New IVF--Improved Pregnancy Rate?

Anyone who's considered or undergone IVF to conceive a baby, knows it is a tremendous undertaking, both mentally, physically and financially.  One big part of the expense and potential for nasty side effects is the drugs needed to stimulate the ovaries to produce many mature eggs.  There is now a new procedure called IVM (InVitro Maturation), which is having tremendous success without the need for expensive stimulation drugs.  More...

It involves removing immature eggs from a woman's ovaries and maturing them in laboratories before fertilising them with a man's sperm, rather than using hormone drugs to stimulate the release of mature eggs.

Telegraph | News | New IVF 'is a stunning success'

technorati tags:IVF, pregnant, infertility

Seven Fertility Myths

Here's a neat article that lists seven myths about getting pregnant.  See how many you have heard, and if any of them are keeping you from getting pregnant.  Listed here is the first one.  Go to the article if you want to read the rest...

Myth Number One: You should have sex on day 14 of your cycle if you want to get pregnant. You have probably heard that most women ovulate on day 14 of their cycle. This is simply not true. It is based on the calendar method of predicting ovulation. If you have a perfect 28 day cycle, where your luteal phase (the second half of your cycle) is exactly 14 days long, you would likely ovulate around day 14. Most women, however, do not have perfect cycles and even the women who do have regular cycles, usually do not ovulate at exactly the same time each month.

Seven Fertility Myths That Could be Keeping you From Getting Pregnant

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant

Can The Moon Help You Get Pregnant?

You may have heard of something called "lunar fertility."  It has to do with your menstrual cycle being effected by the different phases of the moon.  The theory, is that with accurate charting, and knowing what phase the moon was in when you were born, you can predict a time of the month when you are fertile and can conceive a child.  This is not the same time as when you are ovulating, which is called biological fertility.  This is very interesting reading although I don't know if it is reality or myth.....Read on for more details.

The lunar fertility cycle works on the premise that you can be fertile during your menstrual cycle when the moon is in the same phase it was when you were born. For example, if the moon was in the waning phase when you were born, then, once menstruation begins during puberty, you will be fertile whenever the moon is waning. It is thought that the reason for this fertile phase happens at birth when the moon arouses certain biochemical and hormonal states in your body, which then continue to influence your body for life.

Menstruation: Your Menstrual Cyle and the Lunar Phase Fertility

technorati tags:pregnant, lunar, fertility

Infertile Couple Gets A Dream Come True...Times Two!

I remember when I was struggling so hard to get pregnant, it meant alot to me to hear other people's success stories.  If you have been trying to conceive and it hasn't happened for you yet, you might find it encouraging to read about the difficulties other couples faced, especially when there is a happy ending.  Here is a story about a couple struggling with infertility, but after many years of not giving up, they finally had their dream come true.  Read here...

Recent Christmasses have been miserable. Some years I didn't even bother to put a tree up - and presents meant nothing. All I wanted was a baby.

Mirror.co.uk - Your Life - Kids & Family - IT'S TAKEN 19 YEARS OF HEARTACHE AND £45,000

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, ivf

For Women Trying To Get Pregnant...

Just want to say to all the women out there who are having some difficulty getting pregnant...warmest wishes for the holiday season...may you find peace and happiness in the New Year and may your dreams of adding a baby to your family come true...sending lots of baby dust your way for 2007..........

-Beth

     

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility

A Global Guide To Making A Baby

This is a really interesting article about babymaking. The components needed to make a baby..sperm, egg and womb are often sought after by couples who, for various reasons, can't use their own. Because there are different legal issues from country to country, women may have to travel to different countries to get what they need. For more info....

http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/
ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/
Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=
1166827812516&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1112188062620

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility

The Pain Of Wanting A Baby

The holidays can definitely be a very difficult time for you if you've been trying to have a baby for a while.  So much about the holidays "speaks to" children.  It is not unusual for women who have been trying to get pregnant to feel more depressed at this time of year.  This article is about one woman's story of dealing with her struggle to have a baby.


Overcoming despair and becoming a mom - The Courier News

Overcoming despair and becoming a mom The Courier News, IL - 23 hours ago ... last. After eight months of trying and failing to get pregnant, I started imagining ways to end my life. Those thoughts scared me. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility

Can Prayer Help You Get Pregnant?

I came across this really interesting article about the power of prayer to increase the chances of pregnancy.  This particular study involved women participating in IVF, but could apply to other women struggling with fertility issues.  I thought the results were fascinating, albeit a little hard to  believe.  Have a look....

http://www.ncpa.org/iss/soc/pd100901d.html

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility, prayer

Infertility Issues in Canada

There is already a sperm shortage in the U.K., and now Canada is experiencing a shortage as well.  It is now illegal to pay donors, so Canadian men are not interested in donating to heterosexual couples, single women looking to get pregnant or lesbian couples seeking sperm.

Currently it is legal to import sperm from the U.S. but that is not expected to last.  More...

