Troubled with low sperm count, viability, motility or morphology?

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

Yin Yang Huo aka Horny Goat Weed

Albeit a funny name; don’t let the name dissuade you. Horny Goat Weed has been used medicinally for thousands of years. A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the all natural botanical has been used to remedy kidney and liver disorders and joint issues to its use and reputation as an all-natural aphrodisiac and natural alternative to Viagra. It has garnered many accolades from users and non-traditional health care practitioners.

Known to stimulate sexual interest and activity in men, the testosterone-like effects will increase sperm production, sperm count and semen density as well as desire, thus leading to more frequent intercourse. Women benefit from the supplement with an increased libido due to the expansion of the circulatory systems blood vessels, allowing for improved blood flow to the female organs.

The legend of Horny Goat Weed’s origination is that it was discovered by a Chinese goat herder who noticed an increase in sexual activity among his herd after repeated consumption of the plant (also called Yin Yang Huo and Inyokaku), and then he used it himself with stellar results.

In studies with mice, after being fed Horny Goat Weed, they showed a marked improvement in testosterone levels, sperm count and frequency of intercourse. The herb’s main function is its physiological effect on the dilation of blood vessels which trigger hormones to enhance blood allowing it to reach responsive tissues. It stimulates the supra renal glands, and triggers increased hormonal secretions.

Still today, considered one of the most valued herbs in TCM, this plant with long and wide heart-shaped leaves thrives in China and Japan, but can be grown almost anywhere. It can be purchased in the form of a supplement at most health food and vitamin stores for about $20.

The main ingredient, icariin, is known to help with erectile dysfunction and is an all-natural alternative to Viagra which is made up of synthetic chemicals.

If you or your partner are looking to spice things up in the bedroom; or improve issues like low sperm count or mobility, low libido, erection dysfunction, menstrual pains, renal failure, high blood pressure, premature ejaculation and even asthma and bronchitis, then Horny Goat Weed supplements may be just what you are looking for.

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

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.

While Google, Bing and Yahoo search engines have all but replaced encyclopedias and dictionaries, eBooks are today’s convenient way of obtaining all kinds of literary material including pregnancy related books immediately from the Internet.

With the simple click of a mouse these eBooks can be downloaded right away, then you as the buyer have the option of printing it out and (or) keeping it conveniently on your computer or laptop for easy instant access.

When browsing through the shelves of the local bookstore it can be difficult deciding which book best suits your specific needs, so after evaluating and critiquing several of the eBooks relating to conception and pregnancy that are currently available on-line, we narrowed our search for the cream of the crop to the following three eBooks.

These best-sellers were created by reputable authors and true experts in the field and the prices ranged from $14.95 to $39 which is a small price to pay when you consider the thousands of dollars you could spend on unnecessary fertility specialists.

$39 eBook ‘Pregnancy Miracle’ by Lisa Olson – This top-selling author sheds light on getting pregnant naturally with her successful program. An alternative health and nutrition specialist, health consultant and Chinese medicine researcher, Lisa Olson teaches couples how to reverse infertility and get pregnant within 2 Months.

This eBook snagged our attention because of the quality of the content and the fact Olson guarantees her method with a 60-day money back guarantee. This book is available for $39 on her site here and it’s definitely worth a strong consideration.

$14.95 eBook ‘Get Pregnant Quickly & Naturally’ by Cindy Ferda – At $14.95 this is clearly the best bargain we could find anywhere on the net; it sells elsewhere for $29.95. This no-nonsense material offers the nuts and bolts necessary to conceive naturally while concentrating on providing the best health environment for your baby.

A national columnist for The Examiner’s Family and Parenting Pregnancy division, Cindy Ferda combines years of gynecological and obstetrical information from experts in the fields of reproductive medicine and holistic practices and presents them in this eBook.

‘How to Get Pregnant Quickly & Naturally’ contains great health tips as well as the newest secrets of conception and strategies for getting pregnant.

