(PRWEB) — Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut, Norwalk, CT, – There is little in the world of infertility quite as stressful for patients as recurrent miscarriage. So, with the release of a new study identifying stress itself as a possible cause of miscarriage, infertility specialists are now examining ways in which their patients can heighten their chances of a healthy pregnancy by reducing stress.

The study, reported in the November 17th issue of New Scientist, concluded that stress releases a “cascade of hormones” that can lead to spontaneous abortion. It followed 864 pregnant women – 55 of whom miscarried. Those who miscarried were more likely to have identified themselves as experiencing stress before or during pregnancy, and were also more likely to have lower levels of progesterone and progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) in their blood, than those who did not miscarry.

Progesterone and PIBF are both critical to a healthy pregnancy, in that they prevent the immune system from attacking the placenta and the fetus as foreign substances. In another leg of the same study, pregnant mice that were exposed to high levels of noise responded with elevated serum levels of cortisol, a hormone liked to progesterone suppression.

Mark Leondires, M.D., a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and Medical Director at the Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) in Norwalk, agrees that stress can play a factor in recurrent miscarriage. “It can be a vicious cycle,” he explains, “wherein each subsequent loss can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness or anger. And these feelings can cause hormonal imbalances.” Dr. Leondires maintains, however, that stress reduction therapies such as counseling, support groups and even moderate physical activities must be incorporated in a full treatment plan for recurrent infertility.

“There are many other causes of recurrent miscarriage; indeed, there are many other causes of biochemical imbalances,” Dr. Spencer Richlin, reproductive endocrinologist at RMACT notes. For instance, a February, 2004 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism determined that women who suffered from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – a common cause of infertility – were more likely to miscarry due to insufficient levels of two important proteins secreted by the endometrium during pregnancy. Women with PCOS are up to three times more likely to miscarry than those who do not have the condition, the study also found.

What’s more, structural abnormalities involving the uterus or the cervix can also play a part in recurrent miscarriage, as can maternal chronic disease or genetic defects. In fact, while approximately one percent of women experience recurrent miscarriage, it is estimated that a definitive cause can be found in only about 40% of cases. Dr. Leondires advises, “If a patient suffers from recurrent miscarriage – defined as the loss of three or more consecutive pregnancies – she should seek out an infertility specialist for a complete examination. It is important that we gather as much factual data as possible about each patient’s medical history and condition, before incorporating any aspects of a treatment regimen, be it a physical or emotional component.”

When stress is identified as a contributing factor in his patients’ history of recurrent miscarriage, Dr. Leondires refers them to qualified counselors who specialize in infertility issues, and to local support groups like RESOLVE or the American Fertility Association. “It’s important that patients have the opportunity to share their concerns with a professional who can provide positive strategies for de-stressing,” he says, “just as it is beneficial to patients when they find families going through the same difficulties they are, so they know they are not alone.” However, he encourages patients to be sure to choose a support group that is facilitated by a skilled professional who specializes in fertility issues. At RMA-CT, Dr. Leondires and his colleagues have established several support groups that meet regularly under the supervision of a certified infertility counselor.

More information about Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut is available at www.rmact.com.

About Dr. Mark P. Leondires, M.D.
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 in Norwalk CT.

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.

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When it comes to a discussion of human fertility, the saying “life is not fair” seems to have extraordinary significance. Couples who don’t want to get pregnant seem to be the ones that do and the ones that do–don’t. Nobody knows this better than the couples that desperately want children but fail to conceive, month-after-month. As the biological clock keeps on ticking, is there anything more that these couples can do? Absolutely!

Having interviewed hundreds of couples who have meticulously documented the woman’s fertile days and the days on which intercourse occurred, it has become crystal clear that: (a) most couples think that they are doing a good job of having intercourse on all the right days, while (b) the vast majority are completely missing the boat!

What is so difficult about Fertility Focused Intercourse?
Let’s start with the basics of female fertility cycles. First, women of normal fertility are not fertile very often. From a biologic perspective, the most fertile woman on the planet can only conceive between 5 and 6 days per menstrual cycle. A woman with reduced fertility might have significantly fewer days that are truly fertile, perhaps 2 or 3. According to simple mathematics, if there are only 3 days per month to conceive, that is only 36 days at the end of the year. Second, not all fertile days are created equal. Intercourse that occurs on “the day” of ovulation can be assumed to be the most fertile day of the menstrual cycle, but even then the probability of achieving a pregnancy is never 100%!

