According to the May 2003 issue of Epidemiology, researchers analyzed the urine of 168 men for eight different phthalate compounds and also tested their sperm for shape, motility and count. The results showed an association between phthalates (monobutyl and monobenzyl) in the urine and low sperm counts. Past research has shown that these chemicals may interfere with sex hormone production in animals and the current study suggests that, even in small amounts, they may affect fertility in human males.

Phthalates are found in cosmetics, deodorants, medical devices and toys.

Phthalates are proven to reduce both male and female infertility. If you are trying to conceive then please check out the cosmetics you use at the Skin Deep Database. If you are using drug store toiletries or grooming products then odds are good that you are absorbing phthalates through your skin.

You are the only one who can protect yourself, your fertility and your unborn child. Nobody else is monitoring the safety of cosmetics, hair care, skin care or other personal care products. Buy organic! Go a step further and make your own grooming products from food grade ingredients. It bears repeating. No one else is looking out for your fertility but you.

Click here to read full story at Health News Express

Few Americans can count themselves “viceless.” Whether it’s having a glass or two of wine with dinner, or a midday cigarette break, or even a couple of cups of coffee to get going in the morning, the majority of us indulge in at least one less-than-healthy pleasure. And for the most part, the effects of that occasional indulgence are of little consequence. But for couples trying to achieve pregnancy, many of these lifestyle choices can make getting pregnant much more difficult.

“Achieving a healthy pregnancy is one of the most natural processes the human body goes through,” says Dr. Mark Leondires, M.D., Medical Director at Reproductive Medicine Associates of CT, and a leading authority on reproductive medicine. “Yet, it is also one of the most complex and, at times, elusive. It’s precisely because of the intricacy of the process, and the delicate balance of hormones and timing involved, that we need to take a hard look at lifestyle as a key factor in infertility,” Dr. Leondires adds.

The common denominator for all of these vices is that each one has some kind of effect on the reproductive system, whether at the glandular or organic levels. “Much research has been done in this area over the past decade and the news can be quite sobering,” Dr. Leondires notes. He offers this information and advice on the “Big Four” vices that can contribute to infertility:

RECREATIONAL DRUGS:
Recreational drug use should be stopped for men or for women while attempting pregnancy. In men, cocaine use has been found to lower sperm counts and reduce the sperms’ motility, while increasing the number of abnormal sperm. Also for men, a chemical called THC in marijuana has been shown to lower sperm counts and reduce the amount of seminal fluid, both of which are detrimental to achieving pregnancy. In women, marijuana may arrest the ovulation process and suppress the hypothalamus gland, which regulates hormone function. And cocaine use prior to conception may be linked to a higher risk of birth defects. Dr. Leondires adds, “What’s more, it can take the body months to fully rid itself of residual drugs, so the best thing to do for fertility is to stop recreational drug use as soon as a couple has decided to become pregnant.”

SMOKING CIGARETTES:
Women who want to become pregnant should quit smoking, because the compounds in cigarette smoke have been linked to primary infertility. A recent study found that the compounds in cigarette smoke affect the ovaries, disrupt endocrine function and proper pituitary hormone release, and may contribute to irregular periods, infertility and early menopause. Earlier research identified cigarette smoke as a risk factor for primary fallopian tube infertility. “Cigarette smoking is a vice that can affect not only a patient’s ability to achieve a healthy pregnancy, but also to carry that pregnancy to term. And, it can have long-term health consequences for mother and baby. The best advice is to talk with your doctor about how best to quit prior to attempting conception,” Dr. Leondires urges.

COFFEE:
Caffeine makes conception more difficult, even for fertile women, and studies now suggest that even one cup of coffee per day can reduce a woman’s chances of getting pregnant within a 12-month period by more than 50%. Three cups of day, and the odds drop by more than 175%. In addition, there is evidence that caffeine consumption among smokers is even more detrimental for fertility. “Although the caffeine debate is far from settled, I encourage patients to stay on the safe side and drink plenty of water and other decaffeinated beverages while trying to get pregnant,” Dr. Leondires says.

ALCOHOL:
Alcohol is a depressant that works on sperm as well as on eggs. “From low sperm counts and temporary impotence in men, to disruption of the ovulatory and menstrual cycles in women, to an overall depression of libido for both sexes, alcohol has a suppressive effect on fertility,” Dr. Leondires notes. And the effects are noted for moderate as well as heavy drinkers. Best bet: Abstain until delivery.

