Personal Path To Pregnancy

Personal Path
to Pregnancy
The Secret to Making a Baby Lies in
Choosing What’s Best for You - Traditional
Strategies & Little Known Alternatives
Doctors Often Don’t Discuss that Help You
Increase the Odds of a Quicker Conception
by:
Beth Kiley
© Personal Path To Pregnancy 2011 3rd Edition
All rights reserved. No part of this ebook may be reproduced in any material
form, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted or circulated in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, audio, visual or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of the copyright owner. Applications for the copyright ownerʼs
written permission to reproduce any part of this book should be addressed to the
author, Beth Kiley at bethkiley@comcast.net. Warning: The undertaking of any
unauthorized act in relation to a copyright work may result in both a civil claim for
damages and criminal prosecution.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1:
Does Mother Nature Need a Nudge?
Sizing Up the Situation to See If Your
Fertility Is at Risk
Chapter 2:
The ABCs of Conception – How to
Boost the Odds of Having a Baby in
Your Immediate Future
Chapter 3:
Are You Ovulating? Predicting Your
Chances for Pregnancy While
Minimizing Irregularities
Chapter 4:
Before You Turn to Your Doctor –
Traditional and Alternative Tips to
Help Hasten the Process of Pregnancy
Chapter 5:
How to Influence Your Fertility With
Your Diet – What To Eat and Avoid
Chapter 6:
When Infertility Is an Issue – Dealing
with the Tests, Emotions, and
Outcome of a Diagnosis You Didn’t
Want!
Chapter 7:
When A Condition Is Identified And
What Does It Mean?
2
Chapter 8:
When Medical Science Should
Intervene – A Look at Today’s
Breakthrough Technology for
Increasing the Odds of a Baby
Chapter 9:
Conception Isn’t One Size Fits All –
Mapping Out Your Blueprint for
Making Your Dream Come True
3
Chapter 1:
Does Mother Nature Need a Nudge?
Sizing Up the Situation to See If Your Fertility Is
at Risk
When most couples decide to have a baby,
they really don’t give very much thought to
how difficult it might actually be. It seems
simple enough…have sex…make a baby.
The truth is, both men’s and women’s
fertility levels are on the decline today. It’s
quite possible that the trouble stems from the
increased chemicals and pesticides in the
foods we eat, toxins in the environment and
the high stress levels of modern society.
It seems that every little thing counts when it comes to trying to conceive a baby
—from what you eat to what position you have sex. Now I don’t know your situation
personally, but what I do know is that there’s a mountain of information out there, and I
think you should be armed with all the knowledge you’ll need to map out your own
blueprint to making a baby.
It is your body, after all – not your doctor’s, not your best friend’s or wellmeaning mother-in-law’s – and certainly not the acquaintance you met on the Internet
who declared nothing else works but her method.
Your Personal Present, Past, and Future Path to Pregnancy
Every woman has a different story, and this guide will cater to women in any
situation. Maybe you’re just now considering parenthood and haven’t even really tried to
get pregnant yet, but want to be informed before you get started.
Or maybe you’ve tried every which way you know, and haven’t been able to get
pregnant yet after months – or even years – of trying. Before you give up hope forever,
you need to get to the end of this book and see what’s in it for you.
4
Some of you reading may relate to my story of how my personal path to
pregnancy was achieved. I was married at 35 and about a year later, we decided to try
and have a baby. After getting pregnant fairly quickly, I lost my first baby in a
miscarriage at around 4-5 weeks. Although I was very saddened and confused, I wasn’t
too worried, since many people told me that it was very common.
I thought I was lucky because I got pregnant again so quickly. At 7 weeks I saw
my baby’s heartbeat on the sonogram. But at my 10-week ultrasound appointment, they
told me my baby’s heart had stopped beating.
I was devastated, to say the least. And that’s when fear really set in. It took 3
more miscarriages before I was finally diagnosed with an immune related disorder that
would require some treatments to prevent another miscarriage the next time I got
pregnant.
Imagine my surprise that my next step on the path to pregnancy was that I
couldn’t seem to get pregnant again. We tried, but nothing happened for several months.
Depression set in, as I wanted a baby so desperately, and I was terrified of not being able
to get pregnant again. The battle between depression and desperation raged on and I
joined online support groups and shared in the camaraderie of other women’s struggles
and felt joy and jealousy whenever one of our own was able to conceive and bring a child
into this world.
While my desperation and frantic anxiety took root, it seemed like everyone else
around me was getting pregnant. It was like it was “in the water” and I wasn’t getting to
drink from the fountain. This was devastating.
So, I logged onto the Internet and devoured information, researching in every
spare minute to find out what I could do to help me get pregnant more quickly. I
researched on the computer every day. I read books, articles, transcripts, research papers
and published medical reports. Long story short, I spent every free minute I had learning
everything written on the topic of getting pregnant. I even had two expensive
consultations with top experts in the field of reproductive endocrinology (fertility
doctors) to try to find answers.
And you know what? There’s an absolute ton of information on this subject. It
took so much time to simply sort through and make sense of it all. To separate the facts
from the myths—the new research from the old. The wive’s tales from the truth.
And even though I dug up all these buried resources, I wasn’t sure the techniques
would work. But within two months of implementing some of the techniques I
uncovered, I conceived and carried my first baby to term. She was a beautiful baby girl
5
and well worth the wait. And when we decided to try and give her a baby brother or
sister, I conceived my son after only 1 month of trying.
My husband and I took a very pro-active approach. I learned about all of these
techniques in a desperate attempt to become a mother myself, and if it can help you in
your quest to parenthood, then I’m happy to share what I learned so that you don’t have
to waste time sorting through the mountain of information on the Internet.
You have enough to deal with when trying to become a parent—the excitement,
the disappointments, the fear, the nervousness, or quite possibly the depression and
desperation that I went through.
This guide is meant to be a thorough look at all of the options that are available to
you—including dozens of strategies that people don’t talk about and doctors don’t seem
to want you to know about. You will learn about various ways you can do something on
your own to improve your fertility and therefore maximize your chance of conceiving a
child the fastest way possible.
You have choices, and I’m going to deliver them to you. When mainstream
medicine doesn’t help you, or when you want to know the most modern methods people
and scientists have developed for getting pregnant, it ought to be easy to access, don’t
you agree?
That was my goal in creating this guide, and I believe I have achieved what I
hoped to accomplish in structuring it so that it’s easy and informative and can help you
bring your dreams to fruition. You won’t have to waste your valuable time sorting
through the endless, often conflicting information to learn what you can do to have your
dream of a beautiful baby come true.
***What You Should Know About the Unknown***
There is a very important point I want to address before you get started. You need
to know and understand this very important point. At the present time, there is still a lot
about conception that remains unknown. When you think about it, it makes perfect
sense, because if doctors knew everything there was to know about getting women
pregnant, then the success rate for procedures such as IVF (in vitro fertilization) would be
extremely high. The truth is, they are not. Even when the egg is fertilized in the lab and
the resulting embryo is placed back inside the uterus where it is expected to develop into
a baby, more often than not it doesn’t work. And doctors do not understand why.
Clearly this reinforces the idea that conception is extremely complex, with many
variables that are still unidentified. The best we can do is use the knowledge that we
6
have to improve fertility and therefore the odds of getting pregnant. And sometimes,
there is disagreement among the medical community about what may improve or worsen
your chances of getting pregnant.
In those areas, I believe it is best to take a conservative approach and eliminate
anything that even “may” hurt the chance of conception. I will touch on some of these
issues in this guide. And my recommendations will typically be that when there is
controversy among the fertility experts, it is best to err on the side of caution. In other
words, better safe than sorry. Of course, you can choose the direction you want to take,
as I will always point out when there is disagreement among the experts. You will be
armed with the information and my recommendation and it is up to you to use the
information as you see fit.
There is one more point I want to address before we dive in to the information
that is equally important.
As you read through this guide no doubt every
reader will have a different amount of
knowledge already in place about getting
pregnant. While it will vary for everyone, each
of you will probably come across at least some
information that you already know. For some it
will be more than for others, but I’m quite sure
everyone will learn enough to make a big
difference in your ability to get pregnant.
But here’s the important point. The most important thing I can tell you is that you
must take action to bring about a change. If you are reading this guide to help you get
pregnant, it is not important what you already know or what you have now learned. The
only thing that is important is that you do something about what you know or have
learned.
I have done surveys in the past that I have found shocking. Women who tell me,
yes, I already knew that… but when I ask, so are you doing anything about what you
already know, all too often the answer is no. Learning about ways to increase your
fertility are only helpful if you actually put what you learn/know into practice. Even if
you read this guide and only learn a few new things (although I’m sure it will be a lot
more than that), if I can just convince you to take action on what you learned/know…to
make changes, even if they seem small and insignificant, that is the only way to have a
chance at achieving your dream of creating a beautiful bundle of joy. Remember, many
small changes can add up to a significant result.
7
PLEASE, do not scan through this book looking for the “magic secret”. I know
other guides promise you that, but it simply does not exist. There are MANY things you
can do to optimize your fertility, and most often it is by making small consistent changes
that when added together will enable you to bring about the result you desire.
Desperation Is Your Best Ally in Your Quest to Get Pregnant
Being desperate is no picnic in the park. Who wants to feel hopeless, frustrated,
and anxious on a daily basis? While it was horrible to go through, it did make me well
educated in pregnancy-related issues.
Instead of making you go through the same process – picking the minds of
experts, talking to hundreds of women all over the world to see what worked for them – I
decided to just compile what I learned and give you all of the options available to help
you make a baby on your own – without budget-busting infertility treatments or years of
waiting for it to happen.
Maybe you’ve already been trying for several months or even years. Whether
you’re a veteran at trying, or a complete novice just now starting on your own journey to
motherhood, this guide will surprise you and show you that there is always something
new to be considered in getting pregnant.
I’ve personally tried many different methods, including the natural approaches (no
boxers for the husband, no caffeine, tons of vitamins), traditional advice about how to
combine Robitussin or Mucinex and water for improved cervical mucus, alternative
options like acupuncture, and a long list of other strategies.
Some worked, some didn’t. Some worked for other women. Some might work
for you and some might not. But the point is, you need access to the variety of
techniques and strategies in an organized way so that you can put your own personal
plan together.
Getting pregnant isn’t a cookie cutter issue – it’s not one size fits all.
This book may have some methods you’ve heard of before. But it’s also sure to
have some new information that’s not widely circulated and that you didn’t have before –
details that could be the very key you need to unlock the secret to having a baby.
8
Pre-Conception Planning - 3 Months Ahead...
Before we go any further, I want to talk a bit about pre-conception planning. Now
I realize that many of you reading have already been trying for quite some time which has
led you to purchase this ebook looking for help. Others may just be starting on this
journey.
That being said, the importance of good health and nutrition for at least 3 months
before conception will have the most beneficial effect. It can properly regulate the
menstrual cycle, balance hormonal activity, and may optimize egg quality. The same
holds true for male fertility as it takes approximately 90 days for sperm to develop and
fully mature and during this time, outside influences can affect the quality/quantity of the
mature sperm. Please remember this as you start to make some of the changes and give it
enough time to actually have an impact on your body.
Will I Have a Problem Getting Pregnant?
Most girls, when growing up, don’t consider whether or not they’ll be able to
have a baby – they just assume they will one day. Then when the time comes that they’re
actually planning it, they start to worry – even if there’s been no sign of a problem with
their fertility.
There are different levels of fertility. There are people who just happen to not be
pregnant yet, and will greatly benefit from chapter 2. There are those who find
themselves infertile after a year or more of trying to conceive.
There’s also primary infertility (infertility without a previous pregnancy) and
secondary infertility (infertility after having already conceived a child), and sterility,
which means you have no chance of conception.
If you’re wondering where you might be, you should know that 15-20% of
couples in the United States alone encounter difficulties in getting pregnant. The causes
range from minor issues like using a non-productive position during sex to a major
reason, like one of the partners being sterile.
Most women are worried because they are simply uninformed. Plus, there are a
lot of myths floating around on the ‘net and offline that cause a lot of unnecessary stress
and anxiety.
9
Here are some of the many reasons why you and your partner may be
experiencing trouble getting pregnant if it’s been more than a year and you’ve had no
luck making a baby:
•
Ovulation issues
•
Ovarian cysts (PCOS)
•
Sperm issues
•
Endometriosis
•
Blocked fallopian tubes
•
Fibroids
•
Stress
•
Weight gain
Of course this list isn’t comprehensive, but it does include some of the more
common issues that affect a couple’s chance of conceiving. And unfortunately, many
couples who can’t conceive a baby after a year of trying, seem to have nothing medically
wrong with either of them, and simply fall into the category of “unexplained infertility”,
which is the medical term for “we don’t have any idea why you’re not conceiving.”
Which raises a very interesting question. If so many couples have “unexplained
infertility”, which means there is no obvious medical reason why they can’t conceive,
doesn’t it stand to reason that there is a lot more to conception than the doctors know
about? And then the idea that both men and women can make a variety of personal
changes to improve their own fertility really does make a heck of a lot of sense, don’t you
agree?
It is becoming increasingly evident that when your body is not in
optimum health, or is overloaded with toxins, or is not given enough
nutrients, the body's ability to reproduce can be dramatically effected.
Sometimes it may just take an alternative approach—a change in lifestyle or the
use of alternative therapies for instance, to make conception possible. Conception is a
miraculous and quite complex phenomenon—undoubtedly influenced by many subtle
internal and external factors. It stands to reason that we all have the power to make
changes within ourselves that can maximize our fertility and make the difference in our
ability to conceive a baby.
10
As you go through this guide and choose various options that are available to you,
you’ll learn more about what could be causing you and your partner a delay in becoming
parents and find a solution to finally fix it so that you can look forward to your new
bundle of joy arriving soon.
How to Best Use This Guide
If you’ve tried to get pregnant for the last few months and haven’t seen any
results, that does not necessarily mean you’ll need infertility treatments! There is a whole
treasure trove of home and self-treatments you can do on your own before you even
consider going to an infertility doctor for invasive and very expensive treatments.
This information is not readily distributed, so you want to make sure you exhaust
your options before shelling out big money to a specialist when it may not even be
necessary.
The first place we’re going to start is with the basics. If you’re new to this, then
you definitely want to read it carefully to see what they didn’t teach you in 8th grade sexeducation classes!
If you’re a veteran, why not skim it over again anyway just to make sure there’s
not something new in it that you didn’t know before? The key to your pregnancy may be
a single sentence contained within chapter 2, and you don’t want to pass it over.
11
Chapter 2:
The ABCs of Conception – How to Boost the Odds
of Having a Baby in Your Immediate Future
Some of what I’m about to share, you may already know – but there are always
nuggets of information that you can apply that could very well be the answer to your
hopes and dreams of parenthood.
Formula for Fertility
The path to pregnancy can be a
bumpy ride. There are no
guarantees and a million things that
can affect your ability to conceive.
Approximately 80% of women
under age 35 get pregnant within the
first year of trying.
But for the remaining 20%, half will
go on to get pregnant within two
years after addressing some mild
issues, while the other half will need
medical science to intervene on
their behalf.
That’s great news for you – that means there’s a 90% chance you can conceive on
your own! That’s what this guide is all about – and to help you determine when is the
right time to find out if you happen to be one of the 10% of women who need extra
assistance.
Your age will have a lot to do with your chance at conception. In a society where
20% of all first time moms are over the age of 35, more and more women are dealing
with the problem of not being able to get pregnant quickly and easily.
Odds of getting pregnant in a given month, by age:
•
•
•
•
Early 20’s: up to 25 percent
Late 20’s and early 30’s: up to 15 percent
Late 30’s: up to 10 percent
Over 40: less than 5%
12
Number of women who achieve pregnancy within the first year of trying, by age:
•
•
•
Early 20’s: 94 percent
Late 20’s and early 30’s: 70-85 percent
Late 30’s: 65-70 percent
Average number of months until conception, by age:
•
•
•
•
Early 20’s: 4-5 months
Late 20’s: 5-7 months
Early 30’s: 7-10 months
Late 30’s: 10-12 months
One thing I just want to point out in case you missed it. Women in their twenties
(at the peak of their fertility) still only have a 25% chance of conceiving in any one cycle.
That means, when put another way, there’s a 75% chance you won’t get pregnant in a
particular month even when you are in your twenties and at peak fertility. It’s important
to point this out, because I think many women put too much pressure on themselves each
month. They think that something is wrong if they don’t get pregnant in just a few
months. But as you can see from those statistics, it is perfectly normal for it to take
several months (up to 12) to get pregnant.
Surprisingly, even race plays a small factor in conception. African American
women have a 10.5% infertility rate under 35 years of age, while Hispanic women have a
7% infertility rate and Caucasian women deal with 6.4%.
Keep in mind that when we talk about numbers and percentages, they’re just
statistics. That doesn’t mean your case will strictly adhere to any certain group or
timeline. So often I hear women who are struggling to conceive complain, how come
other women who are overweight or smoke, drink or use drugs, or don’t even “try”, seem
to get pregnant so easily, and yet I can’t?
No one is saying that if you don’t follow the tips in this e-book, you won’t get
pregnant. It’s not as if those habits are “contraceptives”, but they will reduce your overall
fertility. So if you are having any difficulty at all, it’s best to do what you can to
maximize your chances. Anything is possible, and with the tips you learn here, you can
increase your odds.
13
Back to School – All About Our Bodies
When they first teach you this stuff, you’re sitting in school taking notes on how
not to get pregnant. But now you want the reverse lesson – where are those sex education
teachers when you need them?
We all know what a vagina and penis are, so we’re not going to get that basic with
our crash course. But when you’re dealing with conception strategies, you may need a
quick refresher on other body parts, so let’s look at how these contribute to your fertility.
Your cervix is located in the lower part of your uterus and acts like a muscle to
keep the baby from delivering before it’s time. It also creates a barrier between your
body and nasty infections that could harm your baby in utero. If your doctor diagnoses
any cervix problems, it may be remedied simply by having the doctor suture the cervix
with a cerclage.
The uterus is your womb. It’s an organ that holds your baby until it’s time for
delivery. It’s lined with a thick endometrium, the blood lining that results in your period
each month if conception doesn’t occur.
Your ovaries come in pairs – each woman usually has two of them. They’re the
containers your eggs come in! When you’re born, your ovaries have about 1 million eggs
in them.
By the time you hit puberty, you have only 300,000 to 400,000 eggs left. At age
50, you only have about 1,000 eggs remaining. Some of these are abnormal eggs.
“Normal” eggs contain 23 chromosomes, which are the genes that will make your baby
who he or she is.
Near your ovaries are two fallopian tubes. This is where your egg comes in
contact with a man’s sperm and hopefully, makes a baby! Your fallopian tubes are lined
with fimbriae, which are hair-like “fingers” that move the egg along.
His primary parts consist of testicles and sperm. The testicles are to his body
what your ovaries are to your eggs – they create and hold his sperm. Sperm are
produced every day, but they mature after 90 days.
It is very important to keep in mind that if there is any damage to the sperm
from elements such as heat, illness, or toxins (to be discussed later), it takes
approximately (3) three months for new sperm to mature and be ready to fertilize
an egg.
14
How a Baby Is Conceived
Your menstrual cycle plays an important role in conception…Here’s the science
behind exactly what happens during your monthly cycle. At the start of your menstrual
cycle, your estrogen levels are low. Your hypothalamus (which is in charge of
maintaining your hormone levels) sends out a message to your pituitary gland. Then, the
pituitary gland sends out the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The FSH is what
triggers a few of your follicles to start developing.
One of these developing eggs will develop into the dominant follicle, which will
then release one mature egg and the others will disintegrate. This is your ovulation. As
the follicles are maturing they send out another hormone, which is estrogen. The high
levels of estrogen will tell the hypothalamus and pituitary gland that there is a mature
egg.
At this point, LH (luteinizing hormone) is then released, and this is known as your
LH surge. This surge causes the egg to be released in approximately 24-36 hours from
the surge. The egg will then journey into the fallopian tube where it will hopefully be
fertilized by sperm that is “waiting” there.
After the egg is released, it leaves behind a kind of “shell” which is called the
“corpus luteum”. The corpus luteum is responsible for releasing the hormone
progesterone, which is necessary to prepare the uterine lining for implantation of a
fertilized egg. The corpus luteum will continue to produce progesterone throughout the
rest of your cycle (the luteal phase) and if you become pregnant, it will continue to
produce progesterone until such time that the placenta takes over later on.
If fertilization does not occur, the released egg will disintegrate and die within
12-24 hours. Around 12-14 days later, progesterone production will decrease, and your
lining will be shed on what is considered day 1 of your menstrual cycle.
When a man ejaculates inside a woman, he emits about 100 million sperm. Only
approximately 200 of them survive to make it to the fallopian tubes and encounter the
egg to try and fertilize it.
Sperm usually live for approximately 3 days in a woman’s body if the conditions
are right, although it is possible for them to live as long as 6 days. The egg is viable for
12-24 hours, however many experts believe it is probably closer to 12 hours. Given this
time element, it is extremely important to get the timing of intercourse right.
In fact, incorrect timing of intercourse is considered the #1
mistake couples make when trying to conceive.
15
If you don’t know when you’re most fertile, you may miss the window of
opportunity that could allow you and your partner to have a baby.
When you and your partner have sex right before you’ve ovulated, the sperm will
enter through the cervix and swim up to the fallopian tubes. Approximately half will pick
the right tube while the others will choose the left tube. The half that picked the correct
fallopian tube (the side you are ovulating on) will have a chance at penetrating the egg.
Within the next 24 hours, the sperm find your egg and surround it, each one trying
to enter the protective layering. When one penetrates it, the others are locked out. The
embryo then enters the uterus and hopefully implants itself in the wall. You miss your
period – and a baby is on the way!
Timing and Positioning Your Sex Just Right
First of all, it’s important not to make sex a chore when you’re trying to conceive.
I know it’s important to time it right – and sometimes that means someone isn’t in the
mood. But it’s also important to maintain the love between the two of you to lighten an
already stressful time.
Happiness during lovemaking improves sperm. Don't be in a hurry when having
sex with your partner. Take your time for foreplay and make sure that both of you are
fully aroused before the penetration. Arousal is important because it increases the amount
of secretions that are needed for the creation of semen. As a result, the volume of his
ejaculate becomes higher. If you are having any problems in this area, click here for a
great resource that can help with your lovemaking.
When timing intercourse, you must make sure you’re near ovulation. Some
women know this time just by tracking their own body functions and watching for signs
(to be explained later).
Others need a store-bought ovulation predictor test kit. Chapter 3 will go into
much more detail on ovulation because it’s a vital part in your journey to pregnancy and I
wanted to make sure I devoted a lot of insight into this topic.
16
Here’s an important tip...it is very important NOT
to abstain from sex all month long in an attempt to “save
up the sperm” for your fertile time. Try to have sex at
least every five days during the time you are not trying to
conceive in an effort to flush out the sperm. This will
ensure that you have healthy sperm at the time when you
really need them! If you’re not up for intercourse, just
make sure your partner ejaculates at least every five days
to keep the sperm fresh.
In order to keep sperm counts high, it is best for the male to abstain from any sex
(or masturbation) for about 3 days before you start “trying” during your fertile window.
Remember, that means you should not “save up” sperm for more than about 3 days
before you start trying during those few days leading up to ovulation.
It is important to have intercourse before you ovulate so that the sperm is
“waiting” for the egg before it is released. You should have intercourse either every day
or every other day through the day of ovulation. It doesn’t make very much difference
which option you choose (every day or every other day), unless you know that your
partner has a low sperm count. If that is the case, the every other day approach is advised
so you don’t reduce the sperm count too much. If there are no sperm issues, do what
works best for you—if you’re up for every day-great! If not, every other day is effective
too.
One of the most critical factors is knowing how many days before ovulation you
should begin to have intercourse. Is it better to start “trying” several days before
ovulation or is it best to start trying on the day of ovulation or just the day before? While
most sperm will only survive for 2-3 days, if conditions are ideal, sperm have been
known to survive for up to 6 days (in good quality cervical mucus). So it is in your best
interest to start having intercourse several days before your expected ovulation date to
ensure the maximum number of sperm are waiting for the egg to be released.
However, because sperm can weaken over a period of days, it’s not surprising that
the highest chance for pregnancy occurs when intercourse happens two days before,
one day before or on the day of ovulation. Statistically, the best chance for conceiving
is on any one of those 3 days.
Time of Day… Time of Year…Does It Matter?
It’s been established that sperm counts are higher in the winter months than in the
summer months. This may be because cooler temperatures are associated with enhanced
sperm production. It’s also known that sperm counts are higher in the morning than other
17
times of day. While there has been no evidence that pregnancy rates are higher if you
have intercourse in the morning, if your partner has any issues with sperm count, you
may want to give mornings a try.
Timing Is Critical…Don’t Make This Mistake
Many experts agree that you have the best chance of getting pregnant if you don’t
wait until the day you are ovulating to have intercourse. Starting to “try” a few days
early does insure that there are sperm already waiting in the fallopian tubes when the egg
is released.
So what about the day after ovulation? Well, the experts are divided on this issue.
Since it takes several hours for the sperm to get to the fallopian tube after intercourse,
trying to conceive on the day after ovulation may result in the sperm arriving when the
egg is already beginning to disintegrate. In this case, it is likely that you would not
conceive, but it is still possible. And if you were to conceive with an egg that may be
past its “prime”, you may have a greater risk of miscarriage.
As stated earlier, this is one of those topics that has some controversy. Some
doctors advise patients to continue to have intercourse even after you have ovulated, in
hopes that the sperm can “catch” up to the egg before it dies. But there are some experts
that don’t think this is a good idea for the reasons I just mentioned. So given this
information, you can make your own choice but I personally would recommend not
trying to get pregnant on the day after you have already ovulated to avoid the possibility
of an increased miscarriage risk.
