Free Online Ovulation Predictor

Aromatherapy: the Sweetest Way to Boost Fertility Naturally

2007-04-21T08:54:00.001-04:00

Author: Kristen Hart

If you are trying to conceive naturally and find that it isn't happening quickly you may be feeling a little anxious. Would you be happy if there was a way to lower your anxiety symptoms and
Increase your fertility? There is - aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is growing more and more popular and for a good reason. It's simple and non-invasive. You use essential oils, which are distilled and purified from various plants. Aromatherapy is simple to use at home and very safe. Just remember never to take essential oils internally.

There are several oils that are reported to help increase fertility. The first is Clary sage, a golden yellow oil. This earthy oil is said to help calm nerves and reduce stress. It is also considered to have aphrodisiac properties. Rubbed into the skin over the reproductive organs it is said to help balance estrogen levels and remedy infertility.

Rose essential oil is another great choice to increase fertility. It has a pleasing, soothing scent. Like Clary sage, it is said to have aphrodisiac properties. Rose is excellent for enhancing both male and female fertility. Have your man take warm (not hot) baths with several drops of rose oil in the water. You can do the same. This will increase sperm count in him and help enhance reproductive health in you.

Rosemary was traditionally woven into bridal headdresses because it was believed to grant fertility to young brides. The essential oil of rosemary is also seen to have fertility enhancing properties. Rosemary oil, diluted in gentle carrier oil, can be rubbed between the hip bones to help sooth inflammation in reproductive organs, or to help open blockages. Men may also find this helps.

Finally the versatile and ever pleasing lavender oil is useful for increasing fertility. Lavender is soothing and has slight aphrodisiac effects, both of which help to make lovemaking more pleasurable. This pleasure allows for the right temperature, lubrication, and alkalinity for conception to be present in the body. Lavender oil is wonderful equalizing oil and is gentle enough to be used right on the skin or as carrier oil for drops of other fertility enhancers.

Exploring aromatherapy for fertility enhancement is just plain fun. You will love to surround yourself with the luscious and pleasing scents. Cool oils also feel good rubbed into your skin. The relaxing properties of oils will help ease your mind, and of course aphrodisiac effects will help the baby-making events happen a little easier.

About the author:
Kristen Hart owns http://www.getting-pregnant.com a site devoted to helping families get started naturally. Be sure to visit and subscribe to Getting-Pregnant.com's full natural fertility article series to learn more about fertility enhancement.

Basic Tips for Getting Pregnant

2007-04-21T08:53:00.001-04:00

Author: Heather Barnard

Many people write to me desperate to become pregnant but under the impression that all they have to do is to have unprotected sex a few times and you will become pregnant. These couples soon find out that this is not the case; many begin to wonder if there is something wrong with them and start to wonder if they have a fertility problem.

A little investigation into the process of becoming pregnant will show us that the woman ovulates only once a month and that the ovum will only last about 12 hours before it dries up and becomes unable to be fertilized. This little fact alone puts into perspective the timescale a little and when you think that you have been having unprotected sex for 3 months and that to
you seems like ample time to become pregnant then think again about the percentage of the total time in those three months that you could actually conceive and you will begin to understand why it is actually a close to a miracle that anyone becomes pregnant at all under the best of circumstances.

We have so much fear of getting pregnant drummed into us as teenagers that we really believe that simply having unprotected sex a few times will undoubtedly result in pregnancy and when it doesn't we begin to wonder if we are infertile or not.

Simply arming yourselves with a little knowledge of how the process of pregnancy occurs and how the male and female bodies react can dramatically improve your chances of becoming pregnant.

Little facts like how to tell when you are about to ovulate, how the man can increase or decrease the potency of his sperm and knowing what foods are congenial to conception can all increase
your chances of becoming pregnant and raise your hopes so you do not sink into a depression about not becoming pregnant which can also have a detrimental effect on the conception process.

Here are a few very general tips I give out to the many people who regularly write to me the very same question... 'I have been trying to get pregnant for three months and can't... Please help me';

* The basic key is to keep a healthy mind and body... i.e., health eating, no drinking, smoking or drug taking (including prescription drugs where possible - consult your doctor).

* Smoking not only causes damage to the fetus in the first few days of existence but also greatly lowers the chances of getting pregnant for both the male and female.

* The use of cannabis or marijuana acts as a natural contraceptive slowing the sperm's ability to travel by up to 50%.

* Are you aware of when you ovulate?

* In an ideal situation you should aim to make love a few hours before ovulation actually occurs.

* Repeated ejaculation dramatically lowers the male sperm count. To retain a healthy sperm count you should make no more than once every 2 or 3 days.

* Avoid the use of tight male underwear

I have presented you with a few basic tips which you may or may not have already known. You may also benefit from reading my ebook 'The No Nonsense Guide To Getting Pregnant' which can be found here: http://www.pregnantaid.com/guidetogettingpregnant.html

Check out our website for more information and tips and if you feel that you are still doing all the right things and have tried everything then you may want to consult your doctor to see
if there is an obvious medical problem as a large percentage of fertility problems do have a solution.

About the author:
NoneHeather Barnard -
Author of the No Nonsense Guide To Getting Pregnant - Complete guide to getting pregnant

Stopping the Biological Clock

2007-04-21T08:51:00.001-04:00

Author: Bradford Kolb, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.,

Oocyte Crypreservation- Stopping The Biological Clock by Bradford Kolb, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., Board Certified, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Christy Jones, CEO, Extend Fertility

For decades, sperm and embryos (fertilized eggs) have been successfully frozen for the purposes of fertility preservation and donation for men and couples. Although both sperm and embryo cryopreservation have become commonplace, the freezing of unfertilized oocytes (or eggs) for similar applications in women has not historically delivered the acceptable success rates necessary to drive adoption across the board.

Unlike sperm and embryos, oocytes did not survive the freeze/thaw process well, primarily because the egg is the largest cell in the human body and comprised mostly of water. The water inside the cell forms ice crystals that destroy the egg during the traditional freezing process. Prior to 2002, the success rate of live births from frozen eggs was 1-3% globally, with few babies born from frozen eggs over decades of attempts.

Fortunately, a number of advances in our knowledge of oocyte physiology and laboratory techniques are rapidly changing this dream into a reality.

The ability to preserve unfertilized oocytes is profound if one looks at the potential benefits and some of the controversies surrounding reproductive medicine. Egg-freezing should appeal to a broad range of women. Ultimately, the common factors that link all of these women are the strong desire to have a family and the willingness to take proactive steps to give themselves the best odds possible.

1. While some couples are comfortable with the concept of embryo freezing, many have moral and ethical dilemmas regarding this issue. For those that believe that life is created at the moment of conception, each frozen embryo represents a life and, if unused, a life unfulfilled. Oocyte cryopreservation, like sperm cryopreservation, presents us with the possible opportunity to preserve one's fertility while avoiding these ethical dilemmas.

2. Oocyte cryopreservation provides young women facing chemotherapy or irradiation for treatment of life-threatening disease, such as cancer, the opportunity to preserve their
fertility. The importance of this cannot be understated. Treatment regimens for many of the malignancies faced by adolescents and young adults result in the destruction of their gametes (sperm or eggs). The advancements in cancer treatments are also ensuring that many of these cancer survivors are living long, productive lives. Thus, the opportunity to preserve their ability to have children later in life is critical.

3. The professional and personal opportunities for women have exploded over the past 30 years, encouraging many women to postpone motherhood. Unfortunately, the biology of female eggs hasn't kept pace and women often face challenges starting their families later in life. Women, who are born with a limited supply of eggs, start to experience diminished fertility rates in the late twenties and this rapidly accelerates as they reach their mid-thirties. Childlessness is one of the biggest concerns for professional women. Studies show that the majority of the 33% of high-achieving women that are childless at ages 41-55 did not choose to be childless. In fact, more than a quarter of high-achieving women in the 41-55 year old age group said they would still like to have children. For women in this category, the ability to preserve their eggs (and thus their future fertility) gives them more flexibility as to when they can start their families.

4. Oocyte cryopreservation will allow those who need to resort to egg donation (the use of someone else's eggs due to the diminished fertility potential of their own eggs) more
affordable treatment options. Today, when a couple chooses to use donor eggs, they must bear the cost of the entire donor's IVF cycle alone. The ability to use only the limited number of eggs necessary while freezing the unused eggs will allow couples using donor's eggs to cut their expenses dramatically. This will allow individuals who were unable to afford such services the opportunity to pursue having children.

Techniques Given the magnitude of the need, clinicians around the world have raced to develop a technique for successful egg-freezing, and beginning in 2002, promising results ranging from 20-40% successful pregnancy rate (on par with a woman's natural peak fertility rate) were published. The key difference over previous techniques was the change in cryoprotectants used to protect the egg during the freezing process. Cryoprotectant acts as an "antifreeze" to protect the delicate egg as the temperature drops.

