Speaking at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference in Rome, researchers from Denmark reported that alcohol intake during pregnancy may result in the sons having trouble to father children during their whole life.

The report delivered was based on a study of nearly 350 young men who are now 18-21 years old whose mothers has been involved in a wide-range study of daily habits throughout their pregnancy. The researchers informed the fertility conference that mothers’ drinking was discovered to get down their sons’ sperm counts.

Young men whose mothers were known to drink 4-5 glasses of alcohol weekly while they were pregnant, had their sperm counts lower by one-third in comparison with their peers whose mothers kept off the bottle.

While the correlation between pregnancy alcohol intake and inferior sperm concentration and its possible ramifications haven’t been investigated completely, the fact that an extra drink or two may impair the male child’s fertility must be taken into consideration by would-be mothers.

Source of the image: Photl.com.

India, which can be justly called the world’s surrogate motherhood center, has been a mecca for American and European women who are unable to conceive for quite a while. This is mostly due to a much more moderate cost of Indian surrogate services. Arranged via local IVF clinics, these services (as well as gestational mothers’ terms and earnings) can differ to a significant extent, but the average prices make something like $25,000, which is a far cry from what they charge in the United States. But this state of things may not be for long.

Driven by a number of scandalous incidents over surrogacy and fertility issues, Indian officials are going to regulate the negotiations between families in need of a gestational mother, women who agree to bear children for them and IVF clinics.

It is reported that the new legislation stipulates the establishment of an official body that will take on processing all the transactions related to fertility and surrogacy services, thus excluding fertility clinics from participating in the arrangements.

Women who agree to lend their wombs will be subject to health-caring limits to their occupation. They won’t be allowed to go over five pregnancies in toto, and those over 35 years old will be downright prohibited to bear children for other people.

Another regulation demands that citizenship must be guaranteed for the child by the native country of would-be parents – which is bound to make things difficult for German citizens whose country doesn’t permit surrogacy.

Indian women are also going to feel the strain of the new legislative measures, for they have ample reasons to choose making their living by surrogacy. Compelled to act as other women’s substitutes by their dire economic situation, they often see no other way to make some money – except maybe selling some of their internal organs.

Source of the image: Photl.com.

Reduction in Caffeine

Completely reducing or avoiding caffeine will be of great help. Caffeine reduces the blood flow by contracting muscles to your lower body and hampers the growth of the baby.

Including Whole Foods

You should try to get used to whole foods in your busy lifestyle. Foods like vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts and minimum animal protein. To get a better idea about this, you can consult a nutritionist to learn which refreshing whole foods you must select containing quantities for healthy consumption, tips for shopping, and techniques for preparing your food to obtain the maximum benefits for health and digestion.

Water

Drinking a lot of water and keeping your body hydrated is the best thing you can do. Avoid foods containing sugar and sugar containing liquids in the market are not as healthy for you as they quote. Avoid them.

Synthetic Foods

Foods containing chemicals, additives and preservative can be harmful for you and your baby. You must learn to get familiar with a few natural sweeteners for consumption and bar the ones containing artificial sweeteners. You should start on increasing your fertility percentage with robust diet and nutrition consumption.

Controlling Unhealthy Craving

You can follow this from the very next day. Start having breakfast. If you skip breakfast, they will make your cravings worse and you should not miss the most important meal of the day. When you would consult a dietician, you will surely come to know a lot many reasons and the remedies for unhealthy cravings which would also comprise emotional reasons that would be not allowing your body to conceive.

Well balanced nutrition is exceptionally vital from the viewpoint of reproductive health. You must consult a registered nutritionist who will come up with a list of nutritious foods and beverages that you should avoid and the ones that you should include in your daily meals. Keeping up with these rules will only be beneficial for you and especially your reproductive health. Your consulting dietician will guide you through your very own personalized nutrition and fitness plan. Your dietician will also be able to provide you a few quick nutritional and lifestyle tips to get away from food cravings which reduce your chances of conceiving.

If you are facing any chronic health problems, your dietician will be able to guide you properly and help you in gaining healthy weight suitable for conceiving, and will make you realize how certain routine changes will make you healthy enough to conceive. This will further help you to balance your life, make you physically and mentally prepared for parenthood and help you in managing physically possible exercises, decrease stress in your daily routine and support you in conception.

Source of the image: photl.com.

Source of the image: flickr.com/photos/constantinb.

One of the main indications of male fertility is the concentration of spermatozoa in ejaculate. Everything’s great if one milliliter of sperm contains over 20 million active spermatozoa and the seminal fluid does not show sings of inflammation. If you have lower concentration, the wrong shape of spermatozoa or the lack of their activity, or abnormal concentration of white blood cells in the sperm this might indicate fertility problems so you will need to undergo medical examination and, possibly, fertility treatment.

