Posts Tagged ‘Ovulation’
Friday, November 11th, 2011
If you’ve been trying to conceive for awhile, you know the anxiety of the two-week wait (known in online forums and message boards as the acronym TWW). It’s that period of time between ovulation and your expected period, when you’re waiting to see if your efforts to conceive worked or whether you’re going to have to try again next month.
This is a torturous time period for any woman wanting to get pregnant, and that stress is magnified when you’re undergoing fertility treatments. In those instances, there are often family members and friends who are keeping up with your efforts, and they’re waiting and hoping to hear about a successful pregnancy right along with you. Also there’s money on the line, not to mention the physical, mental and emotional effort you’ve put into treatment process and all the procedures that come with it.
Whether or not you’re undergoing fertility treatments, here are a few tips to help you handle the two-week wait.
- Stop obsessing about symptoms. The more you Google “pregnancy symptoms” the more you stress about not having any. Every woman’s body experiences pregnancy differently, and just because your breasts aren’t tender or you’re not nauseated in the morning doesn’t mean you’re not pregnant. You don’t have to “feel” pregnant to be pregnant, so don’t be consumed by phantom symptoms that don’t necessarily mean anything.
- Ease up on the pregnancy tests. All those pregnancy tests that claim to be able to detect a pregnancy earlier and earlier do little more than disappoint and waste your money. It’s called a two-week wait for a reason, and every single line on a failed pregnancy test will do nothing more than shake your confidence.
- Tune in to TWW stress triggers — and then tune them out. If you get depressed and stressed every time you log onto your “trying to conceive” message board and read about another woman’s good news, maybe it’s time to take a little break from that outlet. If a friend who knows you’re undergoing the process asks every morning at the office if you “feel any different” and it makes your worry even more, tell her to stop asking, and that she’ll be among the first to hear the good news when it happens
We know it seems like a lifetime, but trust us: The clock does not slow down. Those 14 days will go by quickly in the grand scheme of things, and hopefully you’ll have good news waiting on the other side of the wait.
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Tags: Acronym, anxiety, Body Experiences, Breasts, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Emotional Effort, Family Members, Fertility Treatments, Google, Instances, Little Break, Obsessing, Online Forums, Ovulation, PA Infertility, Period Of Time, Philadelphia Infertility, Pregnancy Symptoms, Pregnancy Test, Pregnancy Tests, Reading, Single Line, successful pregnancy, Time Period, Trying To Conceive, Trying To Conceive Message Board, two-week wait, Wyomissing
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Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
With so many in the media and out in the world talking so openly about fertility treatments these days, some acronyms and catch phrases are becoming commonplace. In particular, many people recognize the acronym IVF and the procedure it stands for — in-vitro fertilization.
But IVF is not the only kind of with fertility treatments available — not by a long shot! There are other avenues for couples to take in their journey toward conceiving a child with medical assistance. One such procedure, called intrauterine insemination, helps scores of people who are having trouble conceiving. It is less expensive than IVF, though its success rate is lower. Here’s a little bit more about IUI:
- How does IUI work? In the IUI procedure, a catheter containing washed sperm is inserted through the cervix. The sperm is then pushed into the uterus in the hopes of fertilization with an ovum.
- When does IUI take place? IUI is typically scheduled within 6 hours (before or after) of a woman’s ovulation. (hCG injections may be used to ensure ovulation.) Timing is critical because sperm can only last 24-72 hours and are typically considered less viable after 24 hours.
- Does it hurt? Most women report very little discomfort during the procedure.
- Who is IUI most suited for? Since the IUI procedure manipulates the placement of sperm, IUI may be very effective in cases of male infertility. Also, since the IUI procedure accesses the uterus directly, it may be a good choice for women who suffer from cervical mucus problems.
- What is the success rate of IUI? Success rates vary quite a bit. Some studies report the success rate to be as little as 4-8%; others claim it is closer to 20%.
