While a multi-vitamin cannot hurt, it will not compensate for a poor diet. Some nutrients essential for fertility include: zinc, selenium, lycopene, folic acid, and water.

Foods that contain nutrients that are proven to enhance fertility and/or semen production include, but are not limited to:

• Spinach
• Spirulina (seaweed)
• Barley
• Lamb
• Asparagus
• Pumpkin seeds
• Flaxseed oil
• Oysters
• Poultry

Reproductive medicine author and expert simplifies five steps in navigating the maze of infertility.

Norwalk and Danbury, CT (PRWEB) — For couples that have tried in vain for months — sometimes years — to conceive a child, the diagnosis of infertility is usually met with a barrage of emotions. The most intense of all is often confusion, as a maze of possible problems and potential solutions spurs more questions than answers. “Is it me, or is it him, or is it both of us? Will I have to take drugs, or have surgery? Do I need a specialist? Is in vitro fertilization (IVF) our only choice? Where do we start?”

“The field of reproductive medicine has made rapid and incredible advances over the past decade in the area of infertility treatment options, and now the vast majority of infertile couples can achieve a successful pregnancy,” says Dr. John J. Stangel, Westchester County Medical Director of Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut. Dr. Stangel, co-author of the new book, The Unofficial Guide to Getting Pregnant, adds, “But a huge amount of new information has left many couples to navigate a maze that seems to be intimidating.” This can lead to emotional frustration from not knowing which path to choose, physical discomfort from unnecessary or inappropriate treatments, and even financial troubles from the cost of treatment and the confusion over insurance coverage, Dr. Stangel notes.

“Fortunately, although the sea of infertility solutions is vast and deep, there is a step-by-step system that simplifies the process of determining which path is right for each individual couple,” Dr. Stangel assures. “The first step, of course, is to consult a reproductive specialist — a medical doctor, often an obstetrician, trained and board certified in Reproductive Medicine and infertility,” Dr. Stangel explains. Then, after the following five steps, an infertile couple is usually on their way to a healthy, successful pregnancy:

Step 1: The Fertility Workup -
This exam is the crucial first step for couples requiring treatment for infertility. Both mom-to-be and dad-to-be participate, and the questions range from the mundane (”How old are you?” and “Have you ever had a child?”) to the complex (”Did your mother take Diethylstilbestrol [DES] when she was pregnant with you?” and “Have you ever had chemotherapy or radiation to treat cancer, and if so, what specific drugs were used?”). Dr.Stangel adds, “A physical examination, along with discussion of medical histories, lifestyle histories, timing of intercourse and even choices of undergarments for dad-to-be are fair game during the workup.” This is also a good time to ask specific questions, or to tell your doctor about anything you suspect might pertain to your infertility.

Step 2: The Hormone Check -
While In Vitro Fertilization and other Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) tend to get most of the attention, the fact is that only 3% of infertile couples require IVF or other ARTs to conceive. “The great majority of female infertility can be attributed to hormone imbalances,” Dr. Stangel notes. “When this is the case, there are a number of drug and hormone therapies available to normalize the hormone levels, and even some lifestyle options like weight loss or weight gain that may help regulate a woman’s cycle to help conception along,” he adds.

Step 3: The Sperm Check -
Motility, viscosity, quantity, quality — the possible problems with sperm are a contributing factor in nearly half of all infertile couples’ inability to conceive. “A lab experienced at doing semen analysis should evaluate the sperm. The lab results should be interpreted by a urologist, andrologist or reproductive endocrinologist – each experienced with this type of study,” Dr. Stangel urges. Again, there are a number of lifestyle-related fixes for sperm issues, as well as several drug and hormone therapies available.

Step 4: The Structural Inspection –
Along with the above studies, specialists move to the structure of both the male and female reproductive systems. Troubles in this area include blocked fallopian tubes, uterine malformations and even problems with the penile and seminal structures. “Most of the time, if there is a structural problem surgery is needed to correct these issues in order to achieve a pregnancy,” Dr. Stangel explains.

Step 5: Exploring the ARTs -
In the event that the first four steps don’t result in pregnancy, Assisted Reproductive Technology can help. From In Vitro Fertilization, ZIFT, GIFT and TET procedures to promising new techniques for maturing eggs outside the womb and cryopreservation of human eggs, the ARTs are helping tens of thousands of couples each year to achieve a healthy, successful pregnancy. Originally designed for women with damaged fallopian tubes, ART is now used to address every conceivable fertility issue, with an average success rate of about 30% per attempt.

