New study links higher sperm count to vitamin

Troubled with low sperm count, viability, motility or morphology? A recent study published in the Journal of Andrology from the American Society of Andrology cites FertilAid supplements for men may improve sperm dynamics for some men.

Recently, a 90 day blind study was conducted to determine if treatment with FertilAid improved sperm quality in men. Funded (only in part) by the makers of FertilAid for Men, 14 subjects who met the parameters of low sperm count, low percentage of motility or low percentage of normal morphology as well as those who had not taken any vitamins for at least one month were chosen to participate.

Initially, these subjects provided 2 baseline semen samples before being randomly selected to either receive the vitamin, FertilAid or be given a placebo for the following 90 days.

Under the World Health Organization guidelines, routine semen analysis was performed by the same lab at the on-set of the study and then again at the conclusion of the 90 day analysis.

After 90 days the randomly selected 8 recipients of the vitamin showed an improvement in sperm quality; specifically with the number of normally-shaped motile sperm produced; versus the 6 who consumed the placebo and showed no signs of improvement.

The conclusion is that in spite of the small size of the study, significant improvements were found in men taking FertilAid and that larger studies should be conducted to confirm the results seen within this study.

An expert in the field of optimizing reproductive health for couples trying to conceive, Cindy Ferda offers conception solutions to those experiencing fertility issues. She is the author of How to Get Pregnant Quickly & Naturally and CEO of GetPregnant.org

Pre-implantation genetics testing offers new hope to pregnancy challenged couples

For couples who have experienced recurrent miscarriages, unsuccessful IVF cycles or unexplained infertility; as well as women of advanced maternal age; new procedures are available in the form of a genetic diagnosis program designed to help achieve a successful pregnancy.

The Center for Preimplantation Genetics Diagnosis offers a high-tech procedure that selects healthy embryos that are free of chromosomal abnormalities and defects; thus raising the chances of conception and delivery of a healthy baby.

This state of the art procedure is done in lab along with an IVF treatment. After medication is given to the female to stimulate egg production an ultrasound guided needle is used to retrieve eggs from the ovaries. United with sperm, they are placed in an incubator for fertilization and growth to the 4-12 cell stage. One or two cells from each embryo will be biopsied and genetic testing begins.

The center then tests for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, Turner syndrome and/or Klinefelter syndrome. Testing is also done for single gene inherited defects like cystic fibrosis and/or sickle cell disease.

At this point only embryos free of defects and/or abnormalities would be transferred to the mother’s uterus between day 4 and 5 following egg retrieval.

According to The Center for Preimplantation Genetics Diagnosis,

“PGD technology reduces the potential for adverse pregnancy outcomes for couples ‘at risk’ by testing the embryos for certain genetic abnormalities before they are chosen for transfer back to the woman. For example: 10 embryos resulted from an IVF cycle and through PGD testing, six were identified as genetically abnormal and four were normal. Armed with this knowledge, only the normal embryos would be selected for embryo transfer thereby reducing the possibility of miscarriage or birth defects”.

An expert in the field of optimizing reproductive health for women and men, Cindy Ferda has released her newest book on conception entitled ‘How to Get Pregnant Quickly & Naturally’.

Breakthrough egg freezing process offers new hope

For those women needing to put off pregnancy due to illness, work, not having a partner or other personal or medical reasons, but desirous of young healthy eggs to fertilize when motherhood beckons them, consider egg preservation.

In 1953 the first (fowl) sperm cryopreservation was reported. In 1986, Australian fertility specialist Dr. Christopher Chen reported the world’s first pregnancy using slow frozen oocytes (eggs) from a British controlled-rate freezer.

For many years doctors recommended a controlled-rate and slow freezing cryopreservation process to store eggs which offered less than exemplary results for women hoping to become pregnant. Prior to 2002, the success rate of live births from frozen eggs was a mere 1-3% globally.

Today however, an innovative new flash-freezing procedure known as Vitrification is on the rise showcasing stellar results at fertility clinics across the globe.

Vitrification is the latest breakthrough in egg freezing. It is a rapid freezing technique in which a high concentration of cryoprotectant (which is like a form of anti-freeze) is used in place of the water in the cell. Now free of ice and crystals, (which in the past had diminished egg survival rates) the resultant egg is now a solid glass-like cell. Eggs can successfully be stored for years. Most doctors seem to agree that this new procedure greatly improves the chances of egg survival during the freezing and subsequent thawing process.

When a woman is ready to use her stored frozen eggs an embryologist will need to inject the hardened shell with a needle carrying sperm for fertilization to occur. This technique is known as ICSI or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection.

