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. ...

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant

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

Vitamin C

There are many supplements available that can help in the effort to become pregnant.  Some are helpful for women--others helpful for men.  Some new research shows the benefits for men in taking Vitamin C to improve their fertility.

A new small study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food examined the effect of supplementing with vitamin C on men with infertility. The study consisted of 13 men aged 25 to 35 who supplemented with 1,000 mg of vitamin C twice daily for 2 months.

HealthSentinel.com

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, vitamin+c

Fertile Foods

Nutrition is very important when trying to get pregnant, and this article takes a look at some of the foods that might help you to conceive...

6 FOODS TO EAT IF YOU'RE TRYING TO GET PREGNANT EAT RIGHT ic WestLothian.co.uk, UK - 19 hours ago ... All women hoping to get pregnant are advised to take a folic acid supplement as it reduces the risk of birth defects in the baby. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

An IVF Alternative

Standard IVF can be very costly--mentally, physically, and financially.  For older women who are trying to get pregnant, there is an alternative called "natural IVF" which doesn't include all the drug injections that are normally used to stimulate multiple eggs and is therefore much less expensive.

Fertility treatment has given thousands the chance to have their own family. But a growing number of women, concerned about the potential risks of the drugs used, are choosing natural IVF instead.

IVF without the drugs | the Daily Mail

technorati tags:ivf, pregnant

Eggs For Sale

Advanced technology continues to offer new options to women trying to get pregnant.  Egg donation offers women who perhaps might be too old to conceive a child, the option to do so.  This article takes a look at one woman's story regarding egg donation from the egg donor's perspective.

Back in the old days, you did the deed and hoped for the best. But now there are more options and technologies available. These technologies are a blessing for folks unable to reproduce in the standard manner, but new methods have also spawned a bizarre new business -- selling human eggs.

The Daily News Online

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant, egg+donation

The Have's and the Have Nots

Interesting article about rising infertility and the social ramifications.  You really can't talk freely about your children in a room full of women of childbearing age, as the number of women who are childless or child-free by choice is rising.  More...

Today, you avoid mentioning children unless you are certain the woman before you has at least one. Otherwise, you risk a pregnant (so to speak) pause, a fearsome glare, even a tearful exit. Forget the mummy wars; far more vicious is the battle between the haves and have-nots.

The Observer | Comment | It's best to keep mum about babies

technorati tags:fertility, infertility, pregnant

Another Benefit of Prenatal Vitamins

It is fairly common advice to take folic acid before trying to get pregnant in order to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. New research suggests that taking prenatal vitamins in early pregnancy may also prevent the development of some brain tumors.

http://toronto.fashion-monitor.com/news.php/
health/2006092903prenatal-vitamins

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

Too Much Exercise Can Hurt Fertility

This article looks at the consequences of extreme exercise on your ability to get pregnant through IVF.  While moderate exercise definitely has it's benefits, excessive cardiovascular exercise can cause subtle changes in the woman's body that can interfere with getting pregnant. 

Excessive exercise can stress a woman's reproductive system, causing her body to "protect" it from a pregnancy it's not prepared to maintain–perhaps by causing subtle hormonal changes, theorizes Mark Hornstein, senior researcher and clinical director of reproductive endocrinology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Why does the effect seem to wear off after 10 years? "We don't have a good answer for that," says Hornstein. "It may be that the body accommodates."

USNews.com: Health: Fitness and fertility

technorati tags:ivf, fertility, pregnant

Falling Fertility

This article is a "must read" if you are trying to get pregnant.  While it's a bit depressing to hear how fertility in general is plummeting, there is a lot of useful information hightlighting many of the things that can decrease your chances of getting pregnant.

Human fertility is in crisis....Sperm counts are in freefall, while sexually transmitted diseases and obesity - both of which seriously harm our ability to reproduce - are increasing. Our environment, stress and the vices we embrace all chip away at our natural fertility.

Fertility rights and wrongs - Pregnancy & IVF - Health In Focus - smh.com.au

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

Avoid Pregnancy Related Diabetes

We're constantly hearing how good nutrition can improve your chances of getting pregnant, and also makes for a healthier pregnancy.  In keeping with this premise, increasing fiber intake can help prevent the development of gestational diabetes.  Read more..

If you're a woman planning to get pregnant, you might want to pump up your fiber intake. Doing so could make you less likely to develop gestational diabetesgestational diabetes, researchers report in the October edition of Diabetes Care.

