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Posts Tagged: infertility

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3
Jul 11

Benefits of the 5-Day Embryo Transfer For IVF Procedures

In some IVF procedures, doctors may wait three days before transferring embryos to the uterus, while a five day transfer is used by others. The advantages and disadvantages may be debated by the scientific community, but understanding the pros and cons of such a procedure is important for infertile couples interested in the in vitro fertilization procedure.

Of course, a fertility specialist should be alongside when making such a decision, as their knowledge and experience is certainly something that couples should take advantage of when making such a decision.

Waiting five days before transferring embryos to the uterus allows the doctor to select the highest quality embryos for transfer. Choosing the best quality embryos for transfer is important for infertile couples, as it gives them a better chance of becoming pregnant.

An embryo that has been allowed to develop for five days is called a blastocyst. These embryos have developed two cell types and a center cavity filled with fluid. For more information about blastocyst embryos, patients should speak to a doctor in the field. In many cases, more educated patients turn out to be more successful patient, so consulting with a physician regarding this procedure may be beneficial to the couple.

One of the advantages of a five day transfer for IVF procedures is that five days is a more natural time for the embryo to make its way into the uterus. Many IVF procedures perform a transfer after two or three days, but embryos of this age are usually found in the fallopian tubes. Transferring after five days instead of two or three may reduce the risk of multiple births as well.

After two or three days, it may be more difficult to determine which embryos will be healthy enough to develop, while culturing embryos for five days will often give doctors a better idea of which embryos will be more likely to develop long-term. Therefore, fewer embryos may be transferred, which decreases the risk of multiple births.

The disadvantages associated with this method are minimal if the clinic performing the procedure is well-equipped and has quality control measures in place. Clinics with less than optimal culture environments may not have the same success rate as proficient clinics, making clinic selection an important task in this procedure.

Less than optimal clinics may have greater success with two or three day ivf transfer methods. Speaking to a medical professional at a proficient clinic is important for couples interested in this procedure.

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25
May 11

Top Five Vitamins to Consider During Pregnancy

The most important nutrients and vitamins to consider during pregnancy

The risk of infertility in women and men is increased by inadequate levels of intake of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium, vitamin D, and zinc. The risk of infertility may also be increased by low levels of intakes of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

?Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium.

Sperm are rich in polyunsaturated fats, the type found in oils. These fats break down when exposed to oxygen and other reactive chemicals normally present in the body. Antioxidants protect polyunsaturated fats from breaking down and help maintain normal sperm production,

structure, and functions. Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium protect the polyunsaturated fats in sperm from breakdown due to their action as antioxidants. Several studies have identif ied improvements in sperm concentration, structure, and motility in men who have corrected def iciencies of these nutrients.

?Zinc.

Zinc def iciency has long been known to cause infertility in males. A lack of zinc decreases testosterone production and sperm number and motility. Bringing zinc levels up to normal helps restore fertility.

?Vitamin D.

It appears that a surprisingly high number of women and men in the United States are receiving too little vitamin D from foods and the sun. Poor vitamin D status has many health effects, and the list now includes an effect on fertility. Infertile men with low sperm count are more likely to have low blood levels of vitamin D than men with normal sperm counts.

?EPA and DHA.

These omega-3 fatty acids participate in eggdevelopment and hormone production in women and in spermdevelopment in men. Most U.S. adults who dislike f ish or seafood or who eat it infrequently have low intakes. Initial research results suggest that adequate intake of EPA and DHA may help prevent infertility related to hormone production and sperm development.

?Excess exposure to heavy metals for men.

Men exposed to high levels of lead and mercury may experience infertility due topoor functioning sperm. High blood levels of lead can result from working in smelting and battery factories and from ingesting excess mercury from contaminated fish

Summary : Life is too short and our window of opportunity is shrinking, so it’s best to throw every we have into the ring. When we do this miracles happen, anyone can greatly increase their chances of having a healthy baby at any age by taking the right vitamins and food nutrients.

If you want to read more about getting pregnant have a look at Getting Pregnant Help

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13
May 11

Overcome Infertility – Premature Ovarian Failure In Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Premature ovarian failure is defined as a condition of which the ovarian is no longer responded to the brain in production of follicle before the age of 40, leading to high levels of FSH in the bloodstream and menopause hormonal symptoms. It is caused by either the accelerated loss of eggs or follicles are become less responsive to hormone stimulation from the pituitary gland. It has been estimated that POF affects 1% of the population. While conventional medicine uses synthesis medication to stimulate the ovarian response and artificial insemination with only 5% success rate accompanying with a high medical cost, it drives many women to seek help from traditional medicine, including the traditional Chinese medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine views POF as an excess and deficiency pattern caused by emptiness of the penetrating and conception meridians and treatments are totally depended to her unique diagnosis, there is no one treatment for all.