Before attempting to understand how our ability to cryopreserve unfertilized eggs has been achieved, it is important to understand how sperm and embryo (fertilized oocytes) cryopreservation has long been commonplace. The major problem faced in freezing a cell is to minimize damage to the membranes induced by ice crystal formation. Intracellular ice formation is dangerous because it may rupture the cell membranes causing cellular destruction. The smaller the cell, the less likely ice crystal formation will occur.

Sperm cells are about 180th the size of a mature egg and thus can be easily preserved. Embryos, which are eggs that have been fertilized, are approximately the same size as mature eggs, but are much more likely to survive the freezing/thawing cycles.

This is due to the fact that the eggs' membranes undergo dramatic changes during fertilization, making them more likely to tolerate the stresses associated with freezing. The use of cyroprotectants and highly controlled freezing/thawing rates have dramatically improved the survival rates of frozen sperm and frozen embryos. In many ways, the lessons learned from freezing sperm and embryos are being applied to freezing oocytes. However, the unique nature of the female egg has required additional study and technological developments.

A number of approaches have been taken in order to maximize the survival rates of frozen oocytes. The greatest success has been achieved with protocols that use slow freezing/rapid thaw protocols. Critical to any freezing protocol is the use of cryoprotectants.

Cryoprotectants act by a variety of means to reduce the amount of water that crystallizes within the cell and protects the cell during the freezing process. Common cryoprotectants include an alcohol (1,2-propranediol), a carbohydrate (sucrose) and a solvent (DMSO). The concentration and the duration of exposure to most cryoprotectants (alcohols and solvents) are critical, as exposure to high concentrations or exposure for prolonged periods of time can result in damage to the cell. We have found that increasing the concentration of sucrose (a relatively safe cryoprotectant that works by pulling water out of the cell) results in significantly improved survival rates, fertilization rates and pregnancy rates for frozen oocytes.

We also have found that the removal of the cryoprotectant with progressive dilution is a critical step in the thawing process. If oocytes are placed directly in a medium without cryoprotectant after thawing, they can swell and burst. The use of nonpermeating molecules (molecules that do not enter in the thawing cell) such as sucrose, act to oppose the inflow of water into the cell and thus prevent the membrane from bursting.

Others have recently undertaken investigations using a process called vitrification; a process that utilizes ultrarapid freezing techniques. While some pregnancies have been achieved utilizing this technique, it has not been shown to be more efficacious than slow freeze/rapid thaw protocols and is more susceptible to human error.

This process exposes the egg to potentially damaging levels of cryoprotectant and direct exposure to liquid nitrogen. Exposure to liquid nitrogen is a critical factor in this age of concern over infectious agents. The infectious agents, while rare, can result in life-threatening illnesses. This is a critical concern as the cryopreserved cells are stored in common tanks and a single tank may contain thousands of cells.

Regardless of the freezing technique, the oocyte goes through a number of changes that make it less likely to fertilize using standard co-incubation techniques (the mixing of eggs and sperm together).

The understanding that the zona pellucida (an exoskeleton that covers the outside of the egg) undergoes changes due to the premature release of the cortical granules (these are normally released at the time of fertilization and prevent multiple sperm from fertilizing the egg) is an important factor that has lead to improved success with frozen eggs.

This has led to changes in how frozen oocytes are fertilized. With the introduction of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the results for fertilization, embryo development, and for implantation rates (attachment of the embryo to the uterus) are approaching those obtained with fresh embryos.

Conclusions

We are just reaching a time where it is becoming feasible to preserve unfertilized, mature oocytes. These are harvested after taking fertility medications to induce the maturation of a number of oocytes. Women of this generation want more options and power when it comes making life decisions and plans. This is an exciting next step in the long line of developments in the field of women's reproductive health - on par with the introduction of the birth control pill.

Dr. Bradford Kolb is a reproductive endocrinologist and OB/GYN at Huntington Reproductive Center in Pasadena, CA Phone: (626) 440-9161 or Toll Free (866) HRC-4IVF Website: http://www.havingbabies.com

Christy Jones is the CEO and founder of Extend Fertility in Boston, MA Phone: (800) 841-7197 Email: info@extendfertility.com Website: http://www.extendfertility.com

REFERENCES:
U.S. Census Bureau. "Distribution of Women by Average Number of Children Ever Born, by Race, Age, and Marital Status." Fertility of American Women Current Population Survey (June 2000).

National Parenting Association. "Groundbreaking Study Exposes A Crisis Among Successful Women: The Survey Behind Sylvia Ann Hewlett's 'Creating a Life.'" National Parenting Association Web site.

About the author:
Bradford Kolb, MD, F.A.C.O.G.

Undergraduate -University of California, Irvine Medical School
University of California, Irvine

Residency Obstetrics & Gynecology-Northwestern University

Fellowship Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility-University
of Southern California

Board Certifications-Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Obstetrics and Gynecology
http://www.havingbabies.com/staff_kolb.html

Secret Confesions of a Childless Woman!

2007-04-20T16:12:00.001-04:00

Author: Peggy Butler

Where is it written that all women were meant to have children?
Is this a foregone conclusion or the pompous attitude of a society that believes a woman isn't complete until she gives birth? How absurd!

I've tried baby sitting and I've tried cajoling my cousins, all seven at once. And as a result, I've learned a very valuable lesson, children and Peggy don't mix. Coming from a small family
where I was an only child, everyone assumed that I would get married and have a house full of kids. Fortunately, I didn't hitch a ride aboard the Wedding Train Brigade, which I have never regretted. As for kids, I'm all for having them, as long as they're someone else's.

As a baby boomer with a thriving free lance writing career, I'm tired of hearing that my fertility clock is in the final stage, and within a year all my eggs will be shriveled up. Heck, I'm so busy thinking about writing the next best seller, the last thing on my mind is shrunken eggs. Besides, where is it written that all women were meant to have kids?

Since I was a child, I've been told there is a verse in the Bible that says "Be fruitful and multiply," that has served as the chief factor for some folks reproduction continuance. Several family members who shall remain anonymous, have told me umpteenth times, that women were put on earth for that reason. Whew! Does that mean every time a woman has sex, she does it for the sole purpose of having a baby ? Now, I don't know about other women, but I make love for the feel and thrill of it. Any questions?

Traditionally, women are noted for their maternal instincts. And society automatically assumes motherhood is always somewhere in the back of our mind. So it's only natural when I tell people I don't have kids, they become curious and question my sexual orientation and/or reproduction cycle. In defense of myself I tell them that I love men and as far as I know having a child would not be a problem, if I so desired.

Not surprisingly, this does not deter them from asking more questions. So to end the debate I ask them, "Are you telling me that I should have kids just for the sake of having them to prove to the world that I'm normal?" This usually causes them to respond with a nervous laugh followed by "No, that's not what I'm saying." I quickly follow up that with "Based on what you're saying, women who don't want kids because of fear of giving birth or lack of finances are abnormal?" As the argument ensues, they explain that there are thousands of women who give birth and can't afford to give their child all the things he or she needs. My response is generally, "So, why should I bring a baby into the world if I can't afford to feed, clothe or educate them?" This usually ends the conversation and the irate busy body walks off in a huff mumbling words I've yet to decipher.

Okay, now that we've dealt with the psychological aspect of being childless, let's focus on the false perception of the parenthood trap. When I see friends and relatives with four or more children struggling to make ends meet, I know I've made the right choice by choosing to remain childless. Similarly, when I see women "tracking" their boyfriends so that they can get money to buy their infant a can of baby formula, I know I made the right choice. Lastly, three years ago when I was doing research for an expose on dead beat dads, I recall the hundreds of women who petitioned the HRS on behalf of their children to pay child support. In reviewing these public documents, I noted that only a small percentage of the women received financial assistance from the biological fathers. Now tell me, what's so intriguing about that?

For the sake of argument, who says I don't have the right to remain childless? Is there a law against women over 40 not being a mom? Where is it written that I must succumb to the whims of society and give birth? It's ironic that all the women who tell me how selfish I am for never having children, have difficulty taking care of their off spring because they receive no financial support from the fathers. Can you say "utterly confused" ladies? Fortunately, this is the lifestyle they have chosen. However, that is not for me. With so many great things going on in my life I don't have the time or energy to knock someone's else's lifestyle. Moreover, I'm the last person to tell a woman what to do with her body; even when it comes to women who have chosen to have as many as 16 children, I reprimand them not, because they are free to live their life based on their specifications. Likewise, I expect society to let women who remain childless by choice to live theirs.

As a columnist who loves writing about controversial issues, according to the National Center of Health Statistics, the percentage of women who are able to have children but chose not to, increased from 2.4% in 1982 to 6.6% in 1995, and that number is expected to rise in the 21st century. Certainly, not a huge number by any stretch of the imagination, but the increase gives credence to the fact that being childless by choice is becoming more ACCEPTABLE. Now, how's that for a dose of reality?