Late Ovulation…Is This Why You Can’t Get Pregnant?
While an ideal cycle is 28 days with ovulation occurring on day 14, for most
women this is not their typical cycle. The fact is that different women have different
cycle lengths, and one thing that you may not know is that how late you ovulate may
have an impact on your ability to get pregnant and/or miscarry.
Here’s why…
Many fertility experts now believe that if a woman ovulates late in her cycle (day
20 or later), the quality of her egg may be compromised. In other words, late ovulation
may mean poorer egg quality and also a uterine lining that is not ideal for implantation.
Now that doesn’t mean that you can’t get pregnant if you ovulate late in your cycle.
However, it is possible that a very late ovulation could make it more difficult to get
pregnant or increase your risk of a miscarriage
18
If you find that you are consistently ovulating this late in your cycle, then you will
want to make significant changes in your diet and exercise program and add appropriate
supplements as described in Chapter 4 to help balance your hormones and regulate your
cycle. Doing so should help you ovulate earlier (before day 20) and improve your
chances of getting pregnant.
Position Preference?
To better your odds at conception, it’s important to know which positions give
you an increased chance at having a baby. Sexual positions and after-intercourse routines
can be personal, but as with everything when you’re trying to get pregnant, you might
pick up a few tips you haven’t yet tried to use!
You’d think it wouldn’t really matter which position you had sex in to conceive a
baby. But when you’re trying for a baby, you want to do everything in your power to
make thing happen faster. And gravity definitely plays a role.
What you want is for your position during sex to offer the best way for the
deepest penetration and contact with the cervix, while minimizing the chance of leakage.
Rear entry is known among your veteran fertility warriors as being the best position for
conception.
Alternatively, the missionary (man on top) position and side by side, are
considered to be optimal positions as well.
Regarding leakage, here is a tip. Instead of your partner withdrawing after
intercourse, have your partner keep his penis inside for as long as possible after his
orgasm. This makes a good barrier and keeps the semen concentrated as close to the
cervix as it can get.
Another important tip has to do with your orgasm.
Research has shown that if a female has an orgasm after
her partner, the sperm get sort of “sucked up” into the
cervix which helps to bring them faster to where they
need to be going. It’s sort of a little booster to get them
going on their way into your cervix.
And always remember, after sex, elevate your hips
for about 20-30 minutes by placing a pillow underneath
your bottom, as this will help gravity get the sperm going in the right direction as well.
Do not get up before that to go to the bathroom and especially do not douche. Any
19
leakage you experience after that is perfectly normal and you should not worry about it.
What is leaking back out is the liquid that carries the sperm-it will not reduce your odds
of getting pregnant.
It should be noted that some women have what’s known as a retroverted uterus
or tipped uterus. If your doctor told you that you have this, do not be alarmed or
concerned. Fertility experts agree that this shouldn’t make it more difficult to get
pregnant. However, because of the position of your uterus, you should probably alter the
protocol described above for lovemaking. With a retroverted uterus, the best position is
rear entry, and after intercourse, you should lie down on your belly instead of your back
with a pillow underneath your hips to raise them up.
Lubrication
Generally the vaginal environment is very acidic. Surprisingly, the sperm actually
need an alkaline environment to survive. So how do the sperm stay alive? What happens
is that right before ovulation, the cervical mucus (vaginal discharge) changes to the
consistency of raw eggwhites and it is highly alkaline and therefore much more "spermfriendly.” This allows the sperm to safely travel through the cervix. Before choosing a
lubricant, realize that the very best lubrication comes from your own body. When you are
trying to conceive it is especially important to increase foreplay, which will increase your
natural lubrication and help the sperm to survive.
However, if you still feel you need some extra help, you can follow these tips.
Most store bought lubricants have a pH that is too acidic for sperm to survive and also
contain other sperm damaging ingredients and therefore should not be used. This
includes KY Jelly, vaseline, and baby oil. Some evidence is showing that canola oil and
pharmaceutical grade mineral oil are sperm friendly, however it is still controversial so I
wouldn't recommend it.
There’s only one commercial product recommended for helping lubrication along
and it’s called Pre-Seed. It’s “sperm-friendly,” so you don’t have to worry about creating
a hazardous environment for the little swimmers. Many women have reported that they
were able to get pregnant simply by using this product as they did not have adequate
lubrication without it. Click here to learn more and/or to purchase Pre-Seed.
If you want to try a home remedy, many women have used egg whites for
lubrication, which are what laboratories also often use to store sperm. If you want to try
this, take an egg out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Use the egg
white immediately after cracking the egg open to avoid any infections. You would use it
in exactly the same way that you might use any other type of lubrication, such as KY
Jelly. While many women do use eggwhites for lubrication, be aware this technique does
20
carry some small risk, as there is always the “very” slight chance of salmonella when
dealing with eggs.
Beware Saliva and Soap
Did you know that saliva can kill sperm? Well, it
does, so definitely do not use saliva as a lubricant
during intercourse.
An alternative to using saliva
is just plain warm water if you don’t want to use any
of the recommendations above.
And speaking of saliva, here’s another tip. Do not
engage in oral sex during your fertile time, because
the saliva can ruin the sperm’s chances of survival.
This applies to oral sex on the male and female as
the saliva on either the penis or vagina can damage sperm that it comes in contact with.
Also, something else you may not have been aware of. Soap residue can also be
harmful to sperm. So before having intercourse, if you’ve washed your hands, make sure
they are completely rinsed off and do not have any soap residue remaining.
You may have been doing some of the above things all along. But if you didn’t
rush through the material, you probably learned a couple of new tips to put into practice.
Soon, you’ll learn some other effective traditional and alternative methods couples are
using all over the world to increase the odds of having a baby.
Let’s start with how to determine when you’re ovulating...
21
Chapter 3:
Are You Ovulating? Predicting Your Chances for
Pregnancy While Minimizing Irregularities
Ovulation is the time at
which one or more eggs
are released from the
ovaries. It’s the most
fertile time of a woman’s
cycle and it creates the
space in which the process
of pregnancy can begin.
In short, it’s the point of
conception if a healthy
sperm is available to
fertilize this released egg.
During the course of each month, eggs within the ovaries will mature and grow.
Depending on the overall growth of the egg, each month the ovary will choose to
release the most ready egg for fertilization into the fallopian tubes. The choice of which
fallopian tube the egg will be released into varies from month to month as does the ovary
that releases that egg. If for some reason a woman only has one fallopian tube (perhaps
due to an ectopic pregnancy), she still has a good chance of getting pregnant with the
remaining tube.
Why Planning for Conception Is Best
The reason why it’s important that you know about ovulation is because having
intercourse more frequently throughout the month in hopes of catching the right time
doesn’t necessarily increase your chances of becoming pregnant. In fact, it’s possible it
can have the reverse effect. Here’s why.
When a man ejaculates frequently, the concentration of sperm can be lower which
can lead to problems with conception. But when you try to make an effort to have sex
during the most fertile times of your cycle, you’ll allow the sperm to build up in higher
numbers, allowing for an increased chance of conception.
But as stated previously, never abstain for weeks at a time in hopes of “saving up”
the sperm for when you are ovulating. It’s best to make sure the male ejaculates around
22
every five days when it’s not your fertile time, to flush out the sperm and keep them
“fresh.” Then, during the several days before you will be ovulating, you can time
intercourse every day or every other day to increase the number of sperm waiting in the
fallopian tube for the egg to be released.
Ways To Tell If You’re Ovulating
If you want to get pregnant and are ready to start figuring out when the best times
to have intercourse are, here are some basic things to look at that will indicate when you
are ovulating.
The countdown:
The most scientific way to determine when you are ovulating works best for
women whose menstrual cycles are very regular. That means that your cycle length is
approximately the same every month. What you do is count back about twelve to sixteen
days – that is your fertile time. For example, if your cycle length is usually 30 days, you
would probably ovulate somewhere between days 14 and 18. The twelve to sixteen days
between the time you ovulate and when your period arrives is known as the luteal phase.
Let me explain a little further how this works…
Every cycle is made up of two parts, the ovulatory phase and the luteal phase.
The ovulatory phase starts on the first day of your period (full flow, not spotting) and
ends on the day that you ovulate. During this phase, estrogen is the predominant
hormone as it helps the egg to mature. The length of this phase can vary from month to
month so that you cannot always accurately predict the day you will ovulate.
One of the things that can cause a delay in ovulation is stress. So if you normally
ovulate on day 14 for example, and you find yourself in a stressful situation early in the
month, your ovulation can be delayed by a few days. Other things that can affect
ovulation are travel and illness.
The second half of the cycle is called the luteal phase. During this phase,
progesterone is the dominant hormone. Once you ovulate, the number of days until your
period comes will be fixed each month and will not be delayed by any outside conditions
such as stress. It varies from woman to woman, but once you know the length of your
own luteal phase, it will stay consistent from month to month. It is important that your
luteal phase not be too short, as this would be a sign that there is a deficiency of
progesterone, which can cause problems in maintaining a pregnancy.
23
Knowing this information, if you are going to get “stressed out” sometime during
the month, hopefully it happens after you’ve ovulated, because then it will have no
bearing on your cycle length. Remember, any stress early in your cycle can have the
effect of delaying your ovulation which makes it more difficult to know when to time
intercourse to conceive.
Of course, most of us don’t have any control over ‘when’ we are stressed, but it’s
helpful to be aware of when/how your cycle can be delayed by stress. That way if your
period is “late” and the pregnancy test is “negative”, you may be able to think back to
determine if you had any unusual stress in the first half of your cycle which could have
caused the delay in your ovulation, and in turn, your period.
Typically, the luteal phase can last from 12 to 16 days, with the optimum being
around 14 days. Some doctors say anything less than 12 days could be a problem, while
others think 10 days or less is worrisome. This is because the luteal phase is when your
progesterone is building up your lining and if it's too short, (luteal phase defect) then your
lining won't be built up adequately to support a pregnancy and the embryo will be
unlikely to implant (or if it does you will likely miscarry).
The only way to determine the length of your luteal phase is to keep track of the
day you ovulate (will discuss some methods shortly), and then count the number of days
until your period arrives. As stated earlier, it should be the same number of days every
month, while the day that you ovulate can vary from month to month.
.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting:
The best way to evaluate your cycle and especially to
determine if you may have a luteal phase defect, is by
temperature charting, also known as BBT charting.
Basal body temperature is the temperature of your body
at rest. Taking your temperature first thing in the
morning, before you get out of bed, eat, drink or go to
the bathroom gives you the most accurate reading of
your basal body temperature. When charting your BBT,
you will first need to purchase a special thermometer
called a basal body temperature thermometer. You can
get one in most any pharmacy. It records temperatures
within a tenth of a degree and is the most precise
thermometer. By charting your temperatures over a
period of a few months, you will see patterns in your
cycle which will help you to determine when you ovulate.
24
First, you need to check your body temperature each morning before you get out
of bed and write down the temperature on a special chart used especially for this purpose.
It is critical that you take your temperature around the same time every morning as soon
as you awaken. If you don’t get at least 4 hours sleep, or if you are ill, your temperature
will be affected.
Generally speaking your temperatures will have very minor fluctuations on a
daily basis of about a tenth of a degree The general rule is that you have ovulated
when your temperature rises at least .2 degrees higher than any temperature
from the previous 6 days, and it stays elevated for at least 3 consecutive days..
The reason being, right after you ovulate, the left over egg “shell” (which becomes a
“corpus luteum”) releases progesterone in an effort to prepare your lining for the
implantation of a fertilized egg. The release of progesterone causes the increase in
temperature. That is why progesterone is known as the “warm” hormone.
Unfortunately, BBT charting will only tell you that you have ovulated already—it
cannot predict ovulation. By monitoring your temperature over the course of a few
months however, you’ll begin to see a pattern emerge that can be helpful in several ways.
For one thing, by charting you will be able to establish if you are in fact
ovulating, which some women aren’t even sure of. Secondly, you can count the number
of days in your luteal phase in order to determine if you have a luteal phase defect which
may require progesterone supplementation in order to conceive. As mentioned
previously, a luteal phase that is too short results in an endometrial lining that is unable to
support a pregnancy. Also, even though you can’t use the charts to predict specifically
what day you will ovulate, you will get a good feel for approximately what day each
month you ovulate and can time intercourse better to coincide with your fertile window.
Another side benefit of charting is you can probably determine if you are in fact
pregnant without even taking a pregnancy test! If your temperature stays elevated for 18
days following ovulation, then you are very likely to be pregnant!
Once your temperature drops a few tenths, it means you are likely to get your
period that day or the next day at the latest. This information can be helpful as well –not
in your quest to get pregnant—but it’s nice to have a warning that your period is due to
arrive as sometimes it comes as a complete surprise when we are not exactly prepared!!
If the BBT thermometer you purchased did not include any charts to use, you can
go to this site which has charts you can print out:
http://www.mymonthlycycles.com/bbtchartdl.jsp
25
Cervical mucus:
Something that can give you a very good indication
of approaching ovulation concerns cervical mucus
(vaginal discharge). Throughout a woman’s
menstrual cycle, the texture and the consistency of
the cervical mucus will change. This is something
you may not have ever paid attention to, but it is very
important to be aware of when trying to get pregnant.
As you get closer to ovulation, you will notice that
your cervical mucus changes from somewhat creamy
to the consistency of a raw eggwhite—clear, very
stretchy and wet. This happens because the levels of
estrogen are rising as the body prepares to release an egg.
As a rule, if you aren’t sure when you will be ovulating exactly, you should start
having sex as soon as you see the cervical mucus become similar to an eggwhite. You
should continue having sex as long as you have this type of cervical mucus. Usually on
the day of ovulation, the cervical mucus is the most abundant and stretchy. And you will
know when you have already ovulated, as the cervical mucus immediately changes—it
gets cloudy and kind of dries up—right after you’ve ovulated.
Possible pain in the abdomen:
Some women will also feel a twinge of pain when their ovary releases an egg.
This is called mittelschmerz (which is German for ‘middle pain’) and this is felt by up to
twenty percent of all women.
The pain or the achiness can last anywhere from minutes to hours, depending on
the woman and her sensitivity to the pain. You might also feel back pain that
accompanies the lower abdominal pain.
The problem for using this pain as an indicator of when to time intercourse, is that
doctors aren’t sure if the pain is occurring right before, during or after ovulation.
Obviously, if it’s occurring right after, it would not be a reliable method to time
intercourse. Also, since the sperm live for several days, you would lose the opportunity
for having intercourse a few times before ovulation, which allows for much more sperm
ready and waiting when the egg is finally released!
26
Cervical Position
Another change that occurs in your body as you approach ovulation is the position
of your cervix. To check your cervix, make sure you have clean hands and be sure to
check your cervix around the same time each day. It’s probably easiest to squat down
and gently insert one or two fingers into your vagina and reach back until you can feel
your cervix.
Depending on the time of the month, there will be some noticeable differences.
(you may have to practice this awhile before you can easily notice the changes). During
the first half of your cycle, the cervix will feel relatively firm –like touching your nose—
and dry, and the position will be low in your vagina (easy to reach). The entrance to the
cervix will feel closed.
But as you approach ovulation, the cervix will become softer and wetter, the
entrance will start to open and the position of the cervix will become higher (harder to
reach). When it gets to it’s highest point (difficult to reach, and the entrance to the cervix
feels open, and it feels more like your lip than your nose, you are at your most fertile time
and very near ovulation.
You can remember this with the acronym SHOW – soft, high, open, wet. Just
after ovulation, the cervix begins to get firmer and drier, the position will become lower
and the entrance will begin to close.
These changes in the cervical position, along with the changes in the cervical
mucus, can give you a very good chance at predicting your most fertile time.
Are Those Ovulation Kits Any Good?
If you are the type of person who doesn’t want to evaluate all the signals from
your body about your fertile time, there are other ways to help predict ovulation. With
the invention of the home pregnancy test, women have been able to find out if they’re
pregnant or not without having to go into the doctor’s office. Not only did this make
pregnancy more private, but also more convenient.
With at home ovulation predictor kits, women can begin to determine more
scientifically whether or not they are in their fertile time of the month. These kits measure
LH (luteinizing hormone) levels in a woman’s body. The way it works is these levels will
generally surge right before a woman is ready to release an egg into the fallopian tubes.
What’s great about these kits is that they can predict the best times for conception
in advance of the release of the egg, allowing you to better time intercourse. The kits are
27
said to predict ovulation up to thirty-six hours in advance and increase your overall
chances of becoming pregnant.
It’s best to follow the directions on the package, but here are some basic
guidelines. Try to test around the same time everyday, it’s usually best between 2 – 4pm,
although any time between noon and 8pm is probably fine. Definitely do not test with
first morning urine. The reason is that most women have their surge early in the
morning and it can take several hours for it to show up in your urine. Also, try not to
drink too much in the hour or two before testing as that will dilute your urine.
HINT:
Many women find ovulation test kits frustrating to use and claim that
they never see a positive result. The fact is the surge is very short and it is possible to
miss it if you test at the wrong time of day. If you want to improve the accuracy of these
test kits, and don’t mind spending a bit more to pinpoint your ovulation, I would strongly
recommend that you test twice a day, twelve hours apart. As stated earlier, never use first
morning urine, so late morning, and then in the evening would be best.
Usually the kits come with five tests, so if you have very irregular cycles, you
may need to buy two kits in order to have enough and not miss your surge day. There’s a
great site online that sells these tests at a discount, and you can buy them by the piece, so
you’re not restricted to 5 in a box. It’s much cheaper than buying them in the drugstore,
and they offer free shipping in the U.S./Canada. This is especially helpful if you are
testing twice a day. Click here to purchase the ovulation test kits.
What About Saliva Tests?
Some test kits use your saliva instead of your urine to predict ovulation.
The saliva tests work by detecting an increase in your salt content, which is an
indicator that your estrogen levels have risen. When you look through the microscope at
a dry saliva sample, you are looking for “ferning” or crystal patterns produced by the
increase in estrogen that takes place prior to ovulation.. Many women prefer these to the
“pee sticks” because the others have to be stored in a cool climate (which is hard to tote
with you in your purse for on-the-go testing).
It’s also less expensive. Urine tests are pricey and new ones have to be purchased
on a continual basis. With saliva test kits, it’s a one-time purchase because it can be
washed and reused. And the USFDA says they’re 98% accurate. (Plus, you don’t have to
wait for a full bladder – you can test at any time)!
28
You might want to have a look at “Fertile Focus,” which looks like an attractive
lipstick case. It’s affordable, portable, and offers a powerful 50X magnification glass
lens for accuracy and ease of use.
Or, you can try “Ovacue Fertility Monitor,” which is a unique and sophisticated
electronic monitor which is so simple to use, you simply place the oral sensor on your
tongue, and in one minute you have your daily test result. Better yet, this monitor
electronically creates, tracks, and stores your data—it’s like having your own digital
ovulation calendar. You can purchase Fertile Focus by clicking here and Ovacue by
clicking here.
Advanced Maternal Age
The biggest obstacle most women over 40 face is two-fold: diminishing ovarian
reserve (DOR) coupled with poor embryo quality. It appears that women have a much
better chance of conceiving if they are under age 44. Unfortunately, many women in
their mid forties or later are not aware of this. One reason is the false perceptions in the
media, supported by several highly publicized celebrity pregnancies, which have
suggested that women can continue to bear children until menopause. What these reports
have failed to note is that many of these pregnancies were achieved using donor eggs.
That being said, if your are in your late thirties or early forties, some of the
recommendations that I’ve written about elsewhere in this ebook can be particularly
helpful for you. You may have been told that you have an elevated FSH. The fact is,
however, elevated FSH levels do not specifically cause a problem with conceiving; but
rather they are a possible indicator of diminishing ovarian reserve, which means there
may be a low amount of genetically normal eggs left to achieve a healthy pregnancy.
However, FSH numbers can fluctuate from month to month. Some doctors think that any
high number is a problem but others think that one high number is not necessarily an
indicator of likely failure to conceive and prefer a second test for comparison.
The best thing to do if you are dealing with advanced age and/or high FSH is to
try the suggestions below. Many women dealing with advanced age and/or high FSH
have found success by implementing these methods. You can do a search through this
document by “keyword” for the topics below which I’ve covered in detail elsewhere:
•
•
•
•
•
•
COQ10
DHEA
Inofolic
Royal Jelly
Wheat Grass
Acupuncture
29
In Summary
When all of the measuring and calculating aren’t adding up to a pregnancy, you
might have something bigger on your hands. In Chapter 7, I will cover ovulation
disorders and other common obstacles to pregnancy such as endometriosis, blocked
tubes, and fibroids.
But now it’s time to start learning some more of what you can do to speed up the
process of getting pregnant if you don’t have any of these specific problems. I want to
start with things you can do on your own – and when you hear the word “alternative,” it
doesn’t mean it’s unusual.
Alternative just means the scientific medical community doesn’t focus on
anything that is not scientifically proven. They tend to focus on what they can do for you
medically, with drugs and treatments, not what you can do for yourself, which is often
less expensive and less invasive.
30
Chapter 4:
Before You Turn to Your Doctor –
Traditional and Alternative Tips to Help Hasten
the Process of Pregnancy
You may be thinking that it’s taking longer to get
pregnant than you had expected. And you may
have already been advised by a physician to “just
be patient.” Or, you may be on the verge of asking
your doctor about infertility treatment options
because you’ve just about run out of patience. But
before you begin that lengthy process, consider
some of the non-medical suggestions I’m going to
talk about in this chapter.
One of these may be the secret that unlocks your ability to conceive a child.
Some of these methods might be familiar to you, but others might be new
knowledge for you to consider. You owe it to yourself to carefully reflect on each topic
and decide whether you want to give it a chance. Bear in mind that sometimes, what
seems like a minor adjustment, could mean the difference in the miraculous world of
conception.
It is important to keep in mind that alternative therapies don’t offer a magic
solution. However, the aim is to simply get both partners into optimum condition both
physically and mentally, so conception can happen naturally.
I’m going to include some traditional as well as alternative do-it-yourself methods
to try out to increase your chances of pregnancy. Each of these suggestions have worked
for some women, but aren’t appropriate for all.
Try not to draw any conclusions about any particular strategy until you’ve given it
a fair try. One or a combination of these suggestions might just be the winning
combination that will ultimately be responsible for your success.
31
When “Just Relax” is Easier Said than Done
Anxiety and worry can cause you to be unable to relax enough to conceive. They
can also cause physical problems that will affect your body negatively. It’s a Catch-22.
You can’t get pregnant until you relax and you can’t relax until you’re pregnant.
More and more research studies are pointing to stress as one of the most common
contributors to decreased fertility. Our lifestyle today contains enough stress on its own –
but when you combine everyday stress with that of desperately desiring a baby, stress
levels can climb to dangerous levels.
If well-meaning relatives, friends and co-workers know that you’re trying to
conceive, they might be adding to your stress by suggesting remedies (including, “just
relax”) of their own.
You may appreciate their input, but after awhile, knowing looks combined with a
drawn out… “Well-l-l-l-l-l…?” can get on your nerves and actually cause you to be too
anxious to conceive.
There are ways to alleviate the stress and end the constant, irritating banter of
others about your lack of luck in the pregnancy department. Maybe you and your partner
can’t take an around the world cruise on the Queen Mary to relax – but there are
alternatives that you can probably manage.
The Mind – Body Connection is Key
If you are tempted to dismiss the importance of emotional well being in your
quest to become pregnant, please don’t. There is some very credible research which
supports the notion that “the mind” is very powerful and can have a very strong influence
over the “body.” There is more to getting pregnant than just making physical changes…it
is critical that you address the emotional impact on your fertility as well.
•
Yoga/Meditation
Among the most helpful stress-relieving methods, practicing Yoga and
meditation on a regular basis can be a viable answer to reducing stress levels in
your life.
Yoga can help you control stress on many levels. The poses and deep
breathing exercises help you to control your body and tell it exactly what you
want it to do.
32
There is a wonderful yoga DVD developed specifically for fertility. You can
watch a video clip by Clicking Here.
Click Here to purchase Bend, Breathe and Conceive yoga DVD.
Meditation helps to quiet your cluttered mind and restore control. Regular
meditation promotes tranquility in your life when you need it most. I have found a
site that offers many audio meditations that are a fantastic way to help you relax.
The best part is that they are not going to cost you anything--they are available to
that they are not going to cost you anything-listen to for FREE!!
I suggest finding a quiet space/room where you can spend a few minutes listening
without distractions. There are many choices...simply pick one and start! These
are especially helpful to do at the end of the day when you are feeling the most
stressed out after a hard day of work! Here’s the link:
http://www.themeditationpodcast.com/episodes.html
Yoga and meditation won’t solve all of your stress-related problems, but it will
help you react to them in a way that will keep your mind and body calm.
•
Reflexology
Reflexology is another natural remedy to promote relaxation. It involves applying
gentle pressure to certain body points (usually hands and feet) and is gentle and
calming on the entire body.
A highly trained reflexologist will gently stroke and knead your feet,
concentrating on the areas that will improve the functioning of your reproductive
organs and glands. In the process, you’ll achieve a stage of deep relaxation.
If relaxation is a problem for you in trying to conceive, try reflexology as a
calming force to help you ease tension and handle life’s problems more
efficiently.
•
Tapping (EFT)
Tapping is a ground breaking mind/body technique also known as EFT.
33
This technique enables you to rid yourself of negative feelings, stress, sadness and
despair that you may be feeling while you try so hard to have a baby. Instead,
you will see positive changes in your outlook, emotions and mindset while you
are trying to conceive.
