Younger Women Seek Treatment

In the U.S., it seems more younger women (aged 22-29) are seeking infertility treatments in order to have a baby. This is not due to an increased number of younger women with fertility problems, but rather the perception among these women that they need to take control of their fertility before it's too late (probably due to so much media coverage about women waiting too long to have babies). Read more.....
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=47251&nfid=crss

Older Mommies In The U.K.

Here's a bit of news from Scotland, where not surprisingly, newly released figures reveal that women are waiting a lot longer to have babies.  Of course, Scotland is not unique, as this is part of a wider trend all over Europe, and certainly in the United States.  Interestingly, in Scotland, the fertility clinics generally only treat women up until the age of 40, whereas in the U.S., many clinics treat women well into their early to mid forties.  Presumably, as women delay childbearing in Scotland, the clinics will be seeing (and treating) older women as well.

More mothers give birth at 30-plus - The Herald

technorati tags:fertility, infertility, pregnant

Less Needles - Hurray!

For those who are considering infertility treatments, but are put off by the thought of taking fertility shots every day, a new product might be available soon that would allow women to take a shot of fertility drugs that would last a whole week.  This would have major benefits as daily injections is one of the most difficult aspects of infertility treatment.

Dutch company, Organon, announced this week that it would begin the final phase of clinical trials to test a long-lasting form of a hormone that stimulates ovaries to release eggs.

STLtoday - News - Science & Medicine

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant, fertility

Can Light Affect Fertility?

This article talks about a rather unusual bit of research that focuses on the hormone melatonin, which sends messages to our bodies about time of day. Apparently, this has significance for fertility, as people are more fertile when the melatonin flows longer, ie. more darkness.  We can alter the flow of melatonin by wearing special glasses to block certain types of light....

Melatonin is a master control hormone that sends information to the whole body about the time of the day and also the time of year. In dim light or in darkness the melatonin flows for about nine hours during the night reaching a maximum concentration in the blood about 3 A.M. Exposing the eyes to light prevents the flow.

Special Eyeglasses Help Increase Fertility (press release)

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant, melatonin

Less Babies?

I came across this very thought-provoking article about fertilty rates around the world.

Have a look....

All across Europe, birthrates (the number of births per 1,000 of population) and fertility rates (the number of births per woman of child-bearing age) have been in a long, steep decline.

KRT Wire | 07/26/2006 | Europe battles its baby bust

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Is Chlamydia Hurting Your Fertility?

I'll bet you've heard of Chlamydia--the most common (bacterial) sexually transmitted disease (STD). The problem with it is you can develop a silent infection that goes untreated, and can result in damage to your fertility. Scientists are doing research in hopes of developing a vaccine.

More....

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/health/article_

1183926.php/Scientists_work_toward_a_Chlamydia_vaccine

technorati tags:chlamydia, fertility, pregnant, conceive

Fertility Awareness

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=45942

An international study has been conducted to determine just how aware most couples are regarding their fertility. Even though the topic of fertility is often in the media, the survey reported a significant lack of knowledge on basic issue involving reproductive health. Many experts think that infertility is on the rise, and yet many people do not have a basic understanding of the important elements to maintain their reproductive health. Very interesting.....

technorati tags:fertility, infertility, pregnant

Amazing Science

Technology truly is amazing...researchers have managed to impregnate mice with sperm that were grown in a lab. That's right, no male mouse necessary!! This could be the beginning of the end of male infertility. Have a look....

"Scientists have taken a major step forward in understanding and treating male infertility after successfully impregnating mice with sperm grown from embryonic stem cells."

Breakthrough in male infertility - 12 Jul 2006 - Technology & Science

technorati tags:infertility, sperm, pregnant

Can A New Test Predict Future Fertility?

A new test has been developed to try and help women determine how much longer they will have viable eggs to become pregnant. This is especially useful to older moms that may have put off getting pregnant for career reasons...

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...this test, which is available for purchase online from the British-based company, may offer women a way to gauge how long they have before they need to begin trying to start a family.

ScienceDaily -- Browse Topics: Health - Fertility -

Women's Infertility: Can a New Test Predict Your F

Infertility - How Are You Feeling?

This article is a very descriptive portrayal of the thoughts and feelings of couples faced with infertility. I think many couples who haven't come to that conclusion yet, but are just having some difficulty or delay in getting pregnant, can relate to some of these feelings. Its a good read...