Planning a Pregnancy? Eat Your Fiber

technorati tags:pregnant, fiber, gestational+diabetes

Rich Couples Choose Infertility Treatment

It's sad but not surprising to learn that couples who are trying to get pregnant base their treatment decisions on matters such as insurance coverage and income.  The data confirms that those with higher incomes, are much more likely to pursue more expensive treatment options, such as IVF.

By comparing these treatment options with information about the women’s income and insurance, Staniec and Webb found that low-income women were only 65 percent as likely as their richer counterparts to seek help for infertility.

Toronto Daily News - Infertility Treatment Often Chosen by Rich Couples - An infertile couple's income makes a difference in whether they pursue an expensive technology such as in vitro fertilization.   

technorati tags:ivf, infertility, pregnant

Are You Taking A Conceptionmoon?

First there's the honeymoon...and eventually the  babymoon, but if you want to get pregnant, you need to take some time for the conceptionmoon.

Between family and work responsibilities, a getaway -- whether near or far -- helps couples to unwind and focus on conception.

New Survey From BabyCenter and Clearblue Easy Shows 'Conceptionmoons' Help Couples to Conceive

technorati tags:pregnant, conception

Birth Control Pills Don't Hurt Fertility

More research supporting the notion that birth control pills do not affect your ability to get pregnant after going off them.  In fact, most women will get pregnant within a few months of trying after discontinuing the pill.

Long-term use of pill does not affect fertility, study finds - The Brunei Times

Long-term use of pill does not affect fertility, study finds The Brunei Times, Brunei Darussalam - 11 hours ago YEARS of taking the pill does not cause a decline in a woman's fertility after she stops taking it, a study conducted in Germany has shown. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

Looking For Pregnancy Symptoms?

Anyone who is trying really hard to get pregnant, knows just what it's like to interpret every possible change in their body as being a "symptom of pregnancy."  Sore boobs, fatigue, nausea, are all viewed as a sign of pregnancy, even though they are often not a sign of anything unusual at all.  This article will make you laugh if you can relate to the obsessiveness of looking for symptoms every month.

When 'fake pregnancy symptoms' turn real - Atlanta Journal Constitution (subscription)

When 'fake pregnancy symptoms' turn real Atlanta Journal Constitution (subscription),  USA - 4 hours ago Did you get obsessive while trying to get pregnant? Did you report pregnancy symptoms to friends and family? Any woman who has tried ...

technorati tags:pregnant, conceive

Grieving A Loss

This article talks about a subject that definitely needs more attention...coping with the loss of a baby.  This is something that unfortunately happens to some women in their quest to have a baby, and it can happen at various stages of pregnancy or even in early infancy.

When a baby dies, a lifetime of hopes and dreams are lost as well — the future the parents had imagined with their child. It doesn’t matter how that loss comes: miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or in infancy. To the parents, the bond with the baby was very real.

La Crosse Tribune - 6.0

technorati tags:pregnant, miscarriage

Coping With Infertility

This article gives a very nice overview of infertility and how it affects couples.  Also, some helpful hints on how to handle the stress of not being able to conceive -- the loss of control that you have to deal with.

Infertility More Widespread Than Most Think - CBS 11

Infertility More Widespread Than Most Think CBS 11, TX - 11 hours ago (CBS 11 News) FORT WORTH The diagnosis of infertility can be devastating to couples yearning for a baby. ... Why is infertility so devastating for young couples? ...

technorati tags:pregnant, ivf, infertility

No Smoking!

We all know the dangers of smoking, but this new research shows an increased lkelihood of miscarriage from being exposed to second hand smoke...

Women who smoked were more than twice as likely as nonsmokers to miscarry, the researchers found. They also found that those whose cotinine levels indicated they were exposed to second hand-smoke were 67 percent more likely to miscarry than those who weren't exposed to second-hand smoke.

Second-hand smoke exposure boosts miscarriage risk | Health | Reuters.co.uk

technorati tags:miscarriage, fertility, pregnant

Designer Babies?

Some interesting news about choices offered at fertility clinics when screening embryos for implantation using IVF.  The technique (PGD) was developed to screen for potentially deadly diseases, but also can be used to screen for non-serious issues, such as the baby's gender.  Many worry that clinics that offer various screening options, will lead to increasing numbers of "designer babies".

Choosing Baby's Sex Becoming Popular - Washington Post

Choosing Baby's Sex Becoming Popular Washington Post, United States - 3 hours ago ... Almost half of US fertility clinics that offer embryo screening say they allow couples to choose the sex of their child, the most extensive survey of the ... VITAL EVIDENCE Increasingly, Couples Use Embryo Screening Washington Post all 58 news articles

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, pgd

Do You Have The Time?