“While it can be overwhelming at times, with the right guidance, the maze of infertility can be a journey of hope and, ultimately, happiness for couples wishing to have a child,” Dr. Stangel concludes.

Bio:
Dr. John J. Stangel is Westchester County Medical Director and a lead physician with Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut, Dr. Stangel is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He has been in private practice since 1976 with his office located in Rye, NY.

Some of Dr. Stangel’s former positions include: Medical Director of the Westchester Affiliate of the Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science of Saint Barnabas; Clinical Director of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health Montefiore Medical Center at The University Hospital for the Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Medical Director of IVF America Program Westchester in Port Chester, NY; and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at New York Medical College at Metropolitan Hospital in NY and at Westchester County Medical Center in Valhalla, NY.

Upon graduating from NY Medical College, Dr. Stangel completed his internship at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City and his residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. He returned to NY Medical College for a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology. Dr. Stangel is a charter member of both the Society of Reproductive Endocrinologists and the Society of Reproductive Surgeons.

Dr. Stangel is the editor and contributing author of the textbook, ‘Infertility Surgery’. He has published numerous scientific papers and articles and has contributed to many textbooks. Dr. Stangel has also authored a laymen guide to infertility entitled, ‘The New Fertility and Conception‘. His most recent book, co-authored with Joan Liebman-Smith, Ph.D., and Jacqueline Nardi Egan, is ‘The Unofficial Guide to Getting Pregnant’. He has also lectured widely in the United States and abroad.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/stevemonty/203052584/

Chlamydia is a common transmitted disease (STD). It caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, which can damage a woman’s reproductive organs. Name “chlamydia” is derived from the Greek word “chlamys,” which was a kind of cloak worn by men in ancient Greece. Chlamydia is one of the most widespread bacterial STDs in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 2.8 million people are infected each year. Chlamydia bacteria live in fluid and in semen.

Even though symptoms of chlamydia are usually mild or absent, serious complications that cause irreversible damage, including infertility, can occur “silently” before a woman ever recognizes a problem. Chlamydia is known as a “silent” disease because about 75% of infected women and about 50% of infected men have no symptoms. Even if symptoms are present, they may be mild and last only a few days, and may not be noticed or considered significant.

Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after you are infected. Those who do have symptoms may have an abnormal discharge (mucus or pus) and may experience pain while urinating. These early symptoms may be very mild. In women, bacteria can infect the cervix and urinary tract. If the bacteria move into the fallopian tubes, they can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can lead to infertility if untreated.

In men, chlamydia can infect the urinary tract and the epididymis, causing epididymitis (inflammation of the reproductive area near the testicles). Chlamydia also can cause discharge from the penis of an infected man.

“Officially, it [Chlamydia] is a bacterium, but it is more like a virus in being very small and unable to multiply outside living cells. Chlamydia is not life-threatening, but it can do serious damage to a woman’s Fallopian tubes. If this happens, the woman could become infertile.”… - EmbarrasingProblems.co.uk

Causes of Chlamydial Infections

• Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Chlamydia pneumonia.
• Chlamydia psittaci.
• Unprotected sex (oral, vaginal or anal)

Symptoms of Chlamydial Infections

• Irritation with discharge
• Cough and fever can occur in pneumonia (although the classic description is afebrile)
• Eye discharge and/or swelling develop in conjunctivitis
• Lower abdomen tender to palpation

Treatment & Prevention of Chlamydial Infections
1.Chlamydial infection is treated with oral antibiotics.

2.Persons with chlamydia should abstain from intercourse until they and their partners have completed treatment, otherwise re-infection is possible.

3.Having multiple infections increases a woman’s risk of serious reproductive health complications, including infertility. Retesting should be considered for women, especially adolescents, three to four months after treatment. Latex male condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of chlamydia.

4.Use condoms correctly every time you have sex.

5.Limit the number of partners, and do not go back and forth between partners. Practice abstinence, or limit contact to one uninfected partner.

6.Common methods of birth control, like the oral contraceptive pill or the contraceptive shot or implant, do not give women protection from STDs. Women who use these methods should also use condoms every time they have sex to prevent STDs.

“Some of the young women have never even heard of the disease that threatens to sterilize them. They wonder, in their classic youthful way, how this possibly could be happening to them.” - Source: Chlamydia: the cruel fertility thief - Seattle Times.

Juliet Cohen writes articles on rare skin disorders and health disorders. She also writes articles on health care.

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

By: Sophie Cosic

For countless women, becoming pregnant is relatively easy. For others, it can be far more complicated. Many women feel helpless if they do not conceive quickly, and they begin to think there may be a serious fertility problem. There are many things women can do to increase their fertility levels and therefore, improve their chances of having a baby.

