Get Pregnant: Tips from a Pregnancy Researcher

New study links higher sperm count to vitamin

March 2, 2010 by Cindy Ferda · 1 Comment 

baby-1-150x150Troubled 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

Studies link Horny Goat Weed to increased sperm count

March 2, 2010 by Cindy Ferda · Leave a Comment 

Yin Yang Huo aka Horny Goat Weed

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

Should women take Prometrium to ward off miscarriage?

February 22, 2010 by Cindy Ferda · Leave a Comment 

Pregnant Belly 1ATo sustain a healthy pregnancy, women must maintain healthy levels of progesterone at all times.

As a woman’s body prepares for ovulation, progesterone levels go up. The corpus luteum can stimulate the production of progesterone for about two weeks and if a conception occurs, the pregnancy itself takes over the stimulation of progesterone. With no pregnancy, the lining of the uterus deteriorates and a period begins.

If a newly pregnant woman’s progesterone level begins to diminish, then miscarriage would be imminent.

Many women who have experienced one or more miscarriages or are known to have a luteal phase defect (LPD) are being presented with a new option by their providers.

Prometrium, a synthetic form of progesterone that may help maintain a pregnancy and ward off miscarriage. Normally prescribed to menopausal women requiring hormone therapy and/or women experiencing abnormal periods, Prometrium can also be prescribed to women experiencing spotting or bleeding early in the first trimester or women with a history of recurrent miscarriage.

Available in tablet form a doctor will generally prescribe a 100-200mg dose to be taken orally once or twice a day. Suppositories and cream are available as well.

To determine the efficacy and safety of progestogens like Prometrium as a preventative therapy against miscarriage, a recent study (by Haas DM, Ramsey PS ‘Progestogen for preventing miscarriage’ Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 2) was conducted on 2118 women who participated in 15 trials. The study revealed no significant difference between progestogen and placebo or no treatment groups for a majority of the participants.

However, in a subgroup analysis of three trials involving women who had recurrent miscarriages (3 or more), treatment showed a statistically significant decrease in the miscarriage rate compared to placebo or no treatment.

Additionally, no significant adverse effects from taking Prometrium were reported regarding mother and child at this time, however many people feel there are not enough facts supporting its safety and warranting its overuse.

According to their own website, the most common adverse events reported in (postmenopausal) women receiving prometrium 200 mg were: breast tenderness, dizziness, abdominal bloating, vaginal discharge, chest pain, and diarrhea.

And most importantly, they actually warn not to use while pregnant. 

Further research indicated the long-term maternal and neonatal/fetal adverse effects of progestogen administration in early pregnancy also warrant further investigation.

Until then many non-supporters feel it is imperative Progestogen be removed from the treatment list for preventing miscarriage. Increasing awareness among policy-makers, health-care providers and patients about the fact that the practice is not based on evidence is a good start.

Pregnancy rates climb with fertility drug Clomid

January 8, 2010 by Cindy Ferda · 6 Comments 

For the latest free pregnancy, health and conception tips visit GetPregnantQuickandNaturally .com

To combat infertility, many women are turning to clomiphene citrate as their first course of action. Sold under the brand name Serophene or Clomid, it is the most commonly man-kisses-belly prescribed medication for women with ovulation issues, PCO (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and/or luteal phase defects, however it does not work for women with blocked fallopian tubes.

Treatment generally begins with a 50mg dose of Clomid. This will assist in regulating and/or inducing ovulation by stimulating hormones that will produce or release mature eggs from the ovaries.

Affordable and prescribed from your doctor or purchased through an international pharmaceutical source online without a prescription, a one-cycle 50mg dose may only cost about $50.

Studies indicate this easy to take oral medication offers great ovulation results for approximately 40% of the women it is prescribed to. Clomid can be taken for up to six menstrual cycles, but most doctors agree that if it doesn’t produce a pregnancy within the first three cycles, another treatment should be considered.

Taken orally on days 3 to 7 or 5 to 9 of your menstrual cycle, Clomid signals the pituitary gland to begin secreting more FSH and LH hormones. At this signal, the ovaries will typically begin to mature eggs and release them; sometimes even more than one.

