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Archive for the ‘Fertility Issues In the News’ Category

Could Adult Bedroom “Toys” Contribute to Infertility?

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

In a rather unusual story from Canada, two sisters who are involved in a field that involves adult sex toys are concerned that chemicals that have been banned (at least in Canada) from other items are allowed in adult bedroom products.

Two of the chemicals in question are bisphenol A and phthalates, which some claim are linked to medical concerns including infertility.  Other chemicals (many of which are commonly found in sexual lubricants) have also been deemed potentially dangerous by some scientists.

Though this shouldn’t be cause for extreme measures, couples who use bedroom devices to enhance their romantic activities may wish to consider the materials from which those items are manufactured.

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  • “Super Sperm” — Too Much of a Good Thing?

    Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

    According to Marie Claire, there’s a new problem facing couples trying to conceive — super sperm.  

    Researchers are now investigating what they deem to be sperm which are so aggressive and eager that they essentially over-fertilize each ovum.  Consequently, the egg never fully develops and conception is thwarted.

    Though this isn’t necessarily a mainstream theory on why so many men and women deal with infertility issues, it’s likely to be one that will carry weight if future evidence backs up these “super sperm” claims.

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    Grandparents and Infertility

    Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

    If you were or are the parent of a couple having trouble conceiving, would you pay for their fertility treatments?

    In some parts of the UK, this seems to be an increasingly-popular practice as grandparents-to-be provide the financial means for their sons and daughters to reproduce via fertility measures.

    According to this article, a whopping one in eight couples undergoing IVF treatment in the United Kingdom have their bills subsidized by would-be grandmothers and grandfathers.

    What do you think?  If you’re dealing with infertility now, would you allow your parents or your spouse’s parents to pay for your fertility procedures?  Or would you prefer that they had no financial hand in the process?

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    How Long Can Frozen Embryos Remain Viable? In Celine Dion’s Case, Quite a While!

    Friday, August 21st, 2009

    How long can an embryo that’s been frozen in preparation for in vitro fertilization attempts remain viable?  In the case of Celine Dion, who just announced she was pregnant with the couple’s second child, quite a while.

    In fact, Dion’s doctor has told the media that the embryo used for this pregnancy was frozen eight years ago.  And that’s not the oldest embryo that’s remained viable after being frozen; others have survived for 10-15 years, according to medical reports.

    Obviously, any couple who is considering in vitro fertilization should speak with their fertility specialists about the length that any embryos should remain in a frozen state. 

    However, as Dion’s experience shows, it’s now possible for a woman in her twenties to wait years for in vitro once an embryo has undergone the freezing process.

    Congratulations to Celine Dion and Her Husband!

    Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

    Baby Shower CakeWord has just been released that Celine Dion and her husband are expecting their second child next year.

    Both of Dion’s children were conceived with the help of fertility treatments.

    Congratulations to them both!

    More Infertility Notes from around the Globe

    Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

    As we mentioned in a previous post, infertility doesn’t just affect couples in North America.  In fact, it’s a worldwide concern, as evidenced by these recent articles:

    - From Allahbad, India:  A recent “infertility camp” was offered to about 150 couples.  During this “camp”, the partners were given free consultations about the precise fertility issues they were having. 

    - From Australia: Data is now indicating that more Australian men than Australian women are infertile.  This research was conducted by a group called “Fertility First”.  Possible culprits include drug/chemical exposure, metal toxicity, alcohol/drug abuse and obesity, among others.

    - From Petaling Jaya, Malaysia:  Malaysia’s fertility rates are dropping dramatically, according to a United Nations Children’s Fund report.  This has led to more couples seeking IVF treatments in the country.

    Could Laptop Usage Be Linked to Male Infertility?

    Friday, June 12th, 2009

    There many myths and misconceptions that abound when it comes to male infertility.  And it looks like one which sounds bizarre may actually have some credence.

    tn_laptopA recent Newswise article noted that researchers at Loyola University Health System (LUHS) released a statement that prolonged and excessive laptop usage could, in fact, contribute to male infertility.

    There’s no need to chuck your laptop if you’re trying to conceive with a partner, however.  Instead, the people at LUHS recommended that men simply make certain they don’t rest their laptops on… well… their laps.  That way, the heat generated from the laptop is less likely to affect sperm production now or in the future.

    Fertility Issues after Giving Birth

    Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

    tn_img_6027A recent article from the UK’s Birmingham Post did an excellent job of explaining why women who have been able to conceive naturally without fertility treatments may one day find themselves dealing with infertility.

    In the story, the author discusses the experiences of Sarah Jessica Parker, the Hollywood star who recently  discovered that she was no longer able to become pregnant even though she had conceived without problems previously. 

    The phenomenon, “secondary infertility,” can happen for a number of reasons including the age of the woman, a switch in partners and potential medical problems.  Regardless of the “whys”, it can still be a devastating experience for any couple who assumed they would be able to naturally conceive.

    The upshot, though, is that there are alternatives for women who want to have children, including fertility treatments.  Although becoming pregnant may take a bit longer than expected, in many cases, it can still be a reality.