Thursday, January 14, 2010

The “Acupuncture and Infertility Info” plus 4 more

The “Acupuncture and Infertility Info” plus 4 more

Acupuncture and Infertility Info

Posted: 14 Jan 2010 09:37 AM PST

The ancient Eastern alternative-medicine technique known as acupuncture involves the insertion and manipulation of very slender needles into points on certain areas of the body. In general, this is done to treat certain health conditions, but more specifically, it can help alleviate pain through stimulating endorphin release, manage blood pressure through the central nervous system, and stimulate healing through bringing about the release of hormones and neurotransmitters.

Those suffering from infertility will be happy to know that acupuncture can help. In addition to the benefits mentioned above, this healing technique has been proven effective in dealing with many root causes of infertility, but not only that - it can even help infertile couples deal with related problems such as the stress and strain of fertility treatments.

Firstly, acupuncture has been proven to increase blood flow to both vital organs and to a woman's endometrium in order to help bring about a thick and healthy lining. Secondly, in many cases acupuncture has played a major role in increasing the chances of success of several in vitro fertilization or IVF procedures by aiding the embryo transfer process, such that many clinics and facilities now combine acupuncture treatments with IVF regimens. Thirdly, spasmed tubes have also proven responsive to acupuncture. Fourth and last, the combination of acupuncture with certain herbs has also proven effective at dealing with such conditions as luteal phase defect, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and irregular menstrual cycles, high levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and even the fragmentation of DNA in sperm.

It is also worth nothing that those undergoing fertility treatments may elect to spread their acupuncture sessions out to improve their chances of success. For example, it is considered more effective if a woman receives acupuncture treatment a few months before her IVF procedure is done. In addition, those being treated are further encouraged to receive acupuncture treatment after treatment, since doing so appears to help improve the patient's well-being. And last, electro-acupuncture can take the place of standard painkillers used during labor - and may even help lower medical bills by doing so.

Those considering turning to acupuncture to help with their fertility treatments need to make sure to see an acupuncturist who knows how to treat fertility problems. Should the wrong acupuncture points be stimulated, problems such as miscarriage could ensue. Also, when dealing with fertility problems, research has suggested that it may be most effective to combine acupuncture, traditional medicine and herbal medicine.

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Is There an Accurate Due Date Calculation After IVF?

Posted: 14 Jan 2010 09:24 AM PST

In calculating the due date after an in vitro fertilization (IVF) session, there are several factors that couples should consider. The most accurate estimate may be obtained by speaking with a trained physician. Women who are interested in learning expected due dates for planning purposes may calculate an estimate on their own as well.

For one, women should consider their last menstrual period before the procedure. The fertility doctor will work with the woman's cycle in determining the best time to harvest her eggs and implant the embryo in the uterus. In some cases, women may conceive during a stimulated cycle with this procedure so keep this in mind as well.

There are several simple formulas that women may use in determining their due date on their own or with the assistance of a medical professional. One such formula goes as follows: think back to your last period and subtract three months from that date. Now add one week. Whichever date you land on is your due date. Let's say your last period was October 1. Subtract three months and you arrive at July 1. Add a week and you're at July 8. That should be the day.

You may also use the day the embryos were placed into the uterus as a starting point. If you wish to take this route, simply subtract 12 days from the transfer date and then add 9 months. This is for a three-day transfer. Five-day transfers require that you subtract 14 days and then add 9 months.

Other methods for calculating the due date after IVF may also exist, but women interested in learning their exact due date should speak with a fertility doctor for an accurate estimate. Some women choose to consider their date of conception as two weeks prior to the date their eggs were retrieved. They then add 40 weeks to that date and arrive at their expected due date.

Most people remain under the impression that women are pregnant for exactly 9 months. Estimating the actual day after IVF is not as simple as adding 9 months from the day in which the procedure was completed, however. The exact time that a woman will remain pregnant is not set in stone. Everybody has heard of babies being born before their due date and after, so establishing a close relationship with a doctor is important in dealing with the unexpected.