When does ovulation occur?
Frequently, ovulation occurs approximately 14 after the first day of the menstrual period. In a classic study by Vollman[1] of 14,848 menstrual cycles, ovulation as detected by a shift in basal body temperature occurred on exactly day 14 in only 1,591 cycles (10.7%). Thus the exception here is far more common then the rule. The 28-day normal menstrual cycle is simply a myth. The first step in fertility focused intercourse, therefore, is to do away with any notion of a calendar and to adopt a method of detecting when ovulation actually occurs.

There are many ways to “detect” the day of ovulation such as monitoring LH and estrogen in the urine or checking for cervical mucus and changes in the basal body temperature (just to ovulation actually occurs. No matter what method you are using, the margin of error is at least plus or minus 2 to 3 days (sometimes more). This means that if you rely on your favorite indicator of the day of ovulation to tell you when to have intercourse you may be missing the most important day to conceive on a regular basis.

What is the best way to time intercourse?
So what is the best advice? Unfortunately, healthcare providers frequently offer some of the worst information. For example, “we were told to have intercourse ‘every other day’ in order to ’save sperm.’” “Have intercourse every month starting on day 6 for 12 consecutive days.” Or even worse, “because you do not know when t he most fertile day is you would have to have intercourse every day to maximize your chances.” - nonsense!

From this brief discussion, the best advice is: (a) choose a method of fertility monitoring that will give you a few days notice that ovulation is going to occur. This means monitoring estrogen levels directly or the effect of estrogen on saliva or cervical mucus. (b) When fertility begins, intercourse should occur daily until at least 2 days after ovulation is detected. Once released, the egg can only be fertilized during a narrow window of approximately 24-hours. You want to make sure that intercourse occurs on “the day” of ovulation in order to maximize your chances.

Intercourse Patterns
By now you have figured correctly that fertility focused intercourse is truly a “labor of love.” It is not easy! It might mean having intercourse as many as nine days in a row. Even among couples with the strongest convictions for attempting to achieve pregnancy a few fertile days always seem to be missed.

Here are some helpful suggestions:
1. Plan in advance. If you were going to go on a fancy date with your spouse you would give a few days notice. If you know the fertile days are coming, then you likewise will have time to prepare for them.

2. Get your priorities straight. If the doctor scheduled a procedure to test some aspect of your fertility you might take a day off work. Furthermore, you would probably follow through even if you had a headache! Should you not subject yourself to similar inconveniences when your most fertile days arrive!?

3. Get professional help. Believe it or not, there are professionals who can help you make sense of all this and give you real good advice. The American Academy of Fertility Care Professionals is an excellent place to start.

If you and your spouse have been having difficulty achieving a pregnancy, then just remember –knowledge is power. In this case, the right knowledge may even give you the power to procreate! You may as well consider the question of when to have sex to be the single most important issue. Why? Because there is no diagnostic medical procedure, test, or surgery that is going to make you pregnant. If you just had surgery to correct a fertility problem, for example, and you are not following these instructions you could very well be making out badly on your investment. Fertility focused intercourse may not be easy, but it is not mission impossible–it is mission responsible–and the responsibility falls upon both you and your spouse.

Have fun!

1. Vollman, R.F., The Menstrual Cycle. 1977, Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders.

Article:
Copyright 2006 Majella.us

Author: David Picella
About the author: David Picella helps couples who are trying to conceive naturally without the use of expensive artificial reproductive techniques. You can read more articles by him and by other experts in Natural Procreative Techniques (NPT) and NaProTechnology or NaProSurgery at: http://www.majella.us

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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.

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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)

Many people can empathize with the pain of discovering you cannot have children, and some are so touched they are compelled to action. Luckily modern scientific techniques have been able to help infertile couples through sperm and egg donation for many years.

Donating eggs differs dramatically from donating sperm in the amount of preparation it requires, and the invasiveness of the operation to remove the eggs.

This is why in addition to a medical check up, family history review and scan of your ovaries, donors might be expected to attend a counseling session when they apply. This should help to assess their reasons for wanting to donate and prepare them for the procedure.

A potential donor needs to be between the ages of 18 and 35 to qualify. Often clinics also prefer donors who have children of their own, for various reasons such as the small risk to their future
fertility and the capacity to comprehend what they are giving to another person.

Before the treatment begins, the donor needs to stop taking the pill or any other hormonal contraception, so that they have a natural menstrual cycle.

Following their first “natural” period, they will begin taking daily injections to stimulate the ovaries. They can have these injections at the donation clinic, at their local surgery or they may wish to inject themselves at home. Small needles are used, and administered into the fatty tissue in the abdomen.