Spermogram that even many doctors had no idea about 15 years ago is now one of the staple male medical tests. Clinics have special rooms for taking sperm tests and some medical centers can provide containers to carry sperm from home to laboratory within one hour. Obviously, the procedure is fussy and embarrassing. Designers of a home fertility analyzer, specialists from the Institute for Nanotechnology and the University of Twente in Netherlands, claim their device to be as accurate as laboratory tests while allowing to assess the quality of ejaculate in the privacy of your home. The device let the sperm flow through a micro channel, above which electrodes are fitted to count spermatozoa by separating them from other cells. If there is a need, though, the device can count other cells, too. Scientists believe that this is enough for early diagnosis of infertility.

Spermatozoa are vulnerable to psychological stress. Psychologists say that the stress related to awkward sperm tests performed in unfamiliar surroundings can be detrimental to the quality of sperm. Home fertility analyzer can let men avoid awkward sperm test procedure and save their time because spermogram have to be repeated two to five times in a special lab that can’t be found at any town. It will also make wives’ life easier, awaiting for the test results. You do the test, get your result and take action. Pregnancy planning can be a bit easier. However, there is one “but”: it’s now uncertain when the test will go on sale.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/clix.

But once artificial fertility measures are taken, a study in Fertility & Sterility reports, the number of male expectances comes down.

The study is looking into a particular reproduction technique scientifically labeled intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). ICSI is the method commonly employed to cope with male fertility problems and it is becoming more popular by day. It involves injecting the father’s sperm into the eggs extracted from the mother.

ICSI is considered very beneficial since it also serves to bring down the chances of giving birth to triplets or even more babies at a time.

But, as it turns out, blastocyst-stage embryos show a direct contrast to what we find in the natural state of things – less male babies are born.

Therefore scientists believe that ICSI shouldn’t be resorted to unless absolutely necessary if we wish to avoid the spread of this potential side effect.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/Rotorhead.

As a man’s weight increases so his chances of becoming a father decreases. The researchers studied more than 300 couples undergoing IVF treatment. Dr. Hassan Bakos of the University of Adelaide, Australia, said that as parental body mass index increased, successful pregnancy rates plummeted.

Couples involved in the study were either undergoing IVF treatment or an alternative procedure. Almost 80 percent of male participants were either overweight or obese. The man’s weight played no role at the initial phases when embryo develops. However, by day four of embryo cell division, when genetic factors become important, signs of impaired development were found. The evidence suggests that DNA damage and oxidative stress are to blame, according to Dr. Bakos.

So before planning on pregnancy, both partners have to try to make their weight normal to increase their chance of conceiving a baby.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/asifthebes.

Being branded as selfish and irresponsible, Maria sold her house for 45 thousand euros to purchase donor sperm and ovules. Later she admitted forging her age for the record downsizing it to 55. She hoped to live up to 101, the age her own mother reached. “I have all reasons to be so sure,” she claimed optimistically. However, she turned to be wrong.

It should be noted that María is not the only woman who set up her mind to have children at that age. Every elderly mother-to-be put forward her reasons and explanations. For instance, Elizabeth Adeney, single mother from England, was up to making her career until she reached 66. Single Spaniard Maria took care of her elderly mother for years. Omkari Panwar from India has a husband, two daughters and five grandchildren, but the couple dreamed of having a son born to the family.

The death of the world’s oldest mother raised much debate about ethics of having IVF at such age. This is thought to be a way-out for single unmarried women who do not care about possible risks while fertility restoring hormones may as well increase the chances of cancer.

Maria’s twins are being taken care by their godfather and nephew who, despite all efforts, will hardly be a proper substitute for the biological parent. Do you believe it is worthwhile to have children at such old age?

Source of the image: timesonline.co.uk.

Age and Fertility

Biologically, we are more fertile during a certain timeframe. Right time to conceive begins as we turn 18 and extends into 20s. With early 30s approaching, our reproductive abilities start declining gradually. However, it’s not before reaching the age of 35 when fertility can become a problem. Towards 40s, women are more likely to encounter more difficulties getting pregnant. While the nature signals the best time for pregnancy is reaching 20s, social realities weigh in and 20s just seem not that right for many young moms.

Why Old Age Pregnancy

Today’s women tend to miss fertile 20s as they are busy with starting a career, figuring out an advanced education, or even both. Having a baby in 20s may be very challenging financially, without job security and all. Let’s face it, having a baby requires not only parental love, it also needs sound household budget.