Sperm donor shortage hits Canadian infertility clinics CBC Ottawa,  Canada - 20 minutes ago Sperm stocks in Canada are significantly down since the federal government made it illegal to pay men for the donations, and the supply of sperm imported from ..

technorati tags:pregnant, sperm, donor, fertility, infertility

Trend of Older Moms Increasing In Australia

In Australia, there is increased concern over the trend of women having babies later and later.  It seems there is a lack of awareness that delaying pregnancy can contribute to fertility problems or even problems with the baby.  Read more...

Experts voice fears over older mothers (The Australian)

An infertility expert has today called for a government-funded education campaign targeting both men and women to tackle the trend. Statistics released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare today show the average age of first-time mums has increased again to 28.

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant

Avoid Certain Painkillers When Trying To Conceive

When you are trying to get pregnant, it is very important to be aware of what pain medication you may be taking, as some can increase the risk of miscarriage.  Basically, you should avoid all painkillers other than acetaminophen or Paracetamol (otherwise known as Tylenol), which have no harmful effects.  But do avoid ibuprofin, aspirin, and others, which could effect the ability of the embryo to implant into the womb.  It's especially important to avoid these medications around the time of conception, so stay away if you are near ovulation.  Read more....

Some Painkillers Raise Risk of Miscarriage PakTribune.com, Pakistan - 12 hours ago ... They found that use of aspirin and other non-steroid based anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increased the risk of miscarriage by 80 percent.

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility, miscarriage

Coping With The Holidays

When you are struggling to get pregnant, sometimes the holidays can be a difficult time.  Alot of this will depend on your particular circumstances...how long have you been trying to get pregnant, do you already have other children..etc.  For those who have been trying to conceive for a long time to have their first child, it can be particularly stressful.  The holidays are a time for family gatherings, usually involving lots of children.  Here is an article with some tips on how to get through the holidays if you are feeling a little down about not being pregnant yet....

http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cop_mis_cwh_gh

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility

Who Else Wants To Get Pregnant?

It seems the media is obsessed with JLo's struggle to get pregnant.  Everything that this woman does is now scrutinized to see if it's being done in an attempt to get pregnant.  It is hard enough to deal with fertility problems--it can be an extremely painful roller coaster of emotions.  I wish the media would just back off and stop watching her every move.  The latest article is about her attempts to incorporate Scientology into her efforts to conceive.  If you're interested, here's the link...

JLo is guzzling cooking oil to help her get pregnant! DailyIndia.com,?FL?- Dec 8, 2006 ... only could drinking cooking oil cause damage to the liver, but that it was highly unlikely that it would help the 'Waiting For Tonight' singer get pregnant. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, jlo, scientology

Chocolate Can Reduce Miscarriages

Good news for chocolate lovers!  New research suggests there is a reduced risk of miscarriage if you eat a certain kind of chocolate.  Read on to find out the specifics...

If you're pregnant, you may be happy to know that chocolate cravings may be good for you. New research shows morning sickness lowers the risk of miscarriage by almost 70 percent -- and eating chocolate daily also appears to lower the risk of miscarriage.

TransWorldNews | Press Release |Chocolate found to reduce risk of miscarriage

technorati tags:miscarriage, pregnant, infertility

Moms Who Struggled To Have A Baby

This video takes a look at a group of moms who had difficulty having a baby, as they discuss some of the issues they have dealt with, including infertility and adoption.

Reduce Miscarriage Risk

Another article touting good nutrition when it comes to pregnancy. The idea is that eating healthy foods will reduce your odds of having a miscarriage. We already know that eating a healthy diet does wonders to improve your fertility too. And of course, once you're pregnant, it's much better for the baby. So the bottom line is, if you're trying to get pregnant, make sure you're eating healthy! Read the article here....

The consumption of fruits and vegetables during pregnancy can reduce the chance of a miscarriage, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Eating fruits and vegetables cuts risk of miscarriage, says study

technorati tags:miscarriage, pregnant

The Grief Of Infertility

I found this article which details the personal journey of an infertile couple...the intense struggle they went through, and the emotional journey that they have in common with other infertile couples.  Whether you are suffering this emotional rollercoaster or know someone who is, you will find this article insightful...

When you are suffering through infertility, every day that you awaken NOT PREGNANT opens a new wound. It's another death in the family. Yes, the pain can be that significant. Every minute of every day is spent mourning the loss of a child -- your child.

Infertility: I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me - Women's Health

technorati tags:infertility, ivf, pregnant, fertility

Pre-Conception Care Demands More Attention

This is a great article on the topic of pre-conception care.  While many women are led to believe that they need to start taking care of themselves (and in turn the baby) as soon as they become pregnant, the truth is that it is necessary to get your health in order several months before trying to conceive.  You need to be healthy when you get pregnant, not as soon as you find out that you are pregnant.  By then, the baby has been developing for a few weeks, and can be harmed in these early weeks if the woman is not taking care of herself properly. More..

Step 1: Get healthy Step 2: Get pregnant Seattle Post Intelligencer - 23 hours ago ... have had it drummed into them that prenatal care is the key to having a healthy baby, and that they should see a doctor as soon as they know they are pregnant. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, pre-conception

"Why Can't I Get Pregnant Again?"