Used alone or as part of what is known as superovulation on women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), Clomid offers some patients the chance for multiple egg retrievals or ultimately multiple births. The live birth rate for women using Clomid is climbing and thought to be between 30 and 60 percent. Studies also suggest there is a 10% increase in the birth of twins.

Monitoring your body during this treatment is vital to the success of the treatment. Work with your doctor or fertility specialist to make sure you are not developing a hostile cervical mucus environment known to affect about one third of all Clomid users. Hostile cervical mucus will adversely affect sperm on contact.

Generally with mild side effects, Clomid’s adverse reactions may range from ovarian enlargement or hyperstimulation, hot flushes, abdominal discomfort, breast discomfort, nausea, vomiting, visual impairments, headaches or abnormal uterine bleeding.

There are potential risks however with the drug. A 1994 study cites a connection with an increase in risk of ovarian cancer in women who took clomiphene (Clomid) for 12 or more months. Additionally, there are a number of women using Clomid without the advice of a medical professional who are not the right candidates for this med, thus reducing their potential to conceive.

Prenatal vitamins essential for healthy newborns and moms-to-be

December 20, 2009 by Cindy Ferda · 7 Comments 

For the latest pregnancy, health and conception tips visit Cindy Ferda’s National Examiner column here.

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 food and vitaminsmany 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.

Secrets of Conception

December 16, 2009 by Cindy Ferda · 9 Comments 

For the latest FREE pregnancy, health and conception tips visit www.GetPregnantQuickandNaturally .com

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 delivery 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.

How to pinpoint ovulation and get pregnant

February 8, 2009 by Cindy Ferda · 6 Comments 

Predicting ovulation can be a daunting monthly task for those trying to conceive a baby. Time constraints, work and family obligations may negate the opportunity and desire for sexual intercourse on a daily basis.

There are however, numerous ways to predict ovulation beginning with using a calendar. Ovulation predictor calendars or calculators are a great tool to use for conception guidance. An example would be if a period begins on February 14, the most fertile time to conceive would be February 24 – March 1. The most fertile day may be February 28. This is based on an average menstrual period with a duration lasting five days. The general rule of thumb is 10-17 days from the first day of the last period.

In addition to the ovulation calendar, fertility experts recommend becoming familiar with the cervix. During a woman’s fertile time the cervix is often high up, difficult to reach, soft and sensitive to the touch and open to the uterus. It also feels wet with cervical mucus.

If a woman becomes familiar with this region on a regular basis, she may find that on the most fertile day, she will not even be able to reach it. Prior to ovulation feel for a firm, easy to reach dry cervix. The opening to the uterus will feel closed at this time. Take notice of breast tenderness as well.

When the brain signals the ovary to release a mature egg each month, a luteinizing hormone known as LH begins to work its magic. Watch for slight cramping near the site. These cramps are generally mild and sometimes referred to as Mittelschmerz cramping. A woman may notice how the cramps change from side to side each month indicating which ovary is about to release the egg. Once an egg is released from the ovary and sent into the fallopian tube, it is ready for fertilization by sperm.

The window of fertilization opportunity is short-lived however; numerous studies cite from 12 to approximately 48hours.

With all the latest medical advancements relating to conception and pregnancy, one of the newest and best ways to predict ovulation is by using a digital ovulation predictor kit available at many retail drug stores across the country and on-line. For about thirty bucks, this digital device pinpoints the exact time a woman’s egg is being released by testing the urine daily for the elevated LH level. The digital stick comes with five replacement heads for each morning’s urine sample. There are less expensive kits available that are not digital and not as sensitive, but offer really good results.

Women can also chart their temperature using a basal body thermometer each morning. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), immediately following ovulation, a woman can detect a slight rise in her normal temp. This indicates ovulation has occurred and again the egg is ready for fertilization for up to 48 hours.

With all the helpful ovulation aids available on the market today, women can now take a pro-active approach to pregnancy without spending a fortune.

For more info on pregnancy related issues visit The National Pregnancy Examiner here.

