Posts Tagged ‘STDs’
Monday, August 29th, 2011
Sexually transmitted diseases may not be discussed much among adults, but they’ve slowly crept into medical charts of the over 25-year-old population. Though gonorrhea diagnoses have lowered over the past several years, cases of chlamydia are on the rise. And that’s a cause for alarm among women and men who want to have children.
STDs like chlamydia have been known to cause infertility in both males and females. Whether complete or partial infertility, they are “hidden” causes. That’s because, surprisingly, many STDs have no (or very few) warning signs or symptoms.
So what can you do to protect yourself? There are several options:
- Don’t have sex with any partners who have not been screened for STDs.
- Always wear protection during any sexual intercourse and either abstain from oral sex or use protection during those acts as well.
- If you have had unprotected sex, get tested.
While it’s understandable that you may feel embarrassed to talk about STDs with your primary physician or fertility specialist, it’s necessary to remove the possibility that your infertility may be exacerbated by an undiagnosed condition such as chlamydia.
And be assured that reputable fertility clinics, like the Reproductive Science Institute (RSI) on the outskirts of Philadelphia, are staffed with trained professionals who pass no judgment and only want to help you achieve your health goals.
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Tags: Chlamydia, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Fertility Clinics, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatment, Health Goals, Infertility, Males And Females, Medical Charts, oral sex, Outskirts, PA Infertility, Reading, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases, Std Sexually Transmitted Diseases, STDs, Undiagnosed Condition, Unprotected Sex, Warning Signs, Women And Men, Wyomissing
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Friday, May 20th, 2011
According to a variety of rather shocking statistics, a good many married Americans are engaged in infidelity. But could their cheating be driving infertility? Perhaps, especially if they are engaging in unprotected sex with one or more partners.
More so than the emotional and psychological outcomes of infidelity, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) could severely affect a man or woman’s ability to have children naturally. Unfortunately, STDs aren’t easily spotted.
Many STDs, including Chlamydia and gonorrhea, are running rampant in the United States. Yet it’s not uncommon for them to have zero warning signs. This means an affair that took place years ago could have a lasting affect on both individuals’ fertility rates well into the future.
If you are one of the up to half of all married persons who has engaged in infidelity and is now trying (unsuccessfully) to have a child with your partner, it’s important to get tested for an STD. Many STDs can be cured (or at least controlled), but only if they’re diagnosed… and the earlier, the better.
Contact a fertility clinic like RSI to schedule an appointment and find out if you may be an STD carrier. Beyond infertility consequences, it’s important for you to know for the sake of your health.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Appointment, Cheating, Chlamydia, Consequences, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, fertility clinic, fertility rates, Gonorrhea, Infertility, Infidelity, Psychological Outcomes, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Sake, sexually transmitted diseases, Shocking Statistics, Std, STDs, Twitter, Unprotected Sex, Warning Signs
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Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
Could the decisions you make as a teen or young adult affect your fertility in later years? Absolutely, especially if you contract one of the many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that are rampant in the United States and abroad.
STDs may not be discussed in everyday circles; in fact, they are often relegated to a health education class or two. However, they can be (often silent) contributing factors to fertility difficulties in both men and women.
“I’d know if I had an STD!” people regularly say, affronted by the notion that they could possibly be carrying a condition that causes them to be unable to conceive a child. Yet many STDs do not carry any (or many) symptoms. In plenty of cases, men and women have no idea that they’ve had an STD for years until they come to a fertility specialist (like those at the Philadelphia area’s RSI clinic) and are tested as a part of routine examination.
This is why it’s so important for you to face facts. If you OR your sexual partner have ever engaged in any type of sexual activity (oral sex included) with another individual, you owe it to yourselves to get tested for STDs. Even if you’ve been together for many years, it’s critical for you to know. After all, many STDs can be either controlled or eliminated, but if you don’t know you have the problem, you cannot solve it.
Certainly, it’s a difficult topic to bring up, but if you’re having fertility issues, it’s worth knowing the answer to the question.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, ATS, Circles, Decisions, Diseases, Dr. Munabi, Education Class, Facebook, Fertility Issues, fertility specialist, Health Education, Inc., Men And Women, Notion, oral sex, Philadelphia Area, Routine Examination, Rsi, Sexual Activity, Sexual Partner, STDs, Twitter, United States, Young Adult
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Friday, April 29th, 2011
Hooray! It’s National Infertility Awareness Week from April 24-30, 2011!