About the author:

Peggy Butler is a freelance writer based in North Central Florida. She has written for various magazines and Internet publications including Africana.com., TimBook Tu, and Emerging Minds ( a popular ezine based in Atlanta). Moreover, Butler who lists collecting 60s memorabilia among her hobbies, writes news, features, sports and entertainment articles, as well as
commentaries and humor pieces. Visit her website at www.Psbwrite.com

Ovulation Tests

2007-04-20T16:10:00.001-04:00

Author: Elizabeth Morgan

Instinct tells a woman that she is ready to conceive, but to be doubly sure take personal or laboratory tests. For starters, estimate the approximate time of ovulation by calculating the
length of the average menstrual cycle. Begin from day one, that is the first day of the menstrual period, and the last day is the day before the next period begins. If the menstrual cycle is
28 days, then subtract 17 days, which equals day 11. Use the predictor kit on day 11 and continue testing until positive. This means that you will ovulate within 24 to 36 hours.

This sounds intimidating, but in non-medical terms ovulation is interplay of glands and their hormones. Presence of progesterone is confirmed through blood tests and if the level is higher than 20nmol/L it is indicative of ovulation having taken place. The blood test is done around 3 to 10 days before the first day of menses. Another method to test ovulation is through pregnancy ultrasound whereby the presence of a fetus is verified. For women trying to conceive it is not advisable, as pelvic ultrasound has a similar success rate as pregnancy ultrasound.
Other methods of testing are checking on cervical mucous changes, basal body temperature or salivary ferning three to four days prior to ovulation.

Ovulation Tests are gaining popularity through the use of ovulation calendars or predictor kits to pin down fertile periods or avoid unwanted pregnancies. Normally women ovulate in
the middle of the monthly menstrual cycle, depending on the length of the cycle. Sometimes ovulation happens twice in a month or, in an unhealthy body, plays truant. Avoid drinking too much water or frequent urination when taking an Ovulation Test, as it limits accuracy.

For urine Ovulation Testing an early morning urine sample is ideal, as it contains the maximum concentrated hCG presence. If testing during the day, do not urinate 3 to 4 hours before test.
The response time for a home Ovulation Test is about five minutes. Since the LH surge at time of ovulation is brief, one should test at right time of month and day.

Another method of Ovulation Test is through test strips with control color bands and intensity baselines for reference. Certain medicines have an adverse effect on test results, especially fertility drugs or pills. Consult your doctor or wait for two menstrual cycles before monitoring LH levels. For maximum effect, store test kits at room temperature and read instructions carefully before doing a test. Other tracking devices are Basal Body temperature thermometer and mini microscopes for testing saliva or cervical mucus. An understanding of your ovulation cycle will help identify the testing methods.

Horny Goat Weed- A Herbal Plant That Would Make You Horny?

2007-04-20T16:08:00.001-04:00

Title: - A Herbal Plant That Would Make You Horny?

Author: Maria

Horny Goat Weed- A Herbal Plant That Would Make You Horny?

There is a piece of history behind this herbal plant. Horny Goat Weed is used in traditional Chinese medicine, and is native to China. Hundreds of years ago, a goat herder noticed incessant sexual behavior in his goats. He observed the goats and noticed whenever they ate certain weeds, the goats promiscuous behavior became even more noticeable - hence, Horny Goat Weed.

Horny Goat Weed is also called Ying Yang Huo in Chinese, and has been used to treat kidney, joint, liver, and back disorders, and it's also used as an aphrodisiac. Horny goat has testosterone
like effects, stimulating sexual activity, desire, increases sperm production, and stimulates sensory nerves.

How Does Horny Goat Weed Work?
Horny Goat Weed has been used as an aphrodisiac for hundreds of years, and research has also proven its effects on improving sexual desire and performance. So how does Horny Goat Weed work? Research has shown that Horny
Goat Weed can inhibit an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (AChE). AChE rapidly stops neurotransmission at cholinergic synapses like those found in the brain and at neuromuscular
junctions, which are needed for speedy responses in the neuromuscular system. By inhibiting AChE, Horny Goat Weed supports higher levels of the key cholinergic neurotransmitters
associated with sexual arousal.

Horny Goat Weed Research
There has been much research done on Horny Goat Weed , and its aphrodisiac effects have been well demonstrated in animals and humans.

In a study done by Steven Lamm, M.D, 38 men were administered 2 capsules (2 X 800mg) of herbal complex of epimedium grandiflorum, maca pure (lepidium meyenii), mucuna pruriens, and polypodium vulgare (in short, Horny Goat Weed) for 45 days: 25 were healthy men and 13 were men already taking Viagra. Another 4 capsules of Horny Goat Weed were taken 1 to 2 hours prior to sexual activities. The study found 13 of 20 healthy men responded positively to Horny Goat Weed, and 6 of the 13 men already on Viagra also had a positive effect from using Horny Goat Weed. In most cases, the men reported overall improvement in sexual satisfaction and increase in sexual desires.

Pinnacle Horny Goat Weed Ingredients
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium grandiflorum) 500 mg (Standardized 10% icariin) Maca Pure' (Lepidium meyenii) 250 mg (Standardized 0.6% macamides & macaenes) Macuna pruriens 33.3 mg (Standardized 15% l-dopa) Polypodium vulgare 25 mg (Standardized 8% 20-hydroxyecdysone) Maca Pure - is a botanical from Peru used by the natives as an aphrodisiac, and also to help increase energy levels. Maca has been used for centuries to enhance fertility, and its fertility enhancing effects were initially supported way back in 1961. Macuna Pruriens - also know as velvet bean has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat Parkinson's and nervous debility. It's also used to treat depression and improve mental alertness. The benefits of Macuna extends beyond being just an aphrodisiac, it contains L-Dopa which helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Studies have found Macuna to enhance male sexual performance. Polypodium vulgare - is a fern that contains a group of substances called ecdysteroids. Studies on animals have found ecdysteroids to be androgen like and have anabolic effects (muscle building effects). This androgen-anabolic function is thought to actively support the contractile activity of erectile proteins associated with sexual activity.

Horny Goat Weed Side Effects
There are no documented,undesirable Horny Goat Weed side effects. In the study mentioned
above, no side effects were noticed in any of the participants. However, many positive side effects (or benefits) were noted:

The men noted overall increase in satisfaction with their sex life The men reported a increase in desire to engage in sexual activity Some men also reported a increase in their partner's
satisfaction - presumably from their improved performance At retail, a bottle of 60 caps of Horny Goat Weed will cost around $18, shop online http://www.homeherb.com/store http://www.homeherb.com/store.

About the author:
http://www.homeherb.com

Detox Your Body to Conceive

2007-04-19T07:58:00.004-04:00

Author: Sandra Kim Leong

You would like to prepare your body for pregnancy. You take your daily dose of chromium and prenatal vitamins, exercise, sleep well, and chart your cycle so that you are sure to know when you are most likely to conceive. You've done just about anything your friends, magazines, mother or mother-in-law have to advised on this subject. Yet, you find it difficult to conceive .

Now, have you considered an alternative healing method: body detox? Detox is simply the process of eliminating toxins from your body. An overaccumulation of toxins occur with an unhealthy diet, unclean water or in a polluted environment. When this is an excess of toxins, the functions of your body organs slow down and do not perform optimally.

In fact, it is believed among fertility specialists that difficulty to conceive results from a body imbalance. Imbalance can happen emotionally or due to excess stress, hormones or an excess of acidity. When you detoxify your body, you stop feeding it large amounts of sugar that affect your hormones and that throw your acid/alkaline levels out of whack. These sugars come
from the processed foods in your diet. Without the process of digestion to focus on, your stressed body can focus on cleaning out toxins. Once your body is sufficiently cleansed, your body is well prepared to "house" a fetus.

It is not just diet alone or fasting or special teas that will aid you in detoxifying your body . Just eliminating highly processed foods full of additives and sugar is a start. More fruits and vegetables will help in a gentle cleansing program. Healthy bowel movements to eliminate waste from the body every day is an absolute must!

Exercise plays an important part in cleansing our body. Lack of exercise allows toxins to accumulate in our bodies, thus affecting balance necessary for smooth functioning of all organ parts. Benefits of exercise for the purpose of detox include speeding up the removal of toxins and waste materials from the cells, increased blood flow that carries oxygen and nutrients to
the cells, lowered blood pressure and increased lymph circulation. Exercise stimulates the development and maintenance of bone tissue, muscle mass, strength and endurance - all
necessary for smooth labour and delivery later on. Just as physical toxins need to be cleansed, toxins that affect the mind and spirit must also be dealt with. Stress can create havoc to
an otherwise healthy body. Stress can have a vast impact on the ability to conceive. To deal with stress, seek out meditation, deep breathing, healthy relationships and situations that boost
your self-esteem. Alternative therapies that you can try are energy balancing and EFT.