They are required to make two to three visits to the clinic during this preparation for vaginal ultrasound scans to monitor the progress of the stimulated follicles in their ovaries. Once the clinic finds the ovarian response is peaking, the donor is asked to take a late night injection of HGC to ripen the eggs. The egg collection will take place in the clinic or hospital the next morning.

The procedure is carried out under intravenous heavy sedation. This means that while the donor is not unconscious while the eggs are taken, they will not be aware of what is going on, and should not experience any pain or discomfort.

In ordinary circumstances, they will be able to return home the same day. They must have somebody to accompany them though, as the sedation takes a little while to wear off. Additionally they will be given a course of antibiotics to reduce the possibility of infection.

The clinic should inform them of possible risks such as Hyperstimulation syndrome, bleeding or infection. Hyperstimulation syndrome effects about 1 in 20 donators, and happens when fertility
drugs create too many eggs in the ovaries.

The same clinic should be able to diagnose the condition, and give dietary suggestions and other precautions to take to avoid complications arising. In general, the condition is temporary and
treated by rest and hydration.

Other things to consider include that fact the egg donation will not necessarily result in a child. Although the donors are not generally permitted to meet the intended parents, some clinics allow the donors to know whether the result of their fertility treatment was a success.

In some countries, such as the UK and Ireland, a child conceived through donated sperm or egg cells can find out contact details of the donor once they reach eighteen. For some people this is a very positive thing, but for others it might not be. The donor would have no legal obligation or rights to a child born, even though they are genetically related.

Utilizing the services of an egg donor requires huge levels of commitment and tenacity for both the donor and the prospective parents but in many some of infertility can be a fairly straightforward path to conception.

Find out more by visiting http://www.egg-donors.info

About the author:
Ciara McGrath is a full time mother to four teenage daughters. Find out more at Egg Donors Info and Fertility Info

Sheryl’s comment:
Naturally the point of this site is to explore methods of improving fertility naturally through herbs, nutrition, exercise and alternative methods. This article just provides information on how the medical alternatives work.

Source: http://www.prweb.com/
A spokesperson for London Nutritionists Foods For Life has dismissed the recent health scares about fertility and IVF treatment as a moneymaking smokescreen by fertility ‘experts’.

(PRWEB)– Tony Bishop-Weston, an ‘optimum nutrition catering consultant’, says “there’s no doubt the UK health service have a poor record on assisted pregnancy but the real tragedy is that very many cases of infertility can be helped simply by better health and nutrition.”

Fertility - barometer for health
Even with IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) it’s very difficult to stay pregnant if your body hasn’t been nutritionally nurtured. The body is very good at deciding that all those nine months of effort just aren’t worth it. If you are not feeding yourself right, scoffing little but sugar and saturated fat and artificially stimulating yourself with caffeine instead of food then what chance has the baby got to grow into an optimally healthy adult?

Of course sometimes it’s more complicated than stupified, drugged, poisoned, malnourished sperm or poisoned eggs lacking essential amino acids and omega fats but even in these cases optimum nutrition is often even more important to avoid IVF being a waste of time and money.

“sometimes it’s more complicated than stupified, drugged, poisoned, malnourished sperm or poisoned eggs lacking essential amino acids and omega fats…”

The main problem is that showing people why they should avoid coffee and eat more broccoli and hempseeds is not nearly as profitable as complicated medical procedures and selling rigorously tested expensive patented drugs.

Expensive addictions
Some people would rather pay thousands of dollars on pills and surgery rather than ditch the morning espresso and give up the cigarettes and five bottles of chardonnay a week. They don’t want the extra personal responsibility. They already have enough stress in their lives which is often at the root of the problem and it’s easier to delegate to an ‘expert’.

Over 1% of births artificially ‘assisted’
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) published a guide that indicates that 8,800 babies (1.5% of all births) are now born every year by IVF, 3650 every year are born by intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and many more thorough other Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), underlining how successful the treatment has become since it was first pioneered in Britain in 1978.

Causes of infertility
In 1992, The British Medical Journal reviewed 61 separate studies and concluded there had been an average 42 per cent fall in sperm count from 113 million per millilitre in 1940 to 66 million. Sperm counts under 20 million per millilitre point to infertility and, under 5 million, sterility.

Some researchers are looking at the root cause of infertility rather than lucrative quick fix methods but funding is tight. CHAPS the Chemicals And Pregnancy Study is looking into whether workplace chemicals and toxins are to blame for problems with fertility.