It is estimated by the National Institutes of Health that infertility affects approximately 10% of all couples of childbearing age. Dr. Leondires encourages couples who have tried for at least 12 months to achieve pregnancy without success — or six months if the woman is over age 35 — to contact a reproductive medicine specialist for assistance.

Bio:
Dr. Mark P. Leondires, M.D., FACOG, is a leading authority on reproductive medicine. Dr. Leondires is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He is a member of the Society of Reproductive Endocrinologists, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Leondires earned his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. Dr. Leondires completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. After completion of his training, he fulfilled his military obligation by serving as the ART Director for the largest and most successful program in the military health care system at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. During this time he was an Assistant Professor at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences and clinical faculty for the Combined Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology. Dr. Leondires is currently Medical Director and lead physician with Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMA-CT) in Norwalk. Along with numerous teaching and research activities, Dr. Leondires has published articles in professional medical journals, national consumer magazines and newspapers, as well as abstracts and book chapters. More information about Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut is available at www.rmact.com.

Source: www.PRWeb.com Norwalk and Danbury, CT (PRWEB)

Some studies have shown a horrifying generational effect of toxins. In these studies, pregnant rats were exposed to certain toxins. Not only were the rats offspring affected but the offspring for three additional generations were affected as well. That means what your grandmother was exposed to while pregnant can impact your grandchildren.

How exactly do these toxins affect your fertility? Only about 5% of the almost 80,0000 chemicals used in the US today have been tested for their reproductive effects. Nobody knows the full extent of the damage these chemicals are causing to our reproductive systems. The following are just a couple of examples of some of the toxins we know of and their effect on your fertility.

TOXIC FOOD

• Vinclozolinis a fungicide used in the fruit industry. Vinclozolin blocks cell receptors that are normally activated by the hormone androgen which is responsible for male characteristics and the development and function of male sexual organs.
• Methoxychlor or MCX is a common pesticide used to kill flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches and other insects and is applied directly to crops, livestock, home gardens, and pets. It was designed as a safer alternative to the now banned DDT. MCX alters a gene in the female reproductive tract and reduces the ability of the uterus to support embryo implantation.
• Estrogen mimics wreak havoc on the human reproductive system. All humans, male and female included, manufacture estrogen. Cells within their bodies contain receptor sites for this estrogen. Estrogen mimics are close enough in structure to trick the body. These mimics are then able to attach to these receptor cells as if they were real estrogen. At best the estrogen mimics may simply block true estrogen from doing its job or they can totally redirect cellular behavior. In females these estrogen mimics can contribute to or cause endometriosis which is a leading factor in infertility. The mimics can cause males to develop without testes, with undescended testes or with abnormally small penises. Estrogen mimics can also contribute to testicular cancer and poor semen quality. Estrogen mimics are also found in paints, toiletries, pesticides, spermicides, & as a breakdown product of the plastics used in some water bottles and baby bottles.
• Xenoestrogens are found in most commercial meat and dairy products as well as soft plastic food storage containers and plastic wrap (particularly after microwaving). Recent Italian research showed women with the highest concentration of meat and dairy in their diet had an 80-100% higher risk of endometriosis.
• Phytoestrogens are found in plants, most notably soy. Soy contains endocrine disrupting isoflavones genistein and diadzen. There is evidence that soy consumption has been linked to infertility, increased cancer risk, and infantile leukemia.
• The common pesticides Kepone, DBCP and ethylene dibromide have been found to reduce sperm counts.
• MSG has also been linked to reduced fertility
• A number of toxic substances are found in fish, including: mercury, PCBs (which have been banned for decades), radioactive materials, stronium, lead, chromium, arsenic, and cadmium. These chemicals have been linked with autism, alzheimers, kidney dysfunction, infertility, MS, thyroid problems, and more.

TOXIC COSMETICS
Use of Phthalates, dibutyl phthalate in particular (DBP) which is one of the most common and potent reproductive and developmental toxins, is widespread. DBP is used primarily in nail polishes, but also in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, antiperspirants, sunscreen, gums, candy, and oral pharmaceuticals.

Phthalates are linked with reproductive damage in both men and women. They are considered dangerous enough that phthalates are banned in the European Union. Phthalates can cause low sperm counts, damaged or absent testicles, and absent prostate glands. They are also linked to premature breast development in girls.