Early pregnancy may be hard on a relationship, too. Younger moms simply don’t have enough life experience to deal with baby-related stresses while fathers may feel alienated as they see their wives suddenly preoccupied with a child. This transition period would take a lot of tolerance to come through and emerge stronger as a family. Unfortunately, many marriages don’t pass the test.

Form this perspective, matured couples would have fewer problems having a baby. They gain more experience with age and are more ready to make sacrifices which parenthood requires. Maturity also matters when it comes down to weathering the trauma of pregnancy and labor. Older women are more likely to be easier with the problem of pregnancy pounds and other post-pregnancy issues.

Pregnancy Complications

But as we proceed with our careers, reproductive time’s ticking away. Now as you’ve crossed the age of 30, it might take a bit harder to conceive. Of course, turning 30 doesn’t mean at all you are getting irretrievably infertile. And the study of the University of Texas at Austin just backs up the assumption. According to scientists, the best time to get on a journey into motherhood is 34. At this point a woman is quite healthy to have a baby and achieves financial stability.

However, beyond this line, pregnancy complications can be piling up. Another study conducted by Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority, UK, showed a steady rise of fertility treatments among women over 35. More and more babies are born as a result of IVF treatment with higher risk of birth defects. So older age pregnancy doesn’t seem like a totally safe haven. Obviously, as we get older, our health weakens. Many women over 35 are very likely to develop diabetes or high blood pressure, making it tougher to carry and deliver a healthy baby.

Pregnancy is a milestone event whatever time it happens. So, what time seems best to you?

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/ecahal.

During the study 116 men suffering from infertility issues were supposed to make sex daily for a week. As a result, 4 out of 5 men showed 12% decrease in DNA malfunctions. Additionally, the number of spermatozoons fell from 180 millions to 70 million, but the latter grew more active.

David Greening’s findings in fact contradict the current approach to male infertility treatment which suggests that men should abstain from sex for a few days to improve fertility.

Source of the image: flickr.com/photos/mazelx.

According to the experts, increased blood supply promotes movement of the eggs to the ovaries and embryo implantation in the womb.

A previous study showed that weight reduction in obese women increases chances of ovulation by 30-40 per cent. The new study examined the role of blood flow in the process of ovulation and pregnancy for the first time. The specialists believe that a larger study needs to be conducted for a full examination of this point. However, at the moment the scientists are confident that the body weight is linked with the ability to have children and even the smallest weight loss increases the chances of conceiving.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/asifthebes.

What Causes Anovulation?

There are quite a lot of reasons to know why a woman is not ovulating regularly. If you consult a doctor, he/she would prescribe certain drugs that will cause ovulation. A woman who is not experiencing any bleeding at least once in a month will not be able to notice that she does not ovulate unless she is monitoring her basal body temperature. The chart would appear to be very irregular with either the temperature shooting up constantly or no temperature rise notification in it at all.

There are various reasons for anovulation. Some of them include:

1. Breastfeeding
2. Pre-menopause
3. Illnesses
4. Stresses
5. Coming off the pill
6. Hormones like Depo-Provera
7. Traveling
8. Vigorous Exercise
9. Extreme weight loss or weight gain
10. Other medical conditions – like pituitary gland problems and polycystic ovarian disease.

Anovulation and Getting Pregnant

Anovulation could be very discouraging when you are planning to conceive. However, you should not worry about it as there is help available. If you notice that you are not ovulating, you should consult your doctor. There will be a chain of tests undertaken to recognize your levels of hormones and a few drugs will be prescribed for fertility and ovulation.

What Medicines Are Prescribed to Treat Anovulation?

The widely prescribed drug is Clomid or Pergonal. These drugs are prescribed with small doses initially to offer a chance to your body to ovulate and then the doses increase in anticipation of the ovulation. Quite a few women will surely ovulate after taking these drugs. However, Clomid is only prescribed when the origins of infertility are unknown.

If there is no regular menstrual cycle, the drug Provera, or something similar to it is prescribed to encourage menstruation. Just the once ovulation occurs, the doctor can then better inform you if there is any additional help required.

What Natural Ways Can Encourage Ovulation?

There are a lot of natural herbs that can also bring about ovulation. That is the reason why we recommend you to meet your doctor first and take their advice. Vitex provides help to control the estrogen and progesterone hormones which helps in ovulation. You should check the bottle to know the dosages. Vitex should not be taken if you are already prescribed Clomid.

You can try to increase your chances of conception by 50% by drinking tea. To lengthen the leuteal phase and fertility, a dose of 25 mg – 100 mg of vitamin B6 can help. Consumption of evening Primrose oil before the expected ovulation can help in the production of the white cervical fluid, which is known as the most fertile fluid.