A female egg is the largest cell in the human body. Containing a large amount of water, the ice crystals that form during a slow freeze can jeopardize the integrity of the cell.

The vitrification process is showing enormous improvement in egg survival rates, fertilization, pregnancies and ultimately births.

As with the formerly widely used slow-freeze cryopreservation technique, resultant chromosomal abnormalities remain consistent with those not using either of these freezing methods.

According to a report from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine’s official journal Fertility and Sterility, “the techniques of vitrification of oocytes and the subsequent warming process being used today are producing results equal to those using fresh oocytes and are, certainly, far superior to those utilizing slow-freezing techniques”.

With major advancements in our knowledge of egg/oocyte preservation, oocyte physiology and new laboratory techniques, the success of egg preservation is rapidly changing.

With egg/oocyte survival rates of over 90% after vitrification and warming, fertilization rates of 75%–90%, pregnancy rates of 32%–65%, and live-birth rates of over 50% , these numbers bring new hope to those who have had to delay pregnancy.

Freebirthing; the latest trend in delivering a baby

Unhappy with your last birthing experience at the hospital? Disappointed with the amount of meds pumped into your system? Feel like you lost control of the birth and were at the mercy of the numerous directives from medical personnel being forced upon you without your considerations? Not to mention the colossal medical expense.

There is a growing faction of women in both the US and in the UK who are rejecting traditional medical advice and hospitals, and opting to stay home and give birth with no drugs, no midwife and no medical support. Supporters’ suggest it is how having a baby was always meant to be, but doctors warn freebirthing could have catastrophic outcomes.

A supporter of home birthing, Jana Kutarna, and a contributing writer for Pregnancy Solutions says women should take charge of giving birth. “Many women don’t realize that in our culture they are trained to give away the responsibility of their birthing to doctors and to midwives. In reality, insurance companies are not responsible for the birth, only the mother is”. And with that mindset, Jana delivered a healthy baby girl at home with no help from a doctor or even a midwife; guided only by a mother’s instinct.

The Discovery Health Channel continues to air the documentary “Freebirthing”. This unassisted childbirth documentary follows the story of 3 women preparing to give birth at home without any medical assistance.

The remarkable footage of the extraordinary deliveries is shown in their entirety.

Initially, 9 pregnant women who were planning to deliver at home were interviewed for the doc and all 9 women went on to deliver successfully. 2 sought non-emergency medical care following delivery; one for stitches, the other for slow placenta.

Even celebrities are raising awareness of staying at home to birth a baby the natural way.

Actress, talk show host and activist Rikki Lake recently produced a documentary entitled “The Business of being Born”. After Lake felt disenchanted with her first child’s delivery in a medical setting, Lake opted for home delivery the second time round. Not only does she talk the talk, she walks the walk. Lake successfully delivered a healthy baby girl, cameras running, in the peace and quiet of her own home in NYC in this documentary.

Maca Root may be cure for conception difficulties

Maca Root is grown at high altitudes in the mountains of the Andes and has been used by both male and female native Peruvians for hundreds of years to facilitate conception.

With claims of successfully increasing fertility both then and now; the wonder supplement; in its organic state is a root vegetable shaped like a turnip and grows bountifully at 12,000 feet above sea level.

Far from the maca fields in the Andes, many women are turning to a prescription drug called Prometrium to help maintain optimal progesterone levels and ward off miscarriage.

An essential element in carrying a healthy pregnancy to term, progesterone levels must be balanced throughout pregnancy.

However the jury is still out on the efficacy and safety of the drug Prometrium.

The all-natural and organic alternative that is receiving high accolades is a maca root supplement also known as “lepidium meyenii”.

This works for women by attempting to control estrogen levels from becoming too high, thus causing progesterone levels to plummet and possibly lead to miscarriage.

As for the male, numerous studies have been conducted on the use of maca and its affect on sperm. One study included nine men who received maca tablets (between 1500 and 3000 mg/day) for 4 months depending upon their weight and size. Their levels were measured before and after treatment.

After using a maca supplement for four months, their seminal volume increased as did their sperm count per ejaculation. Sperm motility showed positive response as well.

For couples struggling with fertility issues and looking to create optimal reproductive health environments, they may want to look into the Peruvian favorite. It comes in the form of a tablet or powder and continues to receive rave reviews for its healing power.

Available at most vitamin stores as well as on-line, the cost of 100 tablets runs approximately $25 and a bit less for the powder.