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Tags: Catch Phrases, Catheter, Cervical Mucus, Cervix, conceiving a child, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Hcg Injections, in vitro fertilization, Intrauterine Insemination, IUI, Iui Procedure, Iui Success Rates, IVF, Male Infertility, Medical Assistance, mucus problems, Ovulation, Ovulation Timing, ovum, PA Infertility, Philadelphia Infertility, Reading, sperm, Success Rate, Twitter, Uterus, Vitro Fertilization, Wyomissing
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Friday, September 9th, 2011
For women who want to have a child, the number “35” seems to be almost magical. After all, it’s the age that people anecdotally agree upon as the point where a woman’s fertility begins to decrease. Yet that’s really not the “whole story”.
While female fertility does tend to wane faster after 35, there are many women who have trouble conceiving in their late 20s and early 30s. So for a woman, waiting until the “magic number” may not be the best idea.
Why are some women infertile before 35? There are a whole host of reasons, including:
- A pre-existing condition of the reproductive system, such as PCOS or endometriosis.
- A bout of cancer as a child, teen or young adult.
- An undiagnosed or diagnosed sexually transmitted disease (STD) like chlamydia.
- A problem with regular ovulation.
- The medications the woman is taking.
This is why most fertility specialists, like those at the Philadelphia area’s Reproductive Science Institute (RSI), recommend that women of any childbearing age not adopt a “wait for years” mentality. Typically, women should be able to become pregnant within six months of trying (e.g., having regular sex without protection.)
Whether you’re in your late 20s or your late 30s, you need to be aware of the facts. Will your fertility lessen as you age? Absolutely. But the numbers indicate that up to 7% of females are infertile by the time they reach their 30th birthdays. That’s why it’s critical to get assistance and medical advice sooner rather than later.
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Tags: 30th Birthdays, Childbearing Age, Chlamydia, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Endometriosis, Female Fertility, Females, Fertility Specialists, Fertility Treatment, Magic Number, Medical Advice, medications, Mentality, Number 35, Ovulation, Pcos, Philadelphia Area, Philadelphia PA Infertility, Reading PA Infertility, Reproductive Science Institute, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Reproductive System, Rsi, Six Months, Wyomissing PA Infertility, Young Adult
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Friday, August 5th, 2011
As if women needed another reason to deal with eating disorders, a new British research study has concluded that females with eating disordered pasts tend to have trouble getting pregnant quickly… or at all. Thus, many women who had anorexia and/or bulimia may find themselves turning to fertility treatments later in life.
During the study, UK scientists tracked over 11,000 mothers and discovered that those who had experienced eating disorders lagged behind in conceiving by about six months. Mathematically, this led many to seek fertility treatments.
So what does this mean for you if you have a history of anorexia or bulimia and you want to have children now or in the future?
1. Get your eating disorder under control before attempting to conceive. This is healthy for you, your relationship with your partner and your future child(ren).
2. Seek fertility treatments sooner rather than later if you’re having trouble getting pregnant. And don’t assume “the worst”. Sometimes, a round of a drug like Clomid (which helps to regulate ovulation) can be all that’s needed to get your body on track.
3. Connect with a counselor when you do become pregnant, as the weight gain associated with pregnancy can be a trigger for someone with an eating disordered past.
Fortunately, former anorexics and bulimics have many choices when it comes to having kids of their own. Visit a fertility specialist such as the Philadelphia region’s Reproductive Science Institute (RSI) for more information on your options.
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Tags: Anorexia Bulimia, Anorexics, Bulimics, Child Ren, Clomid, Counselor, Dr. Munabi, Eating Disorder, Eating Disorders, Females, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatments, Future Child, Ovulation, PA Infertility, Pasts, Patient Appointment, Philadelphia Region, Reading, Reproductive Science, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Track 3, Uk Scientists, Weight Gain, Wyomissing Infertility
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Monday, April 25th, 2011
“You’re getting fertility treatments? Oh my gosh! Are you ready to have triplets… or more?!? How on earth will you deal with that???”
It’s one of those innocent statements that often rolls off the tongues of friends and loved ones, but it’s only indicative of one fact – that the media has done a poor job of educating the public on what fertility treatments really entail.
First and foremost, it’s important to realize that just because you’re going to a fertility specialist does not necessarily mean you’ll have multiples. In fact, a very small percentage of people who go to reputable clinics like the Philadelphia area’s RSI for assisted reproductive techniques (ART) eventually have twins, triplets or more.
