The “How to Easily Get Pregnant - Avoid Common Painkillers” plus 4 more

How to Easily Get Pregnant - Avoid Common Painkillers
What is Infertility? Test Yourself
Organic Maternity Clothes - Answers to All Your Questions
A Summary of "What is Infertility?"
Tubal Ligation Procedure, Tubal Reversal and Pregnancy Statistics

How to Easily Get Pregnant - Avoid Common Painkillers

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 09:38 AM PST

The secret behind how to easily get pregnant is very simple: be careful of what you put in your mouth. Food is not the only factor behind fertility problems; sometimes the medicines you take can make it difficult to get pregnant. Recent evidence shows that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can impair fertility in women. In fact, the patient information leaflet of leading NSAIDs includes infertility as a possible side effect. Although studies do show a connection between female infertility and NSAID use, these findings were only noted in isolated case studies. Still, it might help to stay away from NSAIDs and use natural anti-inflammatory substances if you're trying to conceive.

NSAIDs and female fertility

NSAIDs are over the counter medications that provide quick relief for chronic inflammatory problems like headaches, muscle pain, arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Although pregnant women are advised against taking NSAIDs for pain relief, doctors are growing more concerned about the effects of these drugs on female fertility.

According to research published in the Oxford Journal, chronic NSAID use can cause unruptured follicle syndrome (LUF), a condition where the ovary fails to release a mature egg. If consumed before ovulation, NSAIDs can cause levels of luteinizing hormones to rise too rapidly. This makes the ovarian follicles swell, and swollen follicles cannot rupture to release an egg during the menstrual cycle. This phenomenon was observed in human and animal studies, where ultrasounds show increased follicle sizes after NSAID use. Urine hormone analysis also shows an increase in luteinizing hormone upon consuming NSAIDs. As a matter of fact, NSAIDs are sometimes given to in-vitro fertilization patients so that eggs can be harvested before the follicle rupture.

However, the only women at real risk for infertility due to NSAIDs are those who take these drugs on a regular basis. The Danish Medicines Agency indicates that there have only been seven cases of infertility due to NSAIDs since the 1970s. The only real side effect it seems to cause is a temporary delay in ovulation; as soon as you stop taking the NSAIDs, it ceases to affect your fertility.

Use natural anti-inflammatory substances

Studies show that NSAIDS only have a negative impact on fertility if they are taken a few days before ovulation. This means that if you pop a Tylenol for your menstrual cramps, it should have no negative effect on your fertility. But if you do need to take NSAIDs on a regular basis, it might be best if you use natural anti-inflammatory substances instead, especially if you have problems getting pregnant.

*Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) from fish oil have been used for muscular and skeletal conditions since the 1800s. Current research shows that omega-3 has a number of benefits to the body beyond its natural anti-inflammatory properties. It improves mood, promotes healthy skin and bones, and lowers the risk for cardiovascular and circulatory diseases. Eat more omega-3 rich foods like deep sea fish and walnuts, or consume one fish oil capsule a day.

*White willow tree bark has been used by ancient civilizations as an anti-inflammatory agent. This tree contains salicin, which reduces the effects of inflammatory prostaglandins without the side effects of NSAIDs. Modern day studies show that the effects of white willow tree extracts are comparable to those of aspirin.

*Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. The active ingredients in green tea include a group of compounds called catechins, which degrade the effect of prostaglandins. Make sure you only consume decaffeinated green tea; too much caffeine can impair your fertility.

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What is Infertility? Test Yourself

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 09:24 AM PST

That sounds like a big job doesn't it? Well basically you and your partner just need to educate yourselves a little and take some basic steps. The first is to understand that medically speaking a couple is not considered infertile unless they have been unsuccessful at conceiving despite having sex for 12 months or more without use of birth control. Frequency of sex needs to be at least 3 times per week. For couples where the woman is over 35 the time period is shortened to 6 months. Women become less fertile with age. The urgency is greater as her window of opportunity to conceive is smaller hence the shorter time frame.

A couple can do certain things to optimize their chances of conceiving. Bear in mind that even couples with no fertility problems can take 6 months to a year to conceive. For women begin by asking yourself some questions about your general and reproductive health. Are there any lifestyle issues to consider? Smoking, alcohol and or drug abuse, excess weight, lack of exercise too much exercise can all negatively affect fertility. Have there been any internal problems in the past? Any diagnosis of endometriosis, PCOS or a PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)? Any of these things may be a sign of infertility.