Digital ovulation predictor signals ovulation has occurred

Digital ovulation predictor signals ovulation has occurred

Sperm and the zinc-folic factor

January 12, 2009 by Cindy Ferda · 2 Comments 

For the latest pregnancy, health and conception tips visit Cindy Ferda’s National Examiner column here.

If you or anyone you know has been trying to conceive a baby for months or even years without success, it may be time to look into the zinc sulfate and folic acid factor and how it ivf-pic-examinerrelates to sperm count.

A contributing factor in male infertility could be as simple as low zinc and/or folic acid levels. Folate-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, beans or orange juice will help a man maintain a healthy balanced diet, but remember the body does not make enough zinc or folic acid on its own, so it must be obtained from one’s diet and/or supplements.

Without the proper levels of these trace minerals, the body does not operate at full throttle; including reproductively. In some cases sperm motility is negatively affected as well as the sperm count.

Recent studies indicate zinc supplements along with folic acid may increase sperm count and improve sperm motility in some men.

One published Dutch study claims men who are having difficulty impregnating their partner may increase their sperm count by up to 74% by taking 5mg of folic acid and 66mg of zinc sulfate a day for 26 weeks. It did caution however, that taken alone, there was no significant improvement in sperm count.

Although zinc is an essential mineral required to operate the human body properly, excessive amounts may be harmful, so always consult your physician before beginning any new regimen.

Examining the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF)

December 6, 2008 by Cindy Ferda · Leave a Comment 

 For the latest pregnancy, health and conception tips visit Cindy Ferda’s National Examiner column here.

For many women, the “baby quest” can be an emotionally daunting and costly experience, devoting many years and big bucks to the cause. ivf_pic

According to the most recent National Summary and Fertility Clinic Report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about 12% of women of childbearing age in the United States have used an infertility service and the percentage of women who give birth using an infertility aid each year is steadily climbing.

When natural methods fail, many women between the ages of 28 and 47 are turning to an assisted reproductive technology (ART) technique called In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

Of the 422 fertility clinics in operation and participating in this report during this time, 134,260 ART cycles were performed resulting in 38,910 births for a success rate of 29%. The majority of women using ART techniques ranged between the ages of 30-39 (68%). Women 40+ made up an additional 21%.

The IVF process begins when a woman stimulates her ovaries by taking an oral medication like Clomid or Serophene to produce or develop eggs. She can also be monitored for natural egg production via ultra-sounds or blood work. Once her egg(s) reach maturation and are potentially viable they are removed during an outpatient medical procedure called follicular aspiration which entails sending a thin needle through the vaginal canal and into each ovary (follicle) containing the egg(s). With the needle connected to a suction apparatus, it removes the egg(s) and fluid from each ovary. Mild cramping may occur for a short period of time.

In lab, the egg(s) and sperm are combined to create an embryo or embryos. Under a watchful eye, technicians monitor the development of the embryo(s) and days later, the most viable one(s) are selected and transferred through the vaginal canal, cervix, and then into the uterus during an outpatient procedure at a doctor’s office, fertility clinic or hospital. If the procedure is successful, a woman will know if she is pregnant within two weeks.

The IVF method has been used successfully in the United States since 1981. Studies support a higher percentage of conception success rates with embryo transfers to the uterus occurring on day 3 and day 5 out of the 1 to 6 day window of opportunity for this procedure.

Many factors come into play in the success of IVF such as age, origin of infertility, ovarian reserve, FSH level, semen attributes, the woman’s response to treatment, general over-all health condition, the use of a woman’s own fresh egg(s), frozen egg(s) or donor egg(s), emotional state, health insurance coverage and monetary concerns.

There are a number of other ART techniques to consider in addition to IVF such as GIFT and ZIFT with the latter being a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed laparoscopically (MIS) with a small incision (2-3cm) made through the abdomen. A woman will gain a better understanding of which procedure(s) she is a better candidate for after consulting with her OB/GYN or fertility specialist.

Although multiple embryo transfers may pose more of a health risk concern for both the mother and babies, studies suggest the rate of successful live births does increase with more than one embryo transfer.