This article takes a close look at the issue of secondary infertility, a problem whereby couples already have at least one child (sometimes easily conceived, sometimes not), and now experience a struggle to get pregnant another time.  For those who conceived easily before, it is particularly traumatic, as they had no expectation of encountering any difficulty upon trying to have another baby.  Read more...

Indeed, one of the best-kept secrets of the fertility industry is that nearly a quarter of couples seeking treatment are already parents.

We Can't Get Pregnant Again

technorati tags:pregnant, secondary, infertility

"Why Can't I Get Pregnant Again?"

This article takes a close look at the issue of secondary infertility, a problem whereby couples already have at least one child (sometimes easily conceived, sometimes not), and now experience a struggle to get pregnant another time.  For those who conceived easily before, it is particularly traumatic, as they had no expectation of encountering any difficulty upon trying to have another baby.  Read more...

Indeed, one of the best-kept secrets of the fertility industry is that nearly a quarter of couples seeking treatment are already parents.

We Can't Get Pregnant Again

technorati tags:pregnant, secondary, infertility

Can Hypnosis Aid Conception?

Here's an interesting article...a new book has been released which suggests the use of hypnosis to help women get pregnant.  The theory is that for couples who can't get pregnant, the problem may be "in their head."  It's an interesting theory, as there are so many cases of unexplained infertility, where there is no medical reason found for a couples inablility to conceive.  So perhaps, a little hypnotherapy can help...

Thousands have used hypnosis to quit smoking and lose weight, but what about using hypnosis to get pregnant? Lynsi Eastburn, author of a new book titled It's Conceivable, says women can increase their chances of conception through hypnotherapy.

It's Conceivable: New Book Reveals How Hypnosis Aids Pregnancy: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant, hypnotherapy

More Risks For Underweight Women

There's been some substantial evidence that women who have a low BMI (body mass index) may have a more difficult time getting pregnant.  The same goes for women with a high BMI.  The point being that your fertility is compromised if you are underweight or overweight.  Now a new study suggests that women who are underweight, when they do get pregnant, have an increased risk of miscarriage.    Read more...

Skinny women at 'miscarriage risk' - Metro

Metro

Skinny women at 'miscarriage risk' Metro, UK - 1 hour ago The 'size zero' debate has highlighted how anorexia can affect a woman's fertility – but this is the first time thinness has been linked to miscarriage. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility, miscarriage

New Treatment For Smokers Fertility

It has long been established that smoking can be harmful if you're trying to have a baby.  It can be harmful to the developing baby, and it also can reduce fertility in men.  Obviously, the best way to avoid this is to simply quit when trying to conceive.  However, for those that don't choose this path, there is new hope.  A substance has been found that can help improve fertility in men who smoke and are trying to conceive a child.  More..

New compound may improve fertility of smokers WSTM-TV, NY - 41 minutes ago BUFFALO, NY A reproductive medicine specialist at the University at Buffalo has found that a new compound may improve the fertility of male smokers. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, smoking

A Story Of Hope

I just love to hear about pregnancy success stories....from couples who struggled with infertility issues, who end up with their dream come true.  This is a heartwarming story of a woman over 40 who faced mutliple miscarriages, and then a miracle occured.  Check it out....

TRIPLETS HEALED MY HEART Mirror.co.uk,?UK?- Nov 28, 2006 ... "Doctors said they suspected I may have some symptoms of endometriosis - a scarring of my fallopian tubes, which could lead to fertility problems. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, miscarriage, endometriosis, triplets

New Procedure To Help Male Infertility

Good news for men suffering from a common problem called "varicoceles" which can cause problems with fertility.  Now a new procedure has been developed which is easy and safe and shows promising results for increasing fertility.  More...

Simple surgery can restore male fertility (Times Online)

Graphic: how it works One of the commonest causes of male infertility can be treated successfully with a simple and minimally invasive surgical procedure that improves significantly the chances of fathering a child....

technorati tags:varicocele, infertility, pregnant

At Home Fertility Testing

Here's a new product that allows for early detection of any fertility problems in the privacy of your own home.  There is both a male and female test available.  The male test checks for sperm quality and the female test checks for egg quality.  These tests can be used if you are trying to get pregnant, and want the reassurance that everything is working fine, or if you want to do some preliminary testing before seeking medical attention if it is taking longer than expected to have a baby.  Check out the website here:

http://www.fertell.co.uk/

technorati tags:pregnant, fertiity, infertility

Giving Thanks Despite The Pain Of Miscarriage

I came across this article and wanted to post it as it really touched me.  It is the story of one woman's struggle to have a baby, and just as she thought her dream was answered, it fell apart.  I know that scenario very well, as I have been there several times myself.  Read more...

Giving thanks for turning the corner Tri-Valley Herald, CA - 14 hours ago ... cycle, I mused as to whether I was trying to get pregnant or whether I was trying to become a professional baseball player. Anger ...