I. Diagnosis
Most women with POF have some of following symptoms
1. irritability, a rapid pulse and a red tongue
2. Pale or normal tongue
3. Weak pulse
4. Weakness
5. Lethargy Pale,
6. Shallow breathing , soft voice Little desire to speak
7. Poor appetite
8. Fatigue
9. Loose stools
10. Indigestion
11. Bloating and gas
12. Reddish tongue with little or no coating
13. Dry mouth, especially at night
14. Dark, scanty urination
15. Night sweats
16. Thirst
17. Dizziness
18. Heat flushes
19. Constipation
20. Palpitations
21. Forgetfulness
22. Constipation Pale complexion
23. Pale and dry, cracked lips
24. Anxiety
25. Numbness or tingling in limbs
26. Light menses
27.Difficulty urinating, and
28. Edema
29. Cold limbs,
30. Lack of energy
31. Low sexual desire
Since each woman is diagnosed as her own entity, some symptoms may be found in some women, but not in the other, depending to the diagnosis.

I. Causes of POF in TCM perspective
A. Excessive yang
Caused by an excessive loss of vital essence and nutrient fluid, leading to dryness of skin, chapped lips, nose bleed, mouth sore, urinary burning, etc. and interfering with the kidney function in hormonal regulation, resulting in ovarian abnormal function in responding to the hormone secretion from pituitary gland.

B. Spleen qi deficiency
1. Liver
Liver has directed influentially in spleen function, without strong liver there is no treatment for spleen blockade and deficiency.

2. Diet and occupation
Since spleen prefer warm and hot foods, prolong period working in col environment and eating cold foods will effect the spleen function in synthesizing carbohydrate synthesizing, disrupting the processes in nutrients absorption, obstructing the blood flow to the abdominal region and effecting the luteal phrase, resulting in infertility
3. Life style and weakened liver
Spleen is view as the organ of digestion ( nutrients distribution ) and elimination ( eliminating the body waste ). Spleen qi deficiency is normal caused by irregular dietary habits and excessive use of mind in studying and working. Weakened liver may also increases the risk of toxins accumulation and liver qi stagnation in the body, effecting the spleen function and obstructing implantation of egg in the uterine lining.
C. Kidney yin deficiency
a) Unhealthy diet
As oppose to yang deficiency, It is caused by men who love to hot and spicy food leading to heat accumulation in the body causing yin deficiency.

b) External factor
Working in the hot environment causes the depletion of fluids in the body including the kidney leading abundant yang qi production.

c) Low sexual activity
Frequent sexual activity increases the risk of yang deficiency, low sexual activity causes energy overly accumulation in the reproductive organ, leading to yin deficiency.

D. Blood deficiency
Tradition Chinese medicine view blood deficiency is caused by weakened spleen organ, thereby, reducing the spleen function in blood formation, leading to causes not enough blood to distribute to the body such as absence of (no blood for) menstruation. Blood deficiency leads to abnormal function of reproductive system in regulating menstrual cycle, disrupting the production of egg or produces poor quality egg and makes uterine mucus hostile to sperm.

F. Kidney yang deficiency
1 Unhealthy diet
As we known, we live in the society, where everything we drink are mostly cold including milk. It has a danger effect in both female and male body as it depletes of the yang qi which is needed to counter the the cold effects of abundant yin, leading to kidney yang deficiency. If one day, our yang qi production from the kidney jing is no longer working well, it will cause symptoms of infertility

2. External factors
a) Working in the cold environment such as fish, poultry and meat processing plants may deplete the kidney yang as our body require to produce yang qi constantly to counter the external cold.
b) People stay in the cold place for prolong period of time may also have the same effect as people working in cold environment.

b) Frequent sexual activity
According to traditional medical medicine, sexual intercourse helps to improve blood circulation and production of certain hormones which are necessary for our health. It also helps to balance the kidney yin qi but frequent sexual activity depletes the kidney jing which is vital for hormone and sperm production, leading to low sperm count or semen with no sperm as well as kidney diseases.

II. Treatments
1. Diet modification
a). Since most women with POF are diagnosed with excessive yang in the west caused by the typical American diet as resulting of the body evokes the response from the ovaries, it is advised that spicy and hot foods are eliminated from the diet until excessive yang can be neutralized.
b) What to avoid
i) Simple sugar and refine starches
Simple sugar and refine starches have a very high reading in the GI index list as they cause sharp rise and drop of blood sugar in the bloodstream.
ii) Hormone imbalance
As the levels of insulin produced by the pancreas have to increase traumatically when the blood sugar levels rise and stop when the blood sugar drop. The imbalance of levels of sugar also cause the over production of cortisol hormone by the adrenal gland that interferes with production of sex hormone, causing infertility.
iii) Vitamins
Over production of cortisol caused by intake of sugar and refine starches also increases the risk of nutrients deficiency as resulting of vitamins and minerals depletion including B vitamin and magnesium.
iv) Weakened immune system
Study show that intake a teaspoon of simple sugar can weaken the immune system up to 4 hours as resulting of weakening protein functions in body defence.

v) Saturated fat and trans fat
Saturated fat and trans fat interferes the liver function in essential fatty acid metabolism, leading to over production of certain hormones in the prostaglandins family, causing menstrual camps and pain, nervous tensions as well as irregular menstrual cycle, thereby increasing the risk of infertility.