Keep a Positive Attitude
Research has shown that physical health is not the only issue, where conception is concerned. Having a positive mental attitude can make an enormous difference. Negative thoughts will often hinder your chances of conceiving. As stress level rise, fertility levels can fall. Try not to worry too much about getting pregnant quickly. Take time out of your busy schedule to unwind. Everyone has different methods of relaxing, so think about what you can do to achieve this.

For some, it can be as simple as taking a warm, candlelit bath. Others may need more help. Aromatherapy massages and reflexology are wonderfully calming and can make a huge difference to your state of mind. Aromatherapy may also be used to regulate menstrual cycles. Certified aroma therapists can be found on the internet or in your local business directory.

Just spending some quality time with your partner can help. Try to do activities together in your spare time and make sure that you both enjoy them. This alone can heighten the emotional aspects of your relationship and remove some of the stress that so easily builds up when you are trying for a baby.

Acupuncture
Infertility acupuncture has been known to have a very positive affect on fertility, when used in conjunction with IVF. Research in to its effects on fertility alone, are incomplete. Though, smaller studies have shown that it can be beneficial.

Acupuncture has been used by Chinese medics for around 5,000 years and is renowned for having amazing effects on a variety of ailments. However, its benefits have only been recognized by American medics for the past few decades.

If you are interested in trying out acupuncture, always find a reputable, certified acupuncturist. The National Institutes of Health and The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture are reliable sources for finding licensed acupuncturists.

Ovulation
Your chances of becoming pregnant greatly depend on your menstrual cycle and its regularity. Ovulation usually occurs between the twelfth and eighteenth day of your cycle. During this time, you are at your most fertile and your chances of falling pregnant are maximized.

It is thought that ovulation is most likely to happen on day fourteen (this is based on a regular, twenty-eight day cycle.) A way of predicting your most likely day of ovulation is to subtract fourteen from the total length of your own menstrual cycle. For example, if your cycle is twenty-eight days, subtract fourteen to arrive at your optimum date of fertility, (in this is case, it would be day fourteen.) Nevertheless, women’s menstrual cycles do vary greatly; consequently, your day of ovulation may either be before or after day fourteen.

Side note: Make sure to have intercourse frequently leading up to ovulation. Do not wait until the day you ovulate to have sex or you will have missed an entire fertile week! Make love every day for the week leading up to ovulation (and the day of ovulation) for your best chances. When the ovulation kit tells you that you are ovulating, it is your clue to stop, not start, having sex.

Ovulation predictor tests can also be bought from a pharmacy or drugstore. Having sexual intercourse when you are ovulating will obviously increase your chances of getting pregnant. Although, couples should try to have sex at least three times per week if they are trying for a baby. The human body is a miraculous thing and ovulation does not always occur when it should take place. Regular sex not only strengthens a relationship, it is a way of making sure that no opportunities are missed.

After you have had intercourse, try not to get up or move around for at least twenty minutes, this will help to keep your partner’s sperm inside your body, again, increasing the likelihood of falling pregnant.

Nutrition and Diet
Having good nutrition and eating a sensible, healthy diet plays a hugely important role. Try to eat a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, lean protein and wholegrain, fiber-rich foods, such as brown bread, rice and pasta.

The vitamins and nutrients that are found in certain foods can also help you become pregnant. Here are some examples:

• Leafy, green vegetables, such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, lettuce and spinach, are high in folic acid, a vitamin which is incredibly important for both mother and child. Folic acid supports fetal development and can prevent debilitating defects, including spina bifida. It is also essential for the reproductive and general health of a woman. Folic acid can also be found in bread and cereals and taken as a vitamin supplement.

• Lean meat or beans and legumes are very rich in protein and iron. These important nutrients help to keep iron levels high in the body. A blood count low in iron, can affect the general health of the ovaries, and may interfere with ovulation.
• Dairy products are rich in calcium, which everyone needs to maintain healthy bones and teeth. If you are trying to get pregnant, make sure that you consume enough calcium, in order for your body to support a developing fetus

If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than one year, or you are feeling very unhappy. It is best to make an appointment, to discuss any issues you may have, with your doctor. If your doctor thinks there is a genuine complication, they will arrange for you to see a fertility specialist as soon as possible.

Sheryl’s comment: In addition to the tips for getting pregnant in this article, don’t forget to go organic (particularly meat and dairy products). Switch to organic food, coffee and personal care products (as much as you can afford). It really does affect your fertility over time. Also, make sure to get adequate exercise like walking or yoga for fertility, excellent sleep in total darkness and some sunshine during the day. There are many other time tested methods to boost fertility included in the rest of our site.