I'm not sure what to make of this new gadget. It tracks everything fertility related and keeps it stored in a handy timepiece! Any comments?

ww.slashgear.com/the-fertility-watch-191709.php

Fertility Overview

This article provides a nice overview of what factors affect your fertility...

Fertility Forecaster WHOI, IL - 2 hours ago ... polycystic ovary disease, excessive use of alcohol, use of certain drugs, damage to the fallopian tubes, uterine polyps, endometriosis, fibroids, adhesions or

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

The Pain Of Miscarriage

Whether it happens to you or someone you know, learning how to deal with the pain of miscarriage can be a difficult experience.  This is a subject that doesn't get alot of attention, yet people really need to know how to offer support to those close to them who have suffered this type of loss.  Most importantly, recognizing that it is a loss, not something to just "get over."  One woman's story...

It's a very isolating, scary experience. You don't know how to be. You had your life planned, your baby's life planned."

Scotsman.com Living - People - Healing the pain of miscarriage

technorati tags:miscarriage, pregnant

Infertility Conference

It is continually reported that most women who are struggling with their attempts to get pregnant, do not get the emotional support that they need. This topic and others is to be covered in a conference geared to women facing infertility issues. One topic sure to be discussed is the role that stress plays in trying to conceive...

Studies of women struggling to have a baby show they're just as depressed as women dealing with cancer, AIDS or heart disease. Infertility is that severe a blow to their psyches. It affects virtually every aspect of their lives, from their relationships with their partners, friends and family to their financial stability.

Infertility conference offers women support - Nashville, Tennessee - Tuesday, 09/12/06 - Tennessean.com

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant

Male Factor

This article hightlights some of the problems in fertility that men are experiencing in Viet Nam. The information is useful because it raises the same issues that are found globally - many lifestyle factors (nutrition, environmental toxins, heat) are contributing to male infertility....

Some medical experts believe Vietnamese men's poor sperm counts are a result of the growing popularity of less healthy modern food, such as canned food, which inhibit the production of sperm. Doctors say it is one of the main reasons for the alarming decrease in sperm quality.

VietNamNet Bridge

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, sperm

Won't Give Up!

What a fabulous story of hope and determination.  A woman who has a disorder which has caused multiple miscarriages, does not give up trying!

BEVERLEY FOSTER holds the most heartbreaking record in the world. She has miscarried THIRTY-SEVEN times in the past ten years.

The Sun Online - Health: Still trying after 37 miscarriages

technorati tags:pregnant, miscarriage

Fertility Gene

Some recent research has discovered a genetic reason for some fertility problems.  It seems that women who have this defective gene have problems with embryos implanting in their uterus.  More.....

Discovery could aid childless The Sun, UK - 10 hours ago ... A fault in a gene called AM makes it difficult for eggs to implant in the womb. However, it IS still possible to get pregnant. But ...

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility

Younger Women Turn To Infertility Treatments

This is a fascinating news story about women in their twenties seeking infertility treatments well before the customary 1 year of trying.  It seems these younger women are afraid of wasting time and are looking to hurry things along.  Doesn't this raise an ethical question--should infertility specialists treat women who don't really need any treatment, just because they're too impatient to try to get pregnant for very long?  What do you think?

For women of childbearing age, the message in fertility advertisements is hard to miss: your biological clock is ticking. Aimed at women in their 30s and 40s — when getting pregnant gets harder — now, it's many 20-somethings who seem to be hitting the panic button.

Younger women turn to fertility specialists - Nightly News with Brian Williams - MSNBC.com

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant

On The Lighter Side

I would agree it's not breaking news, but...Marcia Cross, who plays Bree on the hit show Desperate Housewives is pregnant with her first child, at the age of 44.  I am always delighted  to see women well into their forties getting pregnant.  I think it gives hope to others that are struggling...

Bree to get pregnant, too Edmonton Sun,? Canada?- 7 hours ago By AP. LOS ANGELES -- Since Marcia Cross is pregnant, does that mean Cross's Desperate Housewives character Bree will be too? Eva Longoria says it'll happen. ...

technorati tags:pregnant

Finally Some Good News For Overweight Women

With all the media attention about overweight women having fertility problems, it's nice to read something positive for a change.  A program devised to help overweight and obese women get fit through proper exercise and nutrition.  The result:  improved pregnancy rates!

