PCOS Treatment Options Tested

If you have PCOS or know someone who does, this is important news.  It seems the preferred treatment for PCOS turns out not to be the best choice, according to some new research.  The pregnancy rate for women using Metformin, the current drug of choice, was lower than for those women using clomiphene.  Read more...

Study: Clomiphene Best On PCOS Infertility (CBS News)

Clomiphene, one of the oldest treatments for a common cause of infertility, is still the best one, according to findings from a study that experts say will have a major impact on clinical practice.

technorati tags:PCOS, infertility, fertility, pregnant

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The Waiting Womb - A New Novel

I always have a particular interest in novels that have a "fertility" theme.  I guess I find it appealing in that I can relate to what the characters are going through in their struggle to have a baby. That being said, there is a new fictional account of a couples difficulties in trying to start a family, which looks like it has some humor to it, which should make it a good read.  Check it out...I certainly plan to.

An inspiration for anyone who is trying to conceive or who is considering adoption, The Waiting Womb is the perfect read for any woman who feels she is going through infertility alone. Ms. Sayre delivers strong female characters and lots of laughs. There is no control over life or fertility, suggests Sayre, but there are always unexpected miracles.

Blazingly Honest Novel Presents a Realistic Portrait of Coping with Infertility

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility

New Fertility Patch To Predict Ovulation

There's a new product in the works, and frankly it sounds too good to be true.  It's been said many times that the most critical factor in getting pregnant is knowing when you are ovulating.  Since conception can only occur during those few days leading up to ovulation, knowing your "fertile window" is key to the timing of intercourse.  Unfortunately, many women are not able to determine when they are ovulating, even though there are various methods available, ie. BBT charting, ovulation predictor kits, etc.  This new product claims it will be able to pinpoint ovulation easily.  Read more...

New patch a 'failsafe' fertility barometer (Business Weekly)

A revolutionary stick-on patch that pinpoints when a woman is most fertile could boost the chances of conception for would-be mums and eliminate the risk of unwanted pregnancy for others.

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility, ovulation

Could Your Shampoo Hurt Your Chance Of Conceiving?

There's been a lot of media attention of late about the relationship between the environment and infertility.  There is no doubt that some  environmental toxins can have a damaging effect of the reproductive system, both make and female.  Now there seems to be some research pointing to certain chemicals, such as those found in fragrance which might be harmful if trying to get pregnant.  Read more...

Synthetic chemicals may disrupt reproduction (Contra Costa Times)

SAN FRANCISCO - Synthetic chemicals in food, lotions, shampoos, baby bottles, appliances and many other consumer goods disrupt the exquisitely timed chemical reactions that lead to pregnancy and birth, scientists say.

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility, conception

I'm here without you baby

I ran across this video and I found it very moving. It reminded me of some of my feelings when I was going through my own personal struggle to have a baby. I think it will touch your heart, whether you are currently having problems getting pregnant or know someone else who is.

Fertility Gems

With Valentine's Day coming up, what better gift than a bracelet or necklage made of gems that are supposed to promote fertility.  I came across this site that sells assorted handcrafted jewelry that symbolize fertility.  Also sold are charms for those who have experienced a pregnancy loss.  Have a look...

http://www.labelledame.com/fertility-jewelry.html

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant, infertility

An Alternative Way To Have A Baby

With technological advances, new options for having babies continues to increase.  Due to the rising number of IVF attempts, there continue to be more and more embryos frozen with these cycles.  Many of these embryos never get used and are held in storage.  Now, for couples who can't give birth on their own, these frozen embryos are becoming available for adoption.  More....

Snowflake babies are new option for infertile couples WTHR, IN - 7 hours ago Johnson County - Dealing with infertility can be devastating, and for many couples adoption is the only option. But what about the women who hope to ...