Parabens, the second most common ingredient in household products are estrogen mimics. Parabens are found in bath products and cosmetics everywhere, including baby wipes. Parabens are linked to breast cancer, falling sperm counts, and hormonal damage.

To check the dangers of your cosmetics, visit the fantastic interactive website called Skin Deep sponsored by the Environmental Working Group at www.ewg.org. You can research specific products on the site and find out if they have reproductive or developmental toxicity as well as other health and safety hazards.

TOXIC TOOTHPASTE, TAP WATER AND SOAP
Fluoride is the toxin prescribed to the masses without their consent. In animal studies, fluoride has lowered the total number of offspring, the total number of litters, and the number of offspring born alive. In other studies, countries with high levels of fluoridation in the water supply had a lower total fertility rate. Fluoride has been shown to cause hormone disruption and low sperm counts. Additionally, Chinese studies have found fluoride to cause neurological damage to children in early embryonic life or infancy.

Triclosan, also known as Irgasan and Microban - is found in anti-bacterial soaps, dental care, cosmetics, deodorant, first aid products, small appliances, kitchenware, kids toys, and more. Triclosan is linked to decreased fertility, and altered sex hormones. cancer, allergies and weakened immune systems. In addition to creating antibiotic resistant bacteria, triclosan pollutes our groundwater from the chlorinated dioxins formed when it comes in contact with the chlorine in tap water.

These fertility impairing toxins are just the tip of the iceberg and no one know the true extent of damage that living in a chemical soup is doing to us and our fertility. If you think you are not being exposed to as many toxins as we list, think again. Most people are exposed to most of these toxins and to many more. This list is just a handful of toxins that are known to affect fertility so far. Your fertility can also be affected by over the counter or prescription drugs. Alcohol, cigarettes, and illegal drugs have a very direct and negative impact on fertility. Toxic stress can also be major factor in infertility, particularly in cases of “unexplained infertility“.

The good news is that there is something you can do about it. First you can do your best to detox for fertility through fasting, high fiber diet, deep breathing, sweating with FIR infrared saunas or rigorous exercise, urban rebounding, herbal and nutritional detox plans, colon hydrotherapy, showers and baths in filtered water, and various kidney, liver, lung, gallbladder flushes, dry skin brushing, aromatherapy

Naturally if you are going through the effort to detox your body then you want to minimize any new toxins coming in. Think of your body as a boat. You can expend great energy bailing out the boat but it does not do much good if you are not going to plug the leak. Do not expect to eliminate all toxins from your life it is impossible. You can do your best by:

• eating organic, raw, and vegan
• using water and air filters
• use non toxoc cosmetics
• use safe cleaning and laundry products
• try to meditate or practice yoga to minimize mental stress and clutter
• Do a great detox for fertility at least three months before you try to conceive

Do what you can to detox your body and mind then use this list as a guide to avoid re-toxing, and then get down to the fun business of making babies!

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/pulpolux/118824750/

Approximately 50% of pregnancies are unplanned which means the other 50% have the wonderful opportunity to create an ideal environment in which to conceive and carry a child. If you are reading this because you are hoping to become pregnant then you have a chance to give your child a head start almost unheard of in todays modern society.

You may be wondering “what is an organic conception?”. It simply means that a couple conceives a child with a minimum of outside chemicals and interventions. This is much easier said than done because it is virtually impossible to avoid all the toxins surrounding us today.

So your next question might be “why bother?” or “Is it really necessary?”. It is absolutely, unequivocally necessary. Toxins, stress, and diet interfere with the delicate male and female reproductive systems. The same influences can determine whether a woman can maintain the pregnancy as some toxins bring a higher rate of miscarriage. The same influences can cause a myriad of problems to a developing fetus, some minor and some will cause severe birth defects or stillbirth.

The ability to get pregnant, to carry that child, to maximize fetal development, and the ability to breastfeed all go hand in hand. Toxins, lifestyle choices, our diet, stress, and our environment greatly affect our health, our fertility, and the health of our offspring. This is not just crunchy granola talk. This is reality. It is about your health and the health of your baby (and your ability to have one). We are programmed to protect our young and this is the mandatory first step.

Many studies show a drop of over 40% in sperm counts since 1940. This could be one reason why an estimated 1 in 6 couples have difficulty conceiving. Many attribute the lowered fertility to the rampant use of chemical compounds all around us as well as our overloaded stressful lifestyles out of touch with the natural rhythms of nature.