About the author:
Sandra Kim Leong writes on detox and cleansing; including colon cleansing, liver cleansing, kidney cleansing, detox diet , juice fasting and alcohol detox . Read updates in her popular blog at http://www.Detox-Cleansing.com.

Why Couples Find Difficulty Conceiving: Causes Of Infertility

2007-04-19T07:58:00.003-04:00

Author: Jay Ashley

The term infertility refers to the abnormal incapacity to produce children by natural means of conception. It also refers to the incapability of a woman to go through the entire course
of pregnancy. Several couples throughout the world strive hard to conceive a child, however some find extreme difficulty in doing so and thus need medical assistance to be successful.
Around percent of the people in the reproductive age are infertile according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a third of such cases affect females, another third affects males, and 15 percent affect both partners.

Technically, a couple is considered infertile if they are unable to conceive a child within six months of unprotected sexual intercourse (or 12 months if the woman is over 35 years old),
according to the INCIID (International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination). There are many reasons this may happen. Such factors may affect either the male or the female,
or both partners.

Causes of Male Infertility

There are several factors that could lead to male infertility. A common cause is the problem with sperm production. An infertile male may be producing very little sperm cells or very
weak/immobile sperm cells. A man may also be affected by an underlying disease or medical condition such as endocrine problems, diabetes, Kallmann's syndrome, hypogonadism,
hyperprolactinemia, drug and alcohol-related problems, that hinder the production of hormones necessary for sperm production.

Some men might have problems on their reproductive organs themselves. Among such conditions include Klinefelter's syndrome, testiscular trauma, mumps, Idiopathic failure,
seminoma, varicocele, hydrocele, cryptorchidism, and the like. These conditions have direct effects on the testicles themselves, which are the organs responsible for sperm production.

Some men might be able to produce healthy and plentiful of sperm cells but have problems of releasing them for proper intercourse. They might have an obstruction in the vas deferens
(the tube that connects the testicles to the penis), infection, retrograde ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and hypospadias. This prevents the successful transfer of sperm to the female
reproductive system.

Causes of Female Infertility

As a counterpart to the causes of male infertility, females might have problems with the production of healthy egg cells. They might have problems in their ovaries such as polycystic
ovary syndrome, luteal dysfunction, diminished ovarian reserve, Turner syndrome, anovulation, ovarian neoplasm and premature menopause, which hinder the healthy maturation and appropriate release of egg cells.

A woman may also be infected by other conditions that affect her reproductive health. Among such conditions include diabetes mellitus, adrenal disease, liver ailments, kidney malfunction,
thyroid disorders, and psychological problems.

A woman may also have problems with certain glands that produce necessary hormones for reproduction. Among such diseases include Kallmann syndrome, hypothalamic dysfunction,
hypopituaitarism, and hyperprolactinemia.

Some problems may also be affect the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg cell. Such problems include anti-sperm antibodies, cervical stenosis, and insufficient secretion of mucus for the travel of sperm.

The uterus or the womb itself might not be conducive for carrying a child. There could be uterine malformations, leiomyoma or uterine fibroids, and Asherman's Syndrome.

Infertility is a difficult problem. Fortunately, the wonders of medical science has produced several treatments for both male and female infertility. To know more about them, one can simply consult a fertility clinic, a gynecologist or a urologist.

All Rights Reserved, This content may be reprinted as long as it remains unchanged and the links are intact and active.

About the author:
Infertility of a major concern in many households but it does not have to be another stress in your life. For more information and resources regarding infertility checkout Jay's site todayat http://www.perfectinfertility.info and start getting the answers you've been longing for.

Fertility In The Human Race

2007-04-19T07:58:00.001-04:00

Author: Melvin Ng

The ability of both animals and people to produce numerous healthy offspring is called fertility. This term was originally applied only to the females but with better understanding of the reproductive mechanisms, the importance of male fertility is also gaining in importance. A person or animal that cannot produce offspring is considered to be infertile.

With humans, fertility in a person depends on various issues like sexual behavior, nutrition, culture, endocrinology and instinct. Along with this timing, emotions, economics and the
way of life all play an important part in the fertility of a person. Animal fertility also follows such factors and displays great mechanisms. Vegetables and plants in farmlands also experience fertility, which is the capacity to produce large yields of fruits, seeds or vegetables.

The term fertility rate is the measure of number of children per woman. This was first considered a good indicator of population growth. However, it is not so much so in Asia anymore. This is due to selective abortion and various other factors that the number of females in Asia is rapidly decreasing. Because of this, the fertility rate is no longer considered to be authoritative in measuring population growth in the Asian countries of China, Myanmar and India.

The hormonal cycles in both men and women help to tell when the woman can conceive and when the man is very fertile. Though the hormonal cycle of the female is constant, about twenty eight days long, the male cycle is variable. The fourteenth day of the female cycle is the most fertile period for females. This is because they ovulate at this time. There is no such period for
men to ejaculate and produce sperm which is produced any time of the month. However, it is their libido that may dip and this is what scientists refer to as their hormonal cycle.

It is during the fourteenth week of fetal growth that a woman's eggs forms in the ovaries. They remain there till puberty where the eggs mature one by one. On ovulation, the egg bursts from
the ovary. This may sometimes because a small and sharp pain called mittelschmerz . The egg breaks down within twenty fours into its protein components if the egg is not fertilized by a
male's sperm . These components are then reabsorbed by the body. Because the quality of a man's sperm starts to deteriorate after age 35, it is recommended by some fertility clinics that men freeze their sperm before this age if they plan to have kids later. There are men however who produce healthy sperm long after 40!

Women are most fertile in their twenties, and their fertility starts to diminish after 30. It is often better to get pregnant at a young age as the possibility of miscarriage increases with age. Even the possibility of birth defects in the baby increases with the age of the mother. Multiplying the possibility rate of a conception with the miscarriage rate and the birth defect rates give the best possibility of a healthy birth.

About the author:
For more info on fertility, ovulation, infertility and pregnancy, please visit our website. http://www.fertilityfacts.org

Wicca Fertility Spells

2007-04-18T07:29:00.001-04:00

Wicca Fertility Spells

Author: Rose Ariadne

In this article, I am going to give you 2 spells that will help you with issues under the umbrella of "love and fertility". I'm going to show you two real magic spells for two different things.

There are many couples and spouses that struggle with having a baby - that is a fact. Many have turned to Magick such as the spell I am going to show you below, and have consequently seen everything change very quickly...

I'll also go into another spell that will help you turn a casual relationship, and give it the extra energy it needs to take it to the next level. Be careful with it though, don't ever affect anyone's free will with a spell...

Candle Egg Fertility Spell

Create your own strong, powerful egg that will help you with fertility issues. If you are having problems getting pregnant, this spell will help.

* First make the candle mold: punch a small hole in the large end of a raw egg. Use a cuticle scissor to cut out a small circle of eggshell. (Buy a dozen eggs; you may need to practice
a bit.) Empty the egg into a bowl. Use as desired. Gently wash the inside of the eggshell with water. The membrane and all of its content need to be thoroughly removed. Allow it to dry
completely.

* Prepare the wax. (You may also add tiny fertility charms or herbs.) Use the egg carton as a holder. Place the eggshell, hole-end up, in the carton. Pour in liquid wax, reserving a little. (When it's half full, you may add tiny seed beads, charms or herbs if you choose, although the candle is effective without them.) Let the wax harden overnight.

* Next day: gently heat the reserve wax until liquid. Gently chip away the shell, exposing your candle. Heat an ice pick or similar sharp thin tool: put it through the center of the candle and quickly thread with a wick. Fill the hole with the hot wax. Decorate. Keep as an amulet or burn in a spell.

More Than a Fling Doll Spell

To turn a casual relationship into something more by tapping into your Magick energy and focusing it to bring love into your life from someone you already know :

* Cut out dolls to represent each party from an unlaundered bed sheet, stained with sexual fluids. Personalize as much as possible. Embroider or draw names onto the dolls if secrecy is
not an issue.

* Fill each poppet with love-herbs: roses, rosemary, orrisroot, heartsease, and vervain. Bind the dolls together, face to face, belly to belly, with scarlet ribbons. Slip the package under the
mattress on the side the other party usually sleeps on.

About the author:
Rose has been practicing different forms of Witchcraft for over 27 years. For more information on " magicspells that really work visit her site The Ask Rose Ariadne
Witchcraft Site"

Female Infertility

2007-04-18T07:28:00.002-04:00

Author: Olivia Andrews

Female infertility is a growing problem. Infertility means the inability to conceive or produce offspring. The main cause of infertility is a reproductive system that impairs the ability of the body to perform necessary functions of reproduction.

