ovaries for production of eggs. If you won’t become pregnant within 1-2 years of treatment, then you can consider methods like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT).

Factors That Cause Female Infertility!

2009-09-11T15:42:00.000+05:30

Female infertility is of various types, among those most of them can be treated easily.

Here are the most common causes of female infertility:

1. Hormonal causes

Most of the women experience problems with ovulation.

Hormonal changes that cause oocyte to release from your ovary and thickening of your endometrium in preparation for the fertilized egg do not occur.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), clomid, ovarian drilling, and ovarian stimulation are all the ovulation problems that make you infertile.

Usually, ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature charts and blood tests can help to detect the hormone levels that cause infertility.

2. Damage to your fallopian tubes

Any damage to your fallopian tubes prevents the contact between sperm and oocyte. Endometriosis, repetitive pelvic infections and undergoing pelvic surgery for number of times can lead to scar formation and finally damage to the fallopian tubes.

3. Cervical causes

There are only few people who have cervical problems. Cervical problem which mainly lead to infertility is unable to pass the sperm from cervical canal. This condition occurs due to prior surgical procedures or abnormal mucus production. These conditions can be treated with intrauterine insemination.

4. Unexplained infertility

In about 20 percent of cases, the cause of infertility can not be determined with the currently available procedures.

5. Age

Increased age is also a factor that affects your fertility. By birth, women have a finite number of fertile eggs. As your age increases, quality and the number of eggs diminishes. Every year, the chances of giving birth to a baby decreases by 3-5%.

Determining the causes of female infertility:

Your doctor recommends the following tests to determine infertility, such as

Blood test to check your hormone levels

Endometrial biopsy in order to test your endometrial lining

Laparoscopy and hysterosalpingography are used to determine tubal obstruction and pelvic adhesions.

Laparoscopy is a procedure in which, a slender tube fitted with a fiberoptic camera is inserted into your abdomen by making a small adhesion near your belly button. This procedure helps your doctor to observe outside of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes in order to find any abnormal growths.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) includes various X-rays of reproductive organs. Through your cervix, a dye is introduced, which help to view any blockages of fallopian tubes.

So, regular checkups and proper diagnosis are very important to treat the condition in its early stages only.

What Factors Cause Male Infertility?

2009-09-10T18:43:00.000+05:30

An estimated of 10-15% of the couple are classified as infertile. In about half the cases male infertility is a factor.

Most common causes of male infertility are impaired sperm production, impaired sperm delivery and testosterone deficiency.

Infertility is the result of some problems that are present at the time of birth or due to the problems that develop in lateral life. Some of the most common causes of male infertility include:

Injuries, for example, testicular trauma

Infections such as orchitis, prostatitis, epididymitis

Diseases such as STDs, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis

Chemotherapy

Incorrectly moved or abnormally shaped sperm

Seminal fluid abnormalities

Ductal system problems

Cryptorchidism

Medications that are used to treat arthritis and high blood pressure

Hormonal abnormalities due to a disorder in the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis

Metallic disorders such as hemocromatosis

Testicular cancer

Systemic diseases such as infection, high fever, kidney disease

Varicocele

Cigarette smoking

Alcohol

Defects in your reproductive system such as anorchism, cryptorchidism

Bladder surgery that is used to treat congenital defect in the bladder or urethra or a disorder that affects your nervous system can lead to retrograde ejaculation. This condition occurs from the injury of the nerves and muscles of the bladder neck that prevent it from closing at the time of ejaculation. Dry or diminished ejaculation and cloudy urine after ejaculation are the signs of this condition.

Testosterone deficiency:

Testosterone deficiency also called as hypogonadism, which exists from birth or may build up later. Causes of this condition are classified according to their location along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

First is disturbance in your testicles

Second is disturbance in your pituitary glands

Last is disturbance in the hypothalamus

Klinefelter syndrome is the most common congenital disorder. An extra X chromosome causes this condition leading to infertility, unwanted facial and body hair and smaller than normal testes.

Testosterone deficiency is also due to congenital hormone diseases such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency and leutenizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) deficiency.

Acquired causes of hypogonadism include:

Glandular malformation

Radiation

Chemotherapy

Infections such as mumps, meningitis, syphilis

Damage to the pituitary gland, testes, or hypothalamus

Isolated LH deficiency

Head trauma that affect your hypothalamus

Tumor of your pituitary gland, testicles or hypothalamus

Testicular trauma

Reproductive Problems - Major Infertility Cause

2009-09-09T14:12:00.000+05:30

Not becoming pregnant even after trying to conceive for a long time? Here are some basic causes of male and female infertility. Changes in female or male reproductive system can result in infertility. Most common facts about infertility include:

Approximately 35 percentage of infertility cases arise due to abnormalities in female reproductive system.

Approximately 35 percentage of infertility cases arise from man’s reproductive system.

Approximately 20 percentage of cases are due to problems in both man and woman.

Approximately 10 percentage of cases are due to unknown causes.

Age is also a risk factor for infertility.

Some other lifestyle habits that can cause infertility include:

Great use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco

Fad diets or anorexia

Stress in a woman can cause irregular periods and also it reduces the man’s sperm count.

Some other factors that can cause infertility include:

Athletic training

Excess alcohol consumption

Being overweight or underweight

Sexually transmitted diseases

Poor diet

Health problems that can cause hormonal disturbances

Smoking

General factors like diabetes, thyroid disorders and adrenalin diseases

Hypothalamic-pituitary factors such as Hypopituitarism, Hyperprolactinemia and Kallmann syndrome

Environmental conditions i.e. toxins like volatile organic solvents, glues, physical agents, pesticides, and chemical dusts

Genetic factors in both the sexes can cause recurrent spontaneous abortions or complete infertility

The other case of infertility is combined infertility. Both the sexes may be infertile or subfertile. Infertility arises from the combination of these two conditions.

In some other cases, the cause of infertility can be suspected as genetic or immunological. Independently the man and woman can be fertile but as a couple they can not conceive without any external assistance.

In women, the cause of infertility is mainly due to ovulation difficulties. Ovulation problems are due to irregular or non-existent menstrual cycle. Some other cause can be: uterine fibroids, birth defects within the uterus, and blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.

In men, infertility is determined based on the condition of sperm count. Men who produce no sperm suffer from a condition called as azoospermia. Men with low sperm count suffer from oligospermia. Along with these conditions malformed sperm, inactive sperm and blocked reproductive tracts can lead to male infertility. Scientists have reported that a virus called Adeno-associated virus can cause male infertility.

Infertility treatments mainly based on your:

Tests result

Age of both the partners

Overall health of the couple

How long the couple has been trying to conceive

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