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, adoption, ivf

Reproductive Specialist Names Outrageous Fertility Myths

I agree there are a lot of myths surrounding the topic of conception/fertility.  This article by a reproductive specialist discusses several myths that have been around for some time about getting pregnant.  Being a medical doctor, it stands to reason he would declare something to be a myth if there is no scientific studies or evidence proving that it works.  But in the world of fertility there are so many anecdotal stories relating to some of these myths, I have to wonder if we should ignore them just because there isn't enough scientific evidence.  A good example is the claim that stress can cause difficulty with conception.  This is a very controversial topic and while science hasn't proven it, I'm not sure I agree with the good doctor that stress doesn't have any impact on getting pregnant.  I have heard too much anecdotal evidence stating otherwise.  Read the list for yourself and draw your own conclusions....

Stress Causes Infertility (Fiction) The fact is, that while it is possible, although rare, for stress to cause infertility, it is far more common for infertility to cause stress. The role stress plays in a person's fertility is complicated. Evidence indicating stress as a cause of infertility is minimal. There are rare occasions when extreme stress can interfere with normal ovulation in women and may reduce sperm production in men. Stress can also affect a relationship by keeping a couple from the intimacy of intercourse.

Fertility Fact or Fiction? Chicago Reproductive Endocrinologist Sheds Some Light on Outrageous Fertility Myths and Facts You Need to Know

technorati tags:infertility, fertility, pregnant, conception, stress

Early Pregnancy Loss Is Fairly Common But Still Devastating

Early miscarriages are quite common.  About 15-20% of women will have a miscarriage in early pregnancy.  There are many causes for the loss, and many times it is the body's way of protecting against the birth of a baby with serious defects.  This article has a good overview of miscarriage--the causes and experience.

When a woman loses her baby Jamaica Gleaner, Jamaica - Jan 30, 2007 A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. About 15-20 per cent of women will have a miscarriage or spontaneous abortion. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, miscarriage

Acupuncture Helps Male Fertility Problems

There has been a lot of media attention addressing the use of acupuncture to help women improve their chances of getting pregnant.  However, over one third of the fertility problems of couples is due to problems from the male.  New research points to acupuncture to help improve sperm production and quality.

Evidence suggests that acupuncture can have an effect on sperm production and quality, without causing any changes in behavior or sexual desire. A recent trial published in Fertility and Sterility has shown just how effective acupuncture can be in the treatment of this condition, leading to significant increases in the number of normal sperm and equally significant reductions in structural defects.

Pugliese Public Relations - Study Shows Acupuncture Improves Fertility in Men

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant, infertility

A Few Cigarettes A Day Keeps A Baby Away

I've already posted about the dangers of smoking when trying to get pregnant.  But I think many people don't take it that seriously--perhaps because they don't really understand how it can get in the way of conception.  This article goes into great detail about the effects of smoking on both women and men who are trying to have a baby.  It is a great overview and very convincing, so if you still haven't quit smoking and are trying to get pregnant, definitely read this...

Trying to conceive? Quit smoking MSNBC - 2 hours ago (Put into more statistical terms, studies have shown that the relative risk of infertility in women smokers is 1.60, compared to the baseline of 1.0 for ...

technorati tags:smoking, pregnant, infertility, fertility

Fertility Help For Dads To Be

Here's an article that addresses the male role in the quest for a baby.  It seems that men can be just as concerned as women about their role in being able to get her pregnant.  And there are some things he can do which can improve his fertility as well.  Read more...

Dads sweat out getting pregnant, too Inside Bay Area,?CA?- 3 hours ago As far as vitamins and nutritional supplements to increase a man's fertility, there are plenty of scams out there, so be careful. ...

technorati tags:fertility, infertility, pregnancy, conceive

Having Babies After 40?

This is a really interesting article about the trend of women postponing pregnancy until later life.  Because of the advances in reproductive technology and the media attention of women in their 40's and 50's having babies, may women are postponing pregnancy until they are older.  But the fact remains that fertility dramatically declines as early as age 30, and many women may find it very difficult to conceive when they finally decide they are ready.

Women's focus on career development -- combined with advances in fertility medicine -- has produced higher-than-ever increases in the birth rates for older mothers. The birth rate for American women aged 40-44 years has more than doubled in the last 25 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control, a greater increase than in any other age group.