How to Get Pregnant Quickly & Naturally is Cindy Ferda’s most recently published book. An expert in the field of optimizing reproductive health for women and men, her mission is to help inform couples of the importance of optimal reproductive health and provide solutions to their fertility dilemmas.

Natural Vitex supplement may reverse female fertility issue

Still trying to get pregnant?

New clinical studies on vitex chasteberry supplements have shown a considerable improvement for women with luteal phase defects. Some women do not recognize they even have an LPD and that its effects can prevent conception and pregnancy.

The luteal phase is the latter phase of the menstrual cycle (generally days 14-28). It begins with the formation of the corpus luteum and ends in either pregnancy or luteolysis.

The main hormone associated with this stage is progesterone, which is significantly higher during the luteal phase than other phases of the cycle.

Luteal phase defects transpire when the luteal phase is shorter than normal, progesterone levels during this phase are well below normal, or both. LPD is believed to interfere with the implantation of embryos.

If cycle irregularity and hormonal imbalance are causing difficulty with ovulation or impairing fertile quality cervical fluids, the regular use of an all-natural vitex agnus-castus, also called vitex, chaste tree, chasteberry or monk’s pepper may improve these defects with time.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), a small study was conducted on 52 patients with luteal phase defects who showed signs of reduced prolactin release.

By adding a vitex supplement to their diet their luteal phases normalized, they improved luteal phase progesterone synthesis and increased luteal phase estradiol. Vitex is recommended for PMS issues as well. Studies caution that once pregnant, the supplement should be stopped immediately.

Vitex supplements are available at most vitamin stores and on-line for under $10.

Top five questions to ask during your 20-week ultrasound to detect Congenital Heart Defects

According to the American Heart Association,(AHA) Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) are America’s #1 birth defect. Nearly one of every 125 babies is born with a CHD (almost 1% of all children born each year!). Here are more facts and stats from the AHA:

• Congenital heart defects are America’s #1 birth defect. Nearly one of every 125 babies is born with a CHD (almost 1% of all children born each year!).

• Congenital heart defects are the #1 cause of birth defect related deaths. 1 in 3 children who die from a birth defect have a congenital heart defect.

• This year almost 40,000 babies will be born with a congenital heart defect.

• In the U.S. twice as many children die from congenital heart defects each year than from all forms of childhood cancer combined. Yet funding for research of pediatric cancer is 5 times greater.

• From 1993 to 2003 death rates for congenital heart defects have declined by 31% due to advances made through research!

• There is not yet a preventative cure for any type of congenital heart defect.

• Of every dollar the government spends on medical funding only a fraction of a penny is directed toward congenital heart defect research.

Most of the time, CHD is overlooked during the 20-week ultra sound. Education is imperative and urgent. Dr. Nina Gotteiner, a fetal/pediatric cardiologist at Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital provides imperative information and a list of proactive questions that every expecting parent should know. “By asking these questions, expecting parents and their doctor can proactively identify heart issues before birth, and as a team, work together to prepare for any potential heart issues that may arise after birth.” Here are the top five questions expecting parents should ask their doctor during the 20-week ultrasound exam:

1. Do you see 4 chambers?

2. Do you look at the arteries or outflow tracks as part of your scan? *Note: Extremely important to focus on artery views. CHD often missed if only a standard “chamber view” is performed.

3. Are the heart and stomach in correct positions? Both organs should lay on the left side of the fetus.

4. Is the heart rate normal? Is the heart rate too slow (less than 100 beats per minute), too fast (over 200 beats per minute), or irregular? *Note: A normal heart rate range for a fetus is 120-180 beats per minute.

5. Is the heart function normal? Does the muscle work normally? Is everything hooked-up correctly?

This is what families of CHD babies want you to know. Knowledge is power. Just by asking the right questions and being an advocate for your babies health is a step towards greater awareness.

Jasmine Jafferali, MPH is a maternal, child and family health educator. She works as an Educational and Wellness Consultant helping women and families achieve healthier lifestyles. She is a Master Trainer for Healthy Moms(R) Fitness http://www.healthymomsfitness.com/ and a well-respected Pregnancy Health Columnist for Examiner.com

Pregnancy and gestational Vitamin D

In the last 3 years, an increasing amount of research suggests that some of the damage done by what is called Vitamin D deficiency syndrome is done in-utero, while the fetus is developing. Much of that damage may be permanent, that is, it can not be fully reversed by taking Vitamin D after birth.