Infertility affects nearly 5.3 million people in the United States. It is frequently treated with therapies such as medication or surgery which may or may not help depending on the couple being treated. There are two types of infertility:

1. Hypo fertile couples that are having difficulty conceiving. They may be having problems with timing and often they can conceive with the help of special treatment. Examples are men with low sperm counts and woman with endometriosis.

2. Sterile couples are unable to conceive without the help of medical or surgical treatment. For example, a man without enough sperm to fertilize the ova or a woman has blocked fallopian tubes.

Causes of female infertility

Factors that contribute to infertility are malfunctioning of the reproductive system or inability to release a healthy ovum in the fallopian tube. Other reasons such as endometriosis, infection or blocked tubes also lead to infertility. Another important factor is the inability of the sperm to enter the mucus that lines cervical canal leading to the uterus. Aging among woman also leads to infertility because they are more likely to conceive in their early twenties thereafter fertility
declines after the age of 35.

How can you improve your chances of conceiving?

There are some basic facts which could help you in increasing your chances of conception.

1. The best time for fertilization is ovulation that occurs in mid to late morning usually 12 to 16 days before the start of next menstrual cycles.

2. The best time to have intercourse is a day or evening before the ovulation takes place as such the sperm will be readily waiting in the fallopian tube when the ova or egg arrives.

3. The missionary position that is woman on her back and man on top usually is the best position for the uterus to receive sperm. But this case may vary in some situations so it
is better that you consult your personal doctor.

4. If you lie still for about 10 minutes after the intercourse so that the sperm that has entered the vagina has time enough to reach through the cervix.

5. Because of the fact that sperm can live in the fallopian tubes for 2 or 3 days it could be possible to have intercourse one day, ovulate next day and conceive on the third
day.

6. To have intercourse thrice during a week of ovulation shall raise the odd that the sperm is present in the fallopian tubes when ovulation takes place.

7. Fertility could be effected once you stop taking oral contraceptive pills or injectable hormones but the effect shall wear off by time.

Visit our recommended website http://www.womensreproductivehealth.info
womensreproductivehealth.info

About the author:
Olivia Andrews, writer of http://www.womensreproductivehealth.info womensreproductivehealth.info is a freelance journalist and has written many reviews on subjects such as finance, education, health, entertainment, music, gifts, crafts, travel, apparels
and mobile phones.

How Pelvic Infections Cause Infertility

2007-04-18T07:28:00.001-04:00

Author: Michael Russell

The pelvis is very important in female reproduction because it houses most of the reproductive organs. Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) has been known to be a frequent cause of infertility among women. In most cases, the infection of the pelvis starts off as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by either gonorrhoea or chlamydia infections of the cervix. These infections are usually without symptoms, or in some cases, cause some cervical discharge. The bacteria responsible for these infections could, from the cervix, ascend into the uterus and fallopian tubes causing a painful infection and an accumulation of pus in the tubes.

The ascension of the infection can be stopped by the use of antibiotics in the early stages, though, the normal body defense, with or without antibiotics, will act by forming a walled-abscess over, and to contain, the infectious bacteria. The abscess will eventually resolve in either of two ways. The abscess cavity would either become sterilized, the fluid eventually cleared and the abscess then goes away, which is better, or it ruptures and the infection then spreads further to cause more abscesses, which is very bad for fertility.

To get a better picture of how pelvic diseases affect fertility, you should note that, once a pathogenic bacteria such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia gets access above the cervix to the
uterus and uterine tubes, if not stopped by the use of antibiotics or arrested by the body's immune system, the inside surfaces of the tubes become denuded of their skin called the
epithelia lining. Several white blood cells, in their attempt to contain the infection, form a closed cavity around the pathogenic bacteria. This space becomes so filled with the multiplying bacteria and fluids that that area of the tube become filled with pus.

Even if treated at this stage, the damage has been done. The destroyed lining of the tube may cause gluing together of the walls of the tube, causing blockage of the tube later, to both
egg and sperm cells. For pregnancy to occur, the sperm cells and the ovum must meet in the tubes for fertilization to occur and the product of fertilization must be transported from the tube
to the uterine cavity on time for implantation. So, even if the tubes don't get blocked by agglutination of their walls due to stickiness caused by past infections, the destruction of the
tubal lining still affect fertility because the ciliary wave motion of the tubes that serve to move the fertilized ovum down to the uterus right on time for implantation, is lost.

What could be worst is that, if the tubal abscess opens or leaks from the end of the tube, the ovary at that end of the tube may stick to the tube and become the far wall of another abscess
cavity, which is now bigger and more destructive. This is called a tubo-ovarian abscess and it causes a complete obliteration of fertility on the side it occurs, since the tube, ovary and all
its eggs are destroyed.

It is estimated that 5-10% of women with PID develop the most severe form, tubo-ovarian abscess. Women with this condition tend to be older (in their thirties and forties) and they also
suffer severe pain and probably nausea, vomiting and abdominal distension.

Although, apart from untreated sexually transmitted diseases, tubo-ovarian abscess can also arise due to some other factors and these include:

Post pelvic surgery
Uterine perforation at the time of D&C or any vaginal procedure
Bowel perforation following ruptured appendicitis
Bowel perforation following diverticulitis
Pelvic malignancy

Pelvic inflammation disease that has degenerated into abscess cavities is usually treated initially with a broad spectrum antibiotic. The abscess is usually seen as a mixed infection, because, though, the initial infection is often from a STD bacteria, multiple different bacteria from the bowel tract may become involved in the abscess due to transmigration across swollen, inflamed bowel walls surrounding the abscess area. Usually, at least two to three different antibiotics are
required immediately diagnosis is made. If the infection doesn't improve, usually within 72hours, then some sort of surgical drainage of the abscess is required. If all these fail, then as
a last resort, exploratory surgery removing all of the infected tissue is carried out.

Female Infertility and Lifestyle Choices

2007-04-17T13:30:00.001-04:00

Author: Michael Russell

There is a growing concern about fertility in the whole industrialized world today. Almost 14% of couples have infertility problems. There is a fear that infertility is on the increase and about 40-50% of these problems are associated with the woman. It is amazing to note, however, that there are many things that can affect reproductive health, that we as humans have control over. Lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine healthy/unhealthy eating habits, weight, sexual practices and so forth all have impact on fertility and it is within our ability to control all these.

Most women are unaware as to how important these choices can be with regard to future attempts to conceive. It will be in order to examine these lifestyle choices and how much they affect our reproductive health.

Weight Problems & Fertility

On both sides of the scale, body weight plays a vital role in fertility. Obesity has been associated with infertility and menstrual irregularities. Women who are overweight but without Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) suffer the same problems with ovulation and menstrual anomalies as women with PCOS and in most cases, this is found to be inexplicable medically. But it has been shown that group treatment programs that help obese women with diets and exercise plans have caused a return of fertility in many patients. In overweight women with ovulation and menstrual irregularity, a weight loss of 6.5kg (15lbs) has been shown to restore normal ovulation. Therefore, it is believed that the improvement in insulin resistance achieved with the weight loss has more to do with restoring ovulation than the actual amount of weight loss itself. Several studies have shown that a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 23-30 is considered overweight and a BMI above 30 is said to be obese.

Just as overweight is bad for fertility, extreme underweight has also been shown to cause ovulatory dysfunction and thus infertility. In a woman with anideal body weight (BMI of 20-25)
a moderate weight loss of 10-15% can cause menstrual irregularity and a weight gain in such underweight women has also been shown to restore ovulation and pregnancy in most cases. A BMI of 17.5-20 is considered underweight and below 17.5 is severely underweight.

Smoking & Fertility

Over the years, several reports have consistently reiterated that smoking decreases fertility.

Smokers suffer a risk of menopause1.5-3 years earlier than normal, decreased estrogen with breakthrough bleeding and a shortened luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. All these suggest
that smoking exerts some toxic effects on the follicles directly. Also, nicotine, a component of cigarette smoke has been shown to concentrate in cervical mucous and the metabolites
have also been found in the follicular fluid. This is believed to be responsible for delayed follicular growth and maturation in smokers. Smoking is also associated with an increased
incidence of ectopic pregnancy and an increased spontaneous abortion rate which also suggests it affects the uterine tubes and tubal motility.

Delayed Childbearing & Fertility

Civilization also comes with its consequences. It is common to see women in industrialized nations delaying childbearing to pursue educational and career opportunities till later years.

What most women in this regard do not realize is that aging brings with it many effects that affect almost every part of the body and the reproductive system is not left out. Some of the
effects of age on fertility include:

- Depletion, over time, of the ovarian follicles affecting menstrual and ovulatory regularity - endometriosis has more time to produce scarring of the ovaries and tubes, reducing free
movement of these organs. It can even take the place of the ovarian follicular tissues, if ovarian endometriosis persists and grows.

- Fibroids can slowly grow causing endometrial bleeding that can disrupt implantation sites or even distort the endometrial cavity which affects the ability to carry pregnancy in the early
stages.