vi) Coffee
Intake of large amount of coffee daily to fight off stress may have a negative effect in the reproductive system. As study show that women who consume 300 mg or more of caffeine take longer to conceive than women who do not or take less.

vii) Drug and alcohol
Drugs and alcohol can influence an imbalance of reproductive hormones. As drug increases the tension of the nervous system leading to hormone imbalance, excessive alcohol drinking can cause liver damage, which abnormal function of liver in all kinds of metabolism, causing blood and qi stagnation in the liver and effecting a couple’s reproductive abilities. Alcohol also causes nervous tension, leading to over production of certain hormones, thereby, increasing the risk of infertility.

viii) Carbonate Soda
Carbonate soda contains high amount of sweetener, caffeine and phosphate which can interfere with calcium absorption as well as stimulating the over production of certain hormone including cortisol, leading to fatigue, stress and anxiety.

ix) Most animal and dairy products
Because most animal and diary products are considered acidic which can distort the balance of pH levels in the body, making cervical mucus hostile to sperm invasion as well as preventing the implantation of egg.

2. Chinese herbs

a) Herbs for Blood Deficiency
i. He shou wu (fleeceflower root)
He shou wu is a liver tonic herb, it promotes liver function in blood formation and increase the kidney qi in assisting the liver in transporting blood to the heart for circulation, thereby reducing the blood stagnation causes of deficiency. It also improves the kidney in urinary secretion, thus decreasing the risk of blood stagnation caused by fluid retention.

ii. Shu Di Huang (Chinese foxglove root)
Sdu di huang is a blood tonic herb. Besides improving the liver in blood formation, it also increases the lives qi, by boosting the circulatory system in transport oxygen and nutrient to the body cell thus reducing the risks of symptom of dizziness, pallid complexion, palpitations and scanty menstruation.

iii. E Jiao (Donkey-Hide Glue)
E jiao is important herb in improving the liver in blood formation and liver qi in regulating the blood circulation in the body, thereby, reducing the symptoms of dizziness, sallow complexion, palpitations caused by blood deficiency.

iv. Dang gui (Chinese angelica root)
Besides best known for improving the liver function in blood formation and regulating function of the reproductive organs, it also harmonizes the production of hormones during menstrual cycle, leading to reducing cramps and pain caused blood deficiency and stagnation.

v. Bai shao (white peony root)
Bai shao besides plays an important role in nourishing the blood and regulates menstrual problems due to blood deficiency, it also harmonizes the liver and spleen to prevent the rising of blood heat causes of headache and dizziness.

There are many more Chinese herbs helping to treat blood deficiency, you make sure to work with your Chinese practitioner to find the underlining causes and treat them effectively.

b) Herbs for Kidney yin deficiency
i. Shu di huang (rehmannia glutinosa)
Shu di huang is considered as yin tonic herb with warm in nature. It has an influence in the heart-kidney-liver channels by increasing the liver blood formation and heart blood circulation as well as enriching the kidney (jing) essence, thereby decreasing the symptoms caused by kidney yin deficiency.

ii. Nu zhen zi (ligustrum lucidum)
Nu zhen zi is a kidney and liver yin tonic herb with neutral in nature. By increasing the qi flow in the channels of kidney – liver, it reduces the qi and blood stagnation caused by excessive yang in the kidney.

iii. Sang shen (morus albus)
Sang shen not only has been used in Chinese for cooking to increase the kidney function in moistening the body fluid, but also used to nourishes the kidney yin and increases liver in blood storing and formation.

iv. Bai shao (white peony root )
Bai shao plays an important role in nourishing the blood and regulates menstrual problems due to blood and qi deficiency caused by excessive yang in the kidney.

v. Shan yao (ioscorea opposita)
Shan yao is also known Chinese yam in China, it is a kidney balancing herbs and neutral in nature. Besides as an important herb in increasing the yin of Spleen and lung, it also improves the kidney function by raising the kidney yin when it is deficient and reduces it when it is excessive.

In Some cases, there may be kidney yang deficiency instead of yin deficiency
c) Herbs for kidney yang deficiency
i. Lu rong
Lu rong is also known as deer antler, deer antler velvet. Besides tt is best known in enhancing the sexual activity in men, it also is a great herb that reduces the blockage of the meridian liver and kidney. Since yang qi deficiency is also caused blood deficiency, improving the body yang by strengthening the liver’s function in blood formation and kidney’s function in fluid distribution, it reduces the yang deficiency in the body.

ii. Du Zhong
It is also known ecommia bark, it is one the most used herb to enhance the function of meridian kidney-liver by promoting the qi and blood formation. Since the liver is a organ in charge of blood storing and blood formation and kidney is in charge of fluid regulation, it increases blood flow to the entire body and reduces fluid accumulated in the body, thus enhancing yang.

iii. Ba Ji Tian
Ba ji tian is also known as Chinese morinda root and sweet and warm in nature. It is also one the herbs used to strengthen the liver and kidney qi and blood yang by enhancing the liver in blood formation and kidney in urinary secretion, thus reducing the yang deficiency causes of abdominal distention, including cramps and pain during menstrual cycle.