This research indicates Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy endangers the mother’s life and health, and is the origin for a host of future dangers for the child, especially for the child’s brain and the immune system. Some of the damage done by maternal Vitamin D deficiency may not show up for 30 years.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), they are recommending all expecting moms to take 5,000 IU per day in addition to their prenatal vitamin. Babies who are born with a vitamin D deficiency have a higher incidence in being born with:

* Asthma

* Autism

* Cavities

* Celiac Disease

* Heart Disease

* Seizures

Moms have a higher rate of bacterial vaginitis (which causes premature deliveries) c-sections, gestational diabetes, and preclampsia.

Healthy children are needing 1000 IU per 25 pounds of body weight, above the current recommendation of 400 IU set by the AAP. Here is what else they are finding:

The announcement simply pointed out that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently recommended that all pregnant women have a 25(OH)D blood test because Vitamin D is important for normal fetal development (p. 1145):

“Given the growing evidence that adequate maternal vitamin D status is essential during pregnancy, not only for maternal well-being but also for fetal development, health care professionals who provide obstetric care should consider assessing maternal vitamin D status by measuring the 25-OH-D concentrations of pregnant women.

On an individual basis, a mother should be supplemented with adequate amounts of vitamin D3 to ensure that her 25-OH-D levels are in a sufficient range (>32 ng/mL).

The knowledge that prenatal vitamins containing 400 IU of vitamin D3 have little effect on circulating maternal 25-OH-D concentrations, especially during the winter months, should be imparted to all health care professionals.”

If you are an expecting mom, ask your doctor to run a vitamin D blood test and measure 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels and supplement if necessary. This test should be done on expecting mothers, exclusively breastfed infants, obese individuals, people over 65 years of age and those with a suppressed immunity such as those with, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer and an autoimmune disease, including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Celiac Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and so forth.

New research also shows vitamin d slashes risk for cancer by 77 percent. It may also help you be successful in your weight loss efforts (and postpartum weight loss!).

The other advantage to increasing your vitamin d intake is an instant immunity booster. People with the lowest levels tend to get more colds, flus, and respiratory infections. Those with impaired respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema and chronic obstructive respiratory infections (COPD) have a much higher risk for colds and flus and more likely to be lacking vitamin D.

Read more about Gestational Vitamin D Deficiency at the Vitamin D Council website.

Jasmine Jafferali, MPH is a maternal, child and family health educator. She works as an Educational and Wellness Consultant helping women and families achieve healthier lifestyles. She is a Master Trainer for Healthy Moms(R) Fitness http://www.healthymomsfitness.com/ and a well-respected Pregnancy Health Columnist for Examiner.com

Prenatal vitamins essential to get pregnant

Get pregnant by adding prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are an essential part of the equation for pregnant women and those attempting to conceive. Maintaining proper levels of folic acid, calcium and iron as well as many other nutrients while carrying a fetus will provide the best possible health results for a baby and mother prior to delivery.

Studies indicate that low folic acid levels can cause severe birth defectsof the brain and spinal cord called neural tube defects. Low folic acid levels may even reduce the chance of a woman carrying to term.

Many women who are trying to get pregnant and not taking a prenatal vitamin find their levels well below the suggested safe levels recommended by the FDA.

They spend the first several weeks of pregnancy with unsafe levels of these nutrients in their systems increasing their risks of having a baby born with birth defects.

With this in mind, anyone even considering pregnancy should be taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 800 mcg of folic acid each day. For women with low folate levels, of advanced age or who are experiencing fertility issues, doctors may recommend a prescription prenatal vitamin that contains 1000 mcg for a more aggressive approach.

The most important nutrient in a prenatal vitamin is folic acid. Folate can also be found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans and citrus fruits. The FDA requires that many flour products such as breads, buns and bagels be fortified with extra folic acid. Breakfast cereals and fortified enriched grain products offer the nutrient as well.

Calcium is another important nutrient in a prenatal vitamin. A growing fetus consumes much of the mother’s calcium during pregnancy; thus creating a low level in the mother’s system that may result in bone density loss and increase the chance of osteoporosis later in life. Calcium can also be found in dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Many juices are now fortified with calcium as well.

Iron is also an essential nutrient for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. The mother’s body creates additional amounts of blood during pregnancy to support a growing baby. With a higher volume of blood present in her system she needs supplemental iron to maintain a healthy level throughout her blood supply. Keeping a healthy level of iron lowers the risk in pregnant women of developing iron-deficiency anemia. Natural sources of iron include meat, fish and poultry. Other sources of iron may include beans, dried fruits, whole grains, fortified cereals and enriched breads.

Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, niacin and zinc are also found in a prenatal vitamin tablet. Although most experts agree that proper levels of folic acid, calcium and iron are most essential in carrying a healthy baby to term, these other vitamins are important as well.