The biggest difficulty that couples face is that they simply cannot find ways to
reduce their stress level even though they know it is probably harming their
fertility.
Sarah Holland and her program, The Fertile MIndset, offer a solution that works!
Her success rate in her private practice where she is using these techniques on her
infertility patients has been nothing short of overwhelming!!
Sarah Holland teaches this holistic approach which unlocks the secret of how the
"perfect mindset" for conception can bring you closer to your dream of having a
baby. You can review her program here:
Fertile Mindset Program
•
Bowen Technique
The Bowen technique is a lesser-known therapy that has a surprisingly high
success rate for treating fertility problems. This therapy involves a particular
system of gently rolling, connective tissue moves that addresses the hormonal
system and pelvic area. It is based on the premise that mental and emotional stress
can cause tight muscles and restriction of natural blood flow, lymphatic drainage
and nerve supply of the body, which can all effect fertility. Usually patients are
seen on the first day of their menstrual cycle, and then a second session on day 14
of the cycle (with no intercourse in between sessions. To find a practitioner in
your area please visit:
http://www.bowtech.com/
•
Massage
Massage techniques have long been used as a way to relieve stress and stimulate
circulation. It also serves to promote hormonal balance and increase nerve action
in the womb.
Swedish and Shiatsu are the better-known massage methods. Each is beneficial to
relieving stress and tension. Both use essential oils and lotions to soothe the body
34
and create gentle warmth that stimulates circulation and releases harmful toxins
or impurities.
As your ovulation time approaches, you may want to try massage on a regular
basis to help your body relax so that conception can more easily occur.
•
Talk Therapy
Words can sting. Being told “it’ll happen when it’s right” or “just relax” may be
meant to comfort you, but they’ll usually end up frustrating you even more when
you’re trying to have a baby.
Researchers are now seeing that talk therapy is helping many women conceive.
Since stress is a direct contributor to infertility, when a woman learns how to ride
out stressful events in her life and talk them out, she lessens her stress and
increases her odds at conception. Click this link to read the full article.
•
Laughter Therapy
Ever heard the phrase, “laughter is the best medicine?” Well it rings true for
infertility, too. You may be shaking your head wondering, “How am I going to
find any reason to laugh during this time when I’m so emotional and distraught?”
In some studies, women exposed to laughter therapy during infertility treatments
were able to get pregnant faster than women who did not participate. It doesn’t
seem to take much, either – just 10-15 minutes a day. So go ahead – rent your
favorite I Love Lucy episode or go with your partner to a comedy club tonight –
and give your odds at conception a boost.
•
Hypnotherapy
When you’re trying to get pregnant, your thoughts are often consumed with when
it’s going to happen for you. Even when you’re consciously trying to avoid
thinking of it, your subconscious mind is often focused on what’s going wrong or
why it isn’t happening quickly enough.
With hypnotherapy, you’re hypnotized and taught how to overcome the
psychological barriers that could be contributing to your fertility issues. Although
it won’t work for all, it does work for some women and it’s worth looking into.
35
•
Exercise
Exercise should become an important part of your life while you are trying to get
pregnant. It will improve your immune system while reducing stress. You will
have greater energy, will likely lose weight and gain muscle. As your health
improves, you are preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy. Be sure you are
exercising in moderation, as excessive exercise has been known to contribute to
ovulation problems.
•
Plan a Relaxing Vacation or Weekend-Getaway
Even if you can’t take a month-long cruise, you can probably plan a romantic,
relaxing vacation. A weekend trip to a little inn or resort that you both enjoy can
be relaxing and enjoyable – helping you forget the chaos of your daily life.
While you’re there, try to plan a massage or reflexology session. If you’re uptight
about getting pregnant while on a vacation, it will negate what you’re trying to
accomplish.
There are other methods that you might try for yourself. For example, if reading a
good novel or drinking a hot herbal cup of green tea before going to bed is a relaxation
tool for you, by all means try it on a regular basis.
Relaxation and stress-relief have helped many a woman conceive – and you owe
it to yourself and your partner to try and improve your chances of getting pregnant faster.
Acupuncture – An Ancient Remedy
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat and prevent illnesses. Channels
of energy called meridians run in river-like patterns through the body, nourishing the
tissues. Any obstruction in their movement can disturb the flow of energy and can lead to
dysfunction and possibly disease. Acupuncturists say that placing needles in specific
points along the meridians can unblock the obstructions and reestablish the regular flow
of energy throughout the body.
Some small studies suggest that acupuncture can normalize the endocrine system,
which regulates the hormones that are necessary for reproduction. Acupuncture can
increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which may improve the quality of the eggs
36
they produce as well as help encourage the implantation of an embryo. It’s also theorized
that acupuncture might help to trigger ovulation.
Long, thin needles are inserted into specific areas along the pathways. By
stimulating these pressure points, balance is restored and a natural healing process can
begin.
It’s an interesting fact that in a recent study comparing acupuncture to hormone
treatments to promote pregnancy, both group results offered the same rate of success. But
since acupuncture has no side effects, the conclusion was that acupuncture “offers a
valuable alternative therapy for female infertility due to hormone disorders.”
As recently as May 2006, a highly regarded medical journal, Fertility and Sterility
reported on several new studies that were conducted to see if acupuncture could improve
the rate of success for couples undergoing IVF. The results indicated that receiving
acupuncture significantly improved the pregnancy rates for these couples.
What’s really interesting is, the physiologic mechanism by which acupuncture
seems to affect the uterus and reproductive system hasn’t really been identified, yet the
researchers found that as a practical matter, it seems to work.
Of course, some in the medical community dismiss the idea of acupuncture as a
remedy for anything because there is no scientific evidence of “pathways” that conduct
energy throughout the body. When it comes to mainstream medicine, treatments that
aren’t exactly understood scientifically are often dismissed. But because of the obvious
success rates in these studies, acupuncture is steadily growing in acceptance, and is now
often recommended by fertility specialists for their patients.
And just think, if it helps women who are undergoing IVF (who generally have
more significant fertility issues), imagine the possibilities for those of you who just need
a little helpful boost.
A mixture of Chinese herbs is sometimes used in conjunction with acupuncture
treatments. These herbs are touted by Chinese medicine to improve fertility in men and
women.
If you decide to try the acupuncture route to pregnancy, first determine what is
required of acupuncturists in your state. Seek out a fully trained and licensed practitioner,
preferably someone who specializes in acupuncture to improve fertility.
You may also want to take into consideration that many insurance companies
don’t cover acupuncture treatments, although it’s becoming increasingly popular to
include in medical insurance plans.
37
Acupuncture may seem a little scary at first – needles being poked into your body
– but a good acupuncturist will insert them so that you’ll never know that it’s happening.
Not only that, it can be an extremely relaxing experience.
I personally used acupuncture in my quest to become pregnant, and although I
started out very skeptical of the whole process, I came to be a believer. Although of
course I have no proof, I truly believe that acupuncture was one of the strategies that
helped me conceive my children. I wholeheartedly recommend the 2-step approach of
acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
Acupressure– An Alternative
I like the fact that acupressure can be done by yourself at home. Acupressure
involves applying pressure to specific points on the body that flow along meridians to
improve blood flow in the body and to foster the body's vital life force (also known as
"chi"). It is very similar to acupuncture but you use your fingers instead of needles. It is
thought that pressure applied to specific points on the hands and feet can help stimulate
the ovaries, uterus, and adrenal, pituitary, thyroid, and parathyroid glands to balance
hormone production.
If you do not have the opportunity to see an Acupuncturist, I would recommend
you try Acupressure as a less costly alternative. There is a great video that teaches you
how to do this yourself at home. CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase.
Get Plenty of Sun and Sleep
Sleep helps restore many parts of our bodies, including the reproductive system.
When sleep suffers over the long run, it can impact your hormone balance. Long term
sleep loss can disrupt the menstrual cycle, which can then cause a delay in the time it
takes to get pregnant. Lack of sleep can even cause you to stop ovulating altogether.
Additionally, daily light exposure has an influence on ovulation and reproductive
hormones. Current research suggests that the hormones that trigger ovulation, and even
the sperm maturation process, are somehow tied into the body's biological clock
Since the same part of the brain that regulates sleep-wake hormones also
stimulates daily pulses of reproductive hormones for men and women, scientists suspect
some feedback between these systems.
38
When your body is exposed to sunlight, it also gets some much needed health
benefits, such as an added dose of Vitamin D. Sunlight also helps improve your mood,
which is essential when you’re going through the process of trying to get pregnant.
While sunlight is good for your health and contributes to a better reproductive
system, you also want to make sure you don’t overdo it and get too much sunlight. This
can lead to sunburns, retinal damage, and skin cancer.
The bottom line is this, get plenty of rest and a good dose of daily sunlight
(approximately 1 hour) to keep your reproductive hormones in check.
Nightlighting
Many women with irregular cycles have benefitted from addressing their nightlighting situation. This technique originates from the ancient theory connecting
menstrual cycles to the phases of the moon -- women ovulate when the moon is full
(light) and get their periods during a new moon (darkness).
It was physicist E.M. Dewan who found that women's menstrual cycles became
regular by sleeping in complete darkness most nights and then using a dim light bulb all
night for a few days in the middle of the month.
If you have irregular cycles, this is a good method to try to see if you can regulate
your cycle and thereby increase your fertility.
Start with the first day of menstruation as Day One. Sleep in total darkness for
days 1-13. Days 14-16 sleep with a dim light on all night, such as a closet door light on
with door almost closed, 15 watt night-light or dim hall light. This will encourage the
ovulation process to begin. The rest of the time, sleep in total darkness again.
For this method to be effective, it is critical to completely remove any light source
in your room when sleeping in the “darkness” phase. Total darkness means that fifteen
minutes after turning out the lights, you can't see objects in the room, including your own
hands. Bedroom windows are covered with room-darkening blinds or curtains backed by
light-blocking fabric. Cracks of light from under doors can be covered with a towel.
Cracks around the edges of windows can be covered with aluminum foil.
You should see your cycle regulate after doing this for about three or four cycles.
39
How To Increase Sperm Count - Boost Male Fertility
Reducing stress and having good nutrition can have a huge impact on sperm
production. In fact, if stress is present during lovemaking, it can result in significantly
LESS sperm in the semen upon ejaculation.
As mentioned in chapter 2, it is important to abstain from sex for approximately 3
days before you start having intercourse during your “fertile window” (the days leading
up to ovulation). However, you can boost sperm counts even further by practicing an
ancient Tantric Yoga Method during this abstinence period that requires a certain
level of control over ejaculation.
During the 3 day period of abstinence before ovulation is approaching, you are to
engage in extended and stimulating foreplay with NO EJACULATION. When the urge
to have an orgasm becomes too strong (for the male partner only), sexual contact is
stopped until the penis becomes flaccid (soft). He can try cold water or whatever it takes
for him personally. Then, when he is no longer showing signs of being aroused, you
engage in the extended foreplay again and repeat the process.
The idea is that the stimulation plus the gaining and losing of the erection over
time, acts to “pump up” the sperm count (quantity) and quality. WARNING: This
method should only be used if the male is able to control ejaculation. If he is not, and
does ejaculate during this process, then you will have interrupted the 3 day abstinence
that is beneficial before ovulation.
It should be pointed out, it is also very helpful if you use extended foreplay when
you are having intercourse during your fertile time. As mentioned earlier, stress during
intercourse can reduce sperm counts; alternatively, highly stimulating and prolonged
foreplay can serve to increase the number of sperm present in the semen upon
ejaculation.
40
The Cervical Cap
I’ve written about this product on my blog, but some of you may have missed it
so I thought it worth mentioning again here. I checked it out and I think this is a fantastic
product that everyone should try if you are looking to boost your odds of conceiving. It is
rather inexpensive and can especially help those who are dealing with male factor issues
such as low sperm count/motility.
While there is no scientific evidence that this will work, I am a firm believer in
listening to the evidence of other women who have tried it themselves with great success.
Often doctors will not recommend something because there is no "scientific evidence",
but if it works for many others, why not give it a chance as long as it seems reasonable
and can’t hurt.
The product is called SoftCup and it basically is a type of cervical cap that will
allow you to concentrate the sperm right at the entrance of the cervix to boost your odds
of conceiving.
Here is the link--you can read many testimonials on that page from women who
have used this method to conceive, many who were successful the first month trying it!
http://tinyurl.com/softcup
Vitamins to Revitalize Your Fertility
Taking certain vitamins to increase your fertility quotient
is another natural remedy that you should consider to
help you get pregnant. If your body is missing certain
vitamins it can affect your hormone levels, how you
handle stress and damage your overall health.
The use of nutritional vitamin supplements can benefit
both you and your partner by balancing hormone levels,
which are necessary for conceiving. You can’t expect
that just because you eat a balanced diet that you get all
the vitamins your bodies need.
Everyone is different – but most people in today’s fast-paced world of fast foods
and foods in excess need to add some sort of supplement to their daily diets.
41
Both partners should start with a good multi-vitamin (or prenatal vitamin for
women) which should have adequate amounts of folic acid (at least 400mcg.) and iron
(18mg), therefore not requiring additional supplementation of those two nutrients.
Here is a list of additional vitamins that could be effective in helping you achieve
successful conception and why they might be valuable to you.
•
Vitamin E – Increased fertility in both men and women has resulted from this
powerful antioxidant. Studies show that a low level of Vitamin E in males
decreases sperm production and supplementation may also improve sperm
motility.
In women, vitamin E helps to normalize hormone production and may improve
egg quality.
Studies show that vitamin E can increase sperm potency by 2 1/2 times. Two
studies found that vitamin E supplementation lead to a 20% pregnancy rate in
previously infertile men.
Dosage: 400 IU daily (If possible, vitamin E should be D-alpha and not DLalpha. The reason is that D-alpha is natural and has a higher absorption and
benefit rate.
Food Sources: wheat germ, almonds, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils,
cold pressed oils, molasses, eggs, sweet potatoes, seeds, whole grains, and
avocados.
Note: Best taken with vitamin C but check with your doctor if you have anemia,
blood clotting issues, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, liver disease or if
taking blood thinners.
•
Vitamin C – Also a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C blocks damaging free
radicals. It can increase count and motility of sperm. It also reduces sperm
agglutination (clumping), a condition where sperm tend to stick together, which
reduces fertility.
If you’re currently taking the drug Clomid to encourage ovulation, Vitamin C
might increase your chances of a better ovulation by assisting in ovarian
function and egg development.
42
Vitamin C may increase the amount of water in your cervical mucus, which will
make it more plentiful. However, women should avoid very large doses of
Vitamin C because it can have the opposite effect, and dry up cervical mucus.
Dosage: Men – 200 to 1000 milligrams per day
Women – Up to 1000 milligrams per day
Food Sources: many fruits including grapefruit, orange, kiwi, and melon. Also
broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, and sweet peppers.
•
Vitamin A – This vitamin contains necessary antioxidants and is valuable
when taken both before and during pregnancy. Vitamin A helps with the
production of cervical mucus.
In men, this anti-oxidant protects sperm from the damaging effect of free
radicals. A deficiency in Vitamin A is shown to reduce sperm volume and count,
and increase abnormal sperm. Be sure that you use the beta-carotene (vegetable)
form of Vitamin A. The animal form (retinol) can cause birth defects if taken in
excess.
Dosage: Up to 10,000 IU Beta Carotene usually found in a multi-vitamin
Food Sources: carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, spinach, eggs, yellow fruits
and vegetables, whole milk and milk products, dark green leafy veggies, and
fish oils.
•
B Vitamins – While your partner can benefit from B12, you can benefit from
taking B6, B12 and a B-Complex vitamin.
For men, B12 will help increase the quantity and performance of his sperm.
For women, when your body is deficient in B6, it builds up too much estrogen,
causing your ovaries to shut down the production of progesterone. This can
result in a luteal phase defect, which can be corrected with B6 supplementation.
B-Complex vitamins help you reduce stress and maintain a healthy balance of
hormones in your body.
Lack of B-vitamins is very common in people who eat mostly refined and
processed foods as well as those who smoke.
43
Dosage: B6 : 50mg - 100mg per day; B12: 1000 mcg per day;
B-complex: contains 50mcg B12, 50mg all other B vitamins
Food Sources: beans, nuts, legumes, eggs, meats, fish and whole grains
Zinc – The focus of numerous studies in fertility of males and females, this
nutrient is essential for your pregnancy and your future baby’s health. A
deficiency of Zinc can lead to decreased fertility and also increase the risk of
having a miscarriage. It helps women to more effectively utilize the hormones
estrogen and progesterone, to achieve conception.
Zinc deficiency is quite common, yet even a mild zinc deficiency can drastically
reduce sperm counts. Zinc deficiency will also affect how long the sperm can
live in the vaginal tract.
In the journal Fertility and Sterility doctors reported that men with fertility
problems who took a daily dose of 66 milligrams of zinc and 5 milligrams of
folic acid for almost six months saw a 74% increase in their sperm counts.
Dosage: 50 mg. with a full glass of water
Works best when combined with folic acid to improve sperm count.
#
Food Sources: oysters, chicken, beef, crab and turkey, nuts, whole grains, fish,
seafood, eggs, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, rye, oats, whole grains, legumes,
mushrooms, and wheat germ.
Note: If you take zinc for longer than a few weeks you should add 1-3 mg of
copper to prevent a copper deficiency.
•
Selenium – Another antioxidant, increased levels of selenium have been found
to produce higher sperm counts in men. Selenium deficiency causes fragile
sperm with easily broken tails. Semen is high in selenium so it must be
replenished regularly.
It improves overall reproductive health in women and may help to prevent
miscarriage.
Dosage: 50-200 mcg per day
Food Sources: liver, red meat, seafood, tuna, wheat germ and bran, whole
grains, and sesame seeds.
44
•
L-Carnitine (Amino Acid) – Many recently published studies indicate that
both L-carnitine and L-acetyl carnitine improved sperm in a number of areas
key to fertilization, namely sperm quality and sperm function.
Dosage: 300 to 1,000 milligrams three times a day
Food Sources: red meat, avocado
•
L-Arginine (Amino Acid) – Amino acids are the building blocks of life. The
head of the sperm contains an exceptional amount of this nutrient, which is
essential for sperm production. It helps increase both sperm count and quality.
It can also help maintain a healthy uterine lining and may improve egg quality.
Dosage: 1500 – 4000mg over the course of a day on an empty stomach
Food Sources: Sunflower and pumpkin seeds, peanuts, sesame seeds,
watercress, almonds, chives, broad beans and lentils. Also in protein foods such
as meat, fish, eggs, brown rice, and quinoa.
•
Paba - (para-aminobenzoic acid) is a B-complex vitamin that stimulates the
pituitary gland and sometimes restores fertility to some women who cannot
conceive. A clinical trial reported that 12 of 16 previously infertile women
were able to become pregnant after supplementing with PABA over several
months.
Dosage: Best to take as a blend in a B-complex vitamin (no more than 400mg
daily of Paba)
Food sources include molasses, mushrooms, spinach and whole grains.
•
Coenzyme Q10 - A nutrient used by the body in the production of energy.
People produce less CoQ10 as they age and studies show that consuming
additional CoQ10 has health benefits, including enhancing fertility in males and
possibly in females.
Dr. Yaakov Bentov, an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto's Center
for Advanced Reproductive Technology, says that as a woman ages, her eggs
become less efficient during fertilization because the chromosomes don’t
45
replicate as well. “The egg needs to complete a demanding process and often
when a women reaches her late 30s and early 40s, there is not enough energy in
the cells,” he says.
Studies have also found that Co-enzyme Q10 may also improve male infertility.
A July 2009 study in The Journal of Urology looked at 212 infertile men who
took 300 mg of the supplement for 30 weeks, and found that it improved
both sperm density and motility.
Coenzyme Q110 has antioxidant properties that offer protection to the fragile
sperm cells as well as provide for proper energy production. This is believed to
be how CoQ10 works to enhance male fertility.
Dosage: Dosages vary widely. For females, 100-200mg twice a day is the
typical dose. For males, a range of 20-100mg, twice daily.
In a 2009 study published in The Journal of Fertility and Sterility, Bentov and
his colleagues found that taking Co-enzyme Q10 actually helped to improve
egg quality and improved fertilization rates in older female mice. “It may
improve the quality of eggs by correcting their energy which improves the
division of chromosome during fertilization,” Bentov claims. There haven’t
been any actual studies on women, but it is believed that CoQ10 may also
benefit older women by improving egg quality. Many top fertility centers are
prescribing CoQ10 for their older female patients undergoing IVF.
•
Folic Acid – A vital component during your pregnancy to prevent spina bifida
(a neural tube defect) in your child. It needs to be in your system at the time of
conception so you should begin taking it well before you start trying to
conceive.
Also needed for sperm production, count, motility, and low morphological
abnormalities.
Dosage: minimum 400 mcg per day
Vitamin C aids in absorption.
Food Sources: Many sources including green leafy vegetables, dry beans,
legumes, citrus fruits and juices, whole grains, poultry, pork and shellfish.
•
Magnesium Citrate – An essential vitamin which goes hand in hand with
the “B” vitamins. Low levels of magnesium have been linked to miscarriage
and infertility.
46
Dosage: 200 mg. Daily
Food Sources: Kelp, green vegetables, bananas, molasses, brown rice, beans,
rye, millet and buckwheat all contain magnesium.
•
Manganese - The metabolism of the female hormone estrogen depends on
manganese. Therefore, a deficiency of manganese may significantly reduce
fertility in women.
Food Sources: Spinach, chestnuts, tea, oats, wholegrain cereals, wheatgerm,
raisins, beans and nuts are all good sources of manganese.
•
Calcium – Before, during and after pregnancy you need 1000mg daily taken
along with Vitamin D for absorption.
Food Sources: There is plenty of highly absorbable calcium in green leafy
vegetables, broccoli, cabbage, salmon, sardines, beans, enriched flour, and
fortified juices.
•
Glutathione and Cryptoxanthin – These anti-oxidants may prevent
damage to sperm that makes them sluggish and unable to fertilize an egg. It’s
probably best to get these anti-oxidants from food sources rather than
supplementation.
Standard dosage computation:
10mg per Kg BW (Body weight) per day. Should be divided so that it is taken
2-3 times per day along with Vitamin C.
Food Sources: Available in brightly colored produce such as leafy greens,
tomatoes, peppers and oranges.
•
Geritol Tonic – Often referred to as a “Baby in a Bottle,” this highly potent
liquid vitamin and mineral supplement is recommended by many women who
personally took it and then conceived. It is supposed to work well in increasing
cervical mucus. While there is no medical research regarding this supplement,
since so many women across the Internet claim that it worked for them, I have
decided to include it in this list.
47
Dosage: Follow directions on the bottle.
While many women complain of the bad taste, others say to drink it with a cup
of Green Tea and it smoothes over the ill effects.
All of the above vitamin suggestions offer a means to increase your health and
benefit both male and female fertility. The dosages listed should be used as a guideline.
It’s always best to consult with a qualified professional when you make your purchase or
follow the dosage suggestions on the bottle.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’S)
Omega-3 and Omega-6 are essential fatty acids (EFA’s) that are essential for
maintaining good reproductive health. Unfortunately, our bodies cannot
manufacture these EFA’s, so they must be obtained from outside sources -- from
the food we eat or the supplements we take.
EFA’s are very important to take when trying to conceive as they act as hormone
regulators. Both Omega-3 and Omega-6 are also important in the development of
sperm. It’s important to have a balance of these EFA’s however most people have
much more Omega-6’s in their diet than Omega-3’s because Omega-6’s are found
in eggs, meat, whole grains, cereals, polyunsaturated oils from vegetables and
nuts, and most packaged foods and baked goods. Most often, western diets do not
require supplementation of Omega-6 because they tend to be very high in
Omega-6’s.
However, it is essential to have a balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids,
preferably in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio. Unfortunately, many diets have a ratio as high as
1:30 of Omega-6 to Omega-3 and it is suspected that this could contribute to
fertility problems.
Food Sources of Omega-3: ground flaxseed, oily fish (mackerel, herring,
salmon, sardines), walnuts, green leafy veggies.
Food Sources of Omega-6: borage oil, black currant seed oil, evening primrose
oil, are all high quality sources of this nutrient.
Supplements: (1-7 grams per day) of flaxseed oil and ultra-refined (purified) fish
oil (to avoid mercury and other toxins)
(Do not take cod liver oil which may contain toxic levels of vitamin A).
48
Note: be careful of taking too much EFA’s if you are currently taking blood
thinning medication.
DHEA
DHEA has recently garnered a lot of attention in the world of fertility for helping
women with Decreased Ovarian Reserve (DOR) and Premature Ovarian Failure (POF).
DHEA is a natural steroid hormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal
glands and in the body it is converted into testosterone and estrogen. The most abundant
of all steroid hormones in humans, DHEA sharply declines as we age. It is most widely
promoted for it’s “anti-aging” effects.
Since it is a precursor to hormones such as testosterone and estrogens it may help
increase follicular stimulation. DHEA has been shown in some small studies to improve
IVF outcomes in women that are poor responders to IVF. Based on research conducted
by the Center for Human Reproduction in New York, DHEA replacement therapy has
been associated with increased embryo counts, increased embryo quality, improved
fertility treatment results, and decreased miscarriage rates in some women whose primary
fertility challenge is diminished ovarian reserve.
In order to get the full benefit of of DHEA, it might be best to be taken in
combination with fertility drugs so that the woman does release more than just one egg.
Negative Effects
Because DHEA often turns to testosterone in the body, it can also negatively
affect fertility in women who already produce average to above average of levels of
testosterone. High levels of testosterone, in extreme cases, can cause a woman to stop
ovulating. Even moderately increased amounts of DHEA or testosterone can affect a
woman's cycle and result in undesirable side effects including acne and excessive hair
growth.