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility, miscarriage, ivf

Stop Your Biological Clock

Many women, especially those pursuing their careers, worry that when they are finally ready to have children, their fertility will be reduced.  This is a very real concern, as fertility in women does start to decline in your late twenties.  The technology for freezing embryos has been around for some time, but the problem is, you need a male to contribute to the process.  Now the technology exists for women to simply freeze their embryos when they are most fertile (preferably in their twenties or early thirties), and then they can choose a partner later when they are interested in fertilizing the eggs and conceiving a child.  More...

Freeze your eggs to have children later (The Herald)

Single women worried about their biological clock are for the first time in Scotland being offered the chance to freeze their eggs and preserve their fertility.

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility, biological, clock, egg, freezing

Does The Internet Help The Fertility Industry?

Here's a great article discussing how the internet plays a role in the fertility industry by offering a way to connect people who need egg or sperm donors with those offering to provide this service.  Unfortunately, using the internet as a means to create a family does present some inherent problems.  Read on...

Fertility industry booms online (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

More and more people have literally found life on the Internet as the estimated $3 billion fertility industry moves increasingly online.

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility

Stressed Out From Infertility

This is a very valuable article which covers how stressful it can be for couples who are struggling with infertility. Being unable to get pregnant and have a child causes significant stress and possibly depression, but unfortunately, the stress can cause further difficulties in getting pregnant.  More...

The stress of infertility (Louisville Courier-Journal)

It may be hard for those who take their fertility for granted to realize how stressful infertility can be. Dr. Alice Domar, a Boston-based, world-renowned authority on the psychological effects of infertility, has done research that suggests patients with fertility problems have stress levels comparable to patients with cancer or AIDS.

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant, fertility, stress

New Infertility Research

An interesting article about a protein that has been identified among women which may contribute to female infertility.  Read more...

BBC News

Female protein may hold treatments for infertility The West Australian, Australia - 1 hour ago ... have identified a protein in women that destroys unfertilized eggs with genetic damage, an important step in discovering how to treat infertility, according to ...

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility

Is It OK To Choose Baby's Gender?

While the technology exists to be able to predict the gender of your baby while it is still an embryo, the question of whether or not this is morally acceptable is hotly debated.  Of course, choosing the sex of your baby because of medical concerns is much more highly regarded than choosing for purely social reasons.  This article takes a look at this issue in more depth...

'Why I believe every parent has a right to choose their baby's sex' (Daily Mail)

From one of the pioneers of fertility treatment, a hugely controversial moral challenge... Lord Winston argues that every parent should have the right to choose the sex of their baby

technorati tags:gender, selection, infertility, fertility, pregnant

Single Woman Wants Baby

I came across this interesting article about a woman who wants a baby, but does not have a boyfriend or husband, and decides to get pregnant anyway.  She is over 40, and is not willing to wait for the right man to come along, or worse, enter a relationship (marriage) for the sole purpose of having a baby.  In this type of situation, reproductive technology can be very useful.  More...

Personal Column: 'I wanted children enough to do it on my own. So ... Independent, UK - 22 hours ago ... I didn't try to get pregnant with a man. I had friends who offered, but I realised it was going to be far more damaging to my child ...

technorati tags:infertility, fertility, pregnant

Are Pomegranates A Fertile Food?

In this interesting article, the pomegranate is depicted as a fertile food in several different religions.  Does it really have fertile properties?  Maybe, maybe not, but it certainly is high in antioxidants and therefore a healthy choice to eat.  So indulge....it certainly can't hurt.

Pomegranates: Nature’s super food Tahlequah Daily Press,?OK?- Nov 16, 2006 ... Over time, Persephone fell for her captor, but realized her mother was mourning for her, and withholding her blessings of fertility from the earth. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility, pomegranate

Amniocentesis Not Linked To Miscarriage

Sometimes pregnant women over age 35 contemplate the idea of getting an amniocentesis to check for chromosome abnormalities in the developing baby.  While this procedure is quite safe, there has always been a reportedly small risk of miscarriage, which prompts many women to decline the test.  A recent study suggests that this risk factor doesn't exist, and that having an amniocentesis does not increase the chance of having a miscarriage at all.  More..

Amniocentesis not linked to miscarriage Reuters - 3 hours ago ... performed during the fourth through sixth month of pregnancy, known as the "midtrimester," does not increase the rate of miscarriage, according to a report in ... IN THE NEWS Parents.com

technorati tags:miscarriage, pregnant, infertility, fertility, amniocentesis

Does Male Fertility Decline With Age?

There seems to be alot of focus in the media recently on various factors that may affect male fertility (such as smoking).  Yet it has always been presumed that age was not a factor.  Lots of older men seem to have no trouble fathering children.  Alternatively, women are extremely concious of how increasing age affects their fertilty.  This report suggests that increasing age among males may in fact contribute to some health issues in the children they father.  More..

Male Biological Clock In Focus CBS News, NY - 1 hour ago ... for men. While fertility doesn't decrease as dramatically as for a woman, a man does have a biological clock, experts say. But these ... Men's Biological Clocks Are Ticking, Too CBS News

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility

Can This Allergy Prevent Pregnancy?