Buy the Book: The Fastest Way to Get Pregnant Naturally

About the Author:
Sophie Cosic is the mother of two girls and the author of many articles concerning childcare, education, natural health, parenting and pregnancy. Sophie is a European distributor of Colic Calm, an FDA Registered Homeopathic Medicine for Colic. Colic Calm is an all natural remedy for babies with colic, as pains or infant reflux. More information can be found on our website or contact us directly if you have questions.

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus (endometrial cells), but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometrial cells are also the same cells that are shed each month during menstruation. Endometriosis is a common health problem in women. In women with this problem, tissue that looks and acts like the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. These areas can be called growths, tumors, implants, lesions, or nodules. Endometriosis is estimated to affect over one million women (estimates range from 3% to 18% of women) in the United States.

It is one of the leading causes of pelvic pain and reasons for laparoscopic surgery and hysterectomy in this country. While the mean age at diagnosis is around 25-30 years, endometriosis has been reported in girls as young as 11 years of age. Endometriosis is rare in postmenopausal women. Endometrial cells (loosened during menstruation) may “back up” through the fallopian tubes into the pelvis, where they implant and grow in the pelvic or abdominal cavities. This is called retrograde-menstruation. When endometrial tissue is located elsewhere in your body, it continues to act in its normal way: It thickens, breaks down and bleeds each month as your hormone levels rise and fall.

This monthly breakdown and bleeding subsequently becomes trapped inside the pelvic cavity because there is nowhere for the blood from this displaced tissue to exit your body. Trapped blood may lead to the growth of cysts. Cysts, in turn, may form scar tissue and adhesions — abnormal tissue that binds organs together. This process can cause pain in the area of misplaced tissue, often the pelvis, especially during your period. Scars and adhesions related to endometriosis also can cause fertility problems. Pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. Usually the pain is in the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis. Some women have no pain, even though their disease affects large areas. Other women with endometriosis have severe pain even though they have only a few small growths. Women with endometriosis may also have gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, constipation, or bloating, especially during their periods.

Causes of Endometriosis

1. Estrogen hormones
2. Retrograde menstruation
3. Immune system
4. Allergic reactions
5. Impact of toxins

Symptoms of Endometriosis

1. Pain during sexual intercourse
2. Infertility
3. Fatigue
4. Painful urination during periods
5. Infertility

Treatment of Endometriosis
Progesterone counteracts estrogen and inhibits the growth of the endometrium. Progesterone therapy can reduce or eliminate menstruation in a controlled and reversible fashion. Progestins are chemical variants of natural progesterone. Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists) induce a profound hypoestrogenism by decreasing FSH and LH levels. While quite effective, they induce unpleasant menopausal symptoms, and over time may lead to osteoporosis.

Danazol (Danocrine) and gestrinone are suppressive steroids with some androgenic activity. Both agents inhibit the growth of endometriosis but their use remains limited as they may cause hirsutism. There has been some research done at Case Western Reserve University on a topical Danocrine, applied locally, which has not produced the hirsutism characteristics. Pseudopregnancy can be created using oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progesterone. Women take the medicine consistently for 6 to 9 months. This type of therapy relieves most of the symptoms, but does not prevent scarring from the disease.

Oral contraceptive pills (estrogen and progesterone in combination) are also sometimes used to treat endometriosis. The most common combination used is in the form of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP). Treatment of endometriosis has involved the administration of drugs known as aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole [Arimidex] and letrozole [Femara] are examples). These drugs act by interrupting local estrogen formation within the endometriosis implants themselves. They also inhibit estrogen production in the ovary, brain, and other sources, such as adipose issue.

Conservative surgery removes endometrial growths, scar tissue and adhesions without removing your reproductive organs. In laparoscopic surgery, a slender viewing instrument (laparoscope) is inserted through a small incision near your navel. The laparoscope is equipped with a laser, a cautery — an instrument that destroys tissue with heat — or small surgical instruments. Laparotomy can be used for more extensive surgery either in attempt to restore normal anatomy, or at least preserve reproductive potential.

