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

Studies link Horny Goat Weed to increased sperm count

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

How to lower risk of preeclampsia in pregnancy

According to a study from SeonAe Yeo, Ph.D, an associate professor with a specialty in women’s health at the UNC School of Nursing at Chapel Hill, for some women, preeclampsia risks may be lowered by following a simple 40 minute, 5 times a week, stretching routine during pregnancy.

Researchers at the university, lead by Dr. Yeo, followed 79 women with a history of preeclampsia from 2001 to 2006 to determine the differences between women who walked for exercise and women who stretched.

Yeo and her teams’ findings showed that stretching could in fact provide extra protection against preeclampsia because stretchers produced more transferrin than walkers did. Transferrin is a plasma protein that transports iron through the blood and protects against oxidative stress on the body.

They say these new findings are contrary to the former belief that rigorous exercise was the way to alleviate preeclampsia risk.

Preeclampsia, also called toxemia or pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), is a condition that affects between 5% and 8% of pregnancies each year, and accounts for numerous maternal and fetal issues worldwide.

Women who may be prone to the disease are those who have a previous personal history or family history of preeclampsia, those with a history of high blood pressure, those with PCOS, those carrying multiples, those with autoimmune disorders or Lupus, those over 40, those with a body mass index of more than 30 % and those with poor nutritional habits.

Additionally, women who do not consume a healthy diet, remain sedentary, and who do not take the required prenatal supplements before and throughout their pregnancy may increase their chances of contracting preeclampsia. Although preeclampsia is often easily detected with noticeable symptoms, there are instances where it can come about from nowhere, endangering the life of both mother and child if gone untreated.

According to the Preeclampsia Foundation at www.preeclampsia.org, preeclampsia, toxemia, PIH, PET, as well as ephegesis gestosis refer to serious, closely related hypertensive conditions of pregnancy.

The foundation says toxemia is actually an older term used, which was based on a belief that the condition was the result of toxins or poisons in the bloodstream.

Preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia in the later stages of pregnancy, if not monitored. Eclampsia is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy and can lead to eclamptic convulsions or seizures that may lead to coma, brain damage, maternal or infant death.

In an effort to reduce blood pressure and preeclampsia symptoms, anti-hypertensive meds may be prescribed, and in rare instances, diuretics. A more recent clinical approach is to use magnesium sulfate.

If the mother or child’s health is at risk and blood pressure cannot be controlled, steroid treatment may be advised to help mature the baby’s lungs and ready him for an early delivery.

Those with a history of preeclampsia may have a restricted diet and exercise routine outlined for them by their health care provider in an attempt to stave off the harmful illness.

On a final note from the study at Chapel Hill; researchers found that at the end of the participants’ pregnancies, almost 15 percent of the women in the walking group had developed preeclampsia and less than 5 percent of the women from the stretching group actually developed the dangerous condition.

Signs of Preeclampsia

When a pregnant woman’s blood pressure readings reach 140/90, more than twice in six hours, it is often a sign of preeclampsia. Other signs related to the onset of preeclampsia are swelling and excess protein in the urine.

If a pregnant woman experiences any of the following symptoms, she should contact her doctor immediately to check for preeclampsia and/or determine the cause of the issue.

• High blood-pressure
• Severe headaches
•  Swelling
•  Changes in vision
• Upper abdominal pain, usually under the ribs on the right side
•  Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Decreased urine output

Generally, preeclampsia does not affect pregnant women prone to the illness until after the 20th week of pregnancy.

After a doctor closely monitors a woman’s blood pressure, tests urine for protein levels and diagnoses preeclampsia, the healthcare provider may do additional tests to check that the liver and kidneys are functioning properly.

Additional blood work may be required to see if the blood has the normal number of platelets.

And finally, monitoring the baby’s development is of the utmost importance at this time as it is vital to be certain the baby is continuing to receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients. A steroid treatment may be given in an effort to mature the baby’s lungs.

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.