Although DEHA is available over the counter in the United States, testing should
be carried out by a physician in order to determine need and appropriate dosages.
DHEA is not to be used if pregnant and should be discontinued as soon as a positive
pregnancy test is achieved.
DHEA should also not be used if you have PCOS, as this hormone may make this
condition worsen.
49
Overall, the studies that have been done so far do not provide a clear picture of
the risks and benefits of DHEA.…In the meantime, people who are thinking about taking
supplements of this hormone should understand that its effects are not fully known. It is
important to consult with your doctor before taking this supplement. For some further
reading about this controversial supplement, have a look here:
http://www.brinkzone.com/articles/dhea-the-most-underrated-supplement-for-women/
http://www.centerforhumanreprod.com/premature_ovaries.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100701145535.htm
Usual dosage: 25mg, 2-3x a day for a total of 50-75mg daily.
Herbal Remedies for Fertility Problems
Herbs, which are derived from plants and plant extracts,
have been used to combat infertility since approximately
200 A.D. As with many alternative approaches, modern
researchers have often passed over using herbs as fertility
therapy because of the absence of conclusive data to
scientifically prove their value. However, as more and
more clinical data regarding these treatments appears,
herbal fertility remedies are gaining popularity. There
are increasing numbers of success stories told on
discussion forums detailing how women turned to herbal
therapies and became pregnant after nothing else worked.
The ancient Chinese used herbs to treat infertility and believed that it regulated
menstruation and increased sperm counts. They can be extremely useful in treating
hormonal imbalances. Herbal remedies appear in many forms such as tinctures
(extracts), capsules and teas.
Some of the most popular herbs found to be effective in treating infertility are:
• Chaste Berry (Vitex agnus castus)
Vitex is probably the most well known and widely studied fertility herb. It
works by stimulating the hormones involved in ovulation and restoring female
hormonal balance. Vitex helps to correct luteal phase defects and helps to lower
high prolactin levels, both of which cause fertility problems. It acts on the
50
pituitary gland, specifically on the production of LH (leutenizing hormone). The
result is that it increases the production of progesterone, which helps to regulate
the menstrual cycle. Vitex is not a fast acting herb and may need several months
to build up in your system.
Take during the first half of your cycle and stop when you’ve ovulated
• Red Raspberry Leaf
Red Raspberry Leaf has the reputation of helping to tone and strengthen
the uterus. It also promotes hormonal balance by lowering high levels of excess
hormones, thereby raising the levels of your fertility, and providing a stronger
ovulation cycle, to create better condition for getting pregnant. It is also
recommended to help the fertilized egg attach to the uterine lining and stay
attached. It is a phyto-progesterone, which is a plant that acts like progesterone,
therefore it can be used to increase progesterone levels in the body.
Red raspberry leaf is very safe - it does not cause contractions per se, it
just strengthens the uterus so that when you do get them, they will be nice and
strong and healthy. You also have to do this over a long period of time - herbal
infusions are a lot like exercising, you see benefits over a long period of regularly
use.
While most experts suggest that you can take it throughout the cycle, I
have read some online reports from women who stop taking it at ovulation for
fear that it can cause contractions leading to miscarriage. The majority of the
herbalists do consider it safe to continue throughout the cycle, but whenever there
is some controversy, you have to do your own due diligence and decide what you
think is best for you.
It is best to take it as an infusion (one ounce of dried raspberry leaves
brewed overnight in a quart of boiling water). Strain the leaves, and drink hot or
cold, with honey if you prefer. You can refrigerate leftovers.
• Red Clover
This herb is another highly touted fertility remedy. There are many stories
of women unable to conceive, who drank up to a quart of red clover infusion
every day for at least six weeks, and then became pregnant. It contains estrogen
like compounds which promote estrogen production which can boost estrogen
levels in women with estrogen deficiencies. Red Clover also contains calcium
51
and magnesium which can relax the nervous system and improve fertility. Red
clover also has an alkalizing effect on the whole body, which creates a more
sperm-friendly environment within your body. Famed herbalist Susun Weed
considers it “the single most useful herb for establishing fertility.
Red clover should NOT be used if you have endometriosis or have
fibroids which are both conditions which have excessive estrogen.
To make an infusion put one ounce of dried blossoms in a quart jar filled
with boiling water, and steep overnight. May be taken throughout the cycle.
(Best taken in combination with red raspberry).
•
False unicorn root
Like red clover, it can help balance hormone levels by making up for a
shortage of estrogen or encouraging your body to excrete excess amounts. It has
a normalizing effect on the ovaries and strengthens the lining of the womb.
Take during the first half of your cycle, and stop when you’ve ovulated
• Dong Quai
It is an ancient Asian herb which is known as the female hormone
regulator. It acts like an estrogen “modulator” which activates or suppresses
estrogen receptors within the pituitary to even out the hormones that bring on
ovulation. It has also been attributed with helping to build a receptive uterine
lining.
Herbalists have differing opinions on whether this should be taken during
the first or second half of your cycle.
• Evening Primrose
This can dramatically improve the production of more sperm friendly
cervical fluid, also known as “egg white cervical mucus.” It may take a month or
two to build up.
52
Take during the first half of your cycle and stop once you’ve ovulated.
EPO is a prostaglandin and can cause the uterus to contract and the cervix to
dilate. Therefore, once you ovulate you should replace it with Flax Seed Oil
which also contains essential fatty acids without the prostaglandins.
• Maca
This Peruvian herb is at the forefront of many studies in increasing sperm
count after a study was published in the Asian Journal of Andrology, 2001
showing a 200% increase in sperm count as well as seminal volume. Maca is used
to increase fertility and libido in both men and women by regulating hormones.
You can read more and purchase it here: http://www.tipsgettingpregnant.com/
maca.php
• Green Tea
It is a powerful antioxidant that enhances your reproductive health by
reversing the effects of the environment on your body, such as aging,
environmental toxins, stress, lack of sleep and eating too many processed foods.
It can assist your body in the production of healthier eggs.
Dosage: Just 1 cup or more a day doubles your odds of conception every
cycle, according to a study in the American Journal of Public health.
Take extra folic acid as green tea can interfere with the absorption of
folic acid if taken in large quantities.
• Dandelion Root Tea (sometimes called Dandelion Coffee)
This is a great substitute for coffee (tastes very similar), without the
caffeine. It has the added benefit of supporting liver detoxification which is very
helpful for reproductive health.
• Wheat Germ Oil
Wheat germ is high in zinc, and vitamin E and is a great source of Omega
3 fatty acids. It may help to dilate both the fallopian tubes and the seminiferous
tubules, making the transport of both egg and sperm easier. It also can improve
sperm quality and quantity.
53
Dosage: 1/2 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon oil daily
Royal Jelly
•
Royal Jelly is a fertility superfood which may help to increase the egg
quality and quantities. Royal Jelly is rich in amino acids, lipids, sugars, vitamins,
and most importantly, proteins. It contains high levels of vitamins D and E, and
also has ample levels of iron and calcium. As all of these are essential to proper
health and organ function, it is very easy to see how Royal Jelly can help with in
assisting with fertility. It can also help with problems that are related to hormonal
imbalance, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or irregular menstrual
cycles.
A 2002 study found that when researchers fed this honey-like substance to
ewes (whose placental physiology is close to that of humans), ovulation and
pregnancy rates substantially increased.
Dosage: Most manufacturers recommend 500 milligrams twice daily. If
you know that you have an allergy to bee stings or even an allergy to honey, you
should not take Royal Jelly.
• FertilAid Supplement
Rather than hand picking which herbal supplements you want to take,
FertilAid combines several beneficial fertility herbs plus a prenatal vitamin,
making it an all-in-one solution. There is a separate formula for Men and for
Women.
FertilAid is only available for purchase online. Click here to visit their
website.
Just for Men...
Some options specifically for males to improve sperm function follow below:
• Panax Ginseng (Asian Ginseng)
54
An effective herbal remedy for male infertility, Panax Ginseng is said to
increase sperm count, motility and testosterone levels.
• Pycnogenol
Up to 60% of infertile couples have difficulty conceiving due to
abnormalities in the male's sperm.
An extract from the bark of a pine tree that grows along the coast of
southwestern France may help improve sperm quality in men. The extract is
called Pycnogenol and it is one of the most potent antioxidants known. In a
landmark clinical trial published in the October 2002 issue of the Journal of
Reproductive Medicine, 19 men were given 200 milligrams of Pycnogenol daily
for 3 months. The researchers found that sperm quality and function was
significantly improved.
What was most exciting about the results, is that there was an
improvement in sperm morphology, which usually does not see improvement
from other treatments which just improve count and/or motility. It is believed that
the Pycnogenol protects the sperm from oxidative damage. Pycnogenol is sold as
an over the counter supplement.
“By the men taking Pycnogenol® to increase normally functioning sperm
naturally, couples may be able to avoid in-vitro fertilization and either enjoy
improved natural fertility or undergo less invasive and less expensive fertilitypromoting procedures," stated Dr. Scott Roseff, author of the study.
•
Bee Pollen
Considered a complete food, it is produced by the male part of flowering
plants. It contains all the necessary vitamins and ten essential amino acids
necessary for a complete protein as well as enzymes and coenzymes. It has been
shown to improve sperm production in men.
Summary
*If you do some further research into fertility herbs, you may come across some
others such as licorice root, lady’s mantle, black cohosh and ho shou wu. You
55
certainly may experiment with these herbs as well, but the ones I described above
are the most popular ones recommended for enhancing fertility.
Warning: Before using herbs to increase your chances of pregnancy, remember
that herbs can be very powerful and have side effects. If possible, consult with a
trained herbalist, naturopath or Doctor of Chinese Medicine for best results.
Most importantly stop taking herbal supplements immediately when you become
pregnant (unless you are specifically advised not to) and NEVER mix herbal
supplements with fertility drugs of any kind.
Ways to Increase Cervical Mucus
Fertile cervical mucus is thin, watery, clear and stretchy and easily aids the
sperm to swim through the uterus and into the fallopian tube, and to the egg. If there is a
lack in this type of cervical fluid, it can impede and/or prevent fertilization. Also, this
type of fluid helps the sperm to stay alive for several days inside the fallopian tube, thus
enabling conception to happen even though you are ovulating several days later. Some
women are very dry and have problems in producing an adequate amount of fertile
quality cervical fluid.
Here are six ways you can improve the state of your cervical mucus and help his
sperm get to the finish line.
•
Mucinex – at first you may wonder what on earth a cough syrup has to do
with fertility, but the logic is that it is an expectorant used to loosen and
thin mucus in the lungs. Well, it happens to work elsewhere too!! It is
critical that you only use the plain Mucinex, the one with no letters after
the name. You might find a generic brand available which is fine too, but
just check the ingredients and make sure it contains only one ingredient –
guaifenesin. Take two teaspoons three times a day with water, starting
about five days before ovulation and continuing through ovulation day.
•
Drink plenty of water so that your body isn’t dehydrated. Six to eight
glasses per day can help make your cervical mucus wetter.
•
Vitamin A in the form of Beta Carotene – improves cervical mucus
•
Grapefruit juice – great source of vitamin C, which increases the amount
of cervical fluid
•
Garlic – thins mucus, both in the lungs and cervical fluid
56
•
Evening Primrose Oil – increases production of cervical fluid
•
Adding Wheat Germ to your diet can help improve cervical mucus
You’ll notice that your cervical mucus changes throughout the month. Sometimes
it will be fluid enough for the sperm to utilize and other times it will appear as if your
body’s undergoing a drought! Remember, it is only when your cervical mucus is of “egg
white” consistency that you are in your fertile period.
Things That Might Hinder a Successful Conception
In your quest to attain that perfect bundle of joy, there are
certain foods, activities and lifestyles that you should avoid
in order to achieve your goal. Most on this list are common
sense items – like, “No Smoking.”
Some items on the list, such as over the counter painkillers,
might be new to your thinking. Look over the list and why
they might inhibit attaining a successful pregnancy and ask
your doctor if you’re confused about any of them.
Lifestyle and environmental items that you should avoid if you’re trying to
conceive include:
•
Alcohol – Alcohol can affect hormonal highs and lows in your body and this
could affect your menstrual cycle and ovulation. Chronic alcohol consumption
can cause birth defects. For men, alcohol has a negative effect on sperm
production.
•
Nicotine – Besides the obvious impact on the baby after you conceive
(premature birth, miscarriage, and low birth weight), nicotine can also affect
fertility and impair your ability to conceive. Men should avoid smoking, as it’s
also been found to have a detrimental effect on fertility.
You should also avoid second hand smoke during the time you’re trying to
conceive and afterward.
•
Medications - There are several prescription medications that can affect male
fertility, most of them temporarily but sometimes permanently. Arthritis
57
medication, depression drugs, high blood pressure medication, drugs for digestive
problems as well as antibiotics and cancer drugs are just a few of the medications
that can lead fertility problems. Speak to your doctor if you are taking any of
these medications.
One very popular over the counter medication, Tagamet, should definitely be
avoided because it causes abnormal sperm production. Instead use Zantac or
Pepcid which does not affect fertility.
Avoid over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin which can effect
the ability of the embryo to implant into the womb. Instead use acetaminophen or
Paracetamol (otherwise known as Tylenol), which are fine. Antihistamines, which
dry up cervical mucus and have a damaging effect on sperm must also be avoided.
•
Herbs – While many herbs can be helpful for improving fertility as described
earlier, some popular herbal remedies should be avoided. In a study published in
the journal “Fertility and Sterility”, high doses of St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo
Biloba and Echinacea resulted in damage to reproductive cells and also
prevented sperm from fertilizing eggs.
•
Drugs – Marijuana, cocaine and other so-called “recreational” drugs can cause
miscarriage, premature delivery and brain damage to the baby. Men who smoke
marijuana frequently have significantly less seminal fluid, a lower total sperm
count and their sperm behave abnormally.
•
Caffeine – High caffeine levels are thought to cause decreased fertility in
women. If you’re trying to conceive, you might benefit from reducing your intake
of drinks that contain caffeine. Although the research is mixed, one study
reported as little as one cup of coffee a day can cut your chances of conception in
half. Caffeine also raises the risk of miscarriage. For men, it is best to reduce
caffeine intake as well.
•
Hot tubs – While it may seem romantic to indulge in a dip in the hot tub, it
could ruin your chance at conception. The high temperatures can impact sperm
two to three months in advance, so a single quick jaunt can ruin your chance to
conceive for an entire quarter of the year! Women should also avoid this type of
intense heat due to possible negative effects on her eggs.
•
Cell Phones - Using a hands-free device with a cell phone may affect male
fertility if the phone is kept too close to the testicles, Cleveland Clinic researchers
warn in the journal Fertility and Sterility. Men who use hands-free devices often
carry their cell phones in their pants pocket or clipped to their belts at the waist
58
while talking. As a result, they may be exposing their testicles to damaging radiofrequency electromagnetic waves which can impair sperm quality.
•
Douching – Douching isn’t a good idea for anyone anyway, but when it comes
to fertility, it alters the acidity of your vagina, washes away the cervical mucus,
and can contribute to pelvic inflammatory diseases that will take time to clear up.
•
Tight underwear for men – A man’s testicles need to be at a cool
temperature, so for the same reason you shouldn’t go hot-tubbing, he should steer
clear of the tighty-whities and go with boxers while you’re trying to conceive.
•
The flu slows sperm production - An illness that causes a high fever can
affect sperm production and sperm quality. But it won't affect fertility for
approximately 3 months, since it takes that long for new sperm to mature.
•
Bicycling - Sitting on a bicycle saddle for more than 30 minutes at a time —
especially while wearing tight fitting bicycle shorts — may raise scrotal
temperature and affect sperm production. In addition, prolonged cycling can cause
genital numbness — a sign of damage to delicate nerves and arteries. Choose a
seat that's not too hard or narrow, and make sure it's adjusted to minimize pressure
on your perineum. Take frequent rests while biking.
•
Too much exercise – Female athletes often have trouble conceiving because
of menstrual cycle disorders. If you’re an avid exercise fanatic and you have
irregular cycles, cut back to moderate exercise only.
•
Diet - Crash dieting and binge eating should also be avoided both before and
during your pregnancy as it can have harmful effects on your hormonal levels.
•
Oral Sex – As mentioned earlier it is important to refrain from oral sex (any
mouth to genital contact) during your fertile period as saliva can be very
damaging to sperm
•
Lubrication - As mentioned earlier, avoid saliva and store-bought lubricants
such as KY Jelly or vaseline and instead use natural lubrication or Pre-Seed
•
Weight issues – Surprise – twelve percent of all infertility cases stem from
weight issues. If you are significantly underweight from poor eating or over
exercising, you can’t menstruate, since a minimum of 22 percent body fat is
necessary for normal ovulation and reproductive health. On the flip side, being
overweight can alter hormone chemistry and help prevent conception. The good
news is gaining or losing the weight, as the case may be, quickly restores fertility.
59
•
Body Mass Index (BMI) is your weight in pounds divided by height in
inches, divided by height in inches again, multiplied by 703. Example: 135
pounds, divided by 66 inches, divided by 66 inches again, multiplied by 703=BMI
of 22. Doctors consider a normal BMI between 19 and 25 ideal. Fertility is
impaired when a woman’s BMI is below 19 or above 25.
The issue of weight no longer belongs just to women when it comes to fertility
New research has shown that overweight men are more likely to experience
infertility issues than normal weight men. It seems that for every 20 pounds that a
male is overweight, his infertility increases by 10%. So there is good reason for
both of you to get to a healthy weight—it is good for your health and greatly
improves your chances of conception.
Toxins – Avoiding the Hormonal Imbalance They Create
If you haven’t heard of xenoestrogens before, then read
this carefully, because this is an area that is getting a lot
of attention in the scientific community because of it’s
profound affect on fertility and other health concerns.
What are xenoestrogens you may ask? Simply put
they are manmade, estrogen- mimicking chemicals
found in our environment. They are in our soils as
pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers. They
are in our water and in our food supply–in animals, fish
and grains.
Many scientists believe that these estrogenic pollutants are responsible for
the global trend of decreasing sperm count and function. For women, it is
suspected that exposure to these xenoestrogens causes a hormonal imbalance that
can lead to infertility, as well as endometriosis and breast cancer.
The bottom line is this… Many of the chemicals now present in our
environment have been proven to pose serious hazards to human health! And the
declining fertility rate is likely to be one result of this.
Here are the primary sources of xenoestrogens:
1. Plastics - PCBs in plastics which are released when the plastic is heated or
used for hot food or drinks (microwaving in plastic containers for example).
60
2. Pesticides - Stored in the fat cells of fish, poultry and other food sources
consumed by humans.
3. Growth Hormones – used to fatten up animals which are later consumed, such
as beef, chicken, turkey, and pork.
4. Chemicals found in many household items including nail polish and remover,
glues, paints, varnishes, cleaning products, lawn and garden sprays, indoor
insect sprays.
5. Chemicals found in many personal care products such as soap, shampoo and
fragrances.
If you really think your health is unaffected by this, you’re likely wrong.
However, there is GOOD NEWS!!
When you are trying to conceive, it makes sense to try and eliminate as much
of your exposure to these environmental hazards and it really is NOT that difficult
to do. I am not suggesting that you need to make sure you are not exposed to any
of these harmful toxins, because that would be nearly impossible.
What I am suggesting is that you familiarize yourself with the most common
ways you are exposed and make some effort to reduce your exposure as best as
you can.
Here are some ideas on how you can do this:
•
Avoid plastic packaging. If that is not possible, then at least avoid ingesting
anything that has been heated in plastic. For instance, never microwave food in
any plastic wrap or container, use glass instead. Also, never drink bottled water
that was left in your car on a hot day. The chemicals in the plastic DO get into the
food/drink, so please do your best to avoid this.
•
Avoid hormone-containing meat, dairy and poultry by purchasing organic,
vegetarian or free-range options from your natural food store. Not everyone has
access to hormone-free, organic meat and poultry, but what you can do is at least
limit your consumption of these products if you cannot purchase hormone-free
products. Include more beans and legumes in your diet and cut back some on the
meat and poultry. Also, fish has far less of these toxins, as long as you choose
those fish that are not high in mercury such as shark, swordfish, etc. (I discuss
this in Chapter 5).
61
•
Eat organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible. If this is not possible, then
be sure to wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly (preferably with a vinegar
and water solution) before eating.
•
Drink natural spring water instead of tap water.
•
Eat broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts which can help to reduce the effect
of these toxins in your body.
•
Use protective clothing, proper ventilation and face masks to reduce the risk of
absorbing toxins when using certain household and garden products.
•
If possible, use natural, organic personal care products. There is a wonderful site
called “Skin Deep” which offers a detailed analysis of the chemicals and toxins
contained in common personal care products that can impact your fertility and
your health. You can look up any product that you are using to find out just how
harmful it may be. Click here to go to the Skin Deep website.
Finally, it could be very helpful to perform a body cleanse or detox to help rid your
body of the toxins that have built up over time. After reviewing many of the
products offered online, the one that gets the best overall reviews from customers is
from Dr. Floras. Click here to read more about these products, and don’t forget to
read the customer testimonials here.
• Conclusion
There are many strategies detailed above that can help you to achieve a successful
pregnancy. Do not let yourself get overwhelmed or feel as if you have to do
EVERYTHING in order to be successful. It’s important to learn ways for
improving your fertility and to gain the power of knowledge which will allow you
to make changes that can directly impact your fertility.
Remain optimistic and if you aren’t achieving results after a reasonable amount of
time, try to incorporate something else that you’ve learned in this guide.
Next, I will take a look at diet, as more and more research points to the powerful
effect it has on your fertility.
62
Chapter 5:
How to Influence Your Fertility With Your Diet –
What To Eat and What To Avoid
Since the first edition of Personal Path to pregnancy, there continues to be
research and conclusive evidence that confirms the link between diet and fertility.
A Natural Diet Designed to Promote Fertility
Proper nutrition is crucial to a healthy pregnancy
and in producing a healthy baby – but it’s also a
critical factor in balancing your hormones to make
it possible and probable that you’ll conceive.
Following an organic or whole food diet can greatly
increase your chances to become pregnant because
it will better provide you with the vitamins and
minerals that you can’t find in foods robbed of
natural nutrients from too much processing.
Eating as much organic food as possible, as stated in the previous chapter will
minimize the damaging impact of pesticides on your fertility.
Here are some foods that are known for their fertility boosting potential:
Fertility Boosters:
•
Spirulina– a food that contains key minerals and nutrients required for
hormonal balance, regular ovulation, and strong healthy sperm. It contains protein (all of
the essential amino acids), fertility enhancing vitamins and minerals along with
phytonutrients and essential fatty acids necessary for optimal health and fertility. It’s also
convenient and easy to take, although it doesn’t taste all that great (well, there had to be
one downside, right?!) It is actually a blue-green algae and it comes in both powder and
tablet form. It’s best taken by mixing it into a smoothie or some juice so you don’t notice
the taste so much. You can find it in most health food stores or you can order it online
here: http://tinyurl.com/getspirulina
•
Chlorella - Chlorella is a green, single-celled freshwater micro-algae widely
recognized as one of the most potent nutritional whole foods on Earth. Chlorella is a
63
scientifically proven health aid with benefits that include removing heavy metals and
toxins from your body, encouraging friendly bacteria growth to support digestion, and
keeping your body alkaline (which is beneficial to the survival of sperm).
Chlorella contains a wealth of important nutrients which includes more than 20
vitamins and minerals and all the essential amino acids. It is rich in beta carotene as well
as chlorophyll and contains 60% protein. It also contains essential fatty acids, even more
than Spirulina.
About 30% of people can not tolerate chlorella. This may be due to a cellulase
insufficiency: if you are unable to tolerate chlorella, it would be wise to consider adding a
digestive enzyme supplement with cellulase in it to help digest the chlorella.
•
Wheat Grass– You might want to try incorporating wheatgrass into your diet.
Wheatgrass is the baby grass of the wheat plant, which can be either freshly juiced or
dried and made into a powder. Wheatgrass sprouts were found to contain highly active
"fertility factors" in laboratory studies back in the 1930's. Wheatgrass’ nutrients include
chlorophyll, proteins, 9 essential amino acids, enzymes, minerals (calcium, iron,
magnesium, selenium, potassium, sodium, zinc), dietary fiber, and vitamins A, B, C,
and E. Wheatgrass alkalizes and detoxifies the body. It's reported that wheatgrass
may even lower your follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) levels.
Here are some of the things wheatgrass does to possibly increase fertility:
It is a great detoxifier and removes heavy metals from the body. It has been
proven that a reduction in heavy metal body load increases the chance of spontaneous
conception in infertile women and decreases the odds of miscarriage.
Chlorophyll, particularly the concentrated kind found in grass juices alkalinizes
the body and restores PH balance. An acidic vaginal environment is extremely hostile to
sperm and an alkaline uterine environment is necessary for implantation and may prevent
miscarriage.
It’s best to take juice of fresh grass if possible. Even vacuum dried grass powder
is available, which can be added in a cup of water, and drank after 20-30 minutes to
derive the health benefits (however, some enzymes are lost). Take at least for 3 to 6
months to derive optimal benefits.
If you are looking to purchase some online, Amazing Grass Organic wheatgrass
powder is very highly rated. You can get it at a great price from:
http://www.vitacost.com/Amazing-Grass-Organic-Wheat-Grass-Powder
64
•
Pumpkin Seeds /Sunflower Seeds– naturally high in zinc and essential
fatty acids (EFA’s) which are vital to healthy functioning of the male reproductive
system. Eat 1/4 cup a day of raw pumpkin or sunflower seeds to help maintain a healthy
reproductive system.