Copper maybe an issue. Although copper is an essential element, an excessive amount is toxic. The symptoms of copper poisoning, which are frequently associated with suicidal intent, are clearly documented including: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, jaundice, haematuria, anuria, coma and death. One of the most prominent sources of copper comes from our drinking water supplies running through copper piping. Particularly in areas where the water is soft and acidic, as this literally corrodes layers of copper off the pipes. Cigarette smoking is also a prominent source of excessive copper accumulation Similarly oral contraceptives are notorious in raising the body’s copper burden. (Foresight)

Nutrition Solutions
London Nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston works with Foresight the charity for preconceptual care, fertility and pregnancy. Foresight help hundreds of couples every year to have healthy babies.

Yvonne reveals some interesting statistics “Foresight has shown that Nutritional Therapy can double the success rate of babies born to couples with infertility issues. Foresight therapies achieve 72% success rate of healthy babies born while the success rate for assisted conception is only 30-47%.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/jensaar/255849776/

See the slide show | digg story

Author: Sheryl Lyon

Everyone is aware of cycles of the sun and moon. They give structure to our days, months, and seasons. But did you know that the sun and moon can influence your fertility?

When you are in sync with the earth’s natural rhythms and cycles you can boost your fertility. If you work against nature’s rhythms as many of us do, then you may be harming your delicate fertility balance.Your biological clock is intimately linked to your reproductive system by utilizing the same hormones that trigger ovulation and sperm maturation. Therefore both women and men are affected by respecting or ignoring their natural rhythms.

Importance of Bright Light
Getting adequate sunlight or other full spectrum light during the day is key to optimum fertility for many reasons. Vitamin D is created in our bodies when we are exposed to sunlight and Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to infertility.

Adequate sunlight also helps regulate circadian rhythms which allow you to sleep better at night. Regular exposure to the sun also helps you maintain a strong immune system which is necessary to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Women who get more sunlight also have consistent and stronger menstrual cycles.

Finally, bright light prevents your body from overproducing melatonin which suppresses fertility. This might explain why it is easier for women to conceive in southern regions and during the summer months.

Importance of Darkness and Full-moon Light
Many researchers believe that prior to the introduction of electricity into our homes, all women menstruated during the new moon and ovulated during the full moon. This has been proven by studying cultures today that do not use electricity. Women in these cultures sleep in close to total darkness except for the days surrounding the full moon.

The small amount of light from the full moon is enough to halt melatonin production long enough for ovulation to occur. Most women can synchronize with the cycles of the moon in about three to four months by altering the light level while they sleep. Coordinating menstruation not only strengthens your cycle in many ways but it also makes it much easier to pinpoint the optimal timing for intercourse.

Darkness also plays an important role in optimal fertility by triggering melatonin, on most dark nights, which leads to a good nights sleep. Just make sure to prevent overproduction with bright light in the morning.

Deep sleep helps restore and rejuvenate the reproductive system. Lack of sleep can increase cortisol levels, lead to an increased use of caffeine and other fertility reducing substances, disrupt your hormone balance, cause depression which in itself can affect fertility, or it can lead to relationship problems with your partner. In extreme cases sleep deprivation can stop ovulation altogether.

How to synchronize with nature

• Get at least one hour of bright sunlight a day
• Try to get bright light soon after waking
• Use full spectrum indoor bulbs during the winter months
• Use a light simulation device 15-30 min morning and night (particularly in winter)
• Aim for total darkness at night. Use room darkening shades. Avoid all lights
• On the three days of the full moon, try to bathe yourself in soft light while you sleep. A light from a closet, a 75-100 watt nightlight or even opening your blinds to the street light should do the trick.
• Try to go to sleep with sun and get up with the sun. You might be surprised if you do not use lights or TV, how sleepy you get.
• Make love during the full moon
• Keep sleep and wake times consistent and avoid shift work. If you are tracking ovulation signs, then you should taking your basal body temperature at the same time every morning anyway.

Efforts to conceive can be challenging and heartbreaking. The fertility enhancing methods mentioned here are easy, free, and painless. They will boost your overall health as well as your fertility so if you are trying to conceive it can only help and not hurt to synchronize your cycles with the earth.

read the full article at Health.Womens.Blogspot.com

Sheryl’s comments:
Apparently scientists have discovered that they can successfully transplant the wombs from women who are brain dead but still have a beating heart. This naturally raises ethical questions, as pointed out in the article, as to whether is it right to transplant organs when no-one life is at stake.

As we know, many parents who are trying to conceive, are willing to stop at nothing to achieve their dream. Who knows the medical and psychological implications of having a uterus transplant for the parents and more importantly the child?

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/