New Infertility Program for Overweight Patients Delivers Big-time ... - Yahoo! News (press release)

PR Web (press release)

New Infertility Program for Overweight Patients Delivers Big-time ... Yahoo! News (press release) - 34 minutes ago ... And, chances are, these patients may not have become pregnant without this weight loss," so says top fertility specialist Laurence A. Jacobs, MD. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, obesity

A Break From The Conventional Approach

I love the ideas in this article....trying creative approaches to increase the odds of conception, rather than just using the same old expensive, often invasive techniques to treat infertility.

Fertility specialists in New Jersey and worldwide are looking at other lower-cost, less-invasive ways to improve IVF success rates. Scientists are trying cognitive behavioral therapy, rather than drugs, to stimulate ovulation. They're determining if the chance of pregnancy after embryo transfer is greater if patients immediately are given acupuncture or entertained by clowns to make them laugh.

North Jersey Media Group providing local news, sports & classifieds for Northern New Jersey!

technorati tags:ivf, acupuncture, pregnant, infertility

The Secrets Of The Egg

The latest research has science unfolding the unique characteristics of the human egg and it's apparent magic...

Washington, Sept 07: Scientists at Michigan State University claim to have unravelled the mystery behind the human egg's ability to transform into a new life.

Zee News - Scientists identify genetic secrets of human egg

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant

More Embryo Screening

This article takes another look at PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis), and how it is being used to screen embryos for an inherited cancer risk gene.  Once again it raises the issue of how more and more things can be screened for at this early stage, and where should fertility clinics draw the line in embryo testing.  Especially when couples who are able to get pregnant on their own, may soon be turning to PGD to create the designer baby of their dreams.

Screening embryos to avoid deadly genes San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 16 hours ago ... Kingsbury's that the expense and physical demands of in vitro fertilization were not worth it, given that the couple could probably get pregnant without it. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, conception, ivf

What To Eat?

Here are some helpful hints on some foods to eat when you are trying to get pregnant. While there are a lot of other fertility boosting foods, this is a good start...

6 FOODS TO EAT IF YOU'RE TRYING TO GET PREGNANT EAT RIGHT ic Scotland.co.uk,?UK?- Sep 4, 2006 ... All women hoping to get pregnant are advised to take a folic acid supplement as it reduces the risk of birth defects in the baby. ...

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant

More Technological Advances

Technology will continue to offer advances in the area of reproduction.  Women who can't get pregnant because of issues with their uterus, may have the chance to get a womb transplant in the not too distant future.  What could be next?

First womb transplant 'within two years' - China Daily

First womb transplant 'within two years' China Daily,?China?- Sep 5, 2006 ... Having Infertility Problems Solved, said: "There are so many people who have come to the end of the line with IVF and have been told there's no hope. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, transplant

Forget the Boxers

We've probably all heard that when trying to conceive, men need to keep their private regions cool.  Boxer shorts are typically recommended to replace the briefs. Now along comes some research pointing to heated car seats as a more significant influence.

Men in the hot seat may soon lack fertility - Independent Online

Men in the hot seat may soon lack fertility Independent Online,?South Africa?- Sep 5, 2006 Heated seats in cars may be more to blame for declining male fertility than tight trousers, a urologist warned Tuesday, two days before a German conference on ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, sperm

Frozen Eggs Please

With new advances in egg-freezing technology, women will have the option of freezing their eggs as opposed to having to freeze their embryos (which requires a male participant).  Is this a good thing???

Gillian Lockwood, of the British Fertility Society, this week recommended that women put their fresh young eggs on ice at 30 to improve their chances of conceiving at 40-plus. A frozen egg is a golden egg.

Would madam like her eggs frozen? - Comment - Times Online

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

Baby Doctor Turned Novelist

In this unusual twist, an obstetrician (doctor who delivers babies) finds herself unable to have a baby herself.  So after going through infertility treatments and getting a taste of what some of her patients have gone through, she wrote a fictional novel based on her experiences.  Should be a good read...

Doctor's infertility gives her insight - News & Observer

News & Observer

Doctor's infertility gives her insight News & Observer, NC - Sep 4, 2006 ... uterus. It took corrective surgery and five cycles of infertility treatments, at a cost of about $12,000, to solve her problem. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

Should Age Be A Factor?

A look at what it means to have children at what is considered an advanced age.  It's not just about whether it's possible to do it, but whether it's a good lifestyle choice. 