•
Garlic – Garlic contains many fertility boosting nutrients such as selenium,
which improves male fertility and vitamin B6 which is a hormone regulator.
•
Honey – Rich in minerals and amino acids, honey has been known to enhance
fertility throughout history. Many consider it to be a fertility “super-food” which
nourishes the reproductive system for both men and women.
•
Cinnamon – Cinnamon is a sweet-tasting spice that has recently been shown to
have a beneficial effect on stabilizing blood insulin levels. It has fertility enhancing
properties, especially when combined with honey. Take 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
mixed with 2 tablespoons honey.
In China, Japan and Far-East countries, women who do not conceive and need to
strengthen the uterus, have been taking cinnamon powder for centuries. Women who
cannot conceive take a pinch of cinnamon powder in half teaspoon of honey and apply it
on the gums frequently throughout the day, so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and
enters the body.
•
Apple Cider Vinegar– Organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar can work
to balance the pH and therefore improve fertility. You can take 2 teaspoons in a glass of
water, sweetened with honey. Drink a glass twice a day. This should be used by both
men and women.
•
Avocado - Avocado provides a great source of vitamin E which is a powerful
antioxidant and an important fertility nutrient for both men and women. It improves
sperm function and helps to regulate ovulation and improve cervical mucus.
•
Goji Berries – only recently introduced to the Western world, the goji berry is a
sweet red fruit native to Asia. It has been used as a medicinal food for thousands of
years, and has been studied extensively in modern times to substantiate its health
65
benefits. In Asia, it is widely believed to increase sexual fluids and enhance fertility.
They are the most nutrient dense food on earth, containing the highest levels of
antioxidants of any known food, 500 times more vitamin C by weight than oranges, more
beta carotene than carrots, more iron than spinach, 18 amino acids, Vitamins B1, B2, B6
and Vitamin E, 21 trace minerals, and many natural compounds that promote health. Be
sure to eat the whole berry, as many products on the market contain just a small quantity
of goji berry extract.
•
Whole Grains – Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, whole wheat and
quinoa are complex carbohydrates which release sugar into your bloodstream slowly.
They contain an abundance of vitamins B, zinc and selenium which are essential for
cellular reproduction, hormonal balance and the production of healthy eggs and sperm.
•
Green Leafy Vegetables – high in magnesium (vital for female hormone
balance), folic acid and vitamin B6.
•
Nuts – high in B vitamins. Almonds are high in zinc; walnuts are high in zinc
and omega 3 fatty acids.
•
Lentils and other beans – high in folic acid
•
Oysters – packed with zinc, which plays a role in semen and testosterone
production in men and in ovulation and fertility in women.
•
Brown Rice – high in fiber and B Vitamins. Fiber strips old hormones and
waste products from the system. Without this removal, old hormones re-circulate and
create imbalances.
•
Protein – adequate protein is important for people trying to conceive. Lean red
meat, skinless chicken and oily fish such as salmon are good sources of protein.
However, be aware that eating too much meat will increase ammonia which can interfere
with the implantation of the egg in the uterus. Too much red meat may also increase the
body's acidity and affect sperm activity. Sperm are at their most efficient in an alkaline
environment.
66
Basically, you want to add foods that are high in folic acid, zinc, vitamin C or any
of the vitamins listed earlier that help in fertility. Always consult your doctor before
adhering to any specialized diet.
In general when trying for a baby it makes sense to choose good quality,
unprocessed foods as they are more likely to be richer in vitamins, minerals and
nutrients and also more free of pesticides and added estrogens that may disrupt the
reproductive cycle. By supplementing a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle with the
foods listed above you will be doing a great deal to maximize your fertility potential.
Fertility Destroyers:
Certain foods can actually lower your ability to become pregnant. If possible, it’s
best to minimize or avoid the following which have been shown to harm fertility:
•
Peas – they are a natural contraceptive. There is a chemical in peas that has a
strong anti-fertility effect (m-xylohydroquinine) for both men and women. Folk
medicine has always ascribed contraceptive powers to peas,. They were being studied by
Asian scientists hoping to isolate these substances to construct an inexpensive
contraceptive.
•
Dairy – research in the United States and Finland reported that where per capita
milk consumption is the highest, women tend to experience the sharpest age-related
falloff in fertility. Some say dairy products can thicken cervical mucus. However, the
latest research in Harvard’s “Nurse’s Study” states that full fat dairy products can help to
prevent/improve ovulation disorders which can impair fertility. So the subject of dairy is
controversial among fertility experts. (read more about this below)
•
Peanuts/Brazil Nuts – Particularly high in phytoestrogens (like soy), there is
some suspicion that they can contribute to male infertility. This is a bit controversial as
well because Brazilian nuts are very high in Selenium which is very beneficial to male
fertility.
•
Pineapple Juice – There is an old wives' tale floating around the Internet that
pineapple juice will help a fertilized egg implant. However, there is no scientific evidence
that this is true and pineapple juice can actually cause more harm than good. In large
doses, it can cause uterine contractions and bring on spontaneous abortions (miscarriage).
67
Therefore, only drink it in small quantities, if at all.
•
Gossypol – This is a toxic substance found in the cotton plant, which is mostly
removed through hydrogenation when making cottonseed oil. Why should you care?
Well, it greatly reduces male sperm count and sperm motility, and was actually being
considered in China for use as a male contraceptive.
While most of the gossypol is removed from the cottonseed oil, some of it is still
there. So to be on the safe side, it's probably best for your partner to avoid products made
with cottonseed oil. This would typically be some salad dressings and especially snack
foods, such as potato chips. Be sure to read package labels and avoid any products that
contain cottonseed oil. Remember read labels as not ALL chips contain cottonseed oil.
•
Additives - foods that contain additives, preservatives and chemicals can affect
hormonal balance in your body. This means it’s best to stay away from processed foods
as much as possible and try and consume whole foods as much as possible. In particular
try to avoid MSG and BHA, two preservatives that may harm fertility.
•
Sugar – too much sugar increases your body’s output of insulin, a hormone that
can affect the way your ovaries function. (this is described in detail in chapter 7)
•
Artificial Sweetener – Sugar substitutes such as Aspartame and Splenda
should also be avoided as they contain chemicals which may be harmful to your health
and fertility. For instance, aspartame breaks down into formaldehyde in your body (the
substance used to preserve dead bodies).
•
Sodas - These should definitely be avoided as sodas are loaded with sugar or
artificial sweeteners, chemicals, and sometimes caffeine, all of which can impair fertility.
Replacing any soda you drink with water instead will be a positive step to improving
fertility.
•
High Mercury Fish – the FDA says that women trying to conceive can safely
eat up to 12 ounces (two servings) a week of low mercury fish, such as shrimp, crab,
scallops, oysters, cod, pollock, tilapia, fresh water trout, salmon, canned light tuna and
catfish. The FDA advises avoiding canned white tuna as well as swordfish, tilefish, king
68
mackerel, tuna steaks, shark, orange roughy, Spanish mackerel, marlin and grouper,
because they have the highest mercury levels.
Fish contains proteins and health omega 3 fats. You should not cut it out of your
diet. Just be aware of the high mercury fish and choose wisely when you are purchasing
your fish.
•
Wheat – some women can have an intolerance to wheat and not even know it, so
try to substitute wheat with another grain when you can.
Gluten Intolerance/Celiac Disease
Gluten is a kind of protein that tends to exist in wheat, barley, and rye among
other carbohydrates.
Celiac disease and gluten intolerance are both known to be important causes of
infertility and miscarriage which can easily be remedied by a gluten free diet.
Celiac disease is quite serious as it results in an abnormal immune responses to
gluten. Due to this reaction, people with celiac disease must maintain 100% gluten free
diets. It can be very difficult to actually diagnose Celiac disease and there are a wide
range of symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, abdominal bloating,
weight loss) to malnutrition without obvious gastrointestinal symptoms.
Because it's difficult to diagnose, and because eliminating gluten can offer a
healthy approach to eating, many women simply decide to try a month or two on a strict
gluten free diet to see how they feel. Often they are surprised to find that it is not that
difficult to follow a gluten-free diet and they feel much better after eliminating gluten
from their diet.
It is important to note that not all gluten free foods are healthy or good for your
fertility. This is because many are made from white rice flour, refined corn starch and
other nutrient poor foods with added sugar and salt. If you want to try a gluten-free diet,
it is not going to help your fertility if you simply replace the gluten in your diet with
processed, sugary gluten-free foods. Also, it is not helpful to simply eliminate "some" of
the gluten in your diet and expect to see any positive results. If you want to try a glutenfree diet and see if it helps your fertility, you MUST eliminate 100% of the gluten in your
diet. And remember to make wise choices when you replace the gluten in your diet of
which there are MANY.
69
Good gluten free choices include (but are not limited to) all beans and lentils,
many grains (such as millet, brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat), all dairy, meats,
poultry, eggs, seafood, fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices.
In short, you can buy most of the things that you are used to in a gluten-free form,
and there are several gluten-free cook books if you like to cook from scratch. There is a
whole world out there of beans and grains that you may never have thought to try before!
If you want more comprehensive information about living gluten-free, you can
visit: http://www.Celiac.com
Controversial Foods – Helpful or Harmful?
There are a few foods that have been described as both good and bad for fertility and I
have listed both points of view for you to evaluate:
•
The Soy Controversy
The data on soy’s effect on fertility is nothing short of confusing and contradictory,
with some studies suggesting that soy might be helpful, and others suggesting that soy
contributes to fertility problems. Soy contains phytoestrogens which are “plant based
estrogens” and the ones found in soy are known as isoflavones. For every study that
points to the benefits of soy as a good source of protein, there are other studies that speak
to the damaging effects of isoflavones on the menstrual cycle. Also at issue is the
possibility that Genistein, one of the isoflavones in soy, may cause damage to sperm.
Generally, the studies that found a negative impact on fertility from consuming soy
looked at soy consumption that was significantly higher than what most people would
consume. It seems logical to conclude that minimal intake of soy proteins will not
adversely affect your chances of becoming pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy. But,
consuming large quantities of soy products is not recommended.
Also, if you do decide to eat some soy products, it would be best to consume nongenetically-modified soy products such as tofu, tempeh and miso. It is best to avoid
Western invented soy products such as soy sausages, soy protein powders, soy cheeses,
etc.
There are only two soy products, soy sauce and soy oil that do not contain
isoflavones so they can be used without any concern.
70
•
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a fruit used by ancient women to prevent conception. By 200 CE,
Greek physicians widely distributed texts discussing the use of pomegranate as a
contraceptive. Even today, pomegranate preparations are still used in some rural areas of
Africa and Asia. Modern research has also shown that pomegranate does have
contraceptive effects. In one study pomegranate reduced fertility in female rats by 50%
and in another study on female guinea pigs, it was 100% effective as a contraceptive.
This doesn’t mean the effect in women will be the same, however, the possibility for a
reduction in fertility does exist.
On the other hand, the pomegranate was also a symbol of fertility in many ancient
cultures. Pomegranates are especially high in anti-oxidants and is currently being touted
by some as a fertility booster for that reason. In one study from the journal Clinical
Nutrition, researchers found that pomegranate juice improved fertility markers in male
rats (sperm count and motility). It is believed that the powerful antioxidants may offer
protection against damage to the fatty acids in sperm.
Given that there are many other nutritional choices for getting anti-oxidants, I
would suggest caution in eating pomegranates or drinking pomegranate juice until there
is more conclusive data.
•
Milk and Dairy
Once again, there is some controversy surrounding the issue of milk and dairy and
the possible effects on fertility. Here’s why…
Dairy products contain lactose, which the body breaks down during digestion into
two smaller sugars - glucose and galactose, during digestion. Normally the liver converts
the galactose into glucose , however some women (especially as they age into their
thirties and older) have low levels of the enzyme needed to break it down and the result is
a build up of galactose in the blood.
It appears that galactose is harmful to the ovaries and may damage the unfertilized
eggs which are developing. Milk, ice cream, cottage cheese, and especially yogurt, may
harm fertility if you have any lactose intolerance.
However, some groundbreaking new research by the Harvard School of Public
Health offers some very different advice regarding milk and dairy products. Read more
about it in the next section.
71
•
Wild Yam
There seems to be a popular misconception about a benefit of wild yam that I’d
like to clear up. First, the wild yam is that which is found in Asia or Africa, not the
“yam” you see in U.S. supermarkets which is really just a version of sweet potatoes. True
wild yam is believed to contain hormone-like compounds that are very similar to
progesterone. These are called diosgenin (the active component in wild yams), and it can
be converted in a laboratory into progesterone.
However, your body cannot convert diosgenin into progesterone, and wild yam
does not naturally contain any progesterone that your body can use. Also to be noted, the
sweet potato is a completely different vegetable, and does not contain these compounds
at all. It’s a bit confusing because in the United States, soft sweet potatoes are typically
labeled as yams.
The Harvard Study
In late 2007, researchers from the Harvard School Of Public Health reported on
some groundbreaking research from the Nurse's Health Study which revealed some
methods to avoid fertility problems caused by ovulation disorders. 18,000 women were
included in the study, which looked at dietary and other factors in terms of their effects on
fertility. The results of this study gained international attention, and you may have heard
or read about it on TV or in the newspaper or magazines. The following is a brief
summary of some of the results that they found.
It should be noted that two of the diet recommendations (regarding dairy and soy)
are a bit controversial, and I addressed both of them earlier in this chapter.
They found that diet CAN affect the risk of ovulatory infertility.
It’s important to note that no other cause of infertility such as tubal blockage,
fibroids, endometriosis, etc. was correlated with diet. The only clear link between diet
and fertility appears to be related to ovulatory function.
Ovulation issues account for at least 30% of fertility problems, making them the
number one cause of infertility. The two most common signs are irregular menstrual
cycles or abnormal body weight. If your BMI (body mass index) is above 25, it may be
contributing to an ovulation problem.
There were four main diet components that were addressed in this study:
72
 Milk - Milk has been a source of controversy with some studies
showing that it helps fertility and other studies showing a harmful effect.
This study found that women who ate at least one serving of whole milk or
ice cream per day decreased their risk of ovulatory based infertility by
27%. Also, women who consumed many servings daily of low fat dairy
products were almost twice as likely to have anovulatory fertility problems
as those who didn’t.
I’ll bet you’re liking the sound of that research, right?!
Also, the more fatty dairy products the women ate, the more likely they
were to conceive. The researchers speculated that this might be due to a
fat soluble chemical found in fatty dairy food which improves ovarian
function.
Dr. Jorge Chavarro, who led the research, suggested that women “should
consider changing low fat dairy foods for high fat dairy foods; for
instance, by swapping skimmed milk for whole milk and eating ice cream,
not low fat yoghurt”.
It’s important to bear in mind that following this advice has the potential
for causing weight gain in some women, which has already been
established as causing fertility problems. So if that is a potential problem
for you, try adding one serving of whole milk daily to your diet rather than
ice cream which will be much higher in calories.
Other choices of high fat dairy are whole milk , yogurt, cheese, or ice cream.
 Carbohydrates - not all carbs are created equal.
Fast carbs have a high
glycemic index and are quickly turned into sugar which causes weight
gain and insulin resistance which in turn may interfere with normal
ovulation.
Examples of fast carbs are white rice, white bread, potatoes, cookies, ice
cream and sodas. Slow carbs do not cause spikes in blood sugar and
insulin and they are much better for fertility and include brown rice, whole
grain pasta and dark bread. Whole grains, vegetables and whole fruit all
contain slow carbs. The fiber in these foods promotes the excretion of
toxins from your body.
73
 Fats - Some fats are healthy for you and needed by your body; these are
called essential fatty acids. Most fats found in our food fall under the
heading of saturated or unsaturated. Many of you already know that
saturated fats like butter are not good for your heart. Recently, it was
discovered that one type of unsaturated fat, is also unhealthy. This type of
fat is called a trans fat, and on package labels it is listed as “hydrogenated
oil”. They are created specifically to allow processed foods to last longer
on grocery shelves in the stores.
Trans fats are bad for your heart and your fertility.
Be careful with the following foods which can be high in trans fats:
French fries, stick margarines, shortening, cookies, crackers, and many
other packaged/processed foods.
According to the study, the best fats to improve fertility are monounsaturated fats as well as the Omega-3’s mentioned previously.
Sources of monounsaturated fats include olive oil, nuts, avocado, and
seeds.
 Vegetable Protein - Most people are familiar with animal proteins
such as beef, pork, chicken, turkey and fish. However, the study found
that vegetable proteins appear to be better for your fertility. These include
quinoa, beans (eaten with whole grains) such as lentils, soybeans/tofu,
garbanzo beans, as well as nuts, and seeds.
 Exercise – In this study, exercise was also shown to boost fertility, and I
have already addressed this topic earlier in chapter 4.
Overall, many of the observations in the Harvard study do make a lot of sense,
especially the idea that certain foods may influence levels of hormones involved in
ovulation and conception. Many of the dietary recommendations are consistent with the
type of healthy diet that is recommended for women who have PCOS, which I discuss in
Chapter 7. However, the issue of milk/dairy and soy is controversial as it conflicts with
other recommendations to avoid soy and dairy products.
74
Do You Have A High Acid Diet?
Science has discovered that the diet of a healthy person is slightly alkaline, while
the diet of an unhealthy person is more likely to be acidic (low pH). pH is a measure of
the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, and the body will continually strive to maintain a
balanced ph.
When it comes to fertility, it is known that the vagina tends to be somewhat
acidic, but when it is “too” acidic, some sperm will not be able to survive.
Similarly, for males, if sperm have very low motility, it may be due to the body’s
highly acidic state which can cause sperm to be immobilized.
Also, a diet which is far too high in acid-producing animal products like meat,
eggs and dairy, and far too low in alkaline-producing foods like fresh vegetables will
result in an acidic condition which results in weakened body systems and reduced health.
Foods like white flour and sugar and beverages like coffee and soft drinks all
contribute to a high acid environment. Also artificial chemical sweeteners like
NutraSweet, Equal, or aspartame, are extremely acid-forming.
By changing your diet to include much more alkaline foods, you can change the
pH of your bodies fluids and tissues to one that is pH balanced which will improve your
overall health and fertility.
It is important to note that a food's acid or alkaline-forming tendency in the body
has nothing to do with the actual pH of the food itself. For example, lemons are very
acidic, however the end-products they produce after digestion are very alkaline so lemons
are alkaline-forming in the body. Similarly, meat itself is actually alkaline but it leaves
very acidic residue in the body so, like nearly all animal products, meat is very acidforming.
If you want to take steps to improve the pH balance of your body, try adding
vegetable juices and raw vegetables, fruits, nuts such as almonds and hazelnuts, while
avoiding meat, eggs, sugar and dairy.
Here is a link to a site with a chart that you can use to check whether a food is
alkaline forming or acid forming in the body: Click here to see the chart on Alkaline and
Acid Forming Foods. Or for a brief summary, view the image below:
75
Conclusion: There is a lot of information in this chapter that will allow you
to make good choices in the foods you eat which will have a positive effect
on your fertility. Many fertility experts believe that changing your diet is
one of the easiest ways to significantly boost your odds of getting pregnant.
While most of the experts agree on how to do this, there are some areas
where there is some controversy, such as with soy and dairy. In those cases,
it may be best to eliminate those foods that are controversial from your diet
and then if you don’t see results after a reasonable period of time, you can
try adding them back in to your diet in limited quantities only.
76
Chapter 6:
When Infertility Is an Issue – Dealing with the
Tests, Emotions, and Outcome of a Diagnosis You
Didn’t Want!
You’ve tried for a year to conceive – and it just
isn’t happening. What’s wrong? Is it me or is it
him? Your emotions are raw and exposed and
you may have entered a low point in your life
and/or relationship.
You may want to use this guide by putting
some of the methods and strategies into
practice for some time, before pursuing fertility
testing. Alternatively, if it’s been over a year,
you may want to have some fertility testing to look for medical issues that might be
causing the difficulty. And then, you can go back and put some of the tips into practice.
Either way, here is all the information you will need to understand about the various
infertility tests.
If testing for a solution or diagnosis is imminent, you’re probably both on edge
about it. I know what you’re going through because I went through it myself. I had
several miscarriages before conceiving my children and went through the seemingly
endless round of emotions that you’re going through now.
People who tell you to just take one day at a time may overlook the fact that
depression keeps you from seeing that light at the end of the tunnel. You want answers –
and you want them now!
If you find yourself on an emotional roller coaster during this frustrating of all
times, know that there are ways to deal with it effectively. You don’t have to feel isolated
or misunderstood.
And, most of all, you don’t have to let those perfectly normal and understandable
emotions have a negative impact on your relationship with your partner. Find out all you
can about what you might be experiencing and how to turn it into a “positive” by learning
a little about yourself.
77
Before the Tests – The Impact on Your Emotions
If you’ve been trying to conceive for months or even years, it’s bound to have had
an impact on your emotions individually and as a couple. You’re wondering why – and
the tests you’re about to take will probably answer that question. But do you really want
to know the answer?
Couples who are about to go through infertility testing run a gamut of emotions –
from an impending deep sense of inadequacy to anxiety beyond belief. The worst thing
you can do as a couple at this time is to keep your emotions to yourself.
But finding neutral territory to state your fears and worries seems almost
impossible. Should you talk about alternatives to having your own children such as
adoption or surrogacy – or is it too soon to bring up the subject?
Dealing with your emotions effectively before you begin the tests can help you
face whatever the test results will ultimately tell you about the future. Some pro-active
steps that can help get you past this difficult time include:
•
Journaling -- Writing down your thoughts can help you gain an understanding of
the feelings and emotions that are bombarding you on every level.
Journaling is especially helpful when you find the subject of infertility too painful
or difficult to talk about with your partner, friend or family member.
•
Make it a point to talk to your partner on a regular basis – Your experience of
the situation might be different from that of your partner’s, but he or she needs to
know that you’re going through a difficult time and how he or she can help.
Communication with your partner is crucial to overcome feelings of anger and
blame toward yourself or the other person and rectify those feelings before they
harm the relationship.
•
Talk to others who are having difficulty conceiving – Support groups or a new,
online friend going through a similar situation can help you cope with your
feelings right now. Even though your circumstances may be different from theirs,
the bottom line is that neither of you has been able to conceive.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about feelings of anxiety or anger. He or she may be
able to offer some helpful advice.
78
•
Focus on an activity or hobby – As simple as it may sound, any activity that can
get your mind off of fertility issues, even for a few moments, could be an
enormous coping tool while you’re going through this traumatic time in your life.
The most important thing to realize during this upheaval is that you’re in it
together – as a couple. Turn to each other for support and understanding whenever you
can.
Empathizing with each other will help prepare you for what you’re going to
endure during testing and afterward – and to develop a bond that will be so important to
raising your future child or children.
Fertility Tests that Your Doctor Will Probably Recommend
Recent scientific breakthroughs in fertility testing have made it possible to
determine, without a doubt, if you and your partner are fertile enough to conceive. These
tests are able to pinpoint the problem, if there is one, and provide the solution.
The problem is that there are so many tests to endure. I went through most all of
them, only to find out that I had an immune disorder that was eventually treated
successfully. But I had to go through several of them to find that one solution.
Tests to Determine Your Fertility Include:
•
Baseline Blood Tests
Baseline blood tests are conducted after your period starts, usually on day 2-3.
It’s a simple blood test where you get the results without undergoing anything
more invasive than a needle prick.
o
Estradiol – This blood test measures hormone levels and can determine if
a woman is ovulating or not or if you have ovarian cysts.
o
Progesterone – A test that measures progesterone hormone levels that’s
also an indicator of ovulation. This hormone is necessary to help the
embryo implant itself in the lining of your uterus.
o
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) – This test is given to both men and women
to determine menstrual regularity and pituitary disorders in the ovaries or
testes. If you have PCOS, then you may have higher levels of LH.
79
o
•
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) – This test will probably be done on
day three of your menstrual cycle. It determines if your ovaries are
functioning properly or if you’re going through perimenopause.
HSG (Hysterosalpingogram)
HSG is an x-ray that’s usually performed in the radiology department of a
hospital. Dye is injected into the uterus through the vagina and cervix.
The dye fills the tubes and spills into your abdomen. It outlines your uterus and
fallopian tubes, making it easier to see abnormalities, such as blocked fallopian
tubes. Polyps, scar tissue and fibroid tumors in the uterus can also be seen and
analyzed.
This test can be somewhat painful, causing cramps. How painful it is will be
different for everyone depending on your tolerance for pain and whether or not
your doctor has to force more dye into your tubes if they’re blocked with debris.
Take an ibuprofen before you go to your test.
If you have gonorrhea or chlamydia, then the doctor may not perform the test
since it can spread the infection as the dye is pushed through the fallopian tubes.
You’ll have to be on antibiotics beforehand. Another reason they may not
perform the test is if you’re allergic to shellfish or contrast dye.
When the test is over, you may have a small amount of bleeding, sometimes
mixed with the clear dye, which is normal. It’s best if someone can drive you to
and from your appointment in case your cramping is moderate to severe.
•
Hysteroscopy
If your doctor thinks you may have small polyps or fibroids inside your uterus, he
may order this test. It’s an outpatient procedure where they insert a small tube
through your cervix and into your uterus. They inflate your uterus with carbon
dioxide to give them a better view of the surroundings.
If he sees signs of fibroids or polyps, then he may conduct an operative
hysteroscopy where he removes the tissue. If it requires extensive work, he may
hospitalize you to perform the procedure.
The pain can be moderate to severe, so the doctor will usually administer a local
anesthesia or give you a Valium before the procedure. If you’re hospitalized, then
you will probably get an epidural.
80
•
Laparoscopy
Doctors use laparoscopy as a tool to help them examine the pelvic organs and
determine if there are problems with your uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries that
might contribute to your inability to conceive.