- Abdominal adhesions from other intra abdominal surgery or ruptured ovarian cysts can also affect tubal motility, required to sweep the ovaries and gather an ovulated egg.

Alcohol and Infertility

The total effects of alcohol consumption on fertility may not be clear, but what is known for certain is that alcohol abuse does constitute a risk of infertility . In a survey, women with high
alcohol use reported more menstrual and gynaecological surgery. Alcohol has also been shown to alter estrogen and progesterone levels and also cause anovulation (menstruation without
ovulation). But what is not clear, however, is how much alcohol consumption is bad for fertility, or alternatively, how much is safe. It is established that during pregnancy, an average of
2 drinks per day or more can produce fetal alcohol syndrome birth defects. Another study showed that a consumption of more than 100 grams of alcohol a week (1 drink per day) is associated with 60% increase in ovulation difficulties.

Other Fertility Factors

Also, increased caffeine consumption has been shown to affect the ability to become pregnant and carry the pregnancy. This is because caffeine clearance from the body is decreased during the luteal phase. Animal and human research data also show an increased risk of spontaneous abortions with increased caffeine use and a decreased fetal growth during pregnancy with
increased caffeine intake. Consumption of three or less servings of coffee per day may be harmless, but more than this amount i.e. greater than 300mg per day may lead to fertility problems.

Women with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) stand a greater risk of infertility and untreated STDs especially gonorrhoea and chlamydia, are the major cause of PID.

The choices we make everyday have a positive or negative impact on our ability to conceive.

Decide to make the right decisions today and enjoy a better reproductive health.

About the author:
Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Infertility

Child Adoption

2007-04-17T13:04:00.001-04:00

Author: Robert Thatcher

So you've met the person who you want to spend the rest of your life with. You get married, ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after. Right?

Well perhaps "happily every after" is subjective and means something different to different people. But whatever happens after you ride off into the sunset and disappear into the horizon, your married life will eventually have to make room for the little pitter patter of tiny feet. Right?

Well there are quite a few married couples who realize that for one reason or another, they cannot bear children. Some married couples try for years to get pregnant, try all the
fertility treatments (mainstream and alternative) and still come up empty handed.

There are also some married couples who either married too late or waited too long so they reach the stage of past child-bearing age and suddenly, they feel they want a child. Then there are still some couples who have their own children and yet they feel the need to spread their joy and love further to other children still.

How ever different these three scenarios are, there may come a point in their lives when they will come across the life altering question they need to ask themselves, "Am I ready to
adopt a child?"

The scarlet letter

Child adoption is a big step in a married couple's lives and may be one of the biggest decisions they will have to make together that have a long lasting impact in their lives. Having children
is a big responsibility in itself and child adoption brings with it its own set of sensitivities.

For all the right reasons

If you a childless married couple who have come to the end of their ropes in the hopes of conceiving, please take into consideration that child adoption isn't necessarily the answer to your problem. Continued unsuccessful attempts at trying to conceive can greatly strain a married couple's relationship and it can test even the strongest of the strong.

At the point where you seem desperately grasping at straws, you might think of adopting a child to keep the marriage together. But think it through thoroughly because you are bringing in a
new life into yours and it wouldn't be fair to adopt under these circumstances. Remember, adopting a child doesn't mean that all your problems will be solved. Adding a new member to your already chaotic relationship may even result in more harm than good.

Child adoption is a big responsibility that has a huge potential to further add love and fulfillment in a married couple's life provided that they do so after they have considered all they
need to consider and make the necessary adjustments for it.

Will it work for you?

So you've come to a decision that you want to adopt a child. You may be emotionally and mentally ready individually and as a couple enough to embark on this path but are you ready in other aspects?

First do some research and find out the requirements for child adoption . Also, find out statistics like how quickly can you expect to be able to find a child to adopt and bring home. Finding these details out will help both of you manage expectations.

Whatever you've been through to get to the point of wanting to adopt, remember to not focus so much on the fact that you cannot conceive your own children, instead, think of the parent-less
child you will be bringing into your loving home soon.

About the author:
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines http://www.your-adoption-resources.info

Get That Pregnancy

2007-04-17T12:18:00.001-04:00

Title: Get that Pregnancy

Author: Michael Russell

If you have being trying to conceive understanding some basics about the reproductive system would go along way in aiding your course.

Normally, at the mid period of every menstrual cycle, a woman is said to ' ovulate'. This is the release of the female egg, which the male sperm must come in contact with, before fertilization
and then conception can take place.

The day you start your menstrual flow is counted as the firstday of the cycle. In most women on the 14th day, ovulation takes place and an egg is released. The important thing to note here
is that this mid-menstrual cycle ovulation is not constant for all women, some women ovulate before this period, while others later.

This period of ovulation is your most fertile period as a woman. The egg released is viable and active for about 24 hours. The male sperm can live and still be active in a woman's reproductive system for an average of 48-72 hours. It is very important to have sexual intercourse during this period. It is a good idea to have sexual intercourse every other day around your ovulation period, for example days 10, 12, 14 and 16.

Sexual intercourse during a woman's fertile period is the easiest way to conception when everything is in order. Most couples either do not time their intercourse for best results or are not aware of this biological fact. The most important step towards conception should be to locate and time the ovulation period of a woman. Concerns over infertility may only arise if after several months of timed intercourse, conception is still not achieved.

Several physical and biological factors can contribute to fertility problems from the man or the woman's side and at times it could be a combination of factors from the couple. Some of the factors are within the capability of medical treatment while others still have no solutions. These infertility factors will be the focus of subsequent articles.

If the female ovulation period is so vital to conception, the question that comes to mind is, how do I know when I ovulate? One major way of determining when you ovulate is by taking your
basal body temperature (BBT) every day and recording it. A slight increase in basal body temperature for about two consecutive days lets you know that ovulation has taken place.
This is because, when an egg is released from the follicle during ovulation, the remnant of the follicle called Corpus Luteum produces the hormone progesterone, which causes increases
in basal body temperature. The basal body temperature is the temperature of the body taken in the morning before any activity. Alternatively, you can get an over-the counter ovulation predictor kit.

For men, it is critical to avoid things like masturbation during this phase of their partner's menstrual cycle as this may reduce sperm count.

You may need to see an Infertility expert or your ob/gyn if after several timed sexual intercourses you still cannot not get pregnant. There could something wrong somewhere with your reproductive organs.

The earlier you start seeking help and answers, the better.

Acupuncture for infertility - Will it work for you?

2007-04-16T09:33:00.001-04:00

Author: Oliver Turner

Acupuncture for infertility promises miraculous cure even where modern scientific methods fail to work. Being a Chinese remedy, Acupuncture might conjure a feeling of dark rooms, hushed voices and incessant pains for pricking of needles. But it is not the case when you go to treat your infertility syndrome with acupuncture. It, on the other hand, promises complete relaxation and a possible cure from infertility.

Acupuncture is based on Chinese methods. The Chinese people believe that to remain healthy, energy should flow in a
balanced way throughout your body. Whenever there is a blockage in the flow of that energy, inflammations will occur leading to severe pains and several types of diseases. Since energy flows through the meridian points, an acupuncturist will insert needles in different parts of the body to make energy flow smoothly. Placing needles on certain points unblocks the energy points. This reduces the particular type of disease.

What acupuncture treatment will suit you?

A close research on acupuncture and infertility shows that treatment depends from person to person. However, you should visit the doctor, state your problem and know what acupuncture fertility treatment is right for you. Suggest every detail of your physical condition to the doctor and then go for particular acupuncture remedy. Whether you are suffering from low sperm count, bad quality egg, miscarriage problems, troubling ovulation or blocked Fallopian tubes, acupuncture has a remedy for all.

Acupuncture is best for those people who have already undergone various treatments without any effective results. It is also appropriate for those who do not want to undergo any costly fertility treatments. It is a safe, easy, reliable and painless method that can provide fast relief from infertility. Acupuncture for infertility includes pricking of needles in the earlobes, eyebrows, eyelids, ears and fingertips. After the needles are pricked, the patient has to relax for 30 to 45 minutes. Acupuncture often reverses infertility in just 3-4 regular sessions.

Other Chinese herbal treatments for infertility

Acupuncture for infertility can include auricular, electrified or manual treatments. Electrified means using of electric needles to cure pains and obstacles. Auricular treatment involving pricking of needles in the ears and earlobes is an alternative therapy for female infertility due to hormone disorders.

Another method used during acupuncture treatments for infertility includes usage of Chinese herbal medicines. Hachimijiogan is a Chinese herb that subsequently reduces serum prolactin level and results in normal ovulatory cycle and pregnancy. However, using rhubarb, endometriotic pill No 1 and Hochuekkito also reduces pelvic pain and intercourse pain,
removes blood stasis, disintegrates mass and leads to purgation of serums.