Believe it or not, it is actually possible for a woman to be allergic to her partner's semen.  The symptoms she would experience can vary, ranging from burning and itching immediately following intercourse, to difficulty in breathing.  While this is not considered a fertility issue, it certainly can make things difficult if you're trying to get pregnant.  Surprisingly, the treatment involves having more frequent intercourse.  Read more..

Though case reports of semen allergy are rare, many may go unrecognized. The typical patient, Resnick says, is a woman in her 20s.

FOXNews.com - Frequent Sex Cures Women's Semen Allergy - Health News | Current Health News | Medical News

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility

Uterine Transplant May Be Possible

There are many medical reasons why a women may not be able to get pregnant.  One of these could be a problem with her uterus.  At present, without a functioning uterus, a woman would have to have a surrogate carry her baby if she wanted her own biological child.  Now it looks like technology may be changing that.  A New York doctor will be attempting to do a transplant of a uterus in order to help some women to have a baby.  More...

Whether it's the result of a benign tumor or even cervical cancer, some women don't have a functioning uterus and just can't carry a baby. A uterine transplant might let them do it, but it carries a lot of risks.

Uterine Transplant Could Help Infertile Women - HealthWatch - NBC5.com | WMAQ

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant, transplant

The Male Biological Clock

More research is pointing to the fact that men are just as responsible for the difficulties in conceiving that women are.  It has even been reported that it is not just women who have a biological clock--men's sperm do deteriorate as they get older.  For couples who are finding it difficult to conceive a baby, both male and female issues need to be addressed...

Recent studies are finding that, like women, men can have trouble as they age: Sperm can lose its quality as guys get older. According to a study reported in the Aug. 1 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, sperm quality starts to go downhill after age 35 and paternal age is a significant risk factor for miscarriage.

Man can be cause of a couple's infertility | ajc.com

technorati tags:pregnant, ivf, fertiility

Eggs Don't "Stick" In Smoker's Wombs

It's long been known that smoking can affect fertility, and it can certainly be damaging to a growing embryo, however new research is a bit of a surprise.  It had been thought the damaging effects of smoking were to the eggs themselves.  This research suggests that smoking actually makes it more difficult for the embryo to implant, therefore heavy smokers have reduced pregnancy rates.  Learn more...

Smoking 'may block embryo's path' (BBC News)

Heavy smoking may reduce female fertility by cutting an embryo's chance of imbedding in the womb, research suggests.

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant, ivf

Oriental Medicine To Treat Fertility Problems

Oriental treatments for infertility are very different than the treatments of Western medicine.  With Oriental medicine, the aim is to enhance the body’s ability to treat diseases by itself.  There are various treatment options, which include herbal medicine and acupuncture.  These treatments are often very successful at helping women get pregnant.  Read more...

The basis of Oriental infertility treatment is to diagnose the flow and circulation of chi (life force or vitality) and blood, and the condition of the five viscera and six entrails -- gall bladder, stomach, small and large intestine, the paunch, the bladder and the bowels. The infertility treatment begins with a medical exercise to correct any imbalance in the body.

Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility, oriental, medicine

Should You Book A "Procreation Vacation"?

OK, so I'm not sure if these procreation vacations, or otherwise known as "conception-moons" are really about helping couples conceive, or are just a marketing ploy by various resorts to get more business.  I think anything that encourages couples to relax can only help when trying to get pregnant, but it's not like these couples are going away on vacation to "make a baby".  There is only a limited few days a month when this is possible, and it's not likely to be during the few days you happened to book your vacation (unless you're really tuned in to your ovulation schedule).  If it helps couples to relax and have a new relaxed attitude when trying to conceive, then I'm all for it, but hopefully there are no false promises that this mini vacation is going to result in a pregnancy....

nwitimes.com

Need help getting pregnant? Book a procreation vacation Seattle Times, United States - 4 hours ago ... trend that has hotels around the world luring conception-minded couples by providing everything from onsite sex doctors to age-old fertility boosters promised ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, conceptionmoon

Early Screening For Chlamydia Helps Fight Infertility

Chlamydia is a treatable disease, which when left untreated, can lead to infertility.  In England,
there is a tremendous effort to increase the screening of young people for this disease, so that it will become a routine part of health care for 2007.  They are using an innovative approach to tackle this disease, by making screening available in a wide range of non-medical settings.  Read more...

With one in ten of the young men and women screened testing positive for the disease, during 2007 screening is set to become a routine part of health care for young people as it will be offered across England.

More People Screened For Chlamydia In The Community - Screening Set To Become A Routine Part Of Healthcare, UK

technorati tags:chlamydia, infertility

Help For Blocked Tubes

A new study revealed that women who can't get pregnant due to blocked fallopian tubes may be able to benefit from a new therapy that is similar to deep massage.  Typically, the only treatment for blocked tubes is surgery, so this new technique would be a much less invasive approach.  More...

Scientists at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) reported that therapists were able to open totally blocked fallopian tubes using a new pelvic physical therapy that feels similar to a deep massage. Previously, surgery was the only treatment option for women with blocked fallopian tubes.