Secondly, not all fertility treatments have any (or much) bearing on multiple births. Sure, IVF is spoken about repeatedly on the Internet, television and radio. And IVF’s multiples rate is higher than for “normal” pregnancies (often said to be about 10x the normal rate.) But it isn’t the only fertility treatment on the market. Other fertility treatments, such as taking Clomid or similar drugs to essentially “jumpstart” ovulation, have a much lower rate of multiples (as low as 5% depending upon which medical journal/study you cite.)
In the end, it’s important to educate yourself (and your partner) and not make assumptions. You’ll no doubt hear the “multiples” comments several times over the course of your fertility treatment journey, but take heart in knowing that just because you consider ART, you aren’t guaranteeing you’ll need two or more cribs!
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Tags: Assisted Reproductive Techniques, Clomid, Cribs, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Internet Television, IVF, Jumpstart, Medical Journal, Multiple Births, No Doubt, Ovulation, Philadelphia Area, Poor Job, Pregnancies, Reproductive Science Institute, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Triplets, Twitter
Posted in Fertility Treatments, Myths & Misconceptions | No Comments »
Monday, April 18th, 2011
For couples who are without any children and who are trying to become pregnant, it can be difficult to understand why partners facing secondary infertility* are so upset.
(*Secondary infertility is, quite simply, infertility after having successfully conceived a child or children.)
The truth of the matter is that whether or not you have a household full of children or you’ve been relegated to caring for furry, four-legged “kids”, infertility can still be emotionally difficult.
If you’ve been having issues getting pregnant even though you’ve been pregnant before, it’s time to see a reproductive health specialist to talk about secondary infertility. Stop listening to the negative people who say you’re “selfish” to want more children; if having a larger family is your goal, it’s reasonable to find out why you’re not conceiving naturally.
As for the reasons behind secondary infertility, there are numerous possibilities to explain the problem. Some, like ovulation issues, are relatively easy to address. Others, like the case of a woman who has entered into menopause earlier than expected, may require medical action.
Regardless, it’s important to recognize that secondary infertility is a condition that a) can be addressed and b) shouldn’t be ignored if the couple truly wants more kids.
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Tags: Couples, Health Specialist, Household, Infertility, Legged Kids, Medical Action, Menopause, Ovulation, Possibilities, Pregnant, Reproductive Health, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Secondary Infertility, Truth Of The Matter
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Wednesday, February 9th, 2011
While reading up on fertility issues, causes of infertility and female infertility, you may have come across the topic of hostile cervical mucus or you may have even been told by a doctor that you have hostile cervical mucus yourself. But what does that mean and how does it play a role in infertility?
Cervical mucus is crucial in guiding sperm into the uterus where it will meet the egg for fertilization. It protects sperm from the typically acidic environment of the vagina, as well as being able to determine and slow sperm that are abnormal and keep them from reaching the egg. If cervical mucus not the right consistency or completely lacking then any sperm entering the vagina will not have the right environment to help it get to the uterus and reaching its ultimate destination of fertilizing an egg. It’s normal for cervical mucus to change in consistency throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, but in a typical cycle the cervical mucus will reach an ideal state around the middle of the cycle, when ovulation occurs. Cervical mucus can be considered hostile due to: ineffective or low levels of estrogen, presence of anti-sperm antibodies, thick and sticky consistency and in some cases it has occurred in women who are taking Clomid.
The positive in all of this is that hostile cervical mucus is a condition that can fairly easily be corrected by your fertility doctor. Set up a consultation today!
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Tags: Acidic Environment, Causes Of Infertility, Clomid, Consistency, Consultation, Egg, Entering The Vagina, female infertility, Fertility Doctor, Fertility Issues, Fertilization, Hostile Cervical Mucus, Infertility, Low Estrogen, Low Levels Of Estrogen, Menstrual Cycle, Ovulation, Sperm Antibodies, Typical Cycle, Uterus
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Thursday, January 20th, 2011
Looking for some fertility statistics as you begin or continue your journey through the maze of information out there about the topic of reproduction? You’re in luck!