Some studies have shown a staggering 80% success rate in couples with “unexplained infertility” when they incorporate lifestyle & nutrition changes. With potential like that it is amazing that everyone doesn’t try this prior to expensive, invasive and stressful IVF.

The unfortunate truth is that no-one, especially not the government or the FDA, is looking out for your best interest. Nor are they looking out for the best interest of your fetus. As a responsible adult you cannot assume that someone else is guaranteeing the safety of what you eat, breathe, drink, and apply.

It is up to each individual to research and take the necessary steps to “clean up” their environment because no one is going to do it for you and if this idea is new to you, then trust me, your environment needs cleaning.

It is not easy and it can seem overwhelming when you see the list of toxic substances in your life. You might have a very hard time giving up cosmetics, household cleaners, or something else you are very attached to. Giving up all of your favorite products can be a tough pill to swallow and you may face a period of disbelief and denial which ideally will lead you to further research until the truth sinks in and enables you to let go of the toxins in your life.

Surprisingly many people cannot let go of their attachments. It baffles me that in the face of numerous studies and evidence, people will still cling to outdated and ridiculous ideas just because that is what they have always been told. To some the earth will always be flat. Bear in mind that giving up so much of what you are accustomed to is impossible to do overnight. How long will it take? That depends on you, your motivation and determination, your support from family and friends, and your financial means.

It may take you six months to clean up your environment to your ideal but keep in mind that any changes you make for the benefit of your developing child are better than none at all. Generally speaking it takes three months to for diet and cleansing changes to appear for pregnancy, although you may experience many other health benefits immediately. Ideally you will wait another three months to get pregnant because the egg that drops in any given month was selected three months prior to the ovulation.

In other words if you are trying to get pregnant, do not lose hope during this process. Its not easy and certainly does not happen overnight but it is so very worth it in the long run.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/aussiegold/477856843/

No one should have to go through the emotional suffering that comes with not being able to have a baby. The only emotional pain that can top it, is not having options or things to try because the doctor doesn’t know what it wrong. This situation is called unexplained infertility, and it happens more often then you would think.

How can the doctor not know what is wrong? That question is always ringing through the minds of those who have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility. When you go to a doctor with an infertility problem the doctor runs a myriad of tests which test both the male and female reproductive system. In some cases the tests won’t show any abnormalities, or signs that anything is wrong. This is when a doctor will diagnose a couple with unexplained infertility.

Unexplained infertility can be more emotionally stressing and frustrating than it would be if the cause of the infertility is known. This is because when you know the cause of the problem; you know how to start fixing it. When you don’t know what is wrong, the options seem few and far between. You don’t know where to start looking for answers.

The truth is, there are limited options when faced with unexplained infertility. One thing you can do is get a second opinion. Ask the new doctor to repeat the tests, or if there are any other tests they could perform. If the tests come back with the same results, you should start looking at herbal remedies or alternative medicine. There herbal remedies will increase sexual libido, the immune system and fertility of both partners.

When you think about it, unexplained fertility means that there is medically nothing wrong with you. There should be no reason why you are not able to conceive, so this leaves you with a few more options. These options are a more high tech solution such as GIFT, IVF, ZIFT, etc.

There are minimal problems that can occur in this field and there is a high success rate for those with unexplained fertility. This is because the medicine and procedures are meant to assist in the fertilization of the egg. This process in fertilization is one of the hardest for women to achieve, and if they are assisted there, there is a good chance that they will do well the rest of the pregnancy.

About the author:
Get up to date and proven fertility advice and helpful pregnancy tips at http://fertility-help.com/

Sheryl’s comment:
Unexplained infertility, while frustrating, can actually be encouraging because your chances of conceiving can still be higher than if you have a diagnosed condition. If you are diagnosed with unexplained infertility then try these before resorting to IVF or other potentially unnecessary, expensive and invasive procedures:

• Go to Skin Deep and check all your cosmetics, hair, and skin products for reproductive toxicity
• Switch to safe beauty products (your man too) Be especially wary of parabens
• Eat tons of organic fruits and veggies
• Commercially raised animal products are loaded with hormones (among other things)so it is especially important to only consume organic chicken, beef and eggs
• Drink tons of water and green tea
• Try to stop using your microwave altogether but if you can’t manage that, never microwave food in plastic containers, and never ever microwave food covered in plastic wrap
• Only consume organic food and drink
• Either take a prenatal vitamin or a great fertility supplement
• Visit the chiropractor
• Visit the acupuncturist
• Visit a reflexologist
• Visit a masseuse (use Aromatherapy for fertility)
• Try a detox/cleansing to give your pelvic cavity plenty of room
• Take a long walk every day
• Get some bright sunlight every day - Use a UV lamp if you are in a northern climate during the winter, or take a tropical vacation
• Sleep in total darkness, except the three days surrounding ovulation (or the full moon if you would like to synchronize with nature)
• Try not to stress about the timing and charting, just make love every day during the middle of your cycle, that way there will always be sperm ready and waiting (missionary position is best - try to lounge for awhile before getting up)
• Start a daily yoga practice (especially yoga for fertility)
• Do daily deep breathing exercises or meditation
• Seek counseling for unresolved emotional issues or childhood trauma
• Try the Conception Cap

Copyright 2006 Power Marketing, Inc.

If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, or trying to get pregnant already, taking care of your health is a top priority for your fertility. To help your body achieve it’s maximum fertility, take the following steps:

- Take 400 micrograms (or 0.4 mg) of folic acid daily. Focus on eating foods fortified with folic acid, take a multivitamin, or take a folic acid pill to get your daily dose. Taking a folic acid supplement is the best way to be sure you’re getting enough. Including 0.4 mg of folic acid (or folate) in your diet before you get pregnant and in the first three months of pregnancy can help prevent some birth defects. If you don’t get enough folic acid, your baby’s spine may not form correctly. This is called spina bifida. Another reason why your baby needs folic acid to is to develop a healthy brain. Many doctors will prescribe a multi-vitamin that contains folic acid. You can also buy folic acid pills at drug stores, supermarkets or online.

Foods that are rich in folate include: leafy green vegetables, kidney beans, orange juice and other citrus fruits, peanuts, broccoli, asparagus, peas, lentils, and whole-grain products. Folic acid is also sometimes added to foods like enriched breads, pastas, rice and cereals.

- Be more aware of what you eat. Start stacking your diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole-grains (such as whole-wheat breads or crackers). Be sure to eat plenty of calcium-rich foods such as non-fat or low-fat yogurt, milk and broccoli. Your baby needs a lot of calcium for strong bones and teeth. When fruits and vegetables aren’t in season, frozen vegetables are a good option. Avoid eating a lot of fatty foods (such as butter and fatty meats). Choose leaner foods when you can (such as skim milk, chicken and turkey without the skin and fish). Avoid farm raised fish as they contain high levels of mercury. Opt instead for Wild Alaskan salmon that is certified mercury free. It is imperative that you maintain this policy throughout your pregnancy.

- Bite the bullet. If you smoke or use alcohol or drugs you have to quit. Quitting is hard, but your fertility (and your fetus) will suffer if you don’t. You can do it. Ask your doctor for help.

- Get plenty of sleep. Try to get seven to nine hours every night.

- Do everything you can to control the stress in your life. When it comes to work and family, figure out what you can and can not do. Set firm limits with yourself and others. Don’t be afraid to say “NO” to requests for your time and energy. You may not realize it, but high stress can lower your fertility more any other factor.

- Don’t forget to move your body. Once you get pregnant, you can’t increase your exercise routine by much. So it’s best to start a routine before the baby is on its way.

- If you have existing health problems take steps to get them under control. Talk to your doctor about how your health problems might affect you and your baby. If you suffer from diabetes, carefully monitor your blood sugar levels. If you have high blood pressure, monitor these levels as well. If you are overweight, set an appointment with your doctor and talk about how to reach a healthy weight.

- Find out what health problems run in your family. Tell these to your doctor. You can get tested for health problems that run in families before getting pregnant (genetic testing).

- Make sure you have had all of your immunization shots, especially for Rubella (German measles). If you haven’t had chickenpox or rubella already, get the shots at least three months before getting pregnant. Having either of these diseases after childhood can render you infertile.*

- Get checked for hepatitis B and C, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV. These infections can be harmful to you and your baby. Tell your doctor if you or your sex partners have ever had an STD or HIV.

- To protect your fertility go over all of the medicines you take with your doctor, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter, and herbal medicine. Make sure they are safe to take while you’re trying to get pregnant or are pregnant.