Acupuncture works for infertility by increasing the production of endorphins or brain chemicals that help to reduce stress. It also improves blood supply to the ovaries, and the uterus. This makes it easier for the uterus to nourish a fetus and reduce the risk of miscarriage effectively.

Acupuncture for infertility also suggests that the sessions stimulates the central nervous systems causing neurotransmitters and neurophormones to be released, thus reducing infertility effectively.

About the author:
We have made a research on the subject of acupuncture. Find it only on http://www.leandernet.com/Acupuncture/Acupuncture.php.
All about acupuncture on LeanderNet - http://www.leandernet.com

Male Fertility & Sperm Counts

2007-04-16T09:14:00.000-04:00

Author: Malc

Fertility & Sperm Count Kits from: www.medical-international.co.uk/testcountry.html"and http://www.medical-international.co.uk/testcountry.html

Did you know that in about forty percent of infertile couples, the cause of infertility is due to a factor involving the male partner? Ten percent factors in both the man and woman contribute to infertility.

Male infertility may be caused by a number of factors, including problems associated with sperm production, sperm transport, and sperm motility as well as anatomical problems, blockage of the vas deferens (the tube that brings the sperm from the testicle to the urethra), and infection.

Problems with sperm production result in a reduced sperm count. A reduced sperm count may be caused by a number of factors, including hormonal changes, medications, drug use, alcohol use, excessive caffeine, cigarette smoking and testicular injury.

These same factors might also cause a lowered motility. Motility is determined by the percentage of sperm that are moving or swimming. Many infertile men are obsessed about their sperm count, which results as the main concern in their lives. Fertility is the most important thing on their minds.

Remember that the real question the man with a fertility problem is asking is not: What is my sperm count or motility or whatever? Rather, "Are my sperm capable of working or not? Can I have a baby with my sperm?" Since the function of the sperm is to fertilize the egg, the only direct way of answering this question is by actually testing for fertilization.

No one really knows what a normal sperm count really is. Since you only need one "good" sperm to fertilize an egg, there isn't a simple answer to question. While the lower limit of normal is considered to be 10 million progressively motile sperm per ml, remember that this is a statistical average.

For example, most doctors have had the experience of a man with a very low sperm count (as little as 2-5 million per ml) fathering a pregnancy on his own, with no treatment. In fact, when a sperm count is done for men who are undergoing a vasectomy for family planning, these men of proven fertility have a sperm count varying anywhere from 2 million to 300 million per ml. This obviously means that there is a significant variation in "fertile" sperm counts, and therefore coming to conclusions is very difficult for the doctor let alone the patient.

Men usually don't know that they have a problem until they are trying to father a child. So most men who don't want to be a father, don't find out that they have a fertility issue and are unaware of it. That's where sperm fertility tests come into play. They are fast, screening tests designed to assist the physician in the identification of males with potential fertility problems. These sperm tests allow you to test your fertility potential conveniently and reliably in the privacy of your home so fertility problems can be identified and treated appropriately.

Kits from: http://www.medical-international.co.uk/testcountry.html and www.medical-international.co.uk/testcountry.html

Does Weight Influence Fertility?

2007-04-16T08:51:00.001-04:00

Author: Mary Leahy

There is a growing concern in the world today as obesity takes over. We are seeing more and more health problems due to obesity and a big concern and a critical one is fertility.

There have been reports that people who are obese may have fertility problems, one example being that men may have low sperm counts.

Childbearing women who are overweight or obese have many unique health concerns. The health of the mother and the child can be at risk. The following are some of the risks:

Irregular menstrual cycles leading to increase risk of infertility
Increased or higher incident of miscarriages.
Greater risk of high blood pressure which can further lead to heart problems for the mother or lead to fetal distress
Greater incident of developing diabetes during pregnancy
Greater incident of having high birth weight infants
Increaseof high birth weight infants, leads to increase risk of Cesarean section.
Increased risk of birth defects

Another huge concern today is the health risk involved in having IVF treatments when obese.

The BBC News reported - "The British Fertility Society is recommending women with a body mass index of 36 and over should not be allowed access to fertility treatment."

However the NHS (National Health Service) guidelines say "overweight women should be advised of potential health risk but don't ban the treatment".

The health risk for obese women during fertility surgery, is the concern that when extracting the egg, due to the excess fat, this excess fat may push the ovaries up higher, therefore making it harder for the needle to reach the ovaries to extract the eggs. Additionally, during the surgery the needle is guided by using a scan. It may be difficult to get a clear image of the ovaries as having to scan through excess fat which impedes the scan.

Couples who want to start a family or have children but wish to have more, but have become overweight or obese, should look at improving their health and weight, before trying to conceive. To avoid disappointment and frustration trying to get pregnant, it is better to combat your weight and the best way is to look at a lifestyle change rather than a diet.

By understanding your body, what foods cause you to gain weight and which ones help you to lose weight, as well as understanding portion size and when to feed your body, will help you in the years to come rather than a quick fix.

Be healthy, not only for yourself, but for your family. Your children will want to have a healthy happy parent and enjoy a full lifetime with them.

About the author:
Mary Leahy is a registered nurse with many years experience in nutrition and assisting patient and their families on the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. She also lived overseas where she had the opportunity to observe and study a variety of cultures and their eating habits. With the help of her husband they came up with this healthy eating program designed to help you understand food and lose weight.
http://www.mnb-weightlossprogram.com

Organic Fertility

2007-04-12T14:20:00.000-04:00

"Prepare the ground and the seeds will flourish."

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?". Similar to
the concept of organic produce, it simply means that a couple
conceives a child with a minimum of outside chemicals and
interventions. This is much easier said than done however. 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 & 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, &
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.

Unexplained Infertility - Is IVF the Solution?

2006-10-23T10:32:00.000-04:00

Title: When Diagnosed With Unexplained Infertility

Author: Chelsea Aubin

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/

Learn more about natural conception, pregnancy, birth, and attachment parenting or check out our pregnancy calendar blog.

Dealing with Infertility? Try Chiropractic.

2006-10-18T11:22:00.000-04:00

Are you ready to have a baby? Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones who conceives within a couple of months or maybe you will find yourself among millions of fertility challenged couples. Whether you are ready to start trying tomorrow or you have been trying for a decade, you might want to improve your odds of conception with a method that is quick, painless, inexpensive, and non-invasive. Believe it or not, a visit to the chiropractor may help you conceive.

A series of research papers published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research found that chiropractic had positive results treating infertility regardless of the woman's age, number of years infertile, previous medical intervention or health history including miscarriages, blocked fallopian tubes, amenorrhea, colitis, or trauma.

Your spine is a central highway of nerves. Just as an electrical cord has to be fully plugged in for an appliance to run, your reproductive system will not function properly if the nerves that lead to them are not functioning or are blocked in some way.

A chiropractor will identify pinched or pressed nerves and fix those spinal distortions, which are called subluxations. The distortions can be caused by many things including childhood falls, illnesses, accidents, poor posture, or even stress.

Once the subluxations are minimized or eliminated, a woman's menstrual cycle can strengthen, the action that delivers the egg through the fallopian tubes to the uterus can improve, and some cases of endometriosis can begin to reverse.

Holistic websites, chiropractic patients, and chiropractors themselves abound with pregnancy success stories. Some women went to the chiropractor for other reasons only to find themselves pregnant, others have battled infertility for more than 10 years and then suddenly became pregnant within a couple of months or even a couple of visits to the chiropractor. These remarkable results are the same regardless of the technique used by the chiropractor.

Naturally this does not mean that everyone will get pregnant after a visit to the chiropractor only that it has worked for many women. It is certainly an option worth exploring either alone or in conjunction with other infertility treatments particularly if you have ever had an accident or illness.

You should be able to consult with a chiropractor and have an adjustment in less than an hour and the visit will probably cost $100 or less if it is not already covered by your insurance. The adjustments are totally non invasive, in fact they are done with the patient fully clothed. The procedure is painless although the sounds created by the adjustments may shock you at first.

Seeing a chiropractor is a great idea even if you are not trying to conceive because the nerves in the spine lead to more than just your reproductive organs but if you are trying to conceive, the benefits to fertility are just too compelling to ignore.

Does it really matter why or how it works? Or only that it works? Even if you do not believe in chiropractors why wouldn't you try a proven fertility treatment that is easy, fast, gentle, non-invasive, covered by most insurance, inexpensive, painless and harmless? So do not forget to add an appointment with the chiropractor as part of your preconception plan.

Clomid, a Fertile Option to Combat Female Infertility

2006-10-13T16:42:00.000-04:00

Clomid, a Fertile Option to Combat Female Infertility

Author: Saurabh Verma

Clomid is the name of the "wonder" medication that helps infertile couples achieve pregnancy. Infertility is the condition that is understood as the inability to conceive normally. To provide much awaited relief to women suffering from this medical condition, the drug known as Clomid came to this world.