A small incision is made in the abdominal area so that the doctor can insert the
laparoscope, which acts as a camera. The camera can then help the doctor
examine the pelvic organs. If there is endometriosis or scar tissue, they’ll remove
it at that time. They can also remove infected fallopian tubes.
This is an outpatient procedure that’s performed at a surgical center or hospital
and the pain afterwards is mild. It takes about a week to recover from a
laparoscopy.
•
Postcoital
A postcoital test (also known as Huhner test) determines whether or not sperm
can survive in your cervical mucus. Within 24 hours after intercourse, the woman
visits the doctor’s office where the cervical mucus is analyzed.
If the doctor determines that there are dead or stagnant sperm, he’ll then test for
an antibody problem. He’ll be looking to see how the mucus looks, too, and if it’s
a viable climate for the sperm to swim through.
•
Semen Analysis
A semen analysis is performed when the fertility of the man is in doubt. A semen
sample is gathered in the doctor’s office by the man masturbating into a container.
If the results are to be reliable, they must be tested within 2 hours of collecting the
specimen.
Male infertility accounts for about 40% of all infertility cases. The doctor will
analyze the sperm to see if all three components are intact – the head (which
contains the genetic material), the midpiece (which has the energy needed to help
the sperm swim), and the tail (which catapults him through the cervix and
fallopian tubes and toward the egg.
Ideally, your partner’s sperm sample should be 1.5-5 ml (a teaspoon), should have
20 million or more sperm/ml, should have 60% mobility, and 30% intact for size
and shape (morphology). What this basically means is that you have sufficient
81
number of sperm, that they move well and in the right direction (motility), and
that they are fairly normal in size and shape, ie. not deformed (morphology).
They’ll also be checking the Ph of the sample, the presence of anti-sperm
antibodies, and their ability to penetrate a hamster egg. This is known as the
zona-free hamster-egg penetrating test. If the sperm can penetrate a hamster egg,
it can penetrate your egg as well!
Of the millions of sperm in the ejaculated semen, only about 200 actually reach
the egg in a woman's fallopian tube. But, just one is needed to fertilize the egg.
Unfortunately, what the analysis will not tell you is whether the sperm contains
too many toxins or not enough nutrients to form a healthy embryo. Often, poor
motility or lots of irregular shaped sperm can be an indicator that these issues may
need to be addressed.
Keep in mind that since it takes 3 months for your partner’s sperm to produce,
you have to consider what his life was like at that time. Was he sick? Did you
both go hot-tubbing frequently? These kinds of things can affect his test results.
•
Sonohysterogram
A Sonohysterogram is used to diagnose tubal obstruction, detect fibroid tumors,
polyps or abnormalities in the uterus and fallopian tubes. A doctor can also
evaluate “incompetent cervix” in women who have had several miscarriages.
The test is usually performed in the early stage of a menstrual cycle because it
should not be performed on a pregnant woman. A saline solution is inserted
through the cervix into the uterus and allows the doctor to better see
abnormalities.
This is an outpatient procedure performed in your doctor’s office and isn’t painful
for most women.
•
Thyroid
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, you need to make sure you don’t have
a problem with your thyroid. A blood test determines if your thyroid levels (TSH
and T4) are under control. In the next chapter I will cover how thyroid conditions
can have an impact on your fertility.
82
•
FSH and Inhibin B
FSH is a hormone that can be measured by a simple blood test to the male and
female. This hormone is secreted by the brain and encourages the presence of
eggs in women and sperm in men.
Inhibin B is a protein hormone produced by the ovaries. It is also measured by a
blood test to the female and is done on the third day of your menstrual cycle. The
day 3 Inhibin B test is used in order to predict ovarian reserve, including the egg
quality and egg quantity. The amount of Inhibin B in your blood directly
correlates to the number of eggs that you have in your ovaries.
If you are diagnosed with low levels of Inhibin B from your doctor, then he or she
may prescribe a synthetic estrogen. When you start taking this, the ovary starts
reducing the amount of FSH and allows your ovaries a chance to produce an egg.
•
Endometrial Biopsy
This procedure is conducted to take a sample of the lining inside of the uterus,
known as the endometrium. They can use this procedure to rule out a luteal phase
defect. If you’ve suffered repeated miscarriages, then an endometrial biopsy can
be performed to see if this is the reason your body isn’t supporting a pregnancy.
For infertility testing, it has to be performed at a specific time, three days before
your period. It’s conducted either at your doctor’s office or in the hospital and
you are usually instructed to take a mild pain medication like Motrin or Aleve
before the procedure.
You may also get a local anesthesia injected directly into your cervix. A tube will
be inserted into the uterine cavity to extract a piece of the lining for examination.
This can be somewhat painful and result in a small amount of bleeding
afterwards.
•
Clomiphene Citrate Challenge Test (CCCT)
This test measures estradiol and FSH. The test will be given again after taking a
medication called clomiphene citrate for five days.
Blood will be drawn at the doctor’s office on day 2 or 3 of your period. Then,
you’ll begin to take Clomid (100 mg per day beginning on Day 5 of your period).
This consists of taking two 50 mg tablets together each day at the same time. On
day 10 or 11, after you’ve taken Clomid for five days, blood will be drawn again.
83
The results predict fertility potential and your likelihood of conceiving. If you
have an abnormal CCCT, the doctor will probably tell you that the chances of
conception and delivering a baby with your own eggs is improbable.
•
AMH (Antimüllerian hormone (AMH) level)
TThis is a relatively recently developed blood test of ovarian reserve.The levels
go down as a woman (and her ovaries) age, so the lower the AMH level, the lower
the fertility potential. With ovarian aging, the first change is a decrease in AMH
levels, followed by a decline in inhibin-B and finally by an increase in FSH
levels. AMH levels do not vary significantly during the menstrual cycle and
can therefore be drawn on any day of the cycle! Women who are overweight
have 65% lower AMH levels than thin women, indicating that obesity may be
associated with decreased ovarian reserve and/or with ovarian dysfunction. It
should be noted that women with polycystic ovaries (PCOS) have high AMH
hormone values.
•
Immune Disorders
Your doctor may recommend testing for the following immune disorders:
a) ASA – Antisperm Antibody: This test determines if sperm are not being
produced because of problems in the systemic immune system. Women will
be tested through a blood sample while men’s samples will be tested through a
semen sample.
b) APA – Antiphospholipid Antibodies: This is a popular test to see if these types
of antibodies are circulating in your bloodstream and preventing the blood
from flowing properly.
If you’ve suffered multiple miscarriages, then your doctor will probably order
this test. Its treatment can be as simple as taking a baby aspirin or other blood
thinner such as Heparin.
c) ANA – Antinuclear Antibodies: A test that measures abnormal antibodies that
harm or work against the body’s tissues. If you test positive, it can mean that
you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This can increase your risk for
a miscarriage but can be treated with steroids.
84
d) ATA – Antithyroglobulin: Measures the presence of antithyroid antibodies.
Your doctor may order this test if you’ve had unexplained miscarriages. It can
be treated with steroids.
e) AOA – Antiovarian antibodies: Used to detect levels of specific antibodies in
the bloodstream. You may have high levels of this antibody if you’re having
fertility problems such as premature ovarian failure or early menopause.
During Fertility Testing – Loss of Control and Other Feelings
Fertility testing is a life-changing experience that can cause thoughts and feelings
that you may have never had before. There’s no reason for you to feel inadequate or
isolated because you’re having these feelings. But you must recognize them for what they
are and take the necessary steps to deal with them.
When the medical fertility experts take over, you may feel that your life isn’t your
own anymore. They’ll tell you what to do and when to do it and disrupt your entire life
for an indefinite period of time.
You now schedule your life – including sex - around doctors’ appointments – and
you may become angry and frustrated. Sex may become robotic and you may even come
to resent your partner. What used to be a private act of love is now scrutinized and
analyzed by “professionals” trained to help you conceive.
You may begin to resent pregnant women you see in a store or in your own
family. Did she have to go through what I’m going through? Will I ever be where she is
now?
Use the same coping strategies during the testing that you used before the testing
began – and here are some other tips that might help you through this stage:
•
Begin by acknowledging that this is going to be a fearful and anxious time for you
– both individually, and as a couple.
•
Keep the lines of communication open and don’t be afraid to express your
emotions.
•
Support each other through the testing process by attending appointments together
and talking about them afterward.
85
•
Don’t force yourself to go to baby showers or a child’s birthday party. This may
be too painful for you at this stage and it’s perfectly understandable for you to
want to avoid these types of gatherings.
•
Search the web, the bookstores and any other means of locating information about
fertility, options and treatments.
•
Make copious notes and jot down questions that you want to ask the doctor at
your next appointment.
You should always find quiet times for yourself to think about what’s happening
to you – your body and your mental state. Tell yourself over and over that what you’re
feeling is normal and that you’re taking steps to correct the situation – whatever that may
be.
When You Can’t Cope
Sometimes you may feel the need to talk to someone other than your partner, but
infertility is such a personal subject that you might find it difficult to open up to a friend
or family member.
There are mental health professionals who can help you understand the emotions
you’re feeling and successfully cope with them. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by what
you’re going through – and if you can find ways to cope, you’ll feel more in control.
If you’re experiencing out of the ordinary thoughts or sensations such as those
listed below, seek out a trained professional to help you through the crisis. Don’t think
that you can do it alone.
You should immediately seek help if you experience symptoms of depression that
include the following conditions:
•
Sleeplessness, or sleeping too much
•
Lack of concentration
•
Loss of interest in being with family, friends or loved ones
•
Extreme anger
•
Lack of self-esteem
•
Thoughts of death or suicide
86
Prolonged depression, caused by stress, can sometimes cause a chemical
imbalance in your brain that makes it impossible for you to function on a normal basis.
Don’t be embarrassed or feel guilty because you’re having these thoughts.
Do consult a professional who is trained in treating symptoms that arise before,
during and after fertility tests and treatments. He or she can help you sort through issues,
learn how to cope and deal with the grief you might be feeling.
Be sure that any mental health professional you choose has extensive training in
treating the psychological trauma of infertility and that he has a graduate degree and a
license to practice in your state.
Your doctor may be able to recommend someone – or, if you’re in an infertility
support group, ask someone you trust for the name of a good professional. You may want
to interview several before deciding on one that you feel comfortable with.
After Fertility Testing – Coming to Terms With the Outcome
No matter what the outcome of the tests may be, you may find yourself at a
crossroads that requires even more decisions on your part. Do we continue with other
fertility testing methods? Are there alternative treatments that we should consider?
Adoption? In vitro fertilization?
If you’ve been consulting with a mental health professional, proficient in the area
of infertility testing, he or she may be able to help you sort out the facts in the decisionmaking process.
Your doctor may also be of help by explaining other options to you – the impact
and the probable results of each according to your particular case.
After all that testing, worry and anguish, your diagnosis may be just what you’d
hoped for – that everything is ripe and ready for a pregnancy, but it just hasn’t happened
yet.
In this case, you may decide to try relaxation techniques, diet, or any of the other
numerous ways mentioned in this book that can help your system be geared up and ready
when pregnancy does occur.
You may get a diagnosis that fertility is a problem with one or both of you. It
could be low sperm count, trouble ovulating or a number of things that your doctor will
explain to you in detail.
87
The science of infertility has made such amazing progress that infertile couples
have a wide array of available choices. It may involve surgery to remove cysts – or
something as simple as taking hormone-boosting herbs or drugs. If infertility is your
problem, today’s medicine, both Western and alternative, can usually provide an answer.
The most devastating of diagnoses – that there’s no way you can become pregnant
as a couple – requires even more serious consideration from you, as a couple. How badly
do you really want children? Now what?
Sometimes these decisions are overwhelming for a couple. This is when open
lines of communication with each other becomes a tremendous ally in your quest to make
the right decision for you both.
Some topics that you’ll want to talk about include:
•
How long do you want to try before considering other options?
Assuming that your fertility testing results proved that you’re both capable of
conception and there’s nothing medically askew with either of you, you may want
to set a limit of how long you want to try to conceive before considering other
ways to have a family.
Some couples aren’t willing to invest more years and put up with the stress of
trying to conceive. This is a decision that you’ll need to make as a couple, perhaps
with the guidance of your doctor.
•
Are you willing to try advanced fertility testing or undergo fertility
treatments?
Perhaps the tests were inconclusive and your doctor recommends taking the next
step to discover whether or not fertility is a problem. More testing may cause
further strain on your relationship or on yourself that you’re not willing to endure.
You need to be able to state your feelings and emotions about this development in
the clearest of terms and to decide what’s best for you and as a couple.
Fertility treatments are very expensive and may not be a viable option for you.
But if you decide that you want and need the treatments, get together with your
partner to develop a financial plan that you can deal with.
88
Your insurance plan might cover fertility treatments to some extent – or you may
need to talk to them and negotiate. If you do decide to pay for part or all of the
treatments, prepare for the fact that it may not work.
•
Which fertility treatments are you willing to try and which won’t you even
consider?
In the next chapter, I discuss the plethora of fertility treatments available and the
possible side effects and outcome of each. Study these methods carefully and
research them on your own before you make a decision on acceptable fertility
treatments.
•
Optimism is important.
No matter what you decide, by all means practice optimism. Even if the diagnosis
wasn’t what you’d hoped for, the next stage will require optimism as you delve
into the options that are left.
•
Put off making a decision.
You may want to try fertility treatments in the future, but right now you’re
not sure of anything. It’s okay to delay making a decision until you feel sure that you
can come to an honest and well thought out conclusion to your dilemma.
If your fertility testing leaves you with an undesirable diagnosis, you’re
bound to feel let down or depressed about the outcome. You may find yourself having
a good cry if a friend or family member calls to tell you she’s pregnant.
The strain of making it through the past months, years – or however long
it took to reach this point – has taken a toll on you. Try not to be discouraged.
Building a family can be an option for you no matter what the tests proved.
Now, it’s time to focus on other matters – your job, your relationship –
you!
89
It’s Time to Think About You!
Your quest for pregnancy isn’t over yet. You’ve still got to make some decisions
about what comes next. There are things to learn and possible methods to choose. But
you deserve some rest and relaxation before you have to make another decision.
Take some time to re-visit the journals you created –learn a little about yourself
and the way that you, as a couple, interacted during the most stressful of times.
If possible, take some time to get away and just have some fun. No fair talking
about anything that has to do with fertility, babies or what you’re going to do about the
future. There’ll be time for that later.
Take care of yourself! Find a new activity that interests you or join a group that
you’ll enjoy. The quest for pregnancy doesn’t have to be over, but if you set it aside, just
for a little while, you may find that you have renewed energy and focus when it is time
for you to revisit the issue.
Now we’re going to go through the final phase –identifying conditions which can
impact your fertility and the treatment options that medical science has to offer. Being
informed and aware can make the process a bit easier to endure and knowing your
options can help you and your partner get through this emotionally stressful time.
90
Chapter 7:
When A Condition Is Identified – What Does It
Mean And What Can You Do?
It’s quite possible that you are familiar with a
condition you may have that could affect your
fertility even before actually trying to get
pregnant. Perhaps you have never had regular
menstrual cycles, or you were told years ago
that you have endometriosis. In this chapter, I
will discuss the various conditions that can
have a tremendous affect on your ability to
conceive and what your options are to
effectively treat these conditions.
Are You Ovulating? (Irregular Cycles)
Most women have between 11 and 13 periods a year. Many women think that a
regular period occurs every 28 days, but actually every woman has a unique cycle and it
doesn't have to be 28 days to be normal. Your cycle can range from 24 to 35 days and
still be normal--what's important is that it is approximately the same number of days in
between cycles to classify it as a "regular" menstrual cycle. A regular period typically
has “full flow” bleeding lasting for 5 days, but it is normal to menstruate for anywhere
between 3 and 7 days.
Approximately 30% of women in their reproductive years have irregular cycles.
An irregular period is any type of bleeding that is abnormal when compared to your usual
cycle. This would include a missed period, a late period, an early period as well as
bleeding between periods. It would also include very heavy bleeding or very light
bleeding. Having irregular periods, absence of periods, or abnormal bleeding often
indicates that you aren't ovulating, a condition known as anovulation.
If you have irregular periods, your cycle will be different every month and you
won’t have any knowledge of when you are ovulating and when your period is due to
arrive. If your period is longer than normal, say 36 days, it is still considered “regular” as
long as it does arrive approximately every 36 days. However, irregular periods can make
it extremely difficult or even impossible to track ovulation.
91
Irregular menstrual periods are often the result of hormones that have been thrown
out of balance. Having an irregular cycle on occasion is nothing to be concerned about.
Some of the reasons why you may have an irregular cycle occasionally or more often
include:
Illness
Travel
Stress: Worrying or feeling anxious can cause a hormonal imbalance.
Diet: A poor diet, extreme weight loss or gain, being overweight or underweight,
as well as eating disorders can all cause hormone imbalances.
Exercise: Intense, strenuous exercise often causes irregular periods.
Recreational Drug Use
Breast-Feeding: Many women don’t have regular periods while breast-feeding.
Peri-Menopause: Many women realize they are in perimenopause when they are
in their forties and their cycles become irregular.
If any of the above seem like they might be the cause of your irregular cycles, you
can make appropriate changes which will have a positive impact on your cycles.
Changes in diet and dealing with stress for example, are covered elsewhere in this ebook
(so be sure to read it ALL!!).
While the above are likely causes of anovulation/irregular cycles, it is important
to rule out any of the following medical issues which may be causing the problem. If
your doctor determines that you have any of the following conditions which are causing
you to have irregular cycles/anovulation, then proper treatment should correct the
problem.
๏Hormone imbalances
๏Liver Disease
๏Diabetes
๏Problems with glands – pituitary, adrenal, thyroid
๏Ovary issues (PCOS
92
The only way to determine what might be causing the anovulation is to talk with
your doctor and have them run tests to make sure that nothing else is wrong. If you are
noticing particularly irregular periods, or have gone a year or more with missed periods,
see your health care professional. If you experience extreme cramping, heavy period
bleeding, dizziness, nausea, or fainting you should also visit with your health care
provider.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):
One possible ovulation complication in getting pregnant is PCOS, or polycystic
ovarian syndrome. This is a condition that will affect anywhere from five to ten percent
of women.
Women with PCOS have ovaries that create many follicles each month that
generate high levels of estrogen without producing and releasing a mature egg. PCOS can
contribute to irregular periods, excessive weight gain, acne, male patterned baldness, and
excess facial hair It usually goes hand-in-hand with insulin resistance. The excessive
estrogen stimulates the uterine lining to build up and then it is eventually released in what
may appear to be a menstrual period, but really is not, because ovulation has not taken
place. The bleeding is irregular and infrequent.
Women who have irregular periods and some of the symptoms of PCOS should be
tested by their doctor. If your doctor suspects you have this condition, he or she can do a
pelvic ultrasound to see if you have a lot of small follicles on your ovaries. He’ll also
check your hormone levels. But there’s plenty that you can do to increase your chances
of becoming pregnant when you have PCOS and the steps are generally based on
controlling the symptoms that are above.
Insulin Resistance – The Missing Link?
For a long time, while doctors thought that PCOS was caused by the ovaries
producing too much male hormones, they were not able to figure out why this was
happening. However new research has shed some light on this issue. It seems that
Insulin Resistance and Glucose Intolerance seem to cause the PCOS and resulting
hormone imbalance that occurs with the condition.
Normally the hormone insulin is responsible for bringing glucose (sugar) into the
cells. Women with PCOS become resistant to insulin, which causes sugar levels in the
blood to increase, which eventually causes glucose intolerance. The excess insulin is
responsible for stimulating the ovaries to produce an excess of male hormones which
then throws the whole hormonal system out of balance.
93
Many doctors will prescribe medication such as Metformin (glucophage) - which
is normally used to treat diabetes - and/or Clomid to treat PCOS.
Metformin
Metformin (glucophage) has been used in the treatment of diabetes for about 40
years. The effects of the drug are therefore well known. It is a category B drug in
pregnancy (safe, no known fetal malformations in humans). In the liver it suppresses
gluconeogenesis (production of glucose), and in muscle and fat cells it enhanced glucose
uptake and utilization. This effectively lowers glucose and insulin levels. In studies
performed in 1998, 34% of patients taking metformin alone ovulated (compared to 4%
taking a placebo); and when metformin was combined with clomid, 90 % of the patients
ovulated compared to only 8 % that took the placebo. Thus, the combination of
metformin and clomid markedly improved ovulation in PCOS patients by correcting the
underlying metabolic problem.
Often, benefits begin to appear after months, not weeks.
Metformin is a very safe drug. However, it does have some degree of toxicity.
Kidney toxicity, and less commonly, liver toxicity, is possible.
To avoid nausea, it may help to start with a low dose and increase the dose very
slowly. Nausea often goes away with time. If you start out at some dose and experience
nausea then talk to your doctor about lowering your dose temporarily and slowly
increasing after you give your body a chance to adjust. Just because you can't tolerate a
particular dose now doesn't mean it's just wrong for you or that you will never be able to
tolerate it. Maybe, maybe not, but unless you give it a chance, you won't know.
Metformin may also cause diarrhea. A study notes that, unlike nausea, diarrhea
may occur later even when the dosage has been stable over a long period.
-Take with B12, Folic acid and Calcium
Clomid
As noted above, the combination of Metformin and Clomid is often used to treat
PCOS. To read more about Clomid, go to Chapter 8.
94
Diet and PCOS
While the above medications can be successful, it is best if this treatment is
combined with a specific diet as well as an exercise program to reverse the insulin
resistance naturally and help to balance your cycle.
Here’s how it works. When you eat foods that are high in what’s called “refined
carbohydrates” insulin levels increase to take the sugar from the blood and bring it to the
cells. If you eat a diet high in refined carbs, the insulin levels spike very often and
eventually they no longer are able to move the sugar from your blood into your cells,
resulting in high blood sugar, and your cells are deprived of the energy they need to work
properly.
This is the reason many women with insulin resistance (and PCOS) crave
carbohydrates and are very often tired. Basically, their cells are desperate for the sugar/
glucose (energy) which is in the blood but unable to get to the cells. Eventually, the body
loses it’s ability to generate insulin appropriately..
The latest research indicates that the best approach is to change your diet by
eliminating foods high in refined carbohydrates, and replacing them with whole foods,
which take longer to digest and don’t cause a spike in insulin levels, but rather a gentler
rise in insulin levels.
Also, avoid coffee, alcohol, cigarette smoking or drugs as they all stimulate the
stress hormones that exacerbate insulin resistance as well as providing numerous toxic
chemicals which are harmful to fertility in general even if you don’t have PCOS.
In order to make some changes to your diet, you need to understand about the
Glycemic Index as well as the different types of carbohydrates.
The Glycemic Index is a ranking of foods by how much they increase your blood
sugar levels 2-3 hours after you eat them. The foods you’ll find in the index are
carbohydrates, because those are the ones that are most likely to increase your blood
sugar.
You may have heard the terms "good" carbohydrate and "bad" carbohydrate,
which usually correspond to whether a carb is "simple" or "complex". (bad=simple; good
=complex). A simple carbohydrate is more processed than a complex carbohydrate. This
means it is digested more quickly, raises the blood sugar more quickly and causes insulin
spikes. A complex carbohydrate is usually less processed and tends to be digested more
95
slowly, therefore it is less likely to raise blood sugar.
The glycemic index is a list of foods that are ranked by how they affect your
blood sugar level.
In general, low-glycemic foods are better at controlling your blood sugar than
high-glycemic foods. So the less refined or processed the food is, the lower its glycemic
index will be. And therefore the highly processed foods will have a much higher
glycemic index.
Here is a list of some foods broken down by whether they have a low, moderate or
high glycemic index. By using this guide to make good food choices, you can have a
strong influence on keeping your insulin levels stable.
Low glycemic:
barley
black beans
broccoli
cashews
cherries
chickpeas
grapefruit
green leafy vegetables
kidney beans
lentils
milk
peanuts
peanut butter
pears
plums
soybeans
strawberries
tomatoes
tomato soup
wild rice
plain yogurt
Low to moderate glycemic index
All-Bran
apples
brown rice
96
carrots
garbanzo beans
grapes
honey
ice cream
kidney beans
navy beans
oranges
peaches
pears
pinto beans
potato chips
Moderate to High glycemic
bananas
figs
mangos
potatoes (sweet and white)
pineapple
pita bread
oat bran
oat bread
white rice
raisins
carrots
brown rice
kidney beans
shredded wheat
High Glycemic Index
bagels
beets
cakes
Cheerios
dates
corn flakes
pies
pretzels
refined durum wheat pasta
jelly beans
parsnips
97
puffed wheat
sweet corn
white bread
So just to recap, eating well is vitally important when you have PCOS. Your diet
should be based around protein and vegetables, with carbohydrates being the low GI
type. Here’s a great video to watch to give you the top 7 Diet Tips for PCOS:
Watch this Video
What About Dairy?
Here’s the problem with dairy products...although they are low GI and contain
beneficial calcium and protein, dairy foods can stimulate insulin production which is why
they should be eliminated or reduced.
A study conducted at Lund University in Sweden has shown that milk causes a
strong insulin response, even though it is a low-glycemic food -- exactly the opposite of
what you would expect.
This effect seems to be due to some of the proteins in cows milk, which cause the
increase in insulin. Most people are unaware of this, and eat dairy because it is low GI, so
it’s very important to be aware of this if you have PCOS. Also to be noted, the lower fat
milk products actually raise the blood sugar level higher than the full fat versions. So
those who drink low fat milk to lose weight are not benefitting at all.
It should be noted that the insulin spike does not happen with cheese, but rather with
cows milk. Also, fermented dairy products such as yogurt had a lower insulin response
than milk. So, if you choose to continue consuming dairy, switch to fermented products
such as yogurt or kefir.