Older Moms: Issues Beyond Pregnancy - CBS News

Older Moms: Issues Beyond Pregnancy CBS News, New York - 21 hours ago (CBS) Today's technology enables women in their 40s and even 50s to get pregnant and give birth. ... First: How old is too old to attempt to get pregnant? ...

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant

The Wonderful World Of Reproductive Technology

What a great story with a happy ending.  A woman who had very little hope of getting pregnant due to endometriosis, becomes a happy mother to twin girsl after undergoing an unexpected treatment.

I HAD TO GO THROUGH THE MENOPAUSE AT 35 TO GET PREGNANT Now Lesley ... Glasgow Daily Record, UK - 17 hours ago ... "When I was told my best hope of getting pregnant was to go through the menopause, I thought it was a joke. ... "I was to get a keyhole surgery operation to remove ...

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

Any Harm In Drinking?

Is conflicting information making it difficult for women to know what they should and shouldn't do when pregnant or trying to get pregnant?

Why Welsh mums-to-be are shunning medical advice on drinking while ... ic Wales,?United Kingdom?- 2 hours ago ... Current Department of Health advice is that women who are pregnant or who are trying to get pregnant should not drink more than one to two units, twice a week. ...

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant, pregnancy

Help For Diabetic Women Attempting Pregnancy

Good news for women suffering with diabetes--it is possible to have a successful pregnancy!

Sweet child of mine - Malaysia Star

Sweet child of mine Malaysia Star, Malaysia - 13 hours ago ... type 1 and 2) have to understand: “It is very important to plan your pregnancy so that the diabetes can be controlled optimally before you get pregnant. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, diabetes, conception

Obesity Not Just A Woman's Issue

This article points to some research which is by no means definitive.  But there is a suggestion that overweight men may be at risk for fertility problems, just as it has been suggested for overweight women...

Male Infertility May Have Obesity Link - FOX News

World Fitness

Male Infertility May Have Obesity Link FOX News - Sep 1, 2006 ... edition. It’s often hard to pin down the source of infertility. Men and women may each have risk factors for infertility. For ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility

Got "E"?

We already know how important it is to have good nutrition and take vitamins including folic acid when trying to get pregnant.  A new study is showing that it is also very important to get enough vitamin E, as it can help prevent asthma from developing in the child in the future.

Study: Vitamin E Important For Pregnant Women - KDKA

Study: Vitamin E Important For Pregnant Women KDKA, PA - 20 hours ago ... supplements. "It's recommended that women trying to get pregnant or in early pregnancy start prenatal vitamins," said Dr. Wu. And ...

technorati tags:pregnant, asthma, vitamins

Should You Be Banned From Fertility Treatment?

This is sure to stir up some controversy...a group in the U.K. has proposed that significantly overweight women should not be eligible to receive fertility treatment in order to get pregnant.  To find out why, read on...

SEVERELY obese women should not have IVF on the NHS.” This headline was prompted by the British Fertility Society, which said that obese women are less likely to become pregnant and, if they do, are more likely to experience health problems.

A fertile argument - Health - Times Online

technorati tags:fertility, ivf, pregnant, infertility

Genetic Testing

IIn an effort to get pregnant some couples opt for using a screening technique on embryos called PGD, which can raise some heated discussion.  While this procedure has the benefit of screening an embryo for genetic abnormalities (during IVF), it can also be used to screen for gender, not considered a medically necessary reason.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3777907a11,00.html

"The parents of the first babies created in New Zealand using an embryo screening technique are angered by the term "designer baby". "

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, ivf

Smoking Pot Linked to Infertility

It's been said before, but more research confirms that recreational drugs and pregnancy just don't mix.  This is a somewhat technical article, but it gets the point across.  Drugs hurt your chances of getting pregnant.

Marijuana use linked to infertility in women - DetNews.com

Marijuana use linked to infertility in women DetNews.com, MI - Aug 24, 2006 ... embryos to pass safely from the ovary to the uterus, according to a recent study involving mice that could have important implications for infertility in women ...

technorati tags:marijuana, pregnant, infertility

Refillable Pregnancy Tests

What a great idea!!  The price of pregnancy tests, along with ovulation predictor kits, can really add up month after month. This is definitely a step in the right direction.

Refillable Pregnancy Test Helps Save Money - Fashion Monitor Toronto

Refillable Pregnancy Test Helps Save Money Fashion Monitor Toronto, Canada - 22 hours ago ... 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 ...

technorati tags:pregnant, pregnancy

Successful Miscarriage Treatment

Some promising news for women suffering recurrent miscarriage - the use of aspirin and a blood thinner increases the odds of a successful pregnancy.  Read more....