iv Rou Chong Rong
Rou Chong Rong used in traditional Chinese medicine for reducing the blockage of kidney-large intestine meridian, thereby increasing the kidney function in bring blood to warm the uterus and urinary secretion and digestive system in moving waste, resulting in lessening the fluid retention and dysmenorrhea.

v. Bu Gu Zhi
Bu gu zhi is also known as psoralea fruit and used in traditional Chinese medicine in treating blockage of meridian kidney-Spleen. It notifies the yang qi by increasing the kidney function in assisting the function of lung qi and the function of Spleen in qi distribution.

d) Herbs for qi deficiency
While deficiency of blood and qi are defined as a condition of liver abnormal function in blood formation and blood transportation due to qi deficiency or the inability of qi in moving blood caused by spleen qi and lung deficiency. Therefore, by treating the stagnation of spleen and lung qi, it will improve the blood deficiency.
Herbs enhancing the qi movement include
i. Ren shen (Ginseng)
Ren shen is considered as one of most powerful herbs in strengthening the original qi in the body. * In spleen, it improves the spleen function in qi absorption, thus reducing the symptoms of distended chest and abdomen cramps and pain.
** In lung, it enhances the lung qi by moistening the channels, thus reducing the symptoms of asthma and dry cough and prevent the rebellion qi causes of menstrual cramps and pain.

ii. Xi yang shen (American ginseng)
Xi yang shen is yin in nature, besides promoting the lung and spleen qi, it also increases the digestive system in absorbing vital energy that is vital for women during menstrual cycle.
It also reduces the heat causes of qi stagnation by moistening the all qi transportation channels, especially for qi stagnation caused by deficiency of yin.

iii. Dang shen (pilose asiabell root)
Dang shen is a Spleen and lung tonic herbs. It improves the lung function in moving qi smoothly through its channels and spleen function in absorbing qi after foods entering the stomach. It also helps to restore the qi which is damaged by heat caused by infection, inflammation or heat generated due to excessive fluids accumulation.

iv. Tai zi shen (pseudostellaria root)
Beside helping to increase the spleen and lung qi, it also improve the blood transportation and spleen and stomach in absorbing vital energy for our body cells and generates fluids to prevent the heat causes of qi stagnation.

v. Huang qi (astragalus root)
It is one of the herb which helps to increase the function of liver in generating more blood formation and liver qi in blood transportation due to excessive blood during menstruation.

3. Acupuncture
a) To clean heat and relieve the stagnation of blood
Stimulating Gongsun(SP4), Neiguan Pc6, LiequeLu 7 and Qi HaiQi6
b) To supplement yin and blood
stimulating Taixi Ki3, Sanyinjiao(SP6) and Zusanli St36
c) To calm heat
Shenmen Ht7 and yintang
d) To Rectify the liver qi and heat
Xingjian Lv2, Taichong Lv3, Ququan Lv8 and Qimen Lv 14

” All women can conceive sometimes during their child bearing age, before menopause”. If you are diagnosis with infertility caused by POFs, my heart goes to you. When comes to treat POFs, the traditional Chinese medicine is one of the best according to unconfirmed statistics. Please make sure you find a doctor who has both conventional medicine and TCM knowledge. Best luck to get pregnant soon Kyle J. Norton

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12
Apr 11

Maximize Your Fertility – Even While You Eat A Vegetarian Diet

There is no reason why even strict vegetarians cannot have fertility levels equal to meat-eating women, and there is no reason why their pregnancy and the health of their future baby should not be normal. But vegetarians must be aware of their special needs to ensure they are not compromising their chances to conceive. One of the most important things a vegetarian can do is to identify any nutritional deficiencies they may have.

If these deficiencies are identified and dealt with fertility levels should return to normal.

Vegetarians can be divided into three groups – those who eat eggs, dairy products, and plants; those who eat dairy products and plants; and those who eat only plants. This final group, vegans, obviously has the highest risk factor for having nutritional deficiencies, due to their lack of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products from their diet.

One of the main problems encountered by all vegetarians is a lack of protein in their diet. Proteins are made up of 21 different amino acids, and of those 21, 9 cannot be made in the body. They must come from your diet, or a protein deficiency will result. These 9 amino acids – known collectively as “essential amino acids” – are found in many plants. However, only a few of these essential amino acids can be found in each type of plant, so vegetarians must effectively combine foods in their diet to ensure all essential amino acids are covered. Examples of foods eaten together that compliment each other and contain good quality amino acids: beans and rice, macaroni and cheese, and corn and black-eyed peas.

The more strict a vegetarian is, the more difficult it will be to meet the recommended daily amount of amino acids. But if care is taken to consume the right combinations of foods, it can be accomplished.

Another concern for vegetarians is the level of zinc in their diets. Most people obtain the zinc in their diets in animals products. Vegetarians who wish to obtain the required zinc from vegetable sources should try to eat macaroni, potatoes and their skin, black-eyed peas, and green peas – all are good vegetarian sources of zinc. This effort should be supplemented with a daily multivitamin, since consuming the recommended daily amount of zinc through these foods alone would be almost impossible.