Physical Therapists Open Blocked Fallopian Tubes without Surgery

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility, Wurn

Just Say No To Coffee

There has been an ongoing debate about how much coffee is safe for women to drink when trying to get pregnant.  Some experts argue a cup or two has no effect, others claim even one cup daily can make it more difficult to conceive.  Now some new research which suggests that coffee consumption by men can have an adverse affect on a developing embryo, possibly causing miscarriage or birth defects.  More...

Coffee 'May Hit Men's Fertility' (RedNova)

DRINKING just three cups of coffee a day can damage sperm, scientists have found. High caffeine consumption by men may lead to increased rates of miscarriage and birth defects, they say. The findings offer a plausible explanation for falling fertility levels among British men.

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility

Iron Improves Fertility

A new study suggests that iron supplements can have a beneficial effect on both ovulation and conception.  It is suggested that taking iron supplements regularly can increase the likelihood of getting pregnant to 40%.  More...

It's important that the results are reproduced, but the results suggest that women who are trying to get pregnant should consider having greater amounts of iron in their diet from non-animal sources including multivitamin supplements," said Dr. Jorge E. Chavarro.

Spotlighting News - Iron Supplements Prevent Infertility

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility, supplements

Endometriosis Can Affect Younger Women

Endometriosis can be very difficult to diagnose, and even more so in younger women. The symptoms can be quite varied and suggestive of other diseases.  For teenagers, whose symptoms have started at an early age, doctors often don't diagnose endometriosis because it is not a disease they typically see in this age group.  It can be very painful and can also cause fertility problems.  More....

It's hard enough for any woman, adult or teenager, to get a correct diagnosis of endometriosis because there are so many other causes of abdominal pain, including appendicitis, bowel disease, and pelvic inflammatory disease. In fact, it takes an average of nine years for most adult women to get a correct diagnosis, according to a review published last year by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Endometriosis can afflict young women, too - The Boston Globe

technorati tags:fertility, endometriosis

Fertility Foods

According to Dr. Jeremy Groll, author of "Fertility Foods," there is a definite connection between the foods we eat and our fertility. Particularly foods which raise our insulin level, he suspects can cause fertility problems.

According to Groll, there is an undeniable link between a body's insulin resistance and fertility problems. Resistance to insulin increases the body's insulin levels, hindering normal ovulation either by limiting the maturation process of the released egg or by preventing ovulation altogether.

RedOrbit - Health - Can Your Diet Make You Pregnant?: Researcher Finds Link Between Certain Foods, Increased Fertility

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant, infertility

Understanding Miscarriage

This article is a very informative overview of miscarriage--what causes it, how to prevent it, cope with it, etc.  A very good read...

Miscarriage is a relatively common experience — but that doesn't make it any easier. Ending a pregnancy without a baby to hold in your arms is heartbreaking. Take a step toward emotional healing by understanding what can cause a miscarriage, what increases the risk and what medical care might be needed.

Understanding miscarriage - MayoClinic.com

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Infertility Linked To Autism?

Although some new research suggests that couples who have difficulty conceiving have a greater chance of having a baby with health problems, the experts agree the overall risk is still very small. They surmise that the health problems causing the infertility are the same ones that can also cause the future problems with the baby.

Couples with fertility problems are three times more likely to have a child with serious conditions like autism and cerebral palsy, research suggests. The extra risk is likely to be caused by health problems that make it difficult for these couples to conceive in the first place, scientists believe.

BBC NEWS | Health | Infertility link to autism risk

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility, autism

When's The Best Time To Have A Baby?

I found this article which is bound to stir up some emotion among women who are planning to get pregnant at what is considered an "older" age.  The trend of women having babies much later in life than they did 20 years ago, is still continuing.  And as techniques improves in the field of reproductive technology, it is likely that this trend will continue.  There are definitely pros and cons to having a baby in your forties.  There also seems to be a bias towards men who frequently father children later in life, even though recent research suggests there could be health risks to the child.  Read more...

Obstetricians have warned that the "bio-panic" women used to suffer on their 30th birthday has moved up to the 40th and have suggested that instead of waiting for Mr Right they maybe ought to wait for Mr Good Enough if they want a family.

Independent Online Edition > Science & Technology

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Vitamin To Help Get Pregnant

Folic acid has been well known to help women reduce their chances of conceiving a baby with spinal chord defects, such as spina bifida.  But new research suggests that it can have an additional benefit.  Taking folic acid may actually help women to get pregnant...

Long known to safeguard the health of the unborn baby, this is the first time folic acid, a form of vitamin B, has been shown to aid conception too.

'Folic acid helps fertility in women' | the Daily Mail

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Older Moms May Pass On Fertility Problems

A new study suggests that women who delay having children until they are older, may pass on
some infertility risks to their daughters.  It seems that because older women also have older eggs, this may cause some future problems when their own daughters are trying to get pregnant.  The research, however, is not conclusive.  Read more...

A study of women at a fertility clinic found that those who failed to become pregnant after treatment had older mothers than those who were successful. The researchers from Atlanta, warned that postponing childbirth had implications for future generations.