This infertility medication is chemically known as Clomiphene citrate. It is a hormone used to induce ovulation, to correct irregular ovulation, to increase egg production and to correct a condition known as luteal phase deficiency. Normal recommended dose is 59 mg to 200 mg, and taken for 5-9 days. This medication is among the most inexpensive fertility drugs.

This fertility medication is easily taken orally rather than by injection and is the first line drug used for ovulation induction in patients with PCOS and other ovulatory disorders. This medication is widely used for patients with luteal phase defect. It can also be used to assess ovarian reserve (the likelihood that a woman's ovaries can still produce viable eggs). Clomid is not useful for women whose ovaries have reached the end of their working life.

Clomid is a capable and complicated medication. This medication reacts with all of the tissues in the body that have estrogen receptors, such as the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, endometrium, vagina, and cervix. This fertility medication influences the way that the four hormones required for ovulation, GnRH, FSH, LH and estradiol, relate and interrelate.

How does clomid work? Up unti now no one has been able to understand the mechanisms by which this drug works. It appears that Clomid fools the body into believing that the estrogen levels are low. This altered feedback information causes the hypothalamus (an important part the brain) to make and release more gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which in turn
causes the pituitary to make and release more FSH and LH. More follicle stimulating hormone and more luteinizing hormone should result in the release of one or more mature eggs - ovulation.

Just as women's bodies are different from one another, their reactions to Clomid vary tremendously. It was observed that some women have virtually no side effects. Others do, but they are more frequently related to emotions. Possible side effects of Clomid may include mood swings, hot flashes, breast tenderness, and thinning of the uterine lining. About 10 percent
of those who use Clomid will have a multiple pregnancy (twins). Clomid can cause hostile fertile mucous and thins the uterine lining in over 30 percent of the women who use it. The hostile mucus kills sperm, and the thin uterine can prevent implantation or cause an early miscarriage.

I am sure information shared here about one of the most talked subjects relating to female infertility and ovulation problems will definitely answer some of your questions about the subject. Come and enjoy your life with sweet memories of becoming mother in company of clomid.

About the author:
Saurabh Verma is working as Sr. Web Content Developer for
leading pharmacy web-site a1dietpill.com.

The Fertility Goddess Says:

Please note that I provide articles on all aspects of fertility. It does not mean that I endorse or recommend the use of Clomid or other fertility enhancing drugs. I strongly recommend that if you are interested in conceiving, that you explore all options available to you, including the use of gentle, natural methods prior to utilizing expensive, invasive, and/or dangerous medical procedures and medications. That said, if natural methods have not worked for you and you want to try Clomid, by all means try it and I truly hope you will be blessed with the baby of your dreams.

Egg Donation - Whats Involved?

2006-10-09T20:42:00.000-04:00

Egg Donation - What's Involved?

Author: Ciara McGrath

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 for several years been able to help infertile couples through sperm and egg donation.

However, donating eggs differs from donating sperm in the amount of preparation it requires, and the invasivness 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 counselling 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 thier 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 intraveneous heavy sedation. This means that while the donor is not unconcious 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 you 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 precutions 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 concieved 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 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 straighforward 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

Avoid These Foods if You Are Trying to Conceive

2006-10-04T00:53:00.000-04:00

The top three foods for couples to avoid if they are trying to conceive.

By: Sheryl Lyon

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, & 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 infertilty 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.

Factors Necessary for Successful Conception

2006-10-02T01:09:00.000-04:00

Author: Michael Russell

Infertility causes and treatment can be quite complicated, due to the numerous factors that add up to the achievement of a successful pregnancy. More than 10% of couples do not achieve this much wanted pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected sex and trying very hard to conceive. This, in most cases is because one or more of the factors necessary for conception is
absent or malfunctioning.

The factors vital for conception include:

- Adequate and viral sperm from the male partner

- Appropriate frequency of sexual intercourse around the woman's ovulation time

- Optimally free passageway for the eggs to travel down the fallopian tube, meet with sperm coming up the tube and then fertilization

- Appropriate and timely transportation of the product of fertilization down to the uterus for implantation and development

- Adequately free passageway for the sperm to get through the cervix into the uterus, so they can swim up into the fallopian tube to meet and fertilize the female egg

- Healthy and sound uterine cavity with adequate uterine lining conducive to implantation and development of the pregnancy

In evaluating infertility, therefore, or in assessing a couple's chances at conception, we can sub divide the factors vital for achieving conception as thus: * Male Factor (Sperm count and
quality) * Ovarian factor (ovulation frequency and regularity) *Tubal factor (free and clear passage to egg and sperm) *Cervical factor (clear passage to sperm from the vagina) *Uterine factor (adequate space and tissue for the fertilized egg to implant and grow)

Male Factor.
The male factor accounts for 40-50% of infertility problems. Out of this amount only about 10-20% of men have no mature, motile sperm at all (azoospermia). The others only
happen to have low counts or a fewer number of normal shaped, mature and motile sperm cells compared to other fertile men. In normal conditions, an absolute sperm count of 16 million is
perfect, while a count of less than 5 million almost always result in sterility. Counts between 5 and 16 can in most cases be overcome with infertility treatments.

Ovarian Factor
Women who do not produce eggs each month or those who only produce eggs every 2-3 months will have problems getting pregnant. The most common causes of annovulation (menses without ovulation) or irregular menses are; Polycystic Ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition where follices mature, but the eggs are arrested and not released and Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, which is like a stress or medication induced lack of ovulation. There are other medical conditions that can cause lack of ovulation, but these occur only in rare occasions. Ovarian factor problems
are usually treated with fertility pills (e.g. clomiphene citrate) or medications like gonadotropins.

Intercourse around Ovulation Time
Women with a regular menstrual cycle can always predict their ovulation time. Ovulation occurs
midway between the onset of the last menses and the beginning of the next one. Even for women with an irregular menstrual cycle, there are several ovulation predictions kits out there that can provide clues as to when your ovulation occurs. Intercourse should be more frequent around this period, with a frequency of at least, every other day. Therefore, for a 28 day cycle,
ovulation will probably occur on day 14, days 11, 13, 15 and 17 should not be missed.

Tubal Factor
The fallopian tubes also constitute a vital actor in conception. The tubes must be free and clear to sweep up eggs that have been ovulated, free and no obstruction to the passage of egg and sperm. Fertilization takes place in the tubes and it is also important that the tubes transport the product of fertilization to the uterine cavity on time for implantation and growth. Pelvic surgery, past ruptured ovarian cyst, past pelvic infections and endometriosis are all conditions that can affect the ability of the tube to sweep up ovulated egg. PID can also produce scarring inside the tube that prevents passageway for ovum.

Uterine Factor
The uterus is the final home of the fertilized ovum and where implantation and growth to full term occurs. Any condition that affects or alters the amount of space or shape of the surface area inside the uterus or disturbs the hormonal sequence that prepares the lining of the uterus for conception may impair fertility. Conditions like fibroids, polyps, congenital anomalies of the uterus or past scarring due to surgery or infection will alter the shape and surface area of
the endometrium and in turn fertility. Also, malfunctioning of the corpus luteum may hormonally retard the lining of the uterus and its readiness for implantation.

Cervical Factor
Under most conditions, the cervix does not constitute a factor in infertility, except when the cervical mucous glands have been destroyed during some procedures like Cervical Cryosurgery, conization LEEP etc. The cervical mucous glands act as a storage for sperm cells, so they can 'shower' the uterus and the uterine tube with sperms in order not to miss ovulation. The frequency of intercourse may need to be increased to achieve conception if these glands have been destroyed.

About the author:
Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Infertility

Free Online Ovulation Predictor

2006-09-29T14:04:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the new free online ovulation predictor blog. In addition to links to free online ovulation predictors, you will find tons of great articles relating to fertility. Check back soon.

Free Online Ovulation Predictor

Free Online Ovulation Predictor

Aromatherapy: the Sweetest Way to Boost Fertility Naturally

Basic Tips for Getting Pregnant

Stopping the Biological Clock

Secret Confesions of a Childless Woman!

Ovulation Tests

Horny Goat Weed- A Herbal Plant That Would Make You Horny?

Detox Your Body to Conceive

Why Couples Find Difficulty Conceiving: Causes Of Infertility

Fertility In The Human Race

Wicca Fertility Spells

Female Infertility

How Pelvic Infections Cause Infertility

Female Infertility and Lifestyle Choices

Child Adoption

Get That Pregnancy

Acupuncture for infertility - Will it work for you?

Male Fertility & Sperm Counts

Does Weight Influence Fertility?

Organic Fertility

Unexplained Infertility - Is IVF the Solution?

Dealing with Infertility? Try Chiropractic.

Clomid, a Fertile Option to Combat Female Infertility

Egg Donation - Whats Involved?

Avoid These Foods if You Are Trying to Conceive

Factors Necessary for Successful Conception

other links

Free Online Ovulation Predictor