There is no need to worry about anovulation as it is not a major reason for infertility. Science and technology have moved to greater heights and things can be done to help nature. Anyway, first of all you should begin with charting your basal body temperature and seeing your doctor.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/bies.

Chronic Diseases

Remember emergency instructions on the plane telling you to first put an oxygen mask on yourself before putting a mask on a child. If you breathe, you are able to help your child. The same is true about the health of your future baby. Your own health is a priority! Nobody’s going to get pregnant, bear and give birth as well as to provide care for your child for you. Future mother is more important than her future baby, if you think about it.

Don’t disregard any ailments, especially those relating to the reproductive system. Delays in menstrual cycle, painful menstruation, hair growing where it shouldn’t all direct you to a gynecologist’s office. Thinking that the problems will disappear after childbirth is misleading.

Stress and Conception Problems

If you have strained relationships with your parents and colleagues, if you cry yourself blind and can’t forget the love affair that failed like ten years ago, if there are some taboo topics among your family, etc, – give it a thought. Motherhood is a serious matter, and you should make a self-confident decision. It might be helpful to go to a psychologist, alone or with your family.

Is Pregnancy a Challenge?

It often happens that girls who were raised in families where pregnancy was always a challenge expect their own experience to be as frightening and heroic. There are often no hereditary diseases involved, but the anxiety is enough for them to make problems out of nothing. And stresses work just like the Pill. Gynecologists can do nothing to ease your stress. That’s a psychologist’s job.

Eating Healthy

“Starvation” isn’t synonymous with “vegetarianism”. Experienced dieticians create vegetarian diet plans able to provide an adult with all essential proteins, vitamins, fats and microelements. Keeping this kind of diet requires much effort.

Some women think it is ethically wrong to eat food of animal origin because they don’t want to hurt other living creatures. To each it’s own, but your baby needs some amino acids and fats that are found only in fish, meat, milk and eggs. So if you plan to have a baby, decide which of little helpless creatures is more important for you.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking affects fertility both in men and in women. According to studies, smokers are more likely to have less active sperm. The study in Britain involving 17 032 women showed the link between the number of smoked cigarettes and infertility.

Use Birth Control Pills Smartly

Choosing the right time for the baby is crucial. But contraception may put your future fertility at risk as well. So you need to talk to a health specialist about choosing the right birth control pills. For example, women with liver disorders or pancreatic gland problems should avoid oral contraceptives.

Never listen to what your friends are saying about contraception pills. Neither your friends nor a druggist are able to give you’re a professional advice. You should seek a consultation from health specialists. “Emergency contraception” is not a female trick, it is a powerful hormonal blow. Therefore, don’t jeopardize your fertility and learn about all the risks of contraception.

Think if Your “Healthy” Attitude Helps

Are you going to buy only Organic baby food? Are you going to give your baby only filtered water? Are you going to put on your baby only cloth diapers because you think paper ones are toxic? Is this what you are absolutely going to do?

If you confine yourself into the rigid limits, it indicates emotional ill-being. It goes hand in hand with the stress that prevents you from getting pregnant and may harm your future baby.

It goes without saying you don’t have to buy cheap food of suspicious origin. Just keep eating what you’ve always eaten and live your life the way you’ve lived it if you feel good and happy. Why change anything and stir up anxiety? Without anxiety, you body focuses on what it should normally do.

Preventive Care

Focus on your health and visit a hospital for examinations regularly if you are an athlete or work under “abnormal” conditions – you often fly on the plane and change time zones, you contact chemicals (in a lab or printing works), you spend a lot of time on foot, or in heat and sultriness. Don’t neglect injuries and ignore uncomfortable sensations. You may feel the consequences of injuries of the locomotor system or intoxications later when it’s time to be in great shape and bear a child.

Getting Slim

Acute weight changes and nonstop succession of slimming diets and fast-food comebacks is worse than having natural fold of fat on your waist, ample breasts and large hips. Excessive weight is what really can harm you, but not the one that makes it hard for you to fit XS size.

If you’ve ever gained weight rapidly or ever lost many pounds without any efforts and dieting, you absolutely have to tell about it to your gynecologist or endocrinologist.

Don’t be Afraid of Dentists

Neglected focuses of inflammation are a ticking bomb in your body. Most often, the focuses are in our teeth, and we are so afraid of dental treatment that we simply take painkillers to delay the visit to the dentist’s. But for your future baby’s sake, try to understand what is so dreadful about dental treatment and fight your fears.