Aspirin may ward off recurrent miscarriage - Reuters.uk

Aspirin may ward off recurrent miscarriage Reuters.uk, UK - Aug 22, 2006 ... of blood clots, or thrombosis, is believed to be one possible cause of recurrent miscarriage, they explain in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility, but ...

technorati tags:fertility, miscarriage, pregnant

Fertility Testing

This article has a nice overview of what's involved with initial infertility testing, which is advised if no pregnancy is achieved after 12 months of trying.

Evaluate fertility at 12 months - SunHerald.com

Evaluate fertility at 12 months SunHerald.com, MS - 5 hours ago ... Dr. Subodh Chauhan,board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and board-certified ob-gyn physician from Houston, Texas, will discuss a fertility evaluation. ...

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant

Best City To Have A Baby

Fit Pregnancy set out to determine what makes a city great for pregnant women, new parents and babies, and to commend cities that provide a safe and healthy environment to have a baby. The magazine examined 47 criteria, including fertility services, maternal and infant health risk, access to hospitals and doctors, safety, affordability, stroller friendliness and birthing options. The complete list of the "Best Cities in America to Have a Baby" appeared in the February/March issue of Fit Pregnancy.

Here are the top 20:

1. Portland, Ore.
2. Boston, Mass.
3. Minneapolis, Minn.
4. San Francisco, Calif.
5. Denver, Colo.
6. Seattle, Wash.
7. Omaha, Neb.
8. Charlotte, N.C.
9. Colorado Springs, Colo.
10. Sacramento, Calif.
11. Baltimore, Md.
12. San Diego, Calif.
13. Oakland, Calif.
14. Cleveland, Ohio
15. San Jose, Calif.
16. Columbus, Ohio
17. Milwaukee, Wis.
18. Nashville, Tenn.
19. Atlanta, Ga.
20. Miami, Fla.

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

Fertility Massage To Aid Conception?

Conceiving a baby is truly a complex and miraculous thing. There are new discoveries being made all the time as researchers explore new ways to improve women's chances of getting pregnant.  Ways that don't involve a lot of costly, medical treatments. Here's a very promising one...

Non-Surgical Infertility Treatment Comes To Arizona

A new infertility treatment,shown to be effective without drugs or surgery, is now available inArizona. The therapy, known as the Wurn Technique(R), is a hands-onphysical therapy treatment that feels similar to massage. The therapy has been used as an adjunct to traditional infertilitytreatments for several years on the east and west coasts. It is now beingoffered by Clear Passage Therapies(R) in Scottsdale, Arizona.

technorati tags:Wurn, pregnant, infertility

Support For Those Coping With Infertility

This is a very powerful article which addresses how people who are going through difficulties getting pregnant would appreciate being treated by those around them. If you are trying to get pregnant and finding it to be a struggle, you may appreciate the thoughtful advice given.  Maybe you can anonymously forward this on to the people in your life who really need to read it : )

Chances are, you know someone who is struggling with infertility. More than five million people of childbearing age in the United States experience infertility. Yet, as a society, we are woefully uninformed about how to best provide emotional support for our loved ones during this painful time.

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association:
Family And Friends: Infertility Etiquette

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant

Spanish Web Site For Infertility

For the estimated 6.1 million Americans struggling to have a baby, the new Web site www.fertilityjourneyspanish.com is a comprehensive online educational resource in Spanish that provides guidance in managing fertility issues, support in locating medical providers and access to resources that will help them best meet their personal needs.

One of the most crucial steps when trying to get pregnant is understanding the process and knowing what to expect along the way. Wherever a woman is in her quest to becoming pregnant, the Web site provides helpful guidance on topics, such as testing and diagnosis; medical treatment coverage; financial planning; therapeutic options; how to find a clinic; and coping with the anxiety that comes when conceiving is difficult

technorati tags:spanish, pregnant, fertility

Women Over 35 Too Old To Have Babies??

Here's an interesting take on the gap between men and women's ideas/beliefs on the issue of age and the ability to get pregnant.  Very, very eye-opening...

You see I am sorry to report that even today, many single men who want to have children still hold the somewhat archaic belief that women over 35 are too old to get pregnant.

Exeter News-Letter Community News: Trying to close the 'Baby Gap'

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, conception

New Ovulation Gadget

A new gadget is on the market to help women detect their ovulation - believe it or not it's a watch!!  Check it out....

http://cbs2chicago.com/specialreports/local_story_229190258.html

technorati tags:ovulation, pregnant, conceive

Grandma or Mommy??