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Male Fertility Testing to Improve Chances of Pregnancy

Posted: 14 Jan 2010 09:10 AM PST

Many people are unaware that nearly fifty-percent of all fertility problems are attributed to male infertility which makes testing important. When couples experience infertility, it is critical that each partner undergo testing and analysis so that they may narrow down the problem. Failing to test the male partner may lead to unnecessary tests and treatments on the female's part. Once the problem has been spotted, the couple, along with a fertility specialist, may start working on an effective treatment plan.

The first step in male fertility testing often involves an appointment with an urologist who will ask the patient questions and perform a physical examination. They may inquire as to the patient's lifestyle habits (smoking, drinking, etc.) and sexual lifestyle (previous sexually transmitted diseases or other problems). They will take a full medical history and will perform a physical exam to help them fully understand their patient.

One of the most common tests is a sperm and semen analysis. This helps the fertility specialist determine the patient's sperm count, shape, movement and other factors. The more normal sperm a man has the more fertile he is in most cases. Exceptions to this rule may exist, however. Men with normal sperm may be infertile for other reasons and men with low sperm counts may still be fertile.

Speaking with an experienced fertility specialist will be helpful in shedding more light on these possibilities. Depending on the results of the initial semen analysis, the doctor may order further testing. If no sperm are present in the analysis it may mean that there is a blockage that may be corrected with surgery. This is called azoospermia. Some male fertility specialists may include a hormone evaluation in the fertility testing process, but some may consider this arbitrary as hormonal problems are not the cause of infertility in the vast majority of infertile men.

The most common cause of male infertility that may be corrected is varicocoeles. This is best described as abnormal veins above the testicles resembling varicose veins. It is corrected through surgery. Low sperm count with no apparent cause is also a fairly common cause of infertility, affecting about a quarter of infertile men.

Through semen analysis and a physical examination, many fertility specialists are able to determine if male infertility is the problem. If both the semen analysis and physical exam determine that there is no problem with the man, the female may be further evaluated or other tests may be ordered for the male partner for the purpose of improving fertility and ultimately conceive.

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Endometriosis and Infertility Info

Posted: 14 Jan 2010 08:59 AM PST

Endometriosis is the condition in which the endometrium, the tissue that normally lines the uterine cavity, has spread outside said cavity to other reproductive organs and even the abdomen.

This condition is characterized by extreme pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic areas, pain that can occur during menstruation, while having sexual intercourse, and even in the course of one's daily life. In addition, it is not only extremely painful but is also a cause of infertility. Statistics show that five to ten percent of all the women worldwide who suffer from endometriosis, and that a high percentage of these women - approximately thirty to forty percent - are infertile due to endometriosis.

While such debilitating pain is considered a hallmark of endometriosis, it is recommended that women suffering such pain consult Ob-Gyns as soon as they can instead of jumping to the conclusion that they already have it. Endometriosis worsens over time, and sufferers who have received treatment for the condition may still experience a recurrence; this is why it is advisable to seek treatment as soon as possible should one suspect endometriosis. These specialists will conduct laparoscopies to definitively determine if one really does have endometriosis or not. In this procedure, a laparoscope is inserted into the vagina and the Ob-Gyn uses this instrument to search the vaginal and abdominal cavity for the presence of any endometrial tissue.

While at this point doctors are still uncertain whether endometriosis in and of itself really does cause infertility, the fact does remain that this condition can be so severe that it can scar the pelvis, distort its shape, and/or damage and block the Fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other reproductive organs. Severe endometriosis so badly damages and blocks these tubes and, in addition, fills the ovaries with cysts, that as a result those unfortunate enough to suffer from the condition will find it impossible to conceive. This makes early detection vital.

The good thing is that endometriosis can be dealt with if it is diagnosed correctly and early enough. Ob-Gyns can prescribe certain medicines to deal with mild cases of endometriosis, as well as painkillers to help manage patients' pain. In certain cases, doctors may also recommend surgical removal of any lesions or cysts that may have come about thanks to this condition.