Sweet success for ‘Hollywood moms’ who give birth after 40

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

When it comes to pregnancy over 40, nothing beats a good dose of Hollywood moms over 40 conceiving and successfully giving birth to make women across the globe hopeful they

 too can achieve their goals of having a family.

Beautiful Naomi Watts, 41, known for her roles in ‘King Kong’ and ‘Mulholland Drive’ and partner Liev Schreiber welcomed a son, Samuel Kai seven weeks ago. It is the second child for the duo.

‘Life on Mars’ star Lisa Bonet, 41, and her husband, ‘Stargate Atlantis’ actor Jason Momoa announced the birth of baby boy Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa. Bonet also has a 20 year old daughter, actress Zoë Isabella Kravitz from ex-hubby Lenny Kravitz.

Academy-award winning actress Nicole Kidman, 41, and country singer hubby Keith Urban welcomed 6lb. 7oz. daughter Sunday Rose last July. Kidman has two adopted children Isabella and Connor with ex-husband Tom Cruise. Sunday Rose is her first biological child.

At 41, actress Halle Berry and Versace model boyfriend Gabriel Aubry brought home their new daughter Nahla last March. This is the first child for the pair. Reports from Hollywood state Berry, now 42 along with beau Aubry are hopeful for yet another baby.

With more women in the workforce than ever before, studies indicate that the numbers of advanced maternal aged moms are increasing yearly as not only celebs are putting off baby-making but women across the country as well. Whether it’s a forty-plus hour work week amassed in Hollywood or as a business professional, countless numbers of women are opting out of procreating until well into their thirties and early forties to pursue their careers early on.

Accordingly, infertility clinics are popping up across the country to accommodate the abundant calls they receive on a daily basis. The latest CDC report filed indicated more than 10% of women or 1.2 million who tried to conceive turned to fertility treatments and testing for help.

Assisted reproductive techniques like in vitro fertilization (IVF), the egg-stimulating drug Clomid, egg or sperm donation, utilizing a surrogate or gestational carrier; these are just a sampling of the methods and treatments being offered and used by Hollywood moms and women across the globe.

From ‘Lipstick Jungle’ star Brooke Shields, 41 at the time of delivery of Baby Grier to ‘Desperate Housewives’ star, Marcia Cross who used IVF and welcomed fraternal twins Eden and Savannah at almost 45 to Courteney Cox-Arquette who at 40 also using IVF brought daughter Coco into the world to hard-hitting CNN anchorwoman Nancy Grace, another admitted IVF-user who at 48 gave birth via c-section to twins John David and Lucy Elizabeth, these women are an inspiration to the millions of women each year attempting to fulfill their dreams and the nursery.

Click here to view the ‘Hollywood Moms over 35 Baby Gallery’ for a little extra inspiration.

Get Pregnant. Where do you stand statistically?

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.

Pregnancy after 40

My only child is approaching his 21st Birthday, I’ve been happily married for eight great years and I decide at the ripe age of forty-three; that’s right a 4 and a 3 to embark on the ultimate journey of baby-making once again!

My husband’s AARP application arrived in the mail recently along with his firefighter retirement check – he just turned 50. He barely looks 40. I tell him it’s genetics, he jokes it’s from not having to raise a few kids.

I know how psyched my 20-year-old son is about having a sibling. He has no idea how psyched I am about having a free 20-year-old babysitter!

After years of mulling it over, hours of discussion, passionately over-analyzing the subject with no definitive resolution, questions arise; the brain goes on overload.

Do I really want to start the whole process again? Will we still be able to travel and work?

And what about raising the kid? Public or private school? Minivan or SUV?

Or as my husband says, Lions or Bears fan? Red Wings or Black Hawks? And how much is college going to be in the year 2026? Will we be cashing in the house for two semesters of college?

And who’s the designated babysitter when the free twenty-year-old gets tired of smelly diapers?

Our cat sitter is only $17 a day and that includes two feedings and one litter box clean-up; wonder if she’ll be available! Some other friends recently turned their loving dog-sitter Paula into their Nanny for their two babies.

Grandma Nancy’s out of service. She’s in Michigan helping with 17 grandkids at the over-ripe age of 82.