Of course, your body still needs the Vitamin D and Calcium that dairy provides. To make
sure you get the adequate amount of both, take a daily Vitamin D & Calcium
supplement.
Soy - Good or Bad?
One of the most controversial topics regarding nutrition and PCOS is soy. Soy is a
plant food that is also a complete protein, meaning it has all required amino acids. It is
98
also low in fat, contains essential fatty acids, numerous vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
But soy contains phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) which can mimic estrogen in
the body and have the potential to alter a woman's menstrual cycle. Women with PCOS
(and other conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis), tend to be estrogen dominant
and the consumption of soy can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance.
Although more research needs to be done, it is probably best that you limit your
intake of soy products, especially soy milk If you are going to consume any soy, restrict
it to the fermented forms such as tempeh, miso and soybean sprouts rather than soy milk,
soy cheese and other processed varieties
Exercise and PCOS
Exercise may be the single most important lifestyle factor for both preventing and
reversing insulin resistance. Exercising results in the loss of abdominal body fat and
reverses the loss of muscle mass associated with insulin resistance. Even an exercise
routine as simple as incorporating brisk walking four times weekly dramatically improves
endurance fitness, decreases body fat stores, tends to reduce food consumption, and
decreases insulin resistance.
A 2005 study showed that insulin resistance was improved by up to 25% in
sedentary women with PCOS and insulin resistance following a 5-month moderateintensity exercise program.
Promising Treatment for PCOS
Inofolic is an exciting new product to treat PCOS and women with egg quality
issues which is available in Europe. It contains the following ingredients per dose: myoInositol (2g) and folic acid (200 mcg). The recommended dosage is twice a day.
There is also a product called Inofolic Plus which contains the myo-inositol and
folic acid like the original, but also adds 3 mg of Melatonin which should only be taken
once a day at night. The added Melatonin is beneficial for improving egg quality.
Since this product does not seem to be available in the United States yet, you can
purchase the ingredients separately by visiting your local health store.
Myo-inositol, a form of inositol, is a member of the B-complex family of
vitamins. It’s not an essential vitamin, as it can be manufactured by the body from food
99
sources, but it tends to be deficient in women with PCOS and older women, and restoring
it can help regulate insulin enough to restore normal ovulation and assist with weight
loss.
Myo-Inositol is a key ingredient found in the follicular fluid of healthy eggs, so
women who are deficient tend to have lower quality eggs. So in effect inofolic will help
with egg quality and improve ovulatory function as it helps in balancing hormonal levels
that are required for healthy ovulation in all woman.
Inositol is very safe so there's no harm in trying it, but if you're already on a
diabetes drug (Metformin) talk to your doctor first. If you want to get off Metformin, do
it gradually and under your doctor's supervision.
Myo-inositol is being used by top fertility clinics to help improve egg quality in
women undergoing IVF, especially when poor embryo quality is a concern.
Here's the research that supports the use of myo-inositol-- 2 small studies that
look very promising:
In a double-blind study published in the Sept-Oct 2007 European Review for
Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 92 women were split into two groups,
and the placebo half got folic acid, while the test group got folic acid plus 4 gms daily of
myo-inositol, for 14 weeks. The myo-inositol group had a much higher rate of ovulation,
and they lost weight.
In the other study, published in the Dec 2007 journal Gynecological
Endocrinology, 25 women with PCOS took a combination of folic acid and inositol for
six months. The results were that twenty-two out of the 25 (88%) patients restored at least
one spontaneous menstrual cycle during treatment, and 18 (72%) continued to ovulate
normally during the follow-up period. 40% of patients became pregnant.
There is also a clinical trial underway (started February 2011) to study the
potential effects of Inofolic Plus on abnormal ovarian reserve. Inofolic Plus® contains
myo-inositol, folic acid plus melatonin.
Based on the studies, myo-inositol seems to be a very effective treatment for
PCOS, and for restoring fertility. Even better, it doesn’t have side effects and it’s
relatively inexpensive, so definitely seems worth trying. Don't forget, if you have PCOS,
it is also important to combine this treatment with proper diet (low glycemic) and daily
exercise program.
100
About Chromium
Chromium is an essential mineral that is needed for insulin activity in
carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Numerous clinical trials have shown that
chromium as chromium picolinate reduces insulin resistance and improves blood sugar
control.
Many women will have side effects from glucophage such as bloating, cramping,
diarrhea, flatulence and nausea and Chromium might offer an alternative to Metformin.
Chromium picolonate is of possible interest in the treatment of PCOS patients due
to its possible effects in improving insulin resistance. A few small studies have been
performed in which women with PCOS were given chromium.
A pilot study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) examined the
effects of chromium picolinate at a dose of 1000 mcg. per day. PCOS patients were given
chromium but were instructed not to change their diet or exercise level. These PCOS
patients experienced a 38% mean improvement in a measure of insulin resistance. These
authors concluded that chromium picolinate, an over-the-counter dietary product, may be
useful as an insulin sensitizer in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Progyluton for PCOS?
Progyluton is a low-dose hormone medication that is sometimes prescribed to
regulate the menstrual cycle when there is abnormal uterine bleeding. It is a combination
of low dose estrogen and progesterone (too low to be used as a contraceptive). Many
doctors prescribe it (rather than the birth control pill) for young girls and older women
who have menstrual irregularities because there are fewer side effects.
If you have PCOS, the “pill” can lessen the symptoms by halting ovulation and
thus giving your ovaries “time off” from producing follicles. Unfortunately, that may
help with symptoms but it does not help you if you want to conceive.
That’s where Progyluton can help!
Since Progyluton works similarly to the pill without being an actual contraceptive,
it may be given to women with PCOS who are trying to conceive. In other words, this
medication will lessen the symptoms of PCOS by regulating the menstrual cycle and
although it won't help you to ovulate, unlike the “pill”, it won’t stop your ovulation
either.
Some doctors will prescribe other medications such as Clomid once menstrual
cycles are under control with Progyluton, if you wish to conceive.
101
While your testosterone levels will go down while being treated with Progyluton
and this can treat your irregular cycles, the drug won't address other issues related to
PCOS, such as insulin resistance. As stated earlier, Metformin is sometimes prescribed
for this. Always keep in mind that women with PCOS need to adjust their lifestyles to
include eating a more appropriate diet plus daily exercise for their condition. Women
with PCOS who want to go off their meds so they can get pregnant often find they
become polycystic again, if they haven't made lifestyle changes such as a low-sugar diet.
More Helpful Tips for PCOS
Remember, it’s critical to try and cut down on sugar and carbs, plus add some
moderate daily exercise to your diet plan. This works because excess sugar and refined
carbs cause high blood sugar, which in turn causes high insulin which stimulates the
ovaries to make androgens (male hormones). You can also try some of the following:
Diindolylmethane, or DIM, is a natural supplement composed of broccoli and
cauliflower and is known to reduce androgens, (among which is testosterone). Taken
daily, 120 mg of DIM should help correct your hormonal balance.
Calcium D-Glucarate is a calcium salt found in foods such as apples, grapefruit,
broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, lettuce, and alfalfa. Calcium D-glucarate is a
powerful detoxifier of excess estrogens from the liver. This means that when your liver
processes estrogens and toxins and dumps them into the bowel so that they will leave the
body… that they actually do leave the body instead of being reabsorbed.
Recommended Dosage: Take 200-300mg twice daily.
Spearmint. Perhaps one of the best (and tastiest) herbs for lowering testosterone
levels is spearmint. Studies performed at the University of Maryland Medical Center and
at the Suleyman Demirel University in Isparta, Turkey showed that women drinking two
cups of spearmint tea (1 cup twice a day) for five days significantly lowered their
androgen levels. In addition to reducing the levels of free testosterone in the bloodstream,
spearmint tea reduces some symptoms of hirsutism.
N-Acetyl Cycteine (NAC) is a compound that is useful for insulin resistance, a
factor that is key in the development of PCOS. A study looked at the effect of NAC on
insulin secretion and insulin resistance in 6 lean and 31 obese women with PCOS. Most
took 1.8 grams of NAC daily for 5-6 weeks. Those treated with NAC showed significant
improvement in insulin metabolism and a significant drop in testosterone levels.
Another study showed that taking NAC for two months resulted in decreased
homocysteine levels. (Women with PCOS, especially those who take metformin may
have elevated homocysteine levels, which is a risk factor related to heart disease). Also, a
102
study of 150 women with PCOS has shown that NAC appears to make Clomid more
effective when taken together.
Fish Oil for PCOS
Since fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acid, it can help minimize some of the
symptoms caused by PCOS, most importantly insulin resistance. As stated previously,
insulin resistance can change the way in which insulin is produced or used in the body.
Many women with PCOS will develop either pre-diabetes or Type II diabetes. By taking
a fish oil supplement, a woman may find that her resistance to the insulin produced in the
body will be reduced, bringing her blood sugar level closer to the normal range. Although
there are no conclusive studies that this definitely works, there have been reports of some
promising results so it seems a worthwhile option to add to your routine.
Here are some other ways Fish Oil might help PCOS sufferers:
•
Many women with PCOS are more likely to develop high blood pressure and high
blood cholesterol. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center,
studies have demonstrated that fish oil supplements (which contain Omega-3 fatty
acid) can lower a person's blood pressure and also increase HDL cholesterol
("good" cholesterol) while lowering LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol).
Actually, a number of studies show that adding 3 grams of fish oil a day can
significantly reduce a person's blood pressure.
•
Fish oil can also alleviate the symptoms of stress and depression which can be an
issue for those struggling with PCOS and fertility problems.
More Benefits:
•
In a study from the Department of Health Sciences at Gettysburg College,
researchers gave one group of women 4gm of fish oil while another group took
4gm of safflower oil. Compared to the safflower oil group, the fish oil group
gained lean muscle mass while and lost body fat.
•
Also significant, the group that took the fish oil had reduced levels of cortisol, a
stress hormone that contributes to increased fat, especially in the mid-section.
The finding was particularly significant for PCOS sufferers because women with
polycystic ovarian syndrome often have elevated cortisol levels.
103
•
This study also revealed that Omega-6 may actually increase androgen
testosterone levels. Omega-6 fatty acids can be found in the following oils, and
should be reduced if not completely avoided: corn, soy, sunflower, and safflower
oils.
So in summary, omega-3 fish oil can help to improve a number of PCOS-related
issues, such as depression, chronic inflammation, heart disease, high blood pressure, high
blood fats, diabetes and stress. You can also find Omega-3′s in other oils such as
flax seed oil. However, the fatty acids in flax oil have to go through a series of metabolic
steps inside your body before they become the omega-3 fatty acids. The problem is that
many PCOS women have defects in these required metabolic processes and not enough
of the “final” omega-3 fatty acid is created. So it's best to take the fish oil rather than flax
oil to get your Omega 3's if you have PCOS.
Warning: Patients who are taking blood thinners like aspirin, lovenox, coumadin or
heparin should not take this medication because studies have shown a slightly elevated
risk of bleeding. Be sure to purchase your Omega-3 supplements from a reputable
company. The oils must be processed correctly to insure you get a standardized amount
AND it’s as pure and clean as possible.
Vitamins and Helpful Herbs:*
False Unicorn can help to normalize ovulation in women with PCOS. It also can help to
normalize follicular development and reduce the incidence of ovarian cysts in women
with PCOS. It may also reduce the amount of estrogens produced by the ovaries.
Chaste Tree (vitex), which is often taken to regulate the menstrual cycle, can also reduce
testosterone levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This is one
of the most important herbs for PCOS because it helps to stimulate and normalise the
function of the pituitary gland, which controls the release of LH (luteinising hormone).
Saw Palmetto works by suppressing an enzyme needed to convert testosterone to DHT.
Extensive studies show that saw palmetto reduces hair loss and improves hair density in
women with hair loss related to high testosterone levels. Saw palmetto helps women with
PCOS especially if they have elevated DHT by reducing the amount of testosterone
converted to DHT. Dosage: 160 mg twice daily
Some other vitamins which are discussed in the Vitamin Section of Chapter 4 are
especially helpful for those with PCOS. Go back and read the specifics in chapter 4 and
be sure to include the following:
104
Calcium plus Vitamin D
B-Complex
Magnesium Citrate
Zinc
Royal Jelly
*Warning
You should not take any herbs if you are taking birth control pills, fertility drugs,
hormonal treatment or other medication unless they are recommended by a qualified
practitioner.
Thyroid Dysfunction
If you are having difficulty getting pregnant, before you move on to invasive
fertility tests or expensive treatments, you need to make sure you don’t have a problem
with your thyroid.
The thyroid gland which is located in the lower front of the neck, produces
hormones which are very important for regulating your metabolism. An underactive
thyroid is called hypothyroidism. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid can include
weight gain, constipation, dry skin, brittle nails, and hair loss. An overactive thyroid is
called hyperthyroidism and can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and palpitations.
Most of the problems with fertility occur with hypothyroidism, or an underactive
thyroid.
Hypothyroidism can cause an elevation in the hormone prolactin, the hormone
that causes the production of breast milk in a woman after she gives birth. Excess
prolactin can sometimes effect ovulation by suppressing the release of the hormones LH
and FSH, causing low estrogen levels and lack of menstrual periods (amenorrhea).
Another symptom of high prolactin is galactorrhea - milk production from the breast
when you are not pregnant.
Some women with hypothyroidism experience a luteal phase defect which also
prevents pregnancy from occurring. This is because the embryo cannot implant properly
if the endometrial lining is not built up properly as a result of a too-short luteal phase.
A simple blood test for TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is the best way to find
a thyroid abnormality. If you are diagnosed with an underactive thyroid gland, thyroid
hormone replacement can be very effective to restore fertility. Generally, it will take
about 2 or 3 months to stabilize your thyroid hormones and you should not try to
105
conceive during this waiting period.
When testing for thyroid dysfunction, it is also important to test for thyroid
antibodies as well. If your doctor doesn’t typically test for these, you should insist that he
does. The reason is that the presence of thyroid antibodies doubles the risk of early
miscarriage, substantially increases the risk of recurrent miscarriages, and can also lower
your chance of getting pregnant at all. The three tests that should be run for antibodies
are:
* Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies
* Thyroglobulin/Antithyroglobulin Antibodies
* Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulins (TSI)
Finally, here are some special tips if you are affected by infertility due to a thyroid
disorder.
1. Have your doctor test for the full panel of thyroid levels when testing for TSH
(thyroid stimulating hormone). This would include Free T4.
2. Find out the actual number for the TSH level. While many labs report a normal
range of 0.5 to 5.5, some fertility experts now think a level of 2.0 or higher can
cause fertility problems.
3. If you do have hypothyroidism and become pregnant, make sure to inform your
doctor immediately. Your thyroid hormone levels must be monitored during
pregnancy as low levels can affect normal fetal development or cause early
miscarriage.
Depo Provera and Birth Control Pills:
The depo shot is supposed to prevent pregnancy for approximately 3 months.
However, when you stop the shots, fertility does not automatically return at the end of the
3 month period. Ovulation will usually return within three to six months for most
women, however it is possible that you may not have your cycle for 12 to 18 months after
discontinuing the injections. So, unfortunately, it really varies from person to person and
it could possibly be a long wait.
Following Depo-Provera, there is no reported increase in miscarriage or birth
defects.
106
Alternatively, when you stop taking birth control pills, your cycles tend to resume
fairly quickly. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been on the pill. Once the hormones
are out of your body, your cycles will begin to get back to normal.
It is even possible to get pregnant after stopping the pill before you’ve had a
period. In fact, some women are most fertile during the three months after they stop
taking the pill.
For most women though, it takes a few months for your menstrual cycles to be
back to normal. But remember, your cycles will go back to being as “normal” as they
were before you started the birth control pills. So if you had irregular cycles before
birth control pills, they are likely to still be irregular after you stop.
The reason some doctors advise to wait until you’ve had a few normal cycles
before attempting a pregnancy is not because there are any lingering effects that need to
be “washed out.” Rather, if you wait for your cycles to completely return to normal, you
can more predictably determine the length of your cycle, identify your fertile days, and be
able to better date when you conceived once you actually do get pregnant.
Other Possible Causes Of Ovulation Delays:
You might also have problems with ovulation when the following occur during
your attempts to become pregnant:
•Increased stress
Emotionally stressful times can also contribute to fertility problems, so try to keep
your stress levels in check by using relaxation methods designed to calm your
body, mind, and spirit (to be discussed more later).
•Eating disorders
Having an eating disorder can pose a risk to your health as well as your fertility.
It would be best to get your eating disorder under control before attempting to get
pregnant as there could be serious risks to the developing baby if you were to get
pregnant.
•Significant weight loss
If you have lost a significant amount of weight, especially in a short period of
time, it can effect your hormones and therefore your ovulation. This should
stabilize with time if you are eating healthy.
107
•Excessive exercise
Moderate exercise is actually good for your fertility as well as your pregnancy,
however overly strenuous exercise can upset the natural balance of your
hormones and cause anovulation. If you are doing strenuous exercise and your
cycles are irregular, it would be a good idea to cut back some.
Fibroids
It is difficult to know just how many women have fibroids, since unless they
cause a problem, a woman may not realize she has them. It is estimated that fibroids
occur in up to 25 percent of women over the age of 30 and in nearly 40 percent of women
after the age of 40.
Uterine fibroid tumors ( myomas ) are a product of estrogen dominance (too much
estrogen). Estrogen stimulates their growth, and lack of estrogen causes them to
diminish.
The good news is that most women who have fibroids will not have any
problems conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term because of their fibroids. A minority
of women will have problems with infertility and pregnancy complications. There are two
ways that fibroids can effect your fertility. The first is an inability to get pregnant at all;
and in the second instance, although pregnancy occurs, it ends in miscarriage.
One of the most common types of fibroid is called a submucous fibroid. This type
occurs just beneath the lining of the uterus and can displace the lining as it grows. If a
woman is unable to get pregnant and an evaluation determines that she does have a
fibroid and no other apparent fertility issues, a myomectomy (to remove the fibroid) may
be performed. This procedure does have a high success rate at curing this problem--up to
a forty to eighty percent increase in fertility after the procedure. However, it is very
important to make sure that there aren’t other infertility issue before having a
myomectomy since the procedure itself, can cause scarring which could result in further
fertility problems.
It should be noted that one quarter to half of the women who have a myomectomy
can expect to eventually develop additional tumors.
Aside from surgery, another option that is being tested is the use of the drug
leuprolide acetate (Lupron) to shrink the fibroids. This drug is the synthetic form of the
naturally occurring substance known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (also called
GnRH). In several scientific studies, most of the women who have used the drug had
108
their fibroids shrink to half their starting size, so it may help women who are trying to
become pregnant. However, it is important that you DO NOT get pregnant while taking
the Lupron as it can cause birth defects. It also can cause some potentially bad side
effects so make sure to discuss the pros and cons of the risks with your doctor.
It is also possible to eliminate fibroids by altering your diet and adding herbal
supplements/vitamins to control the hormonal imbalance (excess estrogen). Much of the
diet recommendations in this ebook to improve overall fertility are especially helpful
when dealing with fibroids such as increasing fiber intake (complex carbohydrates),
eliminating processed foods and “bad” fats, reducing sugar, alcohol and caffeine, etc.
Also, many of the vitamin supplements suggested are especially helpful when you
are dealing with fibroids. Rather than list everything again here, I have found a very
comprehensive article which summarizes the best ways you can make changes in diet,
vitamins and supplements to help reduce fibroids and keep them from growing further.
Here is the link-- be sure to read this informative article: Natural Healing for Fibroids
I also discovered a “fibroid cure” that is offered online which you may want to
check out as well--you can go here to take a look at this option for removing fibroids. I
don’t have any personal experience with this product, so you have to decide for yourself
if it’s something you want to consider trying.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue (the uterine lining) is found outside
the uterus. The tissue continues to react to the woman's menstrual cycle, building up,
breaking down, and shedding, regardless of its location in the body. This results in
internal bleeding and inflammation which can cause severe pain, scar tissue, bowel
problems, and sometimes, infertility. However, not all women with endometriosis related
infertility experience pain.
The only definitive diagnosis of endometriosis is through a laparoscopy. A
laparoscope is a tiny, lighted tube that is inserted into you through a small abdominal
incision. A surgeon is able to see inside of you through this tube.
Not everyone with endometriosis has fertility problems, but quite often, women
with the disease are more likely to have trouble conceiving. It is estimated that 40% of
women with endometriosis may experience fertility problems. Usually this is because the
endometriosis causes tubal blockages and adhesions which reduces fertility.
109
Endometriosis may also cause problems with egg fertilization, development and
implantation.
The cause of endometriosis is still not clear, although much of the current
research indicates a relationship with a woman's immune system. It has been determined
that endometriosis does tend to run in families, but research has not yet concluded
whether it’s actually a genetic or environmental cause.
Although there are a variety of treatments for endometriosis, there is currently no
cure. One treatment is surgery to remove the endometriosis through laparoscopy. Many
of the other treatments involve medications which stop ovulation, but you cannot attempt
to get pregnant when taking these medications which is usually for several months.
One treatment that might be promising is Pycnogenol. There's promising hope
that women who suffer from endometriosis might benefit from this powerful antioxidant
which has also showed promise for improving male fertility. A study published in the
Journal of Reproductive Medicine reveals that Pycnogenol significantly reduces
symptoms of endometriosis by 33 percent.
It is difficult to predict whether you will have trouble getting pregnant with
endometriosis or not. If your doctor does determine that you have infertility from
endometriosis, it is likely that he will recommend some form of advanced reproductive
technology such as IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF.
If you should decide you do not want to go down that road, there are some natural
alternatives you can try. You may know that many illnesses and diseases have responded
very positively to changes in diet, and endometriosis is no exception. It’s possible that a
change in can help to minimize symptoms and control the pain.
Dietary Changes
One positive dietary change is to add “good” fats and eliminate “bad fats”. Simply
put, this means adding omega 3 fatty acids by using flax seed oil, walnut oil or evening
primrose oil and eliminating saturated fats, butter, and lard. Another positive change is to
add fiber to your diet. Good sources of fiber are whole grains (excluding wheat and rye),
beans, brown rice, fruits and vegetables.
Foods to be avoided are refined sugars and flours, meat and dairy products
(milk, cheese eggs), wheat and soy products. Of course you should also avoid the things
that I speak about later in chapter 5 that all women trying to get pregnant should avoid,
such as caffeine, alcohol and processed foods.
110
Adding kelp to your diet (or use supplement) and vitamin E can have very
beneficial results if you have endometriosis. Try adding wheat germ to your diet as the
vitamin E in wheat germ improves the healing of scar tissue caused by internal
endometrial bleeding. In general, women with endometriosis should stick to a high-fiber,
vegetarian based diet.
If you suffer from endometriosis and want much more detailed information than I
could possibly cover in this e-book, there is a website that I highly recommend you visit
which is devoted entirely to the subject of endometriosis. Here is the link:
http://www.endo-resolved.com/
Castor Oil Packs
One of the treatments advised there is Castor Oil packs. Castor oil is a natural
plant oil obtained from the seed of the castor plant.Castor oil, known for its emollient and
lubricating properties. castor oil packs have a lot going for them to help endometriosis
sufferers. They boost the body’s defense system; this will in turn boost and support a
depleted immune system that is associated with endometriosis. Castor oil packs also help
with pain, inflammation and swelling, as well as the detox process. If you wish to try
this, you can get specific instructions on how to use Castor Oil packs using this link:
http://www.endo-resolved.com/End_of_Endo-castor-oil.html
Blocked Fallopian Tubes
If you are seeing a fertility specialist because you haven't been able to get
pregnant, one of the most common tests that is performed is a hysterosalpingogram
(HSG) which involves injecting dye through your cervix which ultimately travels through
your fallopian tubes and runs out if your tubes are clear. If the HSG reveals that you have
blocked fallopian tubes , that means that your egg will not be able to travel down the
tubes to meet with sperm and fertilize an egg in order to get pregnant.
Blocked tubes also increase your risk of an ectopic pregnancy since the egg can
get fertilized in the tube but the embryo gets stuck and then implant in the tubes instead
of traveling back to the uterus. This is very dangerous and can cause infection if the tube
bursts.
It is important to note that in about 15% of cases, the HSG will indicate that your
tube(s) are blocked when in fact they are not. This usually happens if the HSG is very
painful and there is uterine cramping which results in a spasm in the tube which prevents
111
the dye from going through. While it may look as though the tube is blocked, in reality
the dye is simply not getting through because of the spasm.
Also of note, sometimes after an HSG is done, a woman's fertility may be slightly
improved (assuming her results were normal). It's suggested that this may occur because
the dye going through the tubes may itself remove any minor debris and also the
procedure may temporarily widen (dilate) the tubes as it is going through.
Some of the causes of blocked tubes include adhesions, infections, PID (pelvic
inflammatory disease), scar tissue, and endometriosis. The number one cause of blocked
tubes is a Chlamydia infection which some women never even knew they had.
A tube can be blocked at the beginning (near the uterus) or at the end (near the
ovary). Generally if the blockage is near the uterus, there is a higher success rate with
surgery.
One common types of blockage is called hydrosalpinx, which is a collection of
watery fluid within the fallopian tube, usually as a result of damage at the far end of the
tube, near the ovary. In most cases, a hydrosalpinx indicates that the fallopian tube is
totally blocked at the far end. Whereas some women with a hydrosalpinx display no
symptoms, many suffer from severe, chronic pain..
It not only causes the affected tube(s) to be totally ineffective, it may also lessen
the effectiveness of various infertility treatments (e.g. in vitro fertilization [IVF]).