Something else that vegetarians need to be aware of are deficiencies in iron and vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is a problem, in particular, since it is not found in any plant food. Good sources of vitamin B12 include milk, eggs, and fortified breakfast cereal.

A good, daily multivitamin (preferably the prenatal variety) is essential for vegetarians. Consuming the required vitamins and minerals through food alone is unrealistic for vegetarians. Having said that, a diet that is balanced and varied, that contains as many of the fertility enhancing vitamins and minerals as possible, will still be of great benefit to non-meat eaters.

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18
Feb 11

How to Overcome Recurrent Miscarriage – A Case Study Part 1 Of 2

*Susan and Peter Smith (names have been changed for privacy reasons)

FIRST VISIT:
Susan, BMI 21 (30 y.o, oil painter) came to see me on her own after having suffered her third consecutive miscarriage. She was understandably discouraged and very upset by this as her most recent miscarriage had only happened 5 days prior.

1st Miscarriage 1990–6-7 weeks–no D&C required
2nd Miscarriage 2002–8 weeks, blighted ovum–D&C, conceived again 1 month later.
3rd Miscarriage 2003–9 weeks, blighted ovum–D&C

Susan had regular periods that ranged from 32-35 days, normally would bleed for 5 days and considered her bleeding light, varying from bright to dark blood, with no clots. Ovulation was occurring in most cycles between days 17 and 18. She had been on the oral contraceptive pill from the ages 18-25yrs old and experienced an absence of periods for some time post cessation. Susan usually experience moderate to severe pre-menstrual symptoms such as fluid retention, PMT, fatigue and food cravings (sweets).

Other general symptoms she complained about included: palpitations, sinus congestion, numbness and tingling of extremities, occasional migraines (which had been particularly bad on the pill), skin rashes and hives (particularly following neurofen). In the previous year, she had had two elevated Gamma GT results (GGT–liver enzyme).

Susan had many investigations following her third miscarriage. I asked her to bring in those results with her next time. I also asked her to make an appointment with one of the doctor’s at the centre as we would need to do some further investigations for heavy metals and genito-urinary tract infections.

TREATMENT
Discussed the need to avoid radiation, electrical appliances in the bedroom, chemicals of any type, especially cleaning products and this included a break from painting for at least 120 days (fortunately she could do this) as well as flying (this would be more difficult for her husband as it was part of his job) and anything else that could be detrimental for general health. I advised her and her husband to avoid alcohol and caffeine completely (they didn’t smoke or use recreational drugs so, this was one less thing for them to do!)

Detoxifying, low allergenic (dairy and gluten free) organic diet wherever possible (particularly meats). She was to base her meals on vegetables and good quality protein sources and avoid processed, refined, fermented and sugary foods. Susan also needed to make sure she was drinking plenty of filtered water, at least 2L daily. She was already exercising and sleeping well.

SUPPLEMENTS:
Individually customised supplementation regime for Susan.

HERBS:
Individually customised herbal medicine prescription for Susan.

I asked her to bring her partner along next time and for him to have a sperm analysis through a specialist fertility clinic in the interim. I also asked for her to bring along any results she may have to her next visit. She would also begin charting her cycle.

SUBSEQUENT CONTACT:
Susan called me to let me know she had thrush. I dispensed herbs for her to taken internally and do sitzbaths/douches daily, followed by local yoghurt and acidophilous applications.

SECOND VISIT:
Susan brought in her husband and all results from previous investigations. She was starting to feel better now, felt unwell in the first 2-3weeks after her first visit. Susan was able to implement all the lifestyle changes I suggested to her in the initial consult. Her temperatures were good, mucus changes were undetectable and she was not ovulating.

RELEVANT FINDINGS FOR SUSAN:
- Normal chromosomal assessment of parents and products of conception post D&C
- High positive IgA + IgG for Candida.
- Positive IgM for Cardiolipin antibodies
- Positive Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
- Very high prolactin levels (1886 mIU/L)
- Decreased haemoglobin
- Elevated globulins (GGT had gone back to normal) (liver function test)
- Low B12
- Low day 21 progesterone
- Positive Gliadin Antibodies (EIA) (gluten intolerance)
- High fasting blood mercury levels (later established mercury and lead–heavy metal toxicity)

Peter, BMI 30 (31 y.o. General Manager–Retail) accompanied Susan, he was able to bring his blood results as well as sperm analysis and completed questionnaire.

RELEVANT FINDINGS FOR PETER:
- Overweight
- Stressed
- Nutritional deficiency symptoms
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- High cholesterol
- High insulin levels (pre-diabetic state)
- Elevated liver enzymes
- TSH low end of the range
- Sperm analysis surprisingly good, despite some sperm clumping and low levels of sperm antibodies being detected.

TREATMENT:
They were both to follow the diet. Peter needed to detoxify, exercise, implement some stress management techniques, which were discussed and lose some weight. He was able to decrease the amount of interstate flying every month.

Susan and Peter needed to undertake some further heavy metal diagnostic tests and Susan’s integrative medicine doctor already started her on oral chelation therapy to detoxify from heavy metals.