What if the little one is allergic to the cats? Who goes, the kid or the cats? What if we have multiples? Won’t even go there!

Here’s a horror story. Last time I had a baby my shoe size went up ½ size. If it happens again; so much for my Donald Pliner Snake-skin sandals.

Then there’s the boob issue; will they sag after nursing and droop like half-filled water balloons. I can always get a boob-job after breast-feeding and finance the kid’s college.

What about baby-proofing the house and sleep . . . ah sleep . . . I really enjoy my sleep . . . do I really want to give up the peace and quiet I’ve come to know and love for so many years since my twenty-year-old son last woke me to his final bout of middle of the night tears so many moons ago.

“Yes.” Absolutely. Bring in the troops. I have like 48 eggs left (okay, truth is, research indicates women over 35 have 25,000-90,000 eggs)… so let’s get the show on the road, remember, I’m 43 and counting! Send in the troops at least every other day. Let’s bravely forge ahead, (divide properly) and conquer!

Early Signs of Pregnancy

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

The waiting period between periods each month can wreak havoc on a woman’s emotional well-being. This is the time when it is too early to take a pregnancy test and a visit to the doctor will not even guarantee accurate results.

So, what is a woman to do?

The following  early signs of pregnancy offer women a little extra insight on the subject matter.

Tender or Swollen Breasts – With hormonal changes taking place due to pregnancy, women may notice their breasts feeling sensitive and swollen as early as 1 ½ – 2 weeks after conception.

Frequent Urination – It is possible that as early as one week into pregnancy women may experience an unusual amount of trips to the bathroom. This is because of the rapidly enlarging uterus. With the uterus being in close proximity to the bladder, it presses on the bladder causing more frequent urination. An unusual odor may be present with darkened color.

Fatigue – With progesterone soaring, energy may be zapped. That, along with lower blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and increased blood production may send a woman into slumber more easily.

Bleeding/Implantation – Implantation bleeding may occur when the fertilized egg attaches and implants itself to the lining of the uterus approximately 7-14 days after fertilization. If a woman does experience implantation bleeding, it will be pinkish or light brownish in color as well as short term.

Cramps/Back Pain – This is the number one confusing tell-tale sign of pregnancy. For many women, this feels exactly like the onset of period cramping. Actually, women are experiencing mild cramping and lower back pain as the body begins to prep right away for pregnancy and birth.

Nausea/Vomiting – They may call it morning sickness, but this classic sign of pregnancy can strike as early as two weeks after conception 24/7. With the rapid increase of estrogen, the stomach empties slower, thus allowing nausea to set in more easily. Early in pregnancy, a woman’s now acute sense of smell can play a number on her as scents and odors that normally are not bothersome can bring on waves of nausea.

Cravings and Aversions – With hormones gone amuck, women are likely to find themselves loving new foods and despising old favorites.

Headaches – A mild headache may not be a true tell-tale sign of pregnancy, but due to increased blood circulation caused by hormonal changes, experiencing an additional headache or two is normal.

Constipation – With an increase of progesterone in a woman’s system, it is likely she will experience a bit of unusual constipation as her food is passing more slowly through her intestines.

Complexion – Hormones may wreak havoc on a normally blemish-free face. This generally settles down by the second trimester.

Mood Swings/Irritability – Another sign of pregnancy may include mood swings. With the deluge of new hormones in the body, a woman may become unusually temperamental.

Nasal Stuffiness/Congestion – With an increased amount of blood flow during pregnancy, the mucous membranes may become affected and cause mild stuffiness and drainage.

Dizziness/Lightheaded – Feeling a bit dizzy or light-headed? That is because blood vessels are dilating and blood-pressure may possibly be dropping.

Raised Basal Body Temp – The basal body temperature (BBT) is obtained immediately after waking and before any physical activity whatsoever. A woman who is ovulating will generally see a rise of one-half to one degree Fahrenheit from her regular temp. For those charting their BBT for ovulation purposes; don’t stop. A one-half to one degree rise for more than a week may be a sign of pregnancy.