Taking each of the steps will help you to get your body ready for maximum fertility, and eliminate things that could possibly cause infertility. Check them off one at a time and get ready for baby.

About the author:
Helene Kvist makes it easy to understand what to do to make your body highly fertile and more likely to conceive and become pregnant. Learn the essential keys to high fertility and a
successful pregnancy. To receive the Powerful Pregnancy Report visit: http://www.my-fertility.com/

Sheryl’s comment:
I do not advocate getting vaccinated for anything as a way to get pregnant (in fact we feel the opposite is true). I also feel very strongly about avoiding flu shots, Rh shots or anything else that involves a needle while pregnant. Vaccinations, Pitocin and other shots can contain a variety of toxic substances (the nature of vaccinations) and potentially thimerosol (which as we know has a very strong link to autism). Wild horses could not drag me to let anyone, ever insert a needle in my body while pregnant or trying to become pregnant, no way, no how.

Image Sources: http://flickr.com/photos/53366513@N00/67046506/

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) August 3, 2006 — “Too many women of childbearing age are led to believe by their gynecologists or internists that the presence of uterine fibroids will prevent pregnancy,” said world-renowned gynecologic surgery pioneer Thomas L. Lyons, MD, of the Center for Women’s Care & Reproductive Surgery in Atlanta. “That’s a myth. If they’re not bothering you, you don’t need to bother with them.”

Numerous patients inquire about whether they should have fibroids removed in order to “clean themselves up” to enhance their chances of pregnancy, Dr. Lyons explained. “Unfortunately, many surgeons will go along with a patient’s wishes to have fibroids removed, even though evidence shows that fibroids do not really prevent pregnancy, and that women with fibroids do not have a higher risk of a bad pregnancy,” he said.

“The obvious corollary to this is that their physicians want to perform the surgery or the procedure whether it’s really necessary for the patient or not,” said Dr. Lyons. “With in-office diagnostics like ultrasound, an accurate and relatively inexpensive method of ruling out ovarian abnormalities, and hysteroscopy, which can also be a treatment, we can tell what’s happening with fibroids and whether they might present any problems.”

In addition to offering leading therapies and procedures for fibroid detection and removal, Dr. Lyons developed the Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH) in 1990 and has performed thousands of them successfully.

Renowned as the global “go-to guy” on LSH, he has donated his time over nearly two decades to train hundreds of surgeons on this and other minimally invasive procedures he has developed.

Debunking the Myth
According to statistics cited on eHealthMD, only about six percent of women who are infertile have fibroids, and these are usually not the source of the infertility. Fibroids cause the problem in only 2- 3% of cases.

The real, but rare issue of fibroids causing infertility may include fibroids blocking sperm passage into one or both fallopian tubes, which may prevent the egg’s fertilization. Additionally, if fibroids fill the uterine cavity, they may block implantation of the fertilized egg.

Other rare issues include the possibility of premature labor or miscarriage due to fibroids in the uterine cavity, or an increased chance that the baby is not positioned to be born headfirst, necessitating cesarean section.

Since all these possibilities are so minimal, Dr. Lyons is shocked at the prevalent notion among women who want to bear children that they must be “fibroid-free” in order to conceive. “Their own gynecologists often will not debunk this notion. It’s up to the patient now to research her options,” he said.

Do research and know your options. Discerning patients who aren’t willing to settle for one opinion or “the way it’s always been done” find Dr. Lyons on the Internet and come from as far as Tokyo, Rome, Madrid, Australia and Buenos Aires, seeking him as a second or third opinion.

They discuss numerous options including laparoscopic myomectomy,removal of the fibroids only, or drug therapy. Often, where other physicians will recommend a major surgery, Lyons suggests either a ‘wait and see’ approach or an easy, in-office procedure such as hysteroscopy.

“It’s especially important that patients choose a surgeon who is experienced in working with lasers and laparoscopy. The minimally invasive procedures we perform require more skill than open abdominal procedures. They’re easier on the patient, but more challenging for the surgeon,” explained Dr. Lyons.

Many surgeons will attempt a laparoscopic procedure and feel it necessary to convert to an open surgery with a long incision during the procedure. Make sure to ask your surgeon about his or her conversion ratio. Dr. Lyons’ conversion ratio is less than one percent. www.thomasllyons.com

Sheryl’s Comment
While this information is certainly a step in the right direction, if you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids please research all of your options thoroughly prior to making any medical decisions regarding your body even in the hopes of achieving pregnancy faster.