About the author:
Juliet Cohen writes health articles for health care guide She also writes articles for women health

Buy the Book: Endometriosis: A Holistic Healing Guide

Sheryl’s Comment:
Please do not resort to surgical or chemical treatments for endometriosis until you have tried the natural remedies. Most natural remedies for endometriosis are diet related. The first step to take is to remove all animal protein from your diet that is not 100% organic. The hormones and endocrine disruptors found in commercially raised beef, chicken, eggs and dairy have been implicated in endometriosis. You can either give up this protein altogether and either go vegan or stick to Wild Alaskan Salmon. If that is too difficult, (and it is for the vast majority of Americans), then simply choose organic, free range animal products. There are plenty of books and websites on natural remedies for endometriosis and it is certainly easier, healthier and much less expensive to switch to organic eggs than to have surgery or drug yourself up to trick your body into thinking you are pregnant or menopausal.

Buy the Book: Endometriosis, A Holistic Healing Guide

It can be frustrating when trying to conceive. You try month after month only to find –again– that you’re still not pregnant. Most people that do not conceive right away do not have fertility problems needing more invasive methods. Before you spend thousands on infertility tests and treatments, you can try many natural techniques to greatly improve your chances of becoming pregnant.

First, you’ll want to be sure to adopt as healthy a lifestyle as possible. Healthy eating habits can greatly improve fertility. Eat a well-balanced diet including plenty of whole grains and three to five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Many trying to conceive are found to be deficient in vitamins and minerals, the most likely deficiencies being vitamin B-12, iron, zinc, and folic acid. You may even want to take a multi-vitamin to improve overall nutrition.

Along with proper diet, you should engage in a regular exercise program to improve your circulation and the body’s natural regulation of your menstrual cycle. If you are already exercising, evaluate your program to be certain you’re not overdoing it, as over exercising will have the opposite of the intended affect by interfering with your cycle as well.

You should try to maintain or achieve a healthy weight for easier conception. Being overweight can cause a woman’s body to overproduce estrogen and can reduce the healthy sperm count in males while affecting their testosterone levels. Being underweight can also disrupt your normal cycle and reduce fertility in women.

Make sure you’re not only physically fit but mentally healthy as well. Depression and stress can affect fertility rates by affecting ovulation and reducing sperm count making it harder to become pregnant. Sperm count can also be affected by a man’s clothing. Men should avoid tighter clothing and stick to loose fighting undergarments and pants for optimal sperm count and to keep the testes cool.

Stay away from cigarettes, alcohol and caffeine as all can reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. Alcohol can also cause numerous medical problems in the fetus if drinking when unaware that you are pregnant. Smoking increases infertility rates and leads to egg loss in females and can cause earlier menopause. Caffeine has been found to disrupt pregnancy by making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.

Did you know there are certain positions that make it easier for you to conceive?

The best conception position is missionary with the best results obtained by placing the female’s hips on a pillow for elevation. Sex side by side or from rear entry are also other positions that may be effective. It is the most difficult to get pregnant if having intercourse while standing up or with the female on top, so avoid these positions if you’re trying to conceive. Also, the more you have sex, the lower the sperm count will be, so have sex less often and save intercourse for the time of your cycle that is most likely to result in conception.

To greatly enhance your chances of pregnancy, you’ll want to track your cycle to find out when you are ovulating. This usually happens around mid cycle. You can tell by regularly checking your temperature, which tends to be around a half a degree lower when ovulating. The cervix will also become thinner and move higher. If you have trouble detecting exactly when you are ovulating, you can purchase relatively inexpensive kits over the counter kits that will detect this for you.

About the author:
Visit www.tricori.com
online pharmacy, online drug store, herbal remedy(*You may reprint this article as long as you keep this resource box intact and all links clickable.)

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Therapeutic massage is an alternative therapy that may be recommended for endometriosis sufferers. This may sound like a strange form of therapy, but many women who suffer from endometriosis find therapeutic massage to be quite rewarding. How? The reason is because when endometriosis flares up, muscles in the lower back can result in a painful protective spasm. Spasms can cause muscular tension in the abdomen and pelvic region. Thus, the right therapeutic massage helps to alleviate pelvic congestion.

The techniques used in therapeutic massage manipulate the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the body to relieve and prevent discomfort, pain, stress, and muscle spasms. The purpose of massages is to encourage relaxation and overall improvement on an individual’s wellbeing. There are many different types of therapeutic massages that an endometriosis sufferer can benefit from.

The following are some common therapeutic massages that are often used:
Fertility Abdominal Acupressure (Massage)
This massage manipulates the abdomen to detoxify, purify and make a person’s vital system stronger. It is believed by ancient Taoists that this massage creates balance and a harmonious flow of qi (life force) and blood throughout the body. This type of massage has been used to improve the lining of the uterus, as well as blood flow to the organs within the pelvic region.

Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a massage form that also combines stretching. The goal of this type of massage is to work on the “fascia” - a thin connective tissue that envelopes every organ, muscle, bone, nerve and artery within the body. The fascia often becomes hard and inflexible as a result of physical trauma, scarring or poor posture. The massage will help restore the fascia to its natural, flexible and pliable state.

Neuromuscular massage
The purpose of neuromuscular massage - also known as a deep tissue massage - is to release tension knots in the body that are known as trigger points. In order to release these trigger points, the massage style is designed to reach the connective tissues within the body including the ligaments, tendons and nerves.

Reflexology
Reflexology is a massage performed on a person’s feet. The belief is that by massaging certain “reflex zones” located on the feet, the massage can alleviate tension, improve circulation, and even ease pain in different parts of the body that correspond to these foot reflex zones. There are specific points on each woman’s foot that corresponds to her reproductive organs so you should mention your endometriosis or infertility to your practitioner.

Swedish massage
This is a massage that promotes an overall relaxation throughout the body. A smooth, flowing technique is used by the massage therapist to help improve circulation within the body, alleviate muscular tension, and improve the body’s range of movement.

The benefits of therapeutic massage in regards to endometriosis and infertility go beyond the simple relaxation of an affected person’s physical and mental state. Massages have been known to actually improve lymph and blood circulation, decrease irritation within the nerves, and transport nutrients and fresh oxygen to affected tissue. In addition, massages can cause the body to produce less cortisol and norepinephrine as well as reduce the production of other hormones related to stress. Therapeutic massages may also increase the body’s level of serotonin (mood altering hormone), and the production of endorphins that eradicate pain.

In essence, therapeutic massage is a safe way to treat endometriosis, and just every sufferer can try it. However, make sure when you look into this form of treatment that you find a massage therapist who knows what they are doing. It’s important that you receive the best massage, so you can experience an effective result. Moreover, should you find that a therapeutic massage isn’t for you, keep in mind that alternative treatments don’t stop there. Ever thought about trying acupuncture?

Author: Shelley Ross
About the Author: Shelley Ross has an interest in Endometriosis. For further information on Endometriosis please visit www.treatendometriosis.com or www.treatendometriosis.com/blog

Buy the Book: Unwinding the Belly
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Acupuncture is an alternative medical treatment that has been practiced for over 2000 years. Created in China, the practice of acupuncture is based on the belief that a disruption in the energy flow in the body can cause energetic imbalances, which is believed to be the root cause of most of the disorders suffered by people. These obstructions can be cleared and the energy flow of the body can be restored by the insertion of tiny needles into specific areas of the body. There are over 2000 different acupoints on the human body and the disease determines which insertion points should be used.
Acupuncture is now used around the world to treat a variety of conditions, such as osteoarthritis, infertility, smoking addiction, gastric hyperacidity, sciatica and low back pain.

How Does Acupuncture Treat Infertility?
The use of acupuncture to treat infertility is a comparatively new concept for western societies. The ideology behind acupuncture for infertility is that acupuncture will increase the amount of blood flow to the sexual organs and balance the hormones present in the body. This practice is proven to be effective by increasing ovarian potency in women and assisting in sperm creation for men.

Using acupuncture for infertility treatment is most commonly used when a couple is experiencing functional issues, such as erectile dysfunction or irregular ovulation. In some scenarios, acupuncture is used as supplementary procedure for in vitro fertilization, helping women to relax their uteruses during the embryo transfer process. A study conducted in 2002 by German researchers found that acupuncture increased the success rate of in vitro fertilization by up to 16% and reduced the amount of miscarriages in women receiving in vitro fertilization by 12%.

What is the Acupuncture Treatment Like?
Acupuncture is a pretty painless procedure and side effects are very uncommon. The most common adverse events reported include the transmission of infectious agents, minor bleeding at the insertion point and needles broken beneath the skin. These risks will be very much reduced if the acupuncturist is a licensed and capable professional that has gone through the required 2000 to 3000 hours of training and has passed the required board exam.

Acupuncture for infertility treatment can be a long-winded process. In most scenarios, acupuncture therapy requires 12 individual appointments, lasting about an hour in length and occurring weekly. During this hour long appointment, a physical test will be given and any complications or issues that have arisen since the last appointment will be discussed.

Using acupuncture to treat infertility is quickly gaining acceptance in the United States. Although whether the procedure is useful is intensely argued among doctors, the fact of the matter is that it seems to work and it certainly doesn’t hurt to try. For couples who have been trying to conceive a child without success, using acupuncture therapy to aid in infertility treatment may give them the breakthrough they need to finally have a baby.