As a woman matures, her viable egg(s) begin to diminish, especially after 40. For these women, there is another option. A donor egg. Studies reflect that even women over 40 may have a 52% success rate using a donor egg. Women who have trouble carrying to term but whose egg(s) are viable may want to consider a surrogate or gestational carrier. The same IVF method would apply to the surrogate.

Additionally, women who have previously been pregnant and/or given birth through natural methods or using ART techniques are known to have a higher chance of conceiving and birthing once again using ART methods.

Couples who are experiencing low sperm count may choose to use Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) where a single sperm is injected directly into a woman’s egg for a better likelihood of fertilization. This process is used in conjunction with IVF.

The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), an organization of ART providers affiliated with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), has been collecting data and publishing annual reports of pregnancy success rates for fertility clinics in the United States and Canada since 1989.

General information on clinics in your area and throughout the U.S. who are members of The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) can be obtained by calling 205.978.5000, extension 109.

According to the Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, the average cost of a single IVF cycle is approximately $9500, not including medications.

If you live in and have health insurance coverage in one of the following 13 states, you may receive partial to full coverage for infertility issues, IVF cycles or ART procedures. Check with your insurance provider as states mandate different infertility coverage such as lifetime infertility treatment benefit caps of $15,000, 1 IVF session or no IVF cycle – but include other treatments like fertility medications or artificial insemination.

Currently, the list includes Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Texas, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island and West Virginia while Florida and other states are currently under consideration for state mandates concerning these types of procedures.

Get Pregnant. Where do you stand statistically?

October 26, 2008 by Cindy Ferda · 3 Comments 

Recent studies indicate a healthy woman under the age of 35 who has unprotected intercourse on average of twice a week for three months has a 57% chance of conceiving a baby.

Six months of exposure will bring results on average of 72% while one year of baby-making will bring the number to approximately 85% and two years of trying to conceive reaches near 93%. If you are over 35, simply divide the above numbers in half. These are still great numbers!

Let’s talk eggs!

Now, for a bit of information on the life-span of “the egg”–viable and non-viable.

Studies also show a female embryo in the womb of her mother at only 4-5 months has between 6-7 million eggs also called or referred to as “oocytes“, dropping down to 1-2 million by birth. Puberty brings this number down to 300,000 – 500,000.

The menstrual cycle claims several hundred more over the decades of normal periods and by the time a women reaches her mid to late 30’s some studies indicate the number drops to a mere 25,000 eggs remaining in her ovaries.

Once into her 40’s, another study suggests she may have approximately 1.5 % of her original supply remaining. Regardless of which study you choose to agree with, there are usually plenty left after age 35 to consider the odds favorable – possibly between 25,000 and 90,000. Beyond all of this, eggs are also lost through natural cell death, as well.

Throughout the life span of a woman’s eggs the number of genetically viable ones naturally decreases with age and the proper distribution of the genetic contents may be lost or uncertain. Of the genetically abnormal pregnancies, most go on to miscarry in the first or second trimester of pregnancy and of the women who are over 35, there is even a higher risk of miscarriage with normal and/or abnormal pregnancies and several studies suggest women over 40 have a 1 in 3 or 4 chance of miscarriage.

But do not dismay. Many women go on to eventually conceive and deliver healthy babies well into their 40’s.

Seek help. Find additional helpful information and explore adding prenatal supplements to your diet. Always speak to your physician.

There is a plethora of information and ideas, methods and suggestions you may want to ponder and consider utilizing…ovulation predictor kits, ovulation calendars, natural fertility boosters, fertility handbooks, healthy diets chocked-full of greens, pre-natal vitamins months in advance, basal thermometers, best suggested sexual positions to conceive, large quantities of water to keep the body well-hydrated, suggested exercise routines, books on healthy eating, homeopathic remedies, herbal teas, female infertility information, male infertility information, yoga and relaxation techniques, and all the “dos” the “don’ts” and the pitfalls and myths to take in stride all geared to help you get educated, do what is best for you and get pregnant.

And if need be, assisted reproductive technology (or ART) is available across the globe with outstanding results in many categories in this day and age. Much scientific and medical advancement are being developed and cultivated on a regular basis.

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