This topic certainly raises a fair amount of controversy. Should older women be allowed to receive fertility treatments to help them get pregnant?  And if so, how do fertility clinics decide at what age to restrict this?

How old is too old to have babies? - News 14 Carolina

How old is too old to have babies? News 14 Carolina, NC - 18 hours ago A 66-year-old woman has given birth in Romania after undergoing fertility treatments. A 63-year-old woman in California lied about ...

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant

Fertility Factors

This article reviews some of the top reasons why women are unable to get pregnant. These are all medical causes, which can be determined by your doctor.

Factors affecting fertility - Biloxi Sun Herald

Factors affecting fertility Biloxi Sun Herald,  USA - 26 minutes ago It was not mentioned in your letter but I am assuming that you have tried all normal methods to get pregnant and that you have not had any stillbirths, etc. ...

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant

More PCOS News..

More news from around the world about PCOS, a serious condition that can make it difficult to get pregnant.  Unfortunately, this problem often goes untreated.  So pay attention to the symptoms and consult your doctor if you think you might have PCOS.  Read on...

PCOS: Major cause of infertility in women - Newindpress (subscription)

PCOS: Major cause of infertility in women Newindpress (subscription), India - 7 hours ago ... Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Out of which one-fifth are eventually diagnosed with infertility or a major cardiac ailment by 35. Yet the ...

technorati tags:PCOS, fertility, pregnant, infertility

Up For A Good Scream?

It's often been said that limiting stress can improve your chances of getting pregnant, and this article takes a look at another means to do just that - public screaming!!!  Sounds like a good idea, but I'm not sure how practical it is : )

Scream to relieve stress - The Herald

Scream to relieve stress The Herald, UK - 20 hours ago ... Stress, which is linked to an increase in depression, heart disease, stroke and infertility, is estimated to cost the economy £3.8bn a year, according to ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility

Is Clomid For You?

Often, if a woman is not ovulating as indicated by irregular or missed periods, the first course of treatment to get pregnant would be a fertility drug called Clomid. It's relatively inexpensive, does not require injections, and is very successful at getting ovulation back on track. On the other hand, there are some side effects.....learn more.....

http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/clomid.html

Fertility Temple

Joganji, a budhist temple in Japan, is a site where many couples come --some in person, and others by mail or even through their website.  They come here to pray that they will get pregnant. It is a sacred place that is known to answer couples prayers for fertility.  Read more....

Fertility temple rises to the task to help couples sow the seed - Mainichi Daily News

Mainichi Daily News

Fertility temple rises to the task to help couples sow the seed Mainichi Daily News, Japan - 22 hours ago ... 31). Joganji has been around for over 1,000 years, and its reputation for fertilizing fertility extends back almost as long. "When ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

Celebrity Struggles To Conceive

As you can see from this article, difficulty in getting pregnant can strike anyone--even the most popular celebrities.  Read more for the latest on J.Lo's struggles to get pregnant...

J.Lo's Joy Turns To Tragedy - iVillage

J.Lo's Joy Turns To Tragedy iVillage, NY - 5 hours ago ... Now she's back at square one.". "And this failure to conceive hit J.Lo particularly hard because she has been through so much to get pregnant.". ...

technorati tags:fertility, conception

Eat Right For Improved Fertility

Another look at some interesting research for those trying to get pregnant.  Again, diet is being evaluated as to how it affects both libido, and ultimately, fertility...

Poor diet affecting Aussie sex lives - The Age

Poor diet affecting Aussie sex lives The Age,?Australia?- Aug 11, 2006 ... "This is consistent with research that shows being excessively overweight can lead to a depressed sex drive and reduced fertility.". ...

technorati tags:diet, pregnant, fertility

Nutrition Is Key

Some important research for women trying to get pregnan--it discusses the importance of nutrition in very early pregnancy.  This is why pre-conception care is so important--those first few very important weeks of development for the embryo happen before you would know you're pregnant. 

Unmasking Nutrition's Role In Genes And Birth Defects

Expectant mothers may someday get a personalized menu of foods to eat during pregnancy to complement their genetic makeup as a result of new research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

technorati tags:pregnant, nutrition, fertility

Drug To Prevent Infertility From Chemotherapy

For men undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment, there may be a shot they can take which would strengthen the immune system and prevent the damage that is normally done to the testes, which results in infertility. 