Author: Natalie Williams
About the author: Natalie Williams is the author of Pregnancy101.net a treasure tome full of pregnancy tips on pregnancy symptoms, fertility, breastfeeding, birth and conception issues. Be sure to discover a woman’s infertility story on how she overcame multiple miscarriages to become pregnant in her thirties.
Buy: East Meets West: Acupuncture and Herbs for the Treatment of Infertility
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Source: www.PRWeb.com
The advice given to men on the infertility rollercoaster is to ‘keep talking’. Men still find it extremely difficult to discuss their emotions, says Steven Sonsino, a business school professor talking openly about his fertility treatment for the first time.

The message to ‘keep talking’ is captured on ‘The Infertility Rollercoaster – What It Feels Like For A Guy’, a DVD recorded live at National Infertility Day 2006 (10 June 2006).

‘It’s the first time in six years that the organizers have allowed video cameras into the conference,’ says Sonsino. ‘More people are beginning to recognize the need to get this message out far and wide.’

Explaining why he produced the DVD, Sonsino says ‘Despite the increased awareness of the problems of infertility, men are still emotionally immature when it comes to explaining their needs and wants, even to their partner.’

Clare Brown, Chief Executive of Infertility Network UK, supports the ‘keep talking’ message. ‘Despite the increased availability of counseling for patients undergoing fertility treatment, men still do not seem to want to talk,’ she says, ‘even though it’s just as tough emotionally for them as it is for women.’ Only 10% of callers to the support group are made by men, she says.

‘What makes Steven’s “Keep Talking” message so important,’ says Ms Brown, ‘is that he tackles the issues of infertility in a light hearted way that frankly we really need. Don’t be fooled by the approach, though. The issues he raises are really important. You see, Steven tells us what it feels like for a guy on the Infertility Rollercoaster. And that’s not something we hear every day.’

Nicola Dawson, a patient who attended Sonsino’s keynote lecture, says ‘I sat there at The Infertility Rollercoaster session, laughing and crying with the other 500 or more people as Steven spoke, and I must say that I found it truly inspirational.’

Ms Dawson’s husband was not present on the day of the lecture, but he will be getting a copy of the DVD. ‘I think it will be incredibly helpful for him to realize that he’s not alone in his feelings. I think Steven’s lecture will have made a huge difference to an awful lot of people,’ says Ms Dawson.

David Lowe, another patient, says ‘My wife and I were at National Infertility Day as we’ve started IVF this year. It has been one of the hardest things in my life to deal with. Nevertheless, I found Steven’s talk very moving, entertaining and funny! I certainly want to order a copy of the DVD. His talk really helped us.’

Infertility professionals also believe the message is important. Helena Hird, Head of Public Relations at the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority, which licenses treatment in the UK, says ‘We’ve had some really good feedback on Steven’s lecture and thought it would be really useful to include the talk as part of the HFEA staff induction process.’

Hossam Abdalla, Director of the Assisted Conception Unit at the Lister Hospital in London, says ‘It made me understand really the depth of feeling of what our patients go through. Although one always feels that this is the case, hearing it directly, from a patient, whether they were successful or not, makes one more clear of how to approach patient management.’

So the advice given to men on the infertility rollercoaster is to ‘keep talking’, because although this is the 21st century, men still find it extremely difficult to discuss their emotions, says Steven Sonsino.

Note: All profits from the DVD go direct to Infertility Network UK.

For information about The Infertility Rollercoaster DVD, contact Steven Sonsino or visit http://www.theinfertilityrollercoaster.com [The Infertility Rollercoaster].

To preview The Infertility Rollercoaster DVD or to order a copy visit The Infertility
Rollercoaster.

About Steven Sonsino:

Steven Sonsino is a business school professor teaching in London, Berlin and Lisbon. He broadcasts a leadership podcast at http://www.leadership.fm [Leadership.FM - the leadership style podcast]. And his sperm count fluctuates wildly round the 100,000 mark.

Contact:
Steven Sonsino
Moore Sonsino Limited
29 Harley Street
London, UK
W1G 9QR
+44(0)1234 771100

http://www.theinfertilityrollercoaster.com [The InfertilityRollercoaster]

For general information and support on infertility, visit the Infertility Network UK website at The Infertility Network UK.