In celebration, we at RSI, one of the Philadelphia area’s most reputable fertility clinics, would like to share some facts about fertility treatments, assisted reproductive techniques and other pertinent tidbits:
- The world’s first IVF birth was in 1978 in England.
- The first American IVF birth was in 1981 (30 years ago!)
- In some countries, fertility clinics will not allow certain couples to go through procedures because of age, sexual orientation and other factors. Thus, a phenomenon called “fertility tourism” has sprung onto the international scene.
- Not all fertility clinics accept patients in same-sex relationships. (RSI does.)
- Fertility clinics aren’t just for those over 35 or 40… many younger people are now seeking fertility treatments, especially if they have been trying to have a child unsuccessfully for six months or more.
- In-vitro fertilization (IVF) may get a lot of press, but it only represents about 5-10% of the procedures handled by fertility clinics.
- About 10% of all couples have trouble with fertility at some point. (This includes secondary infertility.)
- Endometriosis is a large contributing factor for many women; ironically, a good number of females do not realize they have this condition until they go to fertility clinics.
- Men and women have an equal chance of being infertile.
- STDs (especially those which have been undetected) are an increasing problem for those wishing to become pregnant.
- Even if you’ve had a child once, you can experience “secondary infertility.”
- The stigma of fertility treatments has been greatly reduced; consequently, more couples (and singles) are making appointments at fertility clinics in an effort to have children.
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Tags: April 24, Couples, Dr. Munabi, Endometriosis, Facebook, Females, Fertility Clinics, Fertility Treatments, Fertilization Ivf, Infertility, Infertility Awareness, National Infertility Awareness Week, Phenomenon, Philadelphia Area, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Same Sex Relationships, Secondary Infertility, Sexual Orientation, STDs, Stigma, Twitter, Vitro Fertilization
Posted in Fertility Treatments, In the News | 1 Comment »
Friday, March 25th, 2011
Ever wonder what causes or contributes to a woman or man’s infertility? Our 3-part series takes a brief look at 25 factors that can result in infertility for males and females.
- 16. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – According to the Centers for Disease Control, PID is an “infection of the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus) and other reproductive organs that causes symptoms such as lower abdominal pain”. PID is a symptom of an STD and is often a cause of ectopic pregnancies.
- 17. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – PCOS is a common hormonal disorder affecting women. A female with PCOS typically has enlarged ovaries that contain many cysts. Infertility and PCOS often go hand-in-hand.
- 18. Scarred Ovaries – If a female’s ovaries have become scarred due to surgeries, infections or other problems/conditions, the ovaries may not function properly.
- 19. STDs – Many STDs (like Chlamydia) essentially “steal” fertility. However, a good amount of adults do not realize they carry STDs. This is one of the reasons reproductive health physicians will frequently test both partners for STDs at the beginning of their fertility journey.
- 20. Stress – Though stress might not last forever, it can be a contributor to infertility. Because the body often “shuts down” unneeded systems during stress, males and females can find themselves unable to have children when going through times of great, prolonged anxiety.
- 21. Thyroid Problems – The thyroid gland helps regulate hormones; consequently, an undiagnosed thyroid problem can be to blame for infertility in women.
- 22. Toxins and Poisons – It’s long been known that there are several toxins and poisons that create conditions for infertility. Some items to watch out for include lead, mercury and certain plastics/polymers.
- 23. Treatments for Cancer – Radiation and chemotherapy can leave men and women infertile. That’s why some females (even those who do not desire to have a child in the near future) choose to have their eggs removed and cryo-preserved in the hopes that they can be fertilized later.
- 24. Uterine Fibroids – Fibroids are small “lumps” that develop inside the uterus. Though benign, they can make the uterine environment a place where conception cannot easily take place without intervention.
- 25. Vaginal Lubricants – Certain vaginal lubricants may contain spermicides or ingredients that can contribute to infertility.
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Tags: Cancer Chemotherapy, Centers For Disease Control, Chlamydia, Common Hormonal Disorder, Control Pid, Dr. Munabi, Ectopic Pregnancies, Enlarged Ovaries, female infertility, Infection Of The Uterus, Infertility, Infertility In Women, Lower Abdominal Pain, Male Infertility, Males And Females, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Reproductive Organs, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, STDs, Thyroid Gland, Thyroid Problem, Thyroid Problems
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Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
The CDC has recognized April as “STD Awareness Month” and encourages all adults to get themselves tested.