"These results hold out much promise for fertility preservation in men undergoing cancer treatments"

Injection May Prevent Infertility In Men Receiving Cancer Chemotherapy

technorati tags:infertility, sterility, pregnant, chemotherapy

The Price of Sugar

According to Deborah Metzger, MD, PhD, coauthor of Stay Fertile Longer,
sugar can have a very negative effect on fertility.  She says....

"Sugar per se doesn't have nutrients in it, so any time you take calories that have sugar, refined flour, or something like that you're being robbed of nutrients. But more important, when you take in something that is broken down quickly, such as white foods, your insulin raises quickly. High insulin levels disrupt the delicate hormonal values in the ovaries so more testosterone is produced, so the quality of egg may not be what is needed. In some women, high insulin levels may cause irregular ovulation, irregular periods, or something commonly known as polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS."

technorati tags:sugar, fertility

Controversy At U.K. Treatment Center

Here's a news story out of the U.K. that's bound to stir up a lot of emotional responses...

Fertility patients to be treated in abortion wards - Femail

Femail

Fertility patients to be treated in abortion wards Femail, UK - 5 hours ago Women undergoing fertility treatment will be forced to share a hospital ward with patients who have been admitted for an abortion. ...

technorati tags:fertility, miscarriage, abortion

Very Early Miscarriage?

This article raises some interesting ideas about the possibility that women who don't even know they are pregnant yet are having early miscarriages, possibly due to high stress.
For women having difficulty conceiving this highlights a real catch22---the failure to conceive certainly causes a lot of stress, which may in turn cause very early miscarriages when you're not even aware you're actually pregnant. Read on for more info...

http://www.aphroditewomenshealth.com/
news/20060120230255_health_news.shtml

technorati tags:pregnant, miscarriage, stress

Get Pregnant - No Sex

Well, maybe sometimes technology does go a bit too far.  The comments on this article at gizmodo on the conception cap poke a little fun at this new gadget.  The price does seem to be a bit steep!

Why go through the messy act of "intercourse" when you can get your wife/girlfriend/lover pregnant the easy way: with a conception cap.

The Conception Cap - Get Pregnant With or Without The Sex - Gizmodo

technorati tags:conception, fertility, pregnant

Vitamin C

It seems some research points to Vitamin C as being quite helpful in improving sperm and helping conception.

Per Dr. Marilyn Glenville, of www.marilynglenville.com,

"Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, and studies show that vitamin C enhances sperm quality, protecting sperm and the DNA within it from damage. Some research has indicated that certain types of DNA damage in the sperm can make it difficult to conceive in the first place, or it can cause an increased risk of miscarriage if conception does take place. If DNA is damaged, there may be a chromosomal problem in the baby, should the pregnancy proceed. Whether or not DNA damage does have these effects has not been conclusively proven, but it's worth taking vitamin C and the other antioxidants as a precautionary measure.

Vitamin C also appears to keep the sperm from clumping together, making them more motile."

technorati tags:sperm, fertility, vitamins

Increase In Twinning

Some new research is showing that there has been a steady increase over the last 80 years in identical twins, whereby the egg naturally splits in two after fertilization.  The increase is occuring in natural conceptions as well as IVF conceptions.  Why is this happening?  Read more....

"Over the last 100 years there has been an increase in identical twinning through the division of the embryo into two, even without IVF"

Better Diet A Factor In Rise Of Twin Pregnancies

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

Endometriosis From Too Many Burgers?

Here's a look at some research linking the consumption of red meat to endometriosis, a condition which can cause infertility in women.  In this article, the author is suggesting that women stay away from all red meat if they're trying to get pregnant. 

The message to women is clear: if you want to be able to reproduce, if you want to experience less pain, and if you want to remain disease-free for life, it's time to seriously think about taking red meat out of your diet. No beef, no ham, no pepperoni pizza.

Endometriosis caused by eating red meat and avoiding fresh vegetables, says research; infertility may result

technorati tags:endometriosis, infertility, pregnant

Eastern Medicine

Alternative therapies are becoming much more mainstream in fertility treatment, as more women realize the benefits...

McClatchy/Jackson Clarion-Ledger on Tuesday examined the increasing number of U.S. women "who are turning to alternative, Eastern medicinal arts for problems with infertility, menopause, weight loss and even dry skin."

McClatchy/Jackson Clarion-Ledger Examines U.S. Women's Increasing Use Of Alternative Therapies For Infertility, Health

 

technorati tags:fertility, acupuncture, pregnant