BBC NEWS | Health | Older eggs pass on fertility risk

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Infertility Could Be Just A Phone Call Away

Research continues to uncover new ways that infertility can become compromised, simply by  going about our daily lives.  A new study points to cell phones as a potential threat to male fertility.

Samples taken from men attending a fertility clinic revealed their sperm declined steadily in number, quality and ability to swim as mobile phone use increased. Where men used their phones for more than four hours a day, researchers found a 30 per cent drop in sperm movement and viability when compared with men who did not use a mobile.

Mobile phone use linked to drop in male fertility - World - smh.com.au

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Improve Male Factor Issues

It's currently well documented that couples facing difficulty in achieving pregnancy have a fairly equal distribution of male and female issues which contribute to the infertility. So it stands to reason there would be more research to try to determine ways to improve male fertility, as it had been a long held belief that most of the problems were with the women.  Many times, vitamins and supplements have been linked to improvements in sperm quality.  In Australia, a supplement that seems to improve pregnancy rates looks promising....

A tablet containing vitamins C and E, folate, zinc, lycopene and garlic oil has been found to help protect a man's sperm from damage caused by smoking and other infections.

Australians discover male fertility pill. 23/10/2006. ABC News Online

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Acupuncture and pain

With all the attention that acupuncture is getting as a means to increase fertility, I thought this short video addressing one of the fears of acupuncture--pain, would be of interest.

Even Celebrities Can Struggle With Fertility Issues

No one is immune to infertility.  It doesn't matter how rich or famous you are, no one can protect themselves from it.  There has been a lot of media coverage lately of celebrities who are trying to get pregnant and having a hard time.  Recently,  J.Lo was focused on, and now it's Nicole Kidman.  If you are someone who is struggling to conceive, at least take comfort in the fact that you are definitely not alone.

Ninemsn

Keith and Nicole trying hard Ninemsn, Australia - 1 hour ago Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are desperately battling to get pregnant, it has been claimed. ... "He knows how much Nicole wants to get pregnant. ..

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant, conceive, infertility, ectopic

Baby Born From Frozen Egg

A recent birth which was created by using a woman's frozen egg in the invitro fertilization process, gives hope for the future to women who may need to choose this option.  Currently, the only option to preserve your fertility is to freeze embryos, but sometimes this isn't practical if you don't currently have a male partner to provide the sperm.  Egg freezing has not been very successful yet, and still the procedure has not been perfected.  Yet every time a birth occurs which started from a frozen egg, it gives hope that this process may become a viable option sometime in the near future.

Birth that started with frozen egg may mean hope for fertility ... Toledo Blade, OH - 22 hours ago ... cancer treatment. She may help young women preserve fertility when circumstances work against their biological clocks. Claire managed ...

technorati tags:ivf, pregnant, fertility

PCOS Treatment Not Harmful To Baby

Good news for women struggling with PCOS and infertility.  One of the treatments is a drug called Metformin, whose potential to harm the fetus if taken in early pregnancy was unknown..  A recent study shows that the drug doesn't appear to cause any major malformations, however further research is needed.

Metformin is used, with or without insulin, to treat patients with type 2 diabetes - and it is also used to treat infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, the safety of this drug for the fetus has not been established,

Metformin in early pregnancy may be safe for fetus | Health | Reuters.com

technorati tags:pcos, infertility, fertility, pregnant

Global Fertility Is Falling

This is a very surprising article revealing that the U.S. will see a significant increase in population--adding 100 million people over the next 4 decades.  Compare this to the European Union, where by 2010, deaths are expected to start outnumbering births.  Generally speaking, richer countries which have more educated women have fewer children and invest more in each of them.  More...

As birth rates in the other rich nations continue to fall, the planet's third most populous country just keeps growing

TheStar.com - 300 million Americans...more on the way

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Obesity Impact on Fertility

There are many problems associated with being overweight, and reduced fertility is among them.  The good news is, diet and exercise can help restore fertility...so if you are having trouble conceiving and are overweight, try losing some weight and adding some exercise, and maybe your odds of conception will improve.  Read more

Obesity Epidemic Is Causing Infertility And Reducing The Success ... PR Web (press release), WA - 11 hours ago Obesity causes problems with ovulation, reduces the success of fertility treatments including IVF, increases the chances for miscarriage and other pregnancy ...

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IVF At 50 Or More?

In the U.K., according to the Chairman of the Governments fertility authority, advanced age is not a sufficient reason to rule patients out for fertility treatment.  This decision raises all sorts of controversial opinion, as women attempt to get pregnant through IVF at an increasingly advanced age.  More...

Infertile patients of any age should be seen as individuals whose reproductive choices deserve respect, and doctors should not refuse treatment purely because they have passed the menopause, according to Lord Harries of Pentregarth, the former Bishop of Oxford and now the interim chairman of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).

Fertility Panel bishop blesses IVF for over-50s - Britain - Times Online

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Fertility Treatment Available for Single Women

A longstanding debate has been resolved by a vote on Friday in the UK, but that didn't stop the demonstrators from voicing their opposing opinions on the issue--whether it was necessary to be a male/female couple in order to receive fertility treatment.