A woman can also monitor her monthly cycles to time intercourse for when she is most likely to conceive. An ovulation monitoring kit will detect a spike in LH (luteinizing hormone) that occurs right before ovulation. 6-24 hours after ovulation is the prime time for egg fertilization. Monitoring basal body temperature (BBT) and charting the results can help a woman predict when she will ovulate. BBT will spike indicating that ovulation has happened. Over a period of months a woman can see when she is going to ovulate. A couple can then plan accordingly.

For men the first thing to do is check the sperm situation. Are there sperm present? Are there enough? Are they swimming (motility)? Sperm need to be at least 20 million per milliliter of semen. There needs to be at least 2 milliliters of semen and 40 million total sperm. 25% of the sperm need to be swimming rapidly and 50% need to be swimming. Men can purchase a kit and do this test in the privacy of their homes. Sperm also do not like heat. If you wear jockeys switch to boxers. Also sperm counts are higher in the mornings. Plan your conception attempts first thing.

It is easier said than done but couples trying to conceive also need to relax. Stress is considered to be a contributing factor. Couples will sometimes conceive once they stop ""trying". Exercise, acupuncture or whatever may work for you to reduce stress will be beneficial.

Take these steps as outlined above and when and if you need to consult a fertility specialist they will be already done and you can move on to more detailed medical testing. Being prepared ahead of time will save valuable time and make things less stressful.

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Organic Maternity Clothes - Answers to All Your Questions

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 08:55 AM PST

The maternity period is more important than any other time period in a woman's life. Maternity, although considered to be one of the most fulfilling periods of a woman's life, comes with its own set of problems. One of the biggest issues that a woman faces when it comes to pregnancy is the growing bulge and the requirement of new clothing. This is also a period wherein, the woman realizes that she should be doing something to protect and nurture her unborn child.

Most mothers would have heard and considered getting organic clothing for their infant. Just like organic clothing is good for infants, organic maternity clothes are beneficial for the pregnant woman as well. Let us understand why.

What Are Organic Clothes?

The normal way of growing cotton, though financially feasible, harms the environment due to the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Organic clothes, on the other hand, are clothes made from cotton grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. In other words, organic maternity clothes are, as the name suggests, maternity clothes made from organically grown cotton. What is more, the quality of organic cotton is similar to conventionally grown cotton. However, since organic cotton is grown without the use of chemicals it requires special care and the result is that it can be more expensive.

Advantages:

These clothes are highly beneficial for the environment as they are grown through environment friendly processes. Furthermore, these clothes also prevent harmful chemicals from coming in contact with the pregnant woman, who is more susceptible to harmful external substances than women who are not pregnant.

Costs:

Since organic maternity clothes are made from organically grown cotton, they are 20 to 50 times more expensive than clothes made from conventionally grown cotton. However, as is quite common, used organic clothes can be put up for sale on online shopping sites. This promotes the concept of recycle and, at the same time, brings about a return of a certain percentage of the money invested.

Social Significance:

Organic maternity clothes have over the years come to be regarded as a status symbol. This, primarily, is a result of the expense involved with having an organic maternity wardrobe. Many celebrities have been known to use or publicize the use of this type of clothing for the benefit of the pregnant mother, her unborn child and the environment as a whole.

Availability:

The availability of organic maternity clothes is the main reason why majority of pregnant women do not use it. There are only a handful of shops worldwide where organic maternity clothes are available. However, the internet has many shopping sites that have these clothes in their catalogues. In addition to online shopping sites, this type of clothing can often be found on the catalogue of sites that cater to the sale of used material.

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A Summary of "What is Infertility?"

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 08:34 AM PST

Infertility may seem like a term that defines itself. If a couple cannot conceive then they are infertile. At first glance it would appear to be that simple. When we think about the fact that even couples with no fertility problems can take 6 months to a year to conceive then the issue gets fuzzier. Also in any given month a fertile couple only has about a 20% chance of conceiving. So the question becomes one of timing. At what point does a couple begin to think there may be a problem and take the appropriate action.

For medical purposes today infertility is defined as a couple being unable to conceive after 12 months of sex without use of birth control. Frequency of sex needs to be at least 3 times per week. For women over 35 the time frame is shortened to 6 months. The older a woman is the more difficult conception. The egg supply and quality are lower. Overall health issues are more of a factor as we age. And of course you have less time left to start your family so there is more urgency and that leads to the shortened time frame for the infertility definition.