For more information on Infertility Network UK contact

Susan Seenan
Communications Officer
Telephone: +44(0)1294 230730
Mobile: 07762 137786

Infertility Network UK
Charter House
43 St. Leonards Road
Bexhill on Sea
East Sussex, UK
TN40 1JA

Buy the Book: Infertility Counseling
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Source: www.PRWeb.com
A plant chemical found in tofu and other soy products could potentially damage sperm and have a negative effect on male fertility. In laboratory tests, it was found that small amounts of genistein can cause human sperm to get “burnt out” and lose fertility. Women who also eat soy and other foods high in genistein (tofu) also negatively influence their partner’s fertility because once it is inside the female the chemical can indirectly cause damage to sperm ready to fertilize an egg. With so many trying fad diets and changing their lifestyles, more people are eating tofu than ever before. Tofu is one of the more popular healthy foods, because it is versatile and can be cooked many different ways.

Almost 15% of couples that will attempt their first pregnancy will be thwarted by failure. These patients are considered to be primarily infertile, if they have been unable to conceive after one year of unprotected sex. Pregnancy normally is achieved within a year in 80-85% of couples who use no birth control or condoms, and persons still having trouble after twelve months should be regarded as possibly infertile and should be evaluated. Data available over the past twenty years reveal that in approximately just less than 50% of cases, the problem is found in the man alone, and in another 20% both the man and woman are abnormal. Therefore, the male factor is at least partly responsible in about 50% of infertile couples.

Infertility can be caused by something as simple as lack of proper vitamins and nutrients, stress, illness, lack of exercise, drugs, alcohol, or any number of various factors. Some treatment options (IUI or ICSI) include collecting sperm from an ejaculation and attempting to fertilize an egg. Both the prescriptions and treatments for male infertility have an average success rate of less than 20%. That means less than one of every five couples that try these options will have a successful pregnancy. To add insult to injury, more than half of the small number of treatments deemed “successful” because of a resulting pregnancy, will be multiple pregnancies or pregnancies with birth defects or other unexpected outcomes.

Most couples struggling with infertility will break the bank with just one attempt at fertility drug therapy or treatment (one cycle equals one attempt) with costs ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 for just one cycle. Many couples end up borrowing money from family and friends, or go into debt before a baby is born, or before they are even assured they will be successful. Couples often express frustration with fertility drug therapies and treatments, saying they feel as though they are “forcing” a pregnancy on their body, and wish they could conceive naturally, especially in light of the low success rate.

Selmedica Healthcare has created a surprisingly potent botanical-based fertility treatment, specifically for men, called Amberoz™. While the resources of hyto-pharmaceuticals (plant-based medicines) have gone largely untapped in the US – in fact, strictly regulated against by the FDA – European governments, like Germany in particular, have actually funded and led studies into the efficacy of such alternative treatments. In fact, these studies have been ongoing for over a decade, partnered with international scientists, doctors, and researchers, including many from the United States. Their published research and discoveries have led to the ingredients that make up Amberoz™.

According to extensive research and studies, the ingredients in Amberoz™ actually help strengthen the prostate gland, an organ that plays a crucial role in male fertility. The prostate gland is one of the final and most important steps in ejaculation by producing seminal fluid (semen) that combines with sperm, allowing it to travel and survive longer in a woman’s reproductive tract. When the seminal fluid and sperm join together and move through the urethra, some of it can back flow into the bladder if the prostate gland is weak or damaged. This is a common cause in a couple’s inability to conceive. Conceiving is still possible with a weak or damaged prostate, but it can be very difficult.

As the trends in health shift further and faster towards alternative treatments, new alternatives, like Amberoz™, to conventional chemical and synthetic treatments for infertility are increasing in popularity. Amberoz™ itself seems to be an anomaly, being one of the few, if not the only non-surgical or non-prescription option for help with male infertility besides basic diet and lifestyle changes. More people are taking initiative to educate themselves and ensure they will have the freedom now and in the future to choose alternatives that are widely used internationally and proven through documented research, tests and studies to be as effective, and often times superior to conventional treatments with one glaring difference: typically these alternative treatments produce very few, if any side effects.

Perhaps the nail in the coffin of the major drug companies may be an offer common among producers of alternative treatments like Amberoz™: a 100% money back, no questions asked guarantee. Not to mention the price. To purchase alternative treatments like Amberoz™ from Selmedica Healthcare or any other manufacturer of botanical products, does not require a war with your insurance provider. As much as the pharmaceutical company would like to regulate them, these alternatives cannot be sold as prescriptions. The typical cost for a one-month supply is less than $300, $200, or even $100. Amberoz™, for example, is only $47 a month. And Selmedica Healthcare, like many similar companies, offer increasingly better deals, such as buy three get three free – a six month supply for only $137. For more information please visit http://www.amberoz.com.

Buy the book: Fertility Foods

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