SUSAN’S SUPPLEMENTS:
Individualised, high quality, therapeutic ‘practitioner only’ nutrients including and not limited to a good multi vitamin, fish oils, antioxidants, probiotics and more.

SUSAN’S HERBS:
Susan had lots of immune system related issues, and was given another customised herbal formula to address these issues in detail. In addition Susan as also prescribed another hormonal balancing mix focusing on liver health and eradicating high levels of candida from her system based on her blood tests and had had thrush soon after our last visit.

PETER’S SUPPLEMENTS:
Peter’s supplements were also Individualised, high quality, therapeutic ‘practitioner only’ nutrients focusing on overall metabolic health to optimise fertility including and not limited to vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, magnesium and chromium–these will also help to normalise his weight and blood sugar level issues.

PETER’S HERBS:
Peter’s customised herbal medicines were primarily focused on optimising liver health, prostate and sperm function, general wellbeing, energy levels and decrease stress.

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17
Jan 11

Pregnancy & Fertility – Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS, PCO), Androgen and the Law of Attraction

Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS, PCO)

Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome is the most common endrocrine disorder in women of child bearing years (Broomsma et al, 2008). PCOS is associated with infertility, frequent first trimester miscarriage, and an increased risk of gestational diabetes (Goldenburg & Glueck, 2008) so it can be devastating for women.

One of the most salient issues associated with polycystic ovaries syndrome is that a woman’s body produces an excess of male hormones known as androgens.

The Law of Attraction

We know from the law of attraction that in order for something to manifest in your experience, you must be a vibrational match to it. So your beliefs/thoughts and feelings (conscious or otherwise) are in alignment with the experience of what is happening for you (in this case PCOS).

Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome and the Law of Attraction

That does not mean that you has to be thinking about infertility issues or polycystic ovaries syndrome for it to appear in your reality. What is means is that the vibration of PCOS is in some way a match for what is going on in your consciousness.

We are living in a patriarchal society in which ‘maleness’ and manhood is valued more the ‘femaleness’ and womanhood. We have been taught that the expression of emotion or listening to your intuition is somewhat inferior to being strong and practical.

In this environment, it is easy to understand how a woman’s body might (unconsciously) expend more energy in producing androgen …which is vibrationally aligned to maleness (and what has been valued by society up until now) as it mirrors the messages we may have received in childhood.

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5
Jan 11

Causes of Infertility in Women – Knowing and Solving

The biggest causes of infertility in women often involve physical health issues that often have a wide variety of forms, but have the same short range of remedies. For a woman to truly break free from her infertility, she needs to know what’s causing it, and devise a way to ensure that it doesn’t keep hunting her for the rest of her life.

The first step to knowing is to give your doctor a small visit. Infertility in women often comes from ovulation disorders, uterine issues, age, pre-existing health problems, and overall physical unfitness. With a few simple and cheap tests, your doctor can determine whether any of the more common causes for infertility are preventing you from conceiving, or if there’s anything more serious that you should be aware of. By knowing the answer to the simple problem of “what’s causing it all,” you are giving yourself a few targeted options to take in the long run.

Once you know what’s causing the infertility, take the time to solve the problem. Solving the problem could either mean taking some medications, going on certain fertility diets, increasing overall physical wellness, active monitoring of physical statistics such as basal body temperature and menstrual cycles, or a combination of some or all of these options.

Women who have ovulation disorders and uterine issues are often prescribed medications to improve their hormonal balance. A good hormonal balance will promote the regularization of a woman’s menstrual cycle, and increase uterine wall thickness — a problem that tends to become more pronounced with age.

Along with these treatments, a woman could also be subjected to fertility diets and overall lifestyle changes so to counteract the effects of age, the environment, and any other external factors that may affect a woman’s fertility adversely. Lastly, with active monitoring, you give yourself the benefit of knowing when you have the greatest probability of conceiving successfully: use these odds to your advantage, and you can even counteract the disadvantages of certain adverse factors, such as age and physical health, that you might have.

The above-stated problems and solutions are targeted for those that are most commonly being experienced by women today. Some cases might be more serious, and may require more drastic measures such as surgery and artificial fertilization. However, it is still important to note that the general solutions are still practical to take no matter how serious or mild your causes of infertility might be, as these simply lead to a healthier you.

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30
Nov 10

Understanding PCOS and Infertility in Women

Ages 15 to 44 are usually considered to be normal child bearing years, and PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition which affects approximately 1 in 10 of this age group, making PCOS infertility the most common cause of female infertility.

But what exactly is PCOS, and how are PCOS and infertility connected? PCOS is a condition which affects a woman’s menstrual cycle and consequently her ability to have children. In a normal menstrual cycle, follicles develop in the ovaries, and these follicles each contain an egg. Eventually only one follicle remains and it is this which produces the egg released in ovulation. With PCOS however, insufficient female hormones are produced for ovulation. The result of this is that the follicles may grow and develop into cysts, which can show up on ultrasound as the characteristic ’string of pearls’.