Hydrosalpinx also increases the likelihood of miscarriage. Fluid from a tube which spills
into the uterus would be toxic to embryos; therefore it decreases the chance for the
embryo to implant successfully in the uterus. For this reason, fertility specialists often
advise patients to have the affected tube(s) removed prior to undergoing IVF. Also, a
hydrosalpinx in one tube often affects the other, resulting in two abnormal tubes.
The procedure in vitro fertilization (IVF) was originally developed about 30 years
ago to help women with blocked tubes to conceive. It is generally recommended as the
best treatment option if it is found that you have blocked tubes. While surgery is also
another option, it will be up to your doctor to determine if surgery can clear the blockage
and /or repair the tube. This will depend on such factors as what caused the blockage,
where it is located, and the extent and type of blockage. The less blockage there is, the
more successful the surgery. Some blockages are just at one end of the tube and they
have the highest success rate of becoming unblocked.
If a woman has had a Chlamydia infection, there tends to be more extensive
damage and blockages. Blockages due to Chlamydia have the lowest success rate of
becoming unblocked.
112
There is also a new therapy showing some promise but unfortunately it is only
available in very limited places in the U.S. because it requires trained therapists in a
technique called "Wurn". This therapy (Wurn technique) has been shown to open tubes
and return the ability to conceive naturally for women with hydrosalpinx and blocked
fallopian tubes, regardless of the location of the blockage. Their success rate with these
cases (61%) compares favorably with medical techniques, but without the risks or side
effects of drugs or surgeries
The company is called Clear Passage, and they have locations in the U.S. in Iowa, Florida
and California. Go to: http://www.clearpassage.com for more information.
Uterine Abnormalities
There are some congenital deviations of the uterus that can effect an embryo's
ability to implant and develop within the womb. If a woman has an abnormally formed
uterus, this can cause a higher incidence of miscarriage or be an obstacle to carrying a
pregnancy to full term. In women experiencing unexplained recurrent miscarriages, it is
important to rule out the possibility of a uterine anomaly as the possible cause. Women
with uterine anomalies can also experience higher rates of preterm labor, bleeding during
pregnancy, and diminished fetal growth.
A typical uterus is shaped like a small pear and has a hollow, triangular cavity. If there is
failure of the uterine body to fuse completely, the uterine shape will be abnormal. The
development of the ovaries is not affected by these uterine defects. There is a wide range
of uterine abnormalities, and the effect on fertility varies:
Bicornuate Uterus
One of the most common abnormalities is a
bicornuate uterus. A bicornuate uterus has two
uterine horns. Pregnancy within a bicornuate uterus
typically occurs within one of the horns and
pregnancy outcome is usually as normal as for a
fully developed uterus. Surgery is not necessarily
required to fix this abnormality although it can be
performed successfully.
113
Unicornuate Uterus
A unicornuate uterus is half the size of a normal uterus
and there is only one fallopian tube. Because of its shape,
it is described as a uterus with one horn. This
abnormality is quite rare. It develops early in life, when
the tissue that forms the uterus does not grow properly. If
you have a unicornuate uterus, you probably have two
ovaries, only one of which is likely connected to your
uterus. No surgery can be done and this malformation
can increase the risk of late 2nd and early 3rd trimester
loss because the uterus will "run out of room" and trigger
premature labor.
Septate Uterus
A septate uterus is most commonly associated with
miscarriages. In this abnormality, a midline septum
is present which mistakenly forms during the
hollowing process. Normal uterine lining does not
grow over the septum, so if the embryo implants in
the septum, it is unable to grow properly. A septum
can be removed by hysteroscopy, which can provide
a successful outcome.
Understanding the type of uterine defect one has is critical, because this will determine if
intervention is needed to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Miscarriage:
There are many possible reasons for a first trimester miscarriage, most of them
resulting from a chromosome abnormality. Unless there are complications, or you are
suffering from multiple miscarriage (like myself), there generally is no waiting
requirement to start trying again. The important thing to realize is that early miscarriage
is VERY common and generally is NOT a result of anything you did wrong nor is there
anything you could have done to prevent it or another one from occurring.
Your cycle will usually return to normal rather quickly, and you will probably get
your period about 4-8 weeks after the miscarriage if it was fairly early. While some
114
doctors may prescribe “waiting out” three cycles, it is advised more for emotional reasons
than physical ones.
It’s always a good idea to wait until you have at least one normal period so you
are better able to determine when conception occurred. The time you need for an
emotional recovery is often much longer than the physical one, so use your own
judgement for determining when it is best to try again.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL):
If you have experienced 3 early miscarriages in a row, then that would be
classified as Recurrent Pregnancy Loss which requires extensive testing and treatment
when a cause is identified. Unfortunately, many doctors do not do the complete panel of
testing that is required to identify the cause, so you may need to do some research to
find an doctor who can work with you to try and find the cause.
Here is a link to a page that lists all of the possible testing that can be done for those
experiencing recurrent miscarriages. You might want to print it out and discuss the
various tests with your doctor:
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Testing
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss - Immune Issues
Unexplained Infertility/Implantation Failure
If you have found a doctor who has done extensive testing and found that your
recurrent miscarriages are related to “immunologic factors” such as high levels of NK
(natural killer) cells, it means that an “over active” immune system can attack egg, sperm,
embryo and even a developing fetus. This can result in difficulty achieving pregnancy,
maintaining the pregnancy, or repeated miscarriages.
Intralipid Therapy
Intralipid Therapy is an exciting new therapy that has had some very good results
for women with high NK cells experiencing repeated miscarriages. It has also proven
helpful for women who have unexplained infertility and have experienced multiple IVF
failures (implantation failure). Often doctors assume this is related to poor embryo
quality, but it is worth exploring this therapy to address possible immunologic factors
causing the IVF failures.
115
Intralipids have been shown to lower the activity of the natural killer cells
component of our immune system. The method of administration is an IV infusion of 90
to 120 minutes duration and require that you are not allergic to soy or egg products, and
also do not have a history of high cholesterol or liver disease.
There are a few fertility centers in the U.S. offering Intralipid Therapy as well as
locations in the U.K. I expect more centers around the world will begin to use this
therapy as it gains popularity due to the fact that it is effective, inexpensive and without
significant side effects.
If this is something you are interested in, I suggest you visit this site with much
more detailed information (it’s a bit technical, but very informative):
Intralipid Therapy
116
Chapter 8:
When Medical Science Should Intervene –
A Look at Today’s Breakthrough Technology for
Increasing the Odds of a Baby
If your natural efforts haven’t worked and
you’re ready to move on and give advanced
reproductive technologies (ART) a trial run,
you need to know how the procedures work
so you’ll be physically and mentally prepared
for it.
How to Choose a Doctor
The first thing you want to do is see your doctor and find out what kind of
specialist he recommends that you go see. You want to see a fertility specialist
(reproductive endocrinologist), not just an ordinary ob/gynecologist.
Don’t just go to someone because your doctor, friend, or family member suggests
them. Not everyone has the same needs and experiences, so you want to choose someone
who’s right for you and your partner.
Sometimes people (even doctors) recommend someone they happen to know –
not necessarily someone that would suit your needs and interests most. Always ask why
the person is recommended – is it because he or she is a member of a certain organization
or is it because they have a reputation for having a solid success rate with infertile
patients?
You want a doctor who will do some preliminary testing to see what could be
causing the delay in getting pregnant. You don’t want someone who just wants to try you
out on different medications to slowly eliminate possible causes.
Find out what timetable they have set up for their patients to try one method
before moving on to something else. If a certain treatment isn’t working after four
months, for instance, will he take a different approach?
117
Your personalities have to mesh well. You may not like a doctor who takes your
case too seriously, preferring someone who can ease your fears and allay your anxiety.
Or, you might not like a doctor who jokes around with a topic you’re taking very
seriously.
Any time you feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to move on and find a specialist that
has the same approach you have in mind. You can find some specialists online at sites
such as http://www.Resolve.org or http://www.inciid.org. These are great places to find
others who are going through the same thing as you are.
Treating infertility can be time consuming and costly, so weigh your options
carefully. Of course your treatment will also depend on your reasons for infertility. You
may feel like you’re on a roller coaster, moving from something as simple as blood tests
and discussions about ovulation to injections and invasive surgeries.
Clomid Can Sometimes Increase Your Odds of Conception
Your regular ob/gyn may put you on Clomid before you even go to see a
specialist. Clomid, or Clomiphene citrate, which is also known as Serophene, can help
you release eggs and produce good eggs.
Recent research however, has indicated that Clomid does not improve pregnancy
rates unless it is specifically given as a treatment for ovulation issues. Some doctors
will prescribe Clomid to patients who have “unexplained infertility” and in these cases,
the latest evidence indicates it doesn’t improve the odds of getting pregnant.
Clomid is usually taken for cycles of five days, beginning around day 3-5 of your
menstrual cycle. You’ll probably start out taking one pill per day and then if nothing’s
happened after one month, you’ll move up to 2-3 pills if you still aren’t ovulating
properly.
This drug tricks your body into thinking it’s low on estrogen, so the body counters
by releasing GnRH, which creates more FSH. All of this works to help your ovaries
produce more estrogen and stimulate a follicle to grow.
Clomid has an 80% success rate in helping women ovulate. You’ll probably be
asked to try Clomid for 3-6 months to see if it works. If it does, there may be a chance
that you’ll conceive twins, or possibly triplets.
The side effects can include hot flashes, headache, and breast tenderness. If you
experience severe symptoms such as abdominal pain and severe bloating, you should call
your doctor.
118
Unfortunately, Clomid does have some side effects which can impair fertility. It
may have an adverse effect on your cervical mucus and cause your endometrial lining to
be too thin.
Letrozole – An Alternative To Clomid
Letrozole, trade name Femara, is the latest drug being offered as an alternative to
Clomid for ovulation induction. It is actually a drug developed to treat breast cancer, but
since 2001 fertility doctors have been using it “off label” as an alternative medication to
Clomid.
Letrozole does not appear to have any negative effect on cervical mucus or the
endometrial lining which is why it may be a better alternative than Clomid.
There was some initial concern that this drug increased the risk for birth defects,
but the research indicates that it is only related to birth defects when it is taken during
pregnancy. Letrozole is a medication that is metabolized rapidly in the body. It is not
thought to have significant levels in the blood or tissues for a prolonged period of time.
Therefore, when taken to induce ovulation, it shouldn’t be in your system any longer at
the time you were to achieve pregnancy.
Minimally Invasive Treatment Options for Minor Issues
If your partner’s sperm count is found to be a bit low, then your specialist will
probably recommend artificial insemination in the form of an IUI (intrauterine
insemination) cycle, where the sperm is delivered directly into the uterus via a threaded
catheter.
An IUI only takes a few minutes. Most women report that it isn’t painful – at
least no more than a typical pap smear. Some cramping can occur afterwards, but it’s no
more painful than during menstruation.
Another option is for an ICI (intracervical insemination) to be done where they
insert the sperm directly into the cervix. Sometimes you’ll be recommended to do more
than one treatment at a time.
Your partner’s sperm will be collected in a sterile container (or a special condom
if your religion prohibits masturbation). Then the sperm is “washed” for an IUI, which
means the sperm cells are removed from the seminal fluid and placed in a nutrient
solution that may stimulate motility and enhance fertilization.
119
You only want to use these procedures when you’re sure your body has produced
a good egg. To ensure this, your hormone levels will be monitored to see if your estradiol
has risen to 150-300 pg/ml. You’ll also notice your LH surge right before the egg is
released so that you can time the procedures just right.
You’ll probably be asked to try artificial insemination 3-4 times while on Clomid
before moving on to injectable infertility drugs. After four tries with injectables, it’s
usually time to move on to IVF.
Injectible Infertility Drugs
After taking Clomid and trying artificial insemination, your doctor may have you
start a round or more of injectible drugs. It probably sounds worse than it is if you’ve
never done it before.
The technique is called COH (controlled ovarian hyperstimulation), and it’s the
injection of gonadotropins. These are what make your follicles grow, and since your
follicles contain eggs, it is a major component of conception.
Injections are sometimes a necessary evil in the race to conception. Pills such as
Clomid have to pass through your digestive system and don’t get absorbed as well as a
direct injection.
Undergoing injections means going for more routine testing in the form of blood
drawings and ultrasounds. You can either learn how to give yourself shots or have your
partner learn how to do it.
Most specialists have a video that shows you how to do it, and the nurses will
walk you through it the first time. It takes some getting used to, but once you’ve done it
a few times, you’ll feel like an old pro.
Which drugs will you use? There are some choices. First you may want to
determine if certain drugs are covered by your insurance, since many can be quite
expensive.
Price-wise, recombitant medications are more expensive but all are given
subcutaneously. If needles make you cringe, then you may want to choose a
subcutaneous medication.
This simply means it can be injected into the fatty tissue just under the skin with a
fairly small needle. Other shots require you to inject the needle deep into your muscle
120
tissue, which can make some people squeamish. These are called an intramuscular
injection.
Some women are even using pumps similar to diabetic pumps to deliver their
hormones. Every 90 minutes it releases a small dose of GnRH. Your body reacts by
producing LH and FSH and stimulating the ovaries to release an egg.
You may also be injecting hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which matures
your eggs and helps them get a release from the follicles. This, too, is an intramuscular
drug but certain forms such as Ovidrel are now being released as subcutaneous.
There are some side effects to injecting these drugs. Some women experience
headaches, bloating, weight gain and mood swings. It’s a normal result of altering the
hormone balance in your system.
If you notice any of the symptoms below, call your doctor immediately:
•
Difficulty breathing
•
Increase in weight of more than 10 pounds in a short span of time
•
Difficulty urinating
These symptoms may mean you’ve developed OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation
syndrome), which means your estradiol levels have risen to dangerous heights and you
may need to be hospitalized.
Sometimes booster injections are also necessary in the form of progesterone. This
is a shot you give yourself after you’ve ovulated to make sure your progesterone levels
stay high enough for implantation and maintenance of the pregnancy. These shots are
also given intramuscularly.
Implementing IVF Into Your Infertility Treatment
In vitro fertilization is what many women consider to be bringing out the big guns
to treat infertility. It’s not only high-tech, but it comes with a high price tag, so if you’re
not covered under insurance, you may need to work out your finances before considering
this option.
IVF is when medical science uses a test tube to join your egg and your partner’s
sperm, which is why it’s known as creating a “test tube baby.” While the rewards (a
121
baby!) may be great, there are some great drawbacks to IVF that you need to be prepared
for.
It’s not only an expensive option, but it’s time-consuming as well. If you hated
the injection phase, then you won’t like IVF, either. Plus, you have to add on ultrasounds
and more blood work to the mix.
After undergoing all of this, you still won’t have any guarantee that you’ll have a
baby in your future because IVF isn’t predictable. What worries most women is that they
feel like after getting to this point, it’s the last hope.
But in reality, you can always repeat your earlier options again, which often
works for women who go through a second round. But you may find after IVF that you
want to look at other options, like adoption or using a donor egg or surrogate. These are
all options on the horizon if you choose to use them.
IVF is actually only used by about 2% of infertile couples. The success rate is
25% for women under age 35 per IVF cycle. Once you reach 35-37 your chances are set
at about 30%. It drops to 22% if you’re between 38 and 40, goes to 12% if you’re over
40 and after 45 you’re usually looking at donor egg options.
The High Cost of IVF
Each cycle of IVF can cost up to $10,000 or more. That probably doesn’t include
blood work, drugs and ultrasounds, but each office is different, so check with the
administrator. It’s a lot of money and time for many couples to invest.
Insurance companies may turn you down for IVF coverage because it’s an
expensive procedure that doesn’t have a high success rate, or that varies from one clinic
to another.
Sometimes your coverage will be partial. Your insurance may cover blood being
drawn, ultrasounds, and certain medications. But then they won’t cover the actual
procedures. Contact your insurance company ahead of time to find out where you stand
in having to finance your infertility treatments.
Some states mandate that insurance companies cover IVF treatments. The
coverage may vary – for instance, West Virginia says insurers must cover infertility costs
while Arkansas only requires coverage up to a $15,000 cap.
There are some clinics that have an exchange program – you donate eggs to
couples who need them in exchange for IVF treatment. The couple needing the eggs are
the ones who will be paying the IVF costs for you.
122
For some reason, the more we spend on facing our infertility, the higher our
expectations. While our hopes may rise a bit with an over-the-counter ovulation
predictor kit, it isn’t nearly as emotional as when you undergo an IVF cycle and then find
it didn’t work.
Who Will Perform My IVF?
How do you choose your doctor or clinic? Some women prefer to stay with their
current specialist while others want to go somewhere where the procedure is common.
Find out how many egg retrievals and embryo transfers the clinic does each year.
Ask questions, and do your own research. The CDC publishes an annual Fertility
Clinic success rate, and even though it runs a couple of years behind, the numbers don’t
vary that much from year to year. You can access it here: http://www.cdc.gov/ART/
ARTReports.htm
One of the most important factors in determining where you do an IVF procedure
is the success rate of the clinic. Because this procedure is so costly, both mentally,
physically and financially, it makes sense to invest in a clinic that will give you the
highest chance of success. You would be surprised to find that there are great differences
in success rates from one clinic to another. It might even be worth your time to travel to a
clinic if you don’t live near one that has great success stats. Even though travel is another
element to add on top of an already taxing procedure, it’s something you should consider
if you are going down this road.
What Happens During IVF?
First you’ll be given a protocol, which is your particular blueprint for how the
IVF process will be carried out. It will tell you what medications you’ll be on, and
explain all of the procedures you’ll go through.
Everyone will have a unique protocol, so don’t be tempted to go by what your
best friend said she went through – study your own. Your first step will be in starting a
cycle of drugs.
Which drug you’re on will be determined by your age, your test results, and your
ovulation circumstances. Sometimes the doses last 10 days and occasionally it goes up to
21 days.
123
After you’ve been on the injections for a few days, the clinic will probably ask
you to come in for some monitoring so that they can see if your follicles are responding
and if your estradiol is rising. If anything is amiss, they may change your medication or
the dosage.
You’ll usually be monitored every couple of days using blood and ultrasound and
as you get closer to ovulation this may increase to every day. You have to take an
injection of a drug called hCG approximately 35 hours before you go in to have your egg
retrieval done. Your timing must be exact –if they tell you to take the injection at 2
o’clock in the morning, then make sure you do it at that precise time.
When you go in for your egg retrieval, you’ll be given an IV after changing into
your gown. They’ll go over your identity to prevent any mix-up with the eggs and then
they’ll administer the medicine to make you go to sleep while the procedure is
performed.
The doctor goes in through your vagina with an ultrasound probe tipped with a
needle. He uses the ultrasound to locate your follicles and punctures them to suck out the
fluid, which is where your eggs will be when they look under the microscope.
They’ll continue doing this until they empty the follicles – taking a total of 30-40
minutes. The embryologist will look for eggs that are round and mature. Even if the egg
is immature, it might mature within 24 hours.
During this entire process, your partner will be providing his semen sample.
Sometimes they use frozen samples, but they always prefer a fresh batch if possible. That
night, your eggs are incubated with your partner’s sperm in a petri dish.
When the staff comes in the next morning, they check for fertilization. Frozen
embryos are kept inside a liquid nitrogen tank temporarily until you’re ready for their use
in a transfer.
The embryologists will make sure they only transfer good embryos. You’ll
usually find out the day of the retrieval how many eggs were viable and the next day,
how many were fertilized. After a few days the embryos will be evaluated and your
doctor will decide how many to transfer back into you. Any leftovers can be frozen and
used at a later time if necessary.
124
The Transfer Process
When the eggs are ready to be transferred, the doctor will make sure the lining of
your uterus is ready to support the embryo. Anything over 7 millimeters is thick enough
to allow the transfer to go forward.
Some clinics conduct hatching techniques to help the embryo implant in the
uterus. Assisted hatching is done the day of your transfer. They create a small hole in the
shell of the embryo so that it can easily break through the shell and attach itself to the
lining. Not all clinics do this.
Ask whether or not your clinic will do a blastocyst transfer – where they allow the
embryo to develop for five days and then choose the best ones to transfer. The success
rate for this procedure is 70% compared to 50% with three-day IVF transfers. The
downside is that by waiting until 5 days, sometimes the embryos that looked good on day
3, won’t make it until day 5. It is unknown whether these same embryos might have
made it if transferred, as the environment in a woman’s body is much better for embryo
development than the lab.
You might be given a Valium as a sedative for the transfer, although it is probably
not necessary. You lie down on the exam table with a full bladder. This enables the
doctor to see your uterus better with the ultrasound.
Again, they’ll verify your identity before the ultrasonographer places the probe on
your abdomen so the doctor can see your uterus. The cervix is then washed and through
a speculum, the catheter moves into the uterus and allows the embryos to be injected into
the uterus.
You may or may not be instructed to stay on the table lying down for about 20
minutes. Additionally, they may not allow you to do strenuous exercise, have sex, or lift
anything heavier than 10-15 pounds. You will likely have to take progesterone injections
after the procedure as stated above.
Waiting after IVF
Approximately 10 – 12 days after your IVF cycle is complete, you will likely take
a blood test to determine if you are pregnant.. During the waiting period, you will
probably have started wondering if your pregnancy has taken hold.
This can be an emotional time. On one hand you’re happy that it’s over and on
the other you’re anxious and worried that it won’t work – fearing what happens if it
doesn’t.
125
Resist the urge to do a home pregnancy test. You may get a false positive or false
negative. As stated, your clinic will conduct a blood test to see if you’re pregnant. If you
are, some clinics will continue monitoring you to ensure the pregnancy sticks. They’ll
monitor your hCG (pregnancy hormone) and progesterone levels to make sure the
pregnancy is proceeding normally.
What are the risks?
Well, multiple births are common – by about 25%. That’s because 2-4 embryos
are generally placed in the uterus during each cycle. There’s also a risk of ectopic
pregnancy, where the embryo may implant in the fallopian tubes instead of in the uterus.
The chance for ectopic pregnancy is twice what it is in non-IVF pregnancies.
What if IVF doesn’t work?
This is a personal choice. Many couples immediately sign up for round 2, while
others move on to other means of improving their fertility. Don’t blame yourself –
sometimes it just doesn’t work out the first time.
It’s normal to grieve and feel angry about the situation. Make sure if your
emotions are out of control that you take a breather from it all and recoup before you
launch a new trial of attempting to get pregnant.
Your doctor may recommend trying IVF for up to three times, back-to-back. If
you and your doctor disagree about your future plans, you can always find a doctor who
does agree with your stance.
Assisted Reproductive Technology – Some Variations
You may have heard about some other procedures similar to IVF, or that work
hand in hand with IVF. Here is some brief detail on these:
•
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) - It involves injection of single sperm in
to single eggs in order to get fertilization. It is used during an IVF cycle when
severe male factor issues are present, such as reduced sperm count, motility or
morphology.
•
GIFT (Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer) – It is a modified version of the
traditional IVF technique. Instead of the fertilization taking place in a dish in the
126
laboratory, it occurs in the fallopian tubes, just like in a natural pregnancy. Both
eggs and sperm are put into the fallopian tubes and conception happens naturally.
•
ZIFT (Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer) – It involves the transfer of embryos
(zygotes) into the Fallopian tube 24 hours after fertilization. The aim is to achieve
fertilization in vitro (in the lab), and then replace the early embryos in the
fallopian tube, the normal site for fertilization. ZIFT offers the best of both IVF
and GIFT procedures. It is suitable only for women who have at least one healthy
fallopian tube.
When to Say When
Every woman and couple is unique in how much they’re willing to alter their lives
to devote to fertility. Some will do whatever it takes for as long as it takes and let their
physical and mental health take continual hits.
Others have a line drawn in the sand and once it gets crossed, they sit down and
make tough decisions about their future fertility efforts. There is no right or wrong
answer.
If you’ve been giving yourself injections for 6 months and you are emotionally
breaking down from the physical endurance of it all, it’s okay to stop and try something
different or take a break.
You also have to tune into what your partner is undergoing because a man’s
mental and physical health is at stake as well during this process. As a couple, come to
terms with your blueprint for achieving pregnancy and find a common ground you can
agree to on when it’s time to stop whatever it is you’re doing and take a different route to
parenthood.
127
Chapter 9:
Conception Isn’t One Size Fits All –
Mapping Out Your Blueprint for Making Your
Dream Come True
Everything you’ve learned about improving your fertility has to be applied the
way you feel is best. You don’t have to do something just because it worked for someone
you know.
I simply feel that women should have all options available to them and should
know that sometimes it’s the simple things that can lead to major changes with regard to
your fertility – things you can easily fix on your own without expensive procedures and
doctor’s visits.
When the day finally comes that you find yourself blessed with a baby, be sure to
remember everything you went through and try to balance your excitement with empathy
for those still struggling to find the right answer.
You, like me, may experience the ups and downs of discovering you’re pregnant –
only to end up losing the baby after several weeks of joy and bliss. When I look at my
children, I am so glad that I discovered so many treatments to try and that I endured the
emotional roller coaster that allowed me to eventually end up a mother after numerous
obstacles.
As you set out on your own personal path to pregnancy, remember that all of the
advice in the world won’t be the answer to your hopes and prayer unless you follow
through on what you feel is best for your body.
128
Through it all, make sure you take care of yourself as you dedicate your life and
your time to finding your fertility. Ignoring your own needs won’t help you get pregnant
any faster – and in fact it may delay the process.
I wish you all the success in the world with your present and future journey and I
welcome each and every one of you to share your thoughts and success stories with me so
that others can learn what may work for them and deliver a bundle of joy to their waiting
arms one day.
The statements regarding any natural or herbal products have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure
or prevent any disease. The information on my website or in this e-book is designed for
informational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical advice or
care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or
illnesses without consulting your doctor.
129