The book also includes an in-depth look at the advantages of fertility diets that not only are proven to increase a woman’s chances of getting pregnant, but also decreases the chances of a fetus having neural tube defects and other potential deformities.

Utilizing this same information the author conceived naturally at 44 and is now offering to share her knowledge and personal experience in conception, fertility issues, fertility enhancing foods and keys to improving sperm count and sperm motility naturally.

$29.59 ‘The Full Embrace Pregnancy Success Program’ by Diana Farrell, M.A. – This eBook reveals secrets about the most powerful and rare health treatments you can do yourself at home for FREE that will vastly increase your chances of conception within 8-12 weeks. To date the information in this book has helped thousands of couples beat infertility and achieve pregnancy.

We hope you find this information helpful and please comment back to this section to let us know how these eBooks have helped your quest to fertility so we can share your success with our other readers.

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.

• 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

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 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 defects of 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.

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 ovulation you 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.

Each year, millions of women delve into the world of baby-making to begin their journey of fulfilling their dreams of having a family.

Today, with more women in the workforce than ever before, women are waiting longer to begin their families, thus it is becoming increasingly difficult for some women to conceive due to their advanced age.

Altering ones course of action with a few new dietary and supplemental choices, exercising regularly or even changing intercourse positions may help lead you directly to the nursery.

Compiled from medical professionals and women who have conceived, the following 20 tips for getting pregnant have worked for women across the globe.

1. Water. Couples must drink plenty of water. Studies suggest proper hydration aids in fertility and conception as well as overall health. Without optimal hydration, the male sperm count and quality may be adversely affected and a woman’s cervical mucus may become more hostile to sperm.

2. Moderate and regular exercise. Studies indicate maintaining a proportionate weight to your height aids in upping your conception chances. Always check with a licensed medical professional regarding pregnancy and exercise.

3. Folic Acid. A woman should prepare the body ahead of time by taking a pre-natal vitamin with 800 mcg’s of folic acid well in advance. Some fertility specialists and reproductive endocrinologists suggest a program of at least double for a certain period of time depending on individual circumstances. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for a higher level of folic acid.

4. Folic acid and zinc sulfate. Studies show a 74% increase in sperm and sperm motility for some men when they incorporate 5mg of folic acid and 66mg of zinc sulfate a day for 26 weeks into their diet. Check with a medical professional before beginning this regime. Taking a regular multi-vitamin daily will aid in proper male nutrition. This again may lead to better sperm.

5. Diet. Both men and women must eat a well-balanced, nutritional diet, rich in B vitamins, iron, calcium and folic acid. The Fertility Diet by Jorge Chavarro, M.D., Walter C. Willett, M.D., and Patrick J. Skerrett offers up some delicious healthy choices including ice cream but warns against trans fats. Some fertility experts, like celebrity Jennifer Lopez’ doc advise eating spinach 3 times a day will boost conception and pregnancy rates.

6. Caffeine. Remove caffeine from your diet even before you are pregnant. Unfortunately this includes chocolate. Some studies indicate an intake of more than 300 mg of caffeine per day can seriously impact fertility as well as hamper the ability of the body to absorb calcium and iron.

7. Alcohol. Stop alcohol consumption. According to a report from the Mayo Clinic, alcohol is one of the few causes of mental retardation that is preventable by stopping consumption ahead of time.

8. Smoking. Stop smoking. According to the surgeon general, smoking tobacco products may lead to birth defects and/or low birth weight. A study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center states marijuana use may increase the risk of ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages. Additionally, sperm may be altered by tobacco and marijuana as well.

9. Appetite suppressants. Just say no. A study from the State University of New York warn weight-loss drugs currently being used need more careful evaluation the their effects on pregnant women and those attempting to conceive.

10. Switch to a water-based lubricant. Oil-based personal lubricants may hinder sperm.

Click here for part 2 of this article to view the remaining tips and strategies for getting pregnant.