The cause of PCOS is unknown and several theories exist. Women with PCOS and infertility frequently have a mother or sister with the condition, so there may be a hereditary connection, although this has not been proven. Others consider a genetic predisposition is the cause. Increasingly scientists think there may be a connection with insulin PCOS infertility. Women with PCOS have difficulty processing insulin so that too much remains in the body. This excess of insulin appears to increase production of male hormones (androgens) which leads to problems with ovulation.

A wide range of symptoms may be experienced with PCOS, although these will vary greatly with the individual concerned. The symptoms include:

旾rregular period, infrequent period
旾ncreased hair growth on the face, chest and back
旽air loss (characterized by thinning on top of head)
旳cne or oily skin
昗eight gain or obesity
旾nsulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
旽igh blood pressure
昐kin tags

Treatment of PCOS and infertility is one of symptom management, and will depend on the symptoms experienced and what your fertility goals are. Treatments may include diabetes medications to treat diabetes where present, fertility medications to stimulate ovulation, and anti androgens to help with hair growth and reduce acne. Hormone levels can also be helped by weight loss.

Different women will experience PCOS in different ways. For some the symptoms may be quite mild and barely noticeable, but others may experience a wide range of symptoms. Many women become embarrassed over their appearance, others may worry about failing to conceive, and some will get depressed. In addition to the medical treatments available, various support groups exist and these can help deal with the emotional aspects of the condition.

pregnancy — Comments Off
28
Nov 10

Overcome Infertility – How to Treat Infertility With Over the Counter Medicine – Guaifenesin

As we mentioned in previous articles, infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. It effects over 5 millions couple alone in the U. S. and many times more in the world. Because of an unawareness of treatments, only 10% seeks help from professional specialist.We have spent most of the time in this series discussing the conventional and Chinese medicine in treating fertility. I believe, it is the best time to change the subject by discussing how to treat infertility with over counter medicine– guaifenesin.

I. Definition
Guaifenesin is also known as glyceryl guaiacolate, it is one of the ingredients found from the over counter medicine syrups and has been used to assist the bringing up of phlegm from the airways in acute respiratory tract infections.

II. How over counter guaifenesin helps to treat infertility
1. Cervical mucus
Some studies show that guaifenesin can improve the rate of pregnancy, because it promotes the secretion of friendly cervical mucus, thus enhancing sperm invasion for egg fertilization. There was a report that some women in their 40 were able to conceive after 6 months of continuing of taking the medicine. In fact, most of the trials have proven that guaifenesin increases the chance of fertility.

2. Analgesic use
Besides helping to normalizing the menstrual cycle by reducing pain during menstruation, guaifenesin also helps to improve nervous tension caused by inflammation, resulting in lessening the risks of nervous disorder, including over active uterine muscles and depression.

3. Anticoagulants
It is said that guaifenesin also decreases the coagulant effects in the arteries that help the blood to get thinner, thereby increasing the blood flow to the reproductive organ, leasing to enhancing the chance of fertility.

III. Risks and side effects
Over dose of guaifenesin may cause
1. Nausea,
2. Vomiting
3. Formation of kidney stones of uric acid

Parenting — Comments Off
26
Nov 10

Parenting an Only Child

I can remember my mother’s words when I first brought my newborn daughter home from the hospital. “So…do you think you will have another?” My immediate response was, “No!” It was ten years of infertility and thirty hours of labor which prompted this obstinate reaction.

Trying to achieve another pregnancy would again put us on that infertility roller coaster we knew all too well. It was only due to the marvelous advancements in the areas of infertility, an excellent team of doctors and specialists who worked with us, and our very highest hopes that we were able to achieve this miracle in our life.

Today, wanting a baby and being able to have a baby are two different things, especially for the older woman. So ingrained in our thinking is the assumption that to parent is natural that we believe becoming pregnant is simply a matter of choosing when. In fact, most fertile couples do not understand the anguish of those who cannot conceive children. One of the most common and insensitive comments made to couples with only one child is, “You should feel lucky that you have at least one child.” Indeed we do! However, to these couples deciding how many children they would like to have is a personal choice governed by birth control. Infertile couples are not lucky enough to have this choice.

Now, three years later, I suddenly find myself wondering if we have made the right decision, to raise an only child. Although we could try the ARTs (Assisted Reproductive Technology) a second time, we have opted to remain a single-child family. Were we depriving her of a richer, more fulfilled family life?

To help us better understand our situation we created a list of pros and cons pertaining to raising one child.

PROS

* no competition or jealousy among siblings
* financially easier to raise one child
* child receives one-on-one attention in family
* there’s no guarantee that a sibling would make life better for her
* inheritance/savings is directed to only one child and therefore she will benefit financially in later life
* parents can spend more quality time with an only child
* no worries about a high risk pregnancy due to mother’s age

CONS

* more difficult to teach sharing and socializing with other children
* parents may feel guilty for not giving the child a brother of sister
* tendency to get too much attention and may become spoiled
* child may feel different because other families have more children
* no sibling to reach out to in later life when parents are gone
* parents may develop unrealistic expectations of an only child

Studies have shown that an only child tends to excel in areas of achievement motivation and self-esteem and aspire to higher levels of education, perhaps because of a more intense child/parent relationship. Researchers believe these children are motivated to high levels of achievement by high expectations from the parents.

