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Posts Tagged ‘Reproductive Science’

H1N1 and the Seasonal Flu are Still Lurking…

Friday, January 1st, 2010

The fact that incidents of H1N1 have slowed may tempt couples pursuing (or considering pursuing) fertilty treatments into a false sense of security.  That’s because as winter progresses, the seasonal flu is always lurking in the background.  In fact, it usually doesn’t hit its stride until February or March and may linger into May.

While most people will not see a huge decrease in their fertility as a direct result of the flu (whether H1N1 or seasonal), they will be less likely to have intercourse when sick or be able to undergo fertility measures.  Thus, plans for reproductive science specialist-assisted conception could be delayed by weeks or months.

Fortunately, one of the best ways to keep the flu at bay is a simple one — wash your hands religiously after you’ve gone to the bathroom, been in a public place, shaken hands with someone, etc. 

If you do feel like you’re coming down with the flu, you may be able to shorten the duration of the virus by heading to your fertility or family doctor for a prescription.

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  • Helping Your Fertility-Related New Year’s Resolutions Come True

    Thursday, December 31st, 2009

    Are you planning on having a child in 2010?  If so, you may want to take some steps to make sure you give yourself every chance of greeting 2011 with a baby (or a baby on the way.)

    What can you do to get yourself prepared?  Depending upon your situation, there are a number of items you should consider, including the following:

    1. Stop smoking.
    2. Stop drinking alcohol.
    3. Stop taking any illegal drugs.
    4. Stop taking any prescription drugs (if possible) that may hinder fertility.
    5. Start (or continue) a moderate exercise program.
    6. Stop using any form of birth control.
    7. Get checked for any kind of STDs.  (They often have no symptoms and can be an unrealized cause of infertility.)
    8. If you’ve had infertility problems, get assistance from a reputable reproductive science specialist.
    9. Eat a diet that’s high in vitamins and lower in saturated fats.
    10. Try to de-stress whenever possible.
    11. Start having sex every three days or so (except during menses) to maximize your chances of natural conception.
    12. If you’ve decided to consider surrogacy, start checking out clinics that can assist you in finding a surrogate.
    13. Men may want to start wearing boxers.  (Some studies have shown that briefs can cause sperm efficacy problems.)
    14. Males may also want to be careful when using cell phones.  (Cell phones placed in laps can possibly affect sperm quality and counts.)
    15. If you’re considering IVF and you’re employed, you may want to look into your rights when it comes to time off or short term disability leave (if necessary).
    16. For couples looking to conceive through the donation of a viable egg, it makes sense to connect with a clinic that offers a well-respected egg donor program.

    Happy New Year to you!  Feel free to contact RSI to help you make your baby dreams a reality!

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  • Study Suggests Women Aren’t Waiting to Get Fertility Treatments

    Friday, December 18th, 2009

    Rumor would have us believing that women are putting off their fertility treatments until the latest possible time in their lives, but that seems to be a myth.  A recent survey of over 700 women showed that 88% were under age 35 when they first sought treatment for their fertility issues.

    This shows that many women (and men) are recognizing the signs that they might need help (e.g., not conceiving naturally after trying for about a year to get pregnant, a series of ectopic pregnancies, endometriosis, STDs).  It’s a good development, as it gives individuals and families more time to work with reproductive science specialists to address their fertility issues.

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  • When Do You Tell a Friend or Family Member about Your Infertility Struggles?

    Friday, August 14th, 2009

    000-front-cover-q75-351x500“When should I tell people about my/our infertility?” 

    It’s a question that has no specific answer.

    Some couples and individuals choose to tell people right away that they’re having difficulty conceiving.  To them, it’s the obvious thing to do.  Others never talk about their struggles with infertility at all, believing it’s an issue that’s best kept under wraps (maybe even forever.)

    Though there are no clear-cut answers as to when you should let the proverbial cat out of the bag, you do have to be prepared for what people are going to say if and when you choose to “come out” about your infertility.  After all, like it or lump it, some folks may respond lovingly… and others may not.  This means you have to be ready for almost anything. 

    Fortunately, if you’re working with clinic that specializes in reproductive science issues, you’ll have terrific access to professionals who can help you navigate the waters ahead and steel yourself for any questions, responses or comments that may come your way.

    And, of course, don’t let the possibility of a few uncouth statements deter you from reaching out.  If you want to tell someone of your infertility, go for it.  But if you’re not certain, there’s nothing wrong with keeping it under wraps for a little while longer.  In the end, it’s up to you.

    READER QUESTION:  When did you choose to tell people about your struggle with infertility?

    Free, Accurate Reports on Infertility

    Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

    Are you new to the world of reproductive science issues?  Have you wondered where to find accurate, up-to-date information on fertility-related concerns such as how infertility affects your emotional and physical health?

    Then RSI is ready to provide you with the useful data you need… FREE!

    Click on this link and you can download reports on the “Emotional Effects of Infertility” and/or “Proper Nutrition and Infertility”.

    Remember — this info has been vetted by our medical team.  That means it contains the most state-of-the-art statistics and suggestions to help you get healthy in both body and mind while you’re experiencing fertility concerns. 

    Click here now to learn more.

    In the News: Stress Can Be Major Cause of Fertility Problems

    Monday, June 22nd, 2009
    Tied in knots because of stress?

    Tied in knots because of stress?

    If you’re stressed out because you’re not able to conceive, that stress may actually be contributing to your fertility issues.

    So says a recent study from the University of California, Berkeley, as reported by MyFOX in Chattanooga, TN.

    A recently-released abstract from the study notes that:

    “The subjective experience of stress leads to reproductive dysfunction in many species, including rodents and humans. Stress effects on reproduction result from multilevel interactions between the hormonal stress response system, i.e., the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, and the hormonal reproductive system, i.e., the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis.”

    Many individuals and couples who have experienced infertility are not strangers to the notion that stress that can contribute to infertility. 

    However, it’s important to remember that the majority of infertility issues cannot be solved by relaxation.  That’s why working with a knowledgeable team of reproductive science professionals is always recommended for men and women who have been unable to conceive naturally.

    Image source:  http://www.mayang.com

    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.