Parliament voted on Friday in favour of a government bill to allow single women and lesbian couples to continue to have fertility treatment.

Helsingin Sanomat - International Edition - Home

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National Fertility Education Program

A landmark new report out of Australia has resulted in calls for a national education program to prevent infertility.  It seems that a substantial number of people surveyed did not know about the effects of age on a woman's fertility, with an even bigger misunderstanding about its effects on a man's.

The National Fertility Study shows that 88 per cent of men and 57 per cent of women between the ages of 30 and 39 reckon they will have children without any problem. They're wrong.

Ignorance a factor in infertility - National - theage.com.au

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Before You Make That Baby...

I just came across this article that has some valuable advice on what areas you might need to focus on before getting pregnant.  There's some really good tips here as we often forget the practical side when our minds get (emotionally) wrapped around the idea of having a baby!

Most couples don't just wake up one day and think, "Let's start a family now!" As much as some might wish their partners were that impulsive and enthusiastic, it's better to put some thought into this baby thing than to blindly jump into it. Preconception planning is just as important as prenatal care.

SunJournal.com - Babies on your brain?

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, conception, infertility

Do You Dress Better When You're Fertile?

Okay, this article makes a point that seems a bit farfetched to me.  It seems women dress differently when they are ovulating, and by differently, they mean more attractively.  The only thing that makes sense to me is that your hormones rise when you're about to ovulate, which can increase your libido (nature's way of making sure you procreate!). So maybe that causes women to act/dress more sexy at this time of the month.  Read the article and see what you think..

A study of young college women showed they frequently wore more fashionable or flashier clothing and jewelery when they were ovulating, as assessed by a panel of men and women looking at their photographs.

Fertile women dress to impress, U.S. study finds - Yahoo! News

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, ovulation

Alternative Therapies On The Rise

It seems that alternative therapies are being more widely accepted by mainstream fertility doctors, as they discover that pregnancy rates increase when women apply these techniques. I think many women have found this out already, but mainstream medicine is reluctant to adopt anything just based on anecdotal evidence. Without scientific proof, they will not encourage patients to try these alternative approaches. Luckily, this seems to be changing...

"It makes sense to add non-invasive techniques to traditional protocols as long as they are backed by scientific evidence," says King.

Three Complementary Infertility Treatments Boost Pregnancy Rates, Research Shows: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, acupuncture

"Bio-Panic" Causes Increase In Fertility Treatment

A rather new phenomenon, called bio-panic (which stands for biological clock-panic) is causing increasing numbers of single women to seek fertility treatment to have a baby if they don't have an appropriate partner to have a baby with.

Many are suddenly realizing that this commitment-phobic man they are living with, who says he wants children 'at some point', cannot hear their biological clocks ticking," said the head of the British Fertility Society ethics committee, Dr. Gillian Lockwood.

United Press International - NewsTrack - 'Bio-panic' leads solo women to parenting

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

New Fertility Gadget

Ahh...technology!  Another gadget enters the marketplace to help women trying to get pregnant.  This one tracks your cycle and alerts you to the time when you are supposed to be the most fertile. And what is this new gadget, you ask.  It's a phone....

Gizmodo.com

Mitsubishi D702iF Cellphone Tracks Fertility Cycle Gizmodo.com, Hungary - 21 hours ago This is the Mitsubishi D702iF cellphone for NTT DoCoMo. It is a pretty average clamshell phone, but it does include one unique feature. ...

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Oh Baby! Cost-Cutting Help for Couples Trying to Conceive

The changing age of the American family is a trend that has showed no sign of slowing. An estimated 11 million US couples are currently planning or trying to conceive, with birth rates for 35-44 year olds at their highest in more than 3 decades. While this decision is common, it's not without risk. 1 in 6 couples today will experience a delay or difficulty, and experts say it can take couples anywhere from 6 months to a year to conceive. It may take even longer for older couples, and that means more doctors' appointments, fertility tests, ovulation kits and home pregnancy tests -- all of which can really add up. There are ways to cut costs, like buying ovulation, fertility and pregnancy tests in bulk. Also, a first-of-its-kind refillable pregnancy test called "Confirm Clearly" has just been released to the market. With a refillable test, starter kits are about 15 dollars with refills less than 5 dollars each. So 8 tests will cost only about 45 dollars as opposed to the 150 dollars it would cost to buy traditional tests. This is just one of the many ways couples can save money. Cutting costs will also save you down the road. Once the happy day arrives, there will be diapers, formula and other costs coming your way, so saving as soon as possible is smart. Produced for Confirm Clearly

Work Hazards Effect Fertility

It's been documented that environmental toxins can have an impact on fertility, for both men and women.  Some new research looks at specific jobs that might be harmful if you're trying to get pregnant.

We have found that there is a tendency for farmers to have high levels of DNA damage and things such as mechanics maybe who are perhaps exposed to high levels of solvents," he said.

Some workers more at risk of fertility, researchers say. 06/10/2006. ABC News Online

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant, infertility