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How to Know If an Infertility Group is Right For You - 7 Key Tips

Posted: 14 Jan 2010 08:48 AM PST

You have now discovered in your last exam that you are infertile. You have tried consistently for over one year and have been unsuccessful in getting pregnant. It almost seems unbearable at times and overwhelming. Family and friends try to console us, but it doesn't really help. Some have suggested you consider infertility groups for help, but are these right for you and your partner? Like many things, it's so hard to know in advance if they can help, or if it's even worth the time and energy.

If this sounds like you and you are not sure what to do, consider that there are many others facing the exact same issues as you, and if nothing else, know what you are going through, and really can appreciate your feelings and emotions. Infertility is not just your thing and is really quite common. Here are seven key tips that can help you decide if you and your partner should pursue infertility group help.

1. One Year With No Pregnancy: If you are now facing this, it's certainly time to consider group assistance. You will obtain all kinds of new information concerning issues on infertility, causes, symptoms, treatments, clinics, costs, insurance and so on that can be of great assistance in helping you decide what to do next. You can start through your doctor, clinic team or online to find local infertility groups. Check out a few and see if you feel comfortable and at ease in such a setting. Look for an environment of trust and honesty. Some groups specialize by areas such as alternative treatments, some are geared for couples, others for either partner.

2. Experiencing Negative Emotions: Chances are this is you. If you continually find yourself depressed, angry, in doubt, generally stressed, and anyone of several other negative emotions, you should consider group help. Many of the independent groups, sometimes run by experienced volunteers, have members going through the same emotions and frustrations as you. They can offer great support and genuine care, since they have faced, or are facing, similar trials.

3. Not Sure What To Do Next: If you feel as if you are in a daze, not sure where to turn or what to do, and would find solace in talking to others in the know, an infertility group may be the answer. You certainly will find some understanding from your friends and family, but that's not the same as talking to those that can truly relate to your experience. In the right group you can find fully supportive and non-judgmental couples or individuals that have ideas and examples of real life experiences. Most are willing to share their successes as well as stories of failure, that may inspire you, or at least give you direction.

4. Need and Want More Information: If you are the type that wants to know why this is happening to you, what causes it, and what can help solve it, again groups are a great outlet for information. Most clinical infertility groups are more factually oriented, and have important information on specialized approaches, treatment options, statistics, and even group classes that address the more medical aspects of infertility. You will learn everything you want and more, albeit the emotional support will be less than what you will find in an independent group setting.

5. Don't Want To Go It Alone: We know from experience that many individuals or couples feel uncomfortable in a group setting and in sharing their personal situation. However, if you have reached a point of not wanting to face all this on your own, you will find a group format and setting to your liking. It may take some getting use to, but as long as it is an environment of honesty and comfort, chances are high that you will find a group that works well for you. You can only get so much from family and friends, while doctors and clinics tend to be less emotionally attached. Meeting in a group of like minded couples can be immensely rewarding.

6. Like To Share: We have also discovered that many individuals (and couples) have faced their infertility head on, have seen success (and even failure) and truly want to share their experiences and information with others facing similar situations. If that's you, you owe it to yourself and all those crying for help, to get involved with an infertility group. Your involvement will be truly beneficial to many seeking guidance and will certainly be rewarding to you, just in the experience, sharing and bonding with other couples.

7. Private, Shy, Quiet Type: If you indeed are somewhat introverted and find group settings really unsettling, for whatever reason, you will find these intimate and personal groups very difficult. We have found that sometimes the anxiety and stress of the group meeting is just more than certain individuals can handle. It would be wiser to not attend and focus on the physician and clinic relationship. An alternative to consider however, would be online groups and forums devoted to infertility and pregnancy, especially if anonymity is important.

In the end, a support group is just that, and may not be the final determinant to overcoming infertility problems. On the other hand, they have assisted and helped innumerable couples. What do you have to lose in giving it a try?

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