We’ve gathered together a number of them to help you as you research fertility treatments and look for answers.
In the United States:
- 7.3 million women (ages 15-44) have fertility issues; this represents 11.8% percent of the female population.
- Consistent miscarriages may be a sign of infertility in women.
- 2.1 million married women (ages 15-44) have been able to become pregnant for 12 consecutive months of trying; this represents 7.4% of married women.
- The majority of women and men’s fertility issues are treatable.
- Two-thirds of couples who are treated for infertility are able to conceive.
- Prescription medicines and surgical procedures are the two most common ways that American couples use to combat their infertility situation.
- One-third of all fertility cases stem from issues with the female; one-third from issues with the male; and one-third from unknown causes.
- Embryos can be frozen for over a decade while still remaining viable.
- Ovulation rates lower significantly each year after a woman turns 35.
(Information sources: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. National Library of Health)
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Tags: American Couples, Centers For Disease Control, Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, Disease Control And Prevention, Dr. Munabi, Female Population, Fertility Issues, Fertility Treatments, Infertility, Infertility In Women, Information Sources, Married Women, Maze, Miscarriages, National Library Of Health, Ovulation, Prescription Medicines, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Surgical Procedures, Two Thirds, Women Ages, Women And Men
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Wednesday, January 5th, 2011
Unless you’ve struggled to have a child naturally, it can be tough to understand why couples don’t “automatically” realize they are having a fertility issue. The truth is, though, that many people simply don’t always recognize infertility.
Below, we’ve put together 5 common signs that you or your partner is having or is at risk of having fertility issues. Remember that these aren’t all-inclusive; you may have other symptoms and should always ask your physician if you have any concerns about your reproductive health
1. The Woman Doesn’t Menstruate
A lack of menstruation usually means little to no ovulation. Thus, there is no egg to be fertilized.
2. The Man Cannot Ejaculate
Though there has been some research indicating that pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain a small amount of semen, it’s unlikely that a woman will get pregnant if her partner cannot fully ejaculate.
3. No Conception within a Year of Trying
If partners have been having sex 2-3 times per week (especially during ovulation) and there has been no conception, there may be a fertility issue.
4. The Female Partner is Extremely Overweight or Underweight
Conception is made more difficult if one of the partners has a weight problem. Excessively overweight woman and excessively underweight women often have reproductive health issues as a result.
5. A History of STDs or Cancer
People who have had STDs or cancer are at higher risk for fertility issues.
Again, you should consult with your own doctor to learn more about the factors that may affect your ability to conceive on your own.
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Tags: Cancer, Couples, Egg, Ejaculate, Ejaculatory, Female Partner, Fertility Issue, Fertility Issues, Having Sex, History Of Stds, History People, Infertility, Ovulation, Pre Ejaculatory Fluid, reproductive health issues, Risk, Rsi, Semen, Signs, Truth, Underweight Women
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Thursday, November 18th, 2010
Many women have been taught to believe that as long as they menstruate, they should be able to become pregnant. But in reality, nothing could be further from the truth, as fertility and menstruation do not necessarily go hand-in-hand.
What’s the problem? Well, there could be several that would affect fertility, such as:
- Irregular Periods. This can be caused by any number of issues, including not ovulating on a regular cycle. No or infrequent ovulation makes getting pregnant incredibly difficult, especially if couples are trying to “time” the conception.
- Periods That Aren’t Periods. Sometimes, what looks like a period really isn’t one at all and could actually be “spotting”. And frequent spotting should always be investigated by an OB/GYN to ensure that there isn’t a serious problem.
- Ovulation at Unusual Times. For some women, ovulation doesn’t take place when it’s “supposed” to (e.g., midway through a menstrual cycle.) This makes it tough to predict the most fertile time of the month for a female.
If you have been having difficulty getting pregnant, it’s time to see a fertility specialist. Even if you’re getting a period, it’s not an indicator that you “should” be able to get pregnant without any concerns.
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Tags: Couples, Fertile Time Of The Month, fertility specialist, Irregular Periods, Menstrual Cycle, Menstruation, Midway, Miracles, Ob Gyn, Ovulation, Time Of The Month, Truth
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