Once a couple has decided to conceive there are steps they can take that will enhance the chance of conception. These steps will also help if there does turn out to be a problem. Let's suppose you and your partner fit the definition of infertility. If you have taken the steps we are going to outline below then when you do consult a healthcare professional those steps will be already done. If not then they will have to be taken which will take more time.

For men the first and easiest thing to do is to make sure you have enough healthy and active sperm. Sperm tests can be purchased and done in the home saving the expense and trip to the doctor. The test will check for at least 3 things: presence of sperm, sperm count, and sperm motility. Sperm need to be present in an amount of 20 million per milliliter of ejaculate. There needs to be at least 2 milliliters of ejaculate and a total number of sperm of 40 million. Motility refers the sperm's ability to swim. 25% of the sperm must be swimming rapidly and 50% must be swimming. Making sure the man is fertile is an easy first step to take.

Women can also do a few things. One would be to ask yourself some questions about your reproductive health. Have you been diagnosed with anything that may cause problems such as: endometriosis, PICOS or a pelvic inflammatory disease? Do I have regular periods? If you have some health history problems you may opt to see a professional sooner rather than later.

Women can also monitor their menstrual cycle to time intercourse with the most likelihood of conceiving. An ovulation predictor will detect a spike in LH (luteinizing hormone) production that takes place right before ovulation. 6 to 24 hours after ovulation is the best time for egg fertilization. This will tell a couple when to lock the doors and shut off the TV. A woman can also chart her basal body temperature (BBT). This temperature will spike signaling that ovulation has happened. By charting this spike over a period of months a woman will be able to forecast when she will ovulate. A couple trying to conceive can then adjust their schedules accordingly.

A couple should also pay attention to lifestyle issues and overall health. Smoking, drug or alcohol abuse, excess weight can all affect fertility in a negative way. Trying to conceive is also a stressful time. Sometimes a couple get so stressed by the situation that it only makes matters worse. Our bodies and we function better when relaxed.

If you take the steps as outlined above and others that may help you will be that much ahead when and if it comes time to consult a fertility specialist. Your specialist will then be able to immediately start a more detailed medical analysis to find a treatment plan that is the right choice for you.

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Tubal Ligation Procedure, Tubal Reversal and Pregnancy Statistics

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 08:15 AM PST

Millions of women have undergone a tubal ligation procedure as their form of permanent birth control. Around the world that number is in the hundreds of millions. What happens when a woman who has had her tubes tied changes her mind? What do the pregnancy statistics of tubal reversal tell us?

While we have covered the topic of why a woman may change her mind, if you are that woman you know that life changes. Those changes in your life and circumstances leads to a change in your previous decision to undergo a tubal ligation procedure. No statistics to back this up, but from the posts I read on a tubal reversal message board and other places where women congregate on line, this change in your life and your previous decision is most often due to a change in partners. Usually there has been a divorce and remarriage, or simply new partner, and the desire comes for a child as a sign of love of the new spouses.

Whatever the reason, a woman does change her mind. In fact, using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's own CREST study, we find "Nearly 25 percent of women with an unreversed tubal ligation in 1995 expressed a desire for reversal of the operation..." If you think of the millions of women who have had their tubes tied and realize that nearly a quarter of them and their partners want them to have a tubal reversal, you can realize that is a whole lot of women.

So let us take a quick look at what pregnancy statistics study says about the possibilities following a reversal surgery. The study we are using is based on the data collected from over 5000 women over a period of about 8 years. Within the results presented in this study we can learn what your chances of getting pregnant are based upon your age, tubal length after the surgery, and upon the tubal ligation procedure. You can even see how your age and tubal ligation method together affect your chances.

However, for our quick look in this article we will only look at the tubal ligation procedure and how that affects the pregnancy statistics. In these statistics, the results are broken down by clip, ring, coagulation (burning or cauterizing), ligation/resection, and other or unknown methods.

Sometimes it was unknown how the original surgery was done due to a lack of medical records. Other methods that fall into the latter category are tubal blockage procedures such as the relatively new Essure and Adiana of which there has been only one reversal so far though others are pursuing the information about doing so. That woman was in the FDA trials, had her reversal in February 2009, and is already pregnant at the time of this writing.

Here is how the pregnancy statistics boil down. For those who had a clip applied to their fallopian tubes, 75% got pregnant. Reversal of rings found 72% of women being successful. Coagulation reversal in this study showed 66% got pregnant and 63% of those with ligation/resection procedures became so. Lastly, the other methods group had a 54% chance. So you can see how the tubal ligation procedure does play into the success of a tubal reversal.

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