Many STDs are “silent”, remaining hidden until they are later uncovered quite unexpectedly. For example, in the case of many couples, the realization of infertility leads to a discovery of an STD in one (or both) partners.
The CDC offers a list of testing centers at their site: www.cdc.gov/STD. If you have been sexually active with more than one partner (or your partner has been sexually active with other people), getting checked can head off avoidable problems — like infertility and birth defects — in the future.
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Tags: Adults, Awareness Month, Birth Defects, Cdc, Couples, Discovery, Infertility, Leads, Miracles, Realization, Std, STDs
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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
Gonorrhea is the most widespread and common of STDs… which makes it a huge risk for couples looking to have children now or down the road. It’s long been known that it can affect fertility; consequently, more fertility specialists are checking their patients for the medical condition.
Unfortunately, gonorrhea has few symptoms. In fact, many men and women have no idea they have the STD until years have passed. Thus, it can “silently” affect individuals for quite a while before being uncovered.
If you’re experiencing infertility and your physician hasn’t recommended you get checked for gonorrhea, it’s a good idea to ask if you could possibly have the disease. It’s spread through any kind of sexual contact, so if one or both members of the couple have had other partners, it’s worth finding out if gonorrhea could be to blame for infertility.
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Tags: Couples, Fertility Specialists, Gonorrhea, Infertility, Medical Condition, Men And Women, Risk, Sexual Contact, STDs
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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:
- Stop smoking.
- Stop drinking alcohol.
- Stop taking any illegal drugs.
- Stop taking any prescription drugs (if possible) that may hinder fertility.
- Start (or continue) a moderate exercise program.
- Stop using any form of birth control.
- Get checked for any kind of STDs. (They often have no symptoms and can be an unrealized cause of infertility.)
- If you’ve had infertility problems, get assistance from a reputable reproductive science specialist.
- Eat a diet that’s high in vitamins and lower in saturated fats.
- Try to de-stress whenever possible.
- Start having sex every three days or so (except during menses) to maximize your chances of natural conception.
- If you’ve decided to consider surrogacy, start checking out clinics that can assist you in finding a surrogate.
- Men may want to start wearing boxers. (Some studies have shown that briefs can cause sperm efficacy problems.)
- Males may also want to be careful when using cell phones. (Cell phones placed in laps can possibly affect sperm quality and counts.)
- 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).
- 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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Tags: 2010 resolutions, Baby Dreams, Baby On The Way, Egg Donor Program, Exercise Program, Fertility, Happy New Year, Having Sex, Illegal Drugs, Infertility, Infertility Problems, Menses, Moderate Exercise, Natural Conception, new year's resolutions, Prescription Drugs, Reproductive Science, resolutions for 2010, Saturated Fats, Science Specialist, Short Term Disability, STDs, Stop Drinking Alcohol, Stop Smoking
Posted in Holidays | 1 Comment »
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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Tags: Address, Endometriosis, Fertility Issues, Fertility Treatments, Miracles, Myth, Pregnant, Reproductive Science, Rsi, Science Specialists, Signs, STDs, Women And Men
Posted in Facts and Figures | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
What you don’t know about can hurt you, especially when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like chlamydia.
According to the CDC, chlamydia is on the rise in the United States (1.2 million new cases were reported in 2008.) Unfortunately, it is often symptomless. In fact, many women have no clue they are infected until they try to conceive and discover that a case of untreated chlamydia has left them with fertility problems.
How can you know if you might have been infected with chlamydia? Though a screening is your only way of finding out for certain, you may be at risk if…
- Your mother had chlamydia. (The infection can be passed to a baby through vaginal childbirth.)
- You’ve had any sex partners who could have been infected with chlamydia. (The more there have been, the greater the possibility.)
- You were sexually active as a teen.
- You have had oral or anal sex with someone who could have been infected with chlamydia.
Even if you believe there isn’t any way that your partners (male or female) could have had chlamydia, ask your doctor for a screening to rule it out if you’re trying to have a child.
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Tags: Anal Sex, Ask Doctor, Cdc, Chlamydia, Chlamydia And Infertility, Clue, Discover, Diseases, Fall Newsletter, Fertility Problems, Infertility, Miracles, oral sex, Risk, Sex Partners, sexually transmitted diseases, STDs, Transmitted Diseases, Untreated Chlamydia, Vaginal Childbirth
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