RedOrbit - Health - Fertility & IVF Experts: Don't Bet All on Late Motherhood

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility

Empty Arms

If you, yourself are suffering from infertility, or know someone else that is, please view this very moving video.  It expresses the pain of infertility, while acknowledging the hope that still lives.

http://www.vocalicious.com/empty_arms/empty_arms_mod.html

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility

Designer Embryos For Sale

Wow...as long as the technology continues to improve in the area of reproductive science, it is no wonder that some controversy is bound to arise.  There is a center that is now creating embryos with preferred characteristics to sell to couples who can't have a baby on their own.  These embryos are being created and stored, and infertile couples will have a chance to purchase an embryo that will have the traits they would like in their future baby.  Does this seem ethical to you?   More...

Pandora’s baby San Diego CityBEAT, CA - 13 hours ago This topic is personal—I've experienced infertility. I could say that I "suffered" from it since it certainly was a difficult journey at the time. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility

The Five Best U.S. Cities To Have A Baby

Here's an interesting report.  Fit Pregnancy Magazine did some in depth research to compile the top 5 cities in the United States to have a baby.  There were a lot of criteria taken into account, such as access to fertility centers, obstetricians, birthing centers and birthing options, affordability and even the weather.  Check it out here....

The five best cities to have your baby MSNBC - 1 hour ago Fit Pregnancy magazine talked to the experts, looked at the research, and measured everything from fertility services to maternity leave and daycare laws. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

Women Need To Get Healthy Before Pregnancy

Preconception care is getting a lot of attention these days.  In the past, prenatal care was deemed important to make sure women would have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.  But actually, it is preconception care that will have a dramatic impact on the baby's health.  By the time many women see a doctor regarding their pregnancy, they may already be several weeks pregnant.  By that time, many of the baby's organs are already formed.  To prevent certain birth defects, it is important that a woman become as healthy as possible before attempting to get pregnant.  This article has a nice overview on this topic...

Health Before Conception Is Also Very Important CBS4Boston, Boston - 2 hours ago "Folic acid is one of the B vitamins and it's been shown that if you take folic acid before you get pregnant, you will reduce your risk of having a baby ...

technorati tags:pregnant, preconception, fertility

Miracle Pregnancy

I love to read success stories.  Especially ones where all hope was lost and then a miracle occurs, and a woman gets pregnant and has the baby she so desperately wanted.  I think it helps those who are still struggling to read about the success of others.  Here is a story about a woman who went through 15 years trying to get pregnant, including many fertility treatments.  The story has a happy ending!!

I GOT MY BABY WHEN I GAVE UP FERTILITY TREATMENT Mirror.co.uk, UK - 8 hours ago After all, there was no medical reason why I couldn't get pregnant. Over the next eight years I tried every treatment available but the medical bills ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility

Getting Pregnant - Fact or Myth?

I found a great list of myths relating to fertility that I think is very worthwhile reading.  This was posted on a message board at at the parenthood.com site.  Here are a couple of the myths relating to getting pregnant.  Click on the link to read the rest.  How many did you believe were true?

Common Fertility Myths
1. Ovulation usually occurs on Day 14 of the cycle.
2. A normal menstrual cycle is 28 days.
3. A woman can get pregnant only one day per cycle.
4. A woman can spontaneously ovulate at any time in the cycle.
5. Women are fertile all the time.

:: View topic - Fertility Myth or Fact

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

A Baby Required Careful Planning

Sometimes the decision to have a baby can be made in haste, or not planned at all, and this article gives some pointers on a variety of topics that relate to expanding your family.  Worth a look...

Baby, we're ready - Minneapolis Star Tribune (subscription)

Baby, we're ready Minneapolis Star Tribune (subscription), MN - 4 hours ago Get a cleaning before you get pregnant and make sure your smile is in its optimal condition. 5See a financial planner: Or give yourself a financial checkup. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, conceive