There are many wonderful books on how to combat fibroids through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Some recommended changes include emphasizing organic fruits and vegetables in your diet while avoiding red meat and simple carbohydrates. As you probably already know, this simple prescription will cure or improve the health of almost anyone regardless of what ails them but the xenoestrogens in animal products and pesticides have been specifically implicated in fibroid development.

Emotional health is another causative factor so fertility yoga and meditation or deep breathing exercises may be helpful to you.

Please consider the alternatives before allowing a surgeon to butcher, maim and disfigure you to their financial gain when you could have made some fairly simple lifestyle changes.
Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/mandaloo/578527275/

The path to conception should be a great deal of fun but that is often not the case for many couples who have failed to conceive and are not sure why.

Whether you are just starting your journey to conception or have received the incredibly frustrating diagnosis of unexplained infertility, it is a wise step to evaluate your diet for the impact it can have on your fertility.

Generally speaking, eating for nutrition is a much smarter way to eat than following the latest fad diet. When you are trying to conceive however, you need to examine another piece of the puzzle.

Certain foods, even nutritious ones, can have such a negative impact on your delicate reproductive system that if you are serious about conceiving, you might consider leaving them off your plate for the time being, if not for good.

MEAT, DAIRY, and EGGS
Modern commercial meat and dairy farmers give their animals a phenomenal amount of hormones in order to produce more milk, eggs, or simply to grow faster and larger. These hormones and chemicals remain in the flesh and products of the animals that you consume.

Virtually any animal product that you buy in a grocery store today is loaded with hormones. Some of these hormones are estrogen mimics and wreak havoc on both men’s and women’s reproductive systems by posing as estrogen so your own estrogen is not used properly.

In addition to infertility causing hormones, most commercial animal products contain damaging pesticides that were used in making their feed.Avoiding unnatural hormones and chemicals is vital if you want to conceive so you have a couple of solutions if you eat animal products.

First, you can give up animal products entirely if you want to begin to eat hormone and pesticide free. It is a logical and perfectly healthy step if you do not have much time to waste in your path to conception.

The second, and probably easier alternative, is to go organic. Buy organic grass fed beef, free range organic chicken and eggs, and organic milk and cheese. These products are all available online if you have trouble finding them in your local grocery store. You will be eating the food you are used to while giving up the dangerous, fertility robbing extras.

SOY
In the great media campaign over the last few years, we have all been led to believe that soy is a miracle health food. Unfortunately while soy does have some nutritional benefits when eaten in its natural state or as a small amount of tofu, most processed soy products sold today are very dangerous on many levels, including extensive damage to your reproductive system.

Thousands of studies have linked soy to infertility, decreased sex drive, and extensive damage to both male and female reproductive systems. Like the estrogen mimics in meat, the phytoestrogens in soy are to blame for this damage.

In addition to disrupting both the male and female reproductive system, soy has been implicated in a great deal of endocrine related problems for young boys and girls exposed to soy while in utero or as infants.

Due to the dangers to your child, you should never eat soy while pregnant or breastfeeding anyway so unless you munch a few edamame occasionally, soy should be the first food item to go for a couple trying to conceive.

PRODUCE
Fresh produce is one of the best things that anyone, of any age, or any lifestyle can eat. Unfortunately, commercial farms have doused our produce in chemicals and pesticides that while dangerous for anyone, are particularly dangerous to a delicate sperm and egg or a developing fetus.

Certain pesticides and herbicides can impair reproductive organ function, reduce implantation in the uterus, contribute to or cause endometriosis, or cause poor semen quality.

If you are trying to conceive and wish to avoiding these chemicals you should only buy organic produce, both so you are able to conceive in the first place and for the health of your unborn child.

If you do not have access to organic produce then at the very least scrub all your produce before eating. If you want to play it extra safe then you should thoroughly peel all produce prior to eating.

Make a special point to choose organic or avoid items from the following list created by the Environmental Working Group which lists the twelve most contaminated fruits and vegetables in order of toxicity.

• Strawberries
• Bell peppers
• Spinach
• Cherries
• Peaches
• Cantaloupe(Mexican)
• Celery
• Apples
• Apricots
• Green beans
• Grapes(Chile)
• Cucumbers.

It is not difficult to eliminate some detrimental items in your diet to increase your odds of conception. Simply go organic, skip the soy, and then focus on bringing the fun back to conception.