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2006/July/23/style/stories/07style.htm

technorati tags:infertility, conception, pregnant

What, No Insurance Coverage?

Infertility is on the rise worldwide...there is no doubt about it.  And while many couples experiencing difficulty conceiving will ultimately be successful without medical intervention, the truth remains that there are millions seeking infertility treatment, which often utilizes extremely costly procedures.  Health insurance ususally does not cover this, which can be devastating for many. 

Check out this press release for more information on this hot topic...

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060720/neth025.html?.v=55

technorati tags:insurance, pregnancy, infertility

Marijuana Hurts Fertility

I think most of us know it is a good idea to restrict as many chemicals from entering our bodies when trying to get pregnant. However, what you may not know is this applies as much to men as women, as evidenced in this article about the damage that mariguana can cause to sperm.

http://www.aphroditewomenshealth.com/news/
20050931234754_health_news.shtml

technorati tags:mariguana, pregnant, fertility, conceive

Twins?

It has always been assumed that having twins was influenced by hereditary factors, but now there is some evidence that whether or not you are a vegetarian can have some bearing on whether you will be more predisposed to having twins.... So if you're hoping for twins, have a read....

http://www.aphroditewomenshealth.com/news/20060422233107_health_news.shtml

technorati tags:twins, pregnant, pregnancy

PCOS?

If you're  having difficulty becoming pregnant, it is most important to be aware of serious medical conditions that can lead to fertility problems.  One of these conditions is polysystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) which has a negative impact on ovulation.  More....

http://www.aphroditewomenshealth.com/news/pcos.shtml

The Mind Body Connection

Here's an informative read about how a woman is running a class to help improve the mind and body which in turn helps increase the likelihood of getting pregnant. It seems more evidence is mounting that psychological and physical improvements to the body can really be helpful in conceiving. Most women do not have any specific medical problems that prevent them from getting pregnant and armed with lots of information, they can take control of their own fertility and avoid infertility treatment. Read more...

The Stress Factor

Wow, fertility issues are a worldwide problem and it's interesting to note that many issues that people face to get pregnant are the same everywhere. Once again, stress being a major factor. Here's news from India... Read

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, stress

Folic Acid For Men?

It is well known that folic acid is necessary for women trying to get pregnant to help prevent neural tube defects.  Now, it seems it may be important for men to take as well to improve fertility.  Read more...

http://www.health24.com/Man/Sex/748-751-758,11647.asp

Folic acid boosts male fertility Lots of women already know that getting plenty of folic acid, one of the B vitamins, can reduce the risk of certain birth defects that occur early in pregnancy. New evidence now suggests that folic acid deficiency reduces fertility in men and may damage the DNA carried by sperm.

Health 24 - Man, Sex

technorati tags:folic, acid, fertility, pregnant, conceive

Eating Right?

Another interesting article discussing the benefit of a healthy diet to improve chances of getting pregnant. The bottom line is, we need to make our bodies as healthy as possible and this has a double benefit. More studies are indicating it improves fertility, and once pregnant, a healthy body is the best environment for a developing baby.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/articles/2002/features/health/gh718072006.html

The sooner you start eating well, the more likely you are to get pregnant. Now don’t get alarmed! I don’t mean that everyone who eats well will get pregnant! HA HA! For both men and women, foods and fertility are linked; you need to stick to the right diet to boost your chances of conceiving and of having a healthy baby.

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, conceive, diet, supplements, vitamins

Tips To Improve Male Fertility

It's important to remember that the male partner plays a very important role in achieving pregnancy. It is critical to have a normal sperm count (and quality) in order to get pregnant naturally. There are many things that can damage sperm, but diet and lifestyle changes can be made to enhance fertility. There are also several supplements available which could be helpful. Keep in mind, any changes made will not show up for a few months, as it takes that long for new sperm to develop.

http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Male-Fertility---
11-Essential-Supplements-To-Increase-Male-Fertility&id=161334

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant, pregnancy, conceive

Are You Exercising?

When it comes to exercise, and its impact on fertility, it seems that moderation is the key.  Excessive exercise can have an impact on ovulation, thereby making it more difficult to get pregnant.  On the other hand, too little exercise is not good either, as some exercise is essential to maintain overall good health, a requirement for optimum fertility.  So, the best advice is to start an exercise program well before trying to conceive, and do it in moderation.

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant, conceive, exercise