Some women taking prenatal vitamins have experienced mild side effects like constipation and nausea. The constipation may be caused by the iron supplement. Drinking more water than usual may ease the constipation. Nausea can be reduced by taking the prenatal vitamin with food later in the day.

Secrets of conception

Whether you are 25 or 45, conceiving a baby can often be challenging for many couples. Medical professionals, fertility experts and women who have successfully conceived offer the following advice. While some factors remain beyond ones control, making a few modifications and choosing appropriate conception aid tools may be just the ticket to pregnancy.

Discontinue birth control pills

Use alternative methods of birth control other than birth control pills for at least two months until you are ready to begin trying to conceive. Studies indicate a woman’s ovulation and menstrual cycle will be back on track within a few months after discontinuing the use of birth control pills and begin ovulating normally soon thereafter.

Birth control pills are also known to thicken cervical mucus and may prevent sperm from joining with an egg. Cervical mucus usually needs to return to its normal thickness before successfully conceiving.

Stop smoking

According to the American Heart and Lung Association, women who smoke may reduce their chances of conceiving by 40% and their chances of miscarriage increase as well. Additionally, lower birth weight may result.

In other research by fertility experts, a recent Canadian study found a higher incidence of mutations in the sperm of men who use tobacco products. Marijuana use at the time of conception or during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, birth defects and ectopic pregnancy.

Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regime

Studies across the nation cite women who maintain a proper body weight mass by eating properly and exercising increase their chances of conceiving. Maintaining a good balance will help you later on during pregnancy and labor as well.

Additional research suggested women who are under weight may reduce their chances of fertility and conception, too.

Women who maintain healthy insulin levels are more likely to ovulate normally than those with insulin-resistance or diabetes. Moderate exercise of 30 minutes each day can improve insulin levels.

If you eat processed foods or knowingly consume foods with trans fats, switch to whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Co-authors Walter Willet, M.D. and Jorge Chavarro, M.D. conducted the latest Nurses Study II monitoring health issues on 18,500 nurses; including fertility-related issues. They tell us the right diet can improve your chances of getting pregnant by 66%. One delicious perk includes regularly consuming a full-fat dairy product like ice cream. This may boost your fertility by a whopping 22%. Hello Ben & Jerry’s!

Cut the caffeine

There is conflicting research available regarding moderate to heavy amounts of caffeine.
Play it safe and avoid the caffeine. Once pregnant, caffeine may also be detrimental to the unborn child.

Cut the alcohol

The U.S. Surgeon General warns women should not drink alcohol while pregnant because of the risk of birth defects. With this in mind, women who are attempting to conceive often do not know they are pregnant for at least a month.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a critical factor worth considering when deciding to drink alcoholic beverages while attempting to get pregnant. FAS is an irreversible condition which slows the growth of vital organs in the baby due to the effects of alcohol.

The risk of fetal alcohol syndrome is greatest during the first trimester of pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of the few causes of mental retardation that is preventable, yet it remains a common cause according to a report from the Mayo Clinic.

Ovulation…Know your best days

By tracking your menstrual cycle and becoming familiar with your ovulationyou will increase your chances significantly of becoming pregnant.

Investing in a Basal body temp thermometer (BBT) and charting your temp may be the answer to conception. Ovulation predictor kits offer amazing accuracy in tracking your most fertile 24-36 hours.

Prenatal Vitamins

To create a healthy environment for both you and your baby it is essential to take the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid and calcium.

Prenatal vitamins generally contain 800 mcg of folic acid and 200 mg of calcium. Your Physician may recommend you begin this regimen ahead of time with 800 – 1000 mcg of folic acid to prepare your body for pregnancy.

Occupational Hazards

It is important for women trying to conceive to limit their exposure to occupational hazards such as biological agents (i.e. Rubella, Tuberculosis, Chickenpox, Herpes Simplex, HIV, Hepatitis B and Toxoplasma). Rubella, for example can infect and damage the growing fetus and cause miscarriage, deafness and even cataracts. If the pregnant worker has had the vaccination or disease itself, she is likely to be immune.

Physical hazards such as extreme temperatures, vibration and hyperbaric atmospheres are known to be a threat as well. Women exposed to high doses of radiation, especially x-rays should limit their exposure. Birth defects have been found in children born to women exposed to very high doses of radiation.

Stay away from solvents, dangerous pharmaceuticals and metals such as lead and mercury. Watch out for any label or data which carry the codes R46, R61, R63 and R64.

Finally, the risks from stress are well established and are associated with raised blood pressure which is dangerous for pregnant women and associated with infertility.

Next Page »