By the time the child is three or four years old she becomes aware that many of their friends have new babies in their families. She may ask, “When can I have a baby brother or sister, Mommy?” putting even more pressure and guilt on the parents. At age five and six the child may enjoy going to school to be with other children and when not in school there may be increased pressure on parents to keep the child occupied with suitable playmates. At this age, school becomes more important and offers the child a chance to choose her own friends. Parents should allow plenty of opportunity to ask them home to play or organize friends to stay the night or weekend.

Each stage of parenting a child (with or without siblings) brings new joys as well as new challenges. Parenting two or more children usually means dealing with sibling rivalry at some stage. Parenting a single child can at times create a stressful relationship triangle between mother, father and child. He never has to share his parents with brothers and sisters and may be more dependent on them than a child from a larger family. “Sibling rivalry” is acted out between child and parent rather than child and sibling. If the parents decide to create a united front the child may feel like he is fighting a losing battle and give in too easily. On the other hand, if the parents give in too much to the child, he may always expect to win and get his own way. This could have negative effects as he grows up and learns to interact with peers and other adults outside of the family circle.

Marilyn Turner has been a social worker for over twenty-two years. She has worked with many different kinds of families, including single-child families. “A lot of only children struggle with perfectionism,” she says. “Their natural incline is toward perfectionism because they are always trying to be as good as their parents, rather than comparing themselves to siblings who have not yet perfected anything and are closer to their own learning and growing level. As teenagers, they may give up and become discouraged, developing low self-esteem.” Her expert advice to parents of only children is to help them become better decision makers and try not to compare themselves to their parents. “Onlies are very ’should’ laden, meaning their parents often tell them what they should do or say.”

Gaye Gemmell is an elementary school teacher and is currently teaching grade four. During her many years of teaching she has noticed that only children tend to be more dependent on the teacher in their learning. “They’re generally not used to waiting for their turn and have a need for instant attention. However, they tend to do better in some subjects because they have more help from their parents.” When asked if they work better in groups or on their own Gaye explains, “They seem to work well in groups as long as they get along with the others in the group. Often they lack the conflict resolution skills when they’re in groups.” She concluded by saying that they relate well to adults and express themselves well through a high level of vocabulary.

For those of us who are doing parenting for the first and only time, our choices have overwhelming importance. Having only one child means there is not the chance to make up for our mistakes down the line. There aren’t other children with whom to iron the kinks out. Professionals interviewed on their definition of a good parent warned that what they see over and over are parents who are not setting limits for their children. A parent needs to set boundaries as to what’s okay and not okay to do and to set those limits in a firm but respectful way. Parents of only children should be particularly careful on “over” issues, such as overprotection, overpraising, overtolerance and overindulging.

Thirty to forty years ago the average family consisted of 3 children. In recent years this average has dramatically decreased to only 1.2 children per family as a result of postponed births as women establish their careers, more effective birth control, increasing costs of raising children, and a rise in infertility among men and women. The percentage of one-child families has risen to levels comparable to those of the Depression years, which saw a sharp increase in small families due to economic constraints. The U.S. Census in 2000 revealed one-child families now account for 30 per cent of family units, or 16 million only-children. Census reports also show that 1 in 6 women will be the mother of an only child by the end of her child-bearing years.

Information and advice from other parents can be a great source of inspiration. I spoke to several mothers of only children and here’s what they had to say:

Laurie, a working mother of one five-year-old, has no interest in having more children. “I can’t see myself starting all over again,” she says. “I am more interested in helping an older child as a foster parent. I would also like to focus on my career which would be difficult to do with another baby to raise. Right now I’m very happy focusing all my attention on only one child.”

Amanda, another working mother, had her first baby when she was 38 with the help of assisted reproductive technology. Her child is now three, and Amanda would like to have another. But she accepts the limitations. “If I do not conceive soon,” she says simply, “we will be just as happy raising our only daughter.”

Grace is a stay-at-home mom who is raising an active five-year-old. “I find it difficult to keep up with the social demands of an only child. Before my daughter was in school I took in a child during the day as a playmate for her. Now she’s in school half days and the social interaction still isn’t enough for her. She still wants a playmate for the other half of the day. I also enroll her in extracurricular activities to keep her interactive with other children. Sometimes I think I’m busier with one child than others are with two or three.”

Nicole is a working mother of one two-year-old. She thinks it’s harder to be a stay-at-home mom than it is to be a working mom. “I choose to be a working mother,” she says, “and I find it hard to juggle my time raising one child. We have now employed a full-time nanny to care for our daughter. We’re happy with only one child, it has definite advantages. I have decided to have a tubal ligation to prevent any more pregnancies.”

Parenting is a definite eye-opener. The hardest lessons I’ve learned have been of patience, responsibility, selflessness and being able to see the world through my child’s eyes. I’m thankful for the birth of my daughter. The whole experience has moved me in a way that has greatly enriched my life. I’m confident that our decision to raise an only child is the best one for us and our daughter and I look forward to giving her my unconditional love and devotion for the rest of my life.

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