Saturday, April 28, 2007
The Fibroid Myth
Source: www.PRWeb.comAtlanta, GA (PRWEB) August 3, 2006 -- "Too many women of childbearing age are led to believe by their gynecologists or internists that the presence of uterine fibroids will prevent pregnancy," said world-renowned gynecologic surgery pioneer Thomas L. Lyons, MD, of the Center for Women's Care & Reproductive Surgery in Atlanta. "That's a myth. If they're not bothering you, you don't need to bother with them."
Numerous patients inquire about whether they should have fibroids removed in order to "clean themselves up" to enhance their chances of pregnancy, Dr. Lyons explained.
"Unfortunately, many surgeons will go along with a patient's wishes to have fibroids removed, even though evidence shows that fibroids do not really prevent pregnancy, and that women with fibroids do not have a higher risk of a bad pregnancy," he said.
"The obvious corollary to this is that their physicians want to perform the surgery or the procedure whether it's really necessary for the patient or not," said Dr. Lyons. "With in-office diagnostics like ultrasound, an accurate and relatively inexpensive method of ruling out ovarian abnormalities, and hysteroscopy, which can also be a treatment, we can tell what's happening with fibroids and whether they might present any problems."
In addition to offering leading therapies and procedures for fibroid detection and removal, Dr. Lyons developed the Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH) in 1990 and has performed thousands of them successfully.
Renowned as the global "go-to guy" on LSH, he has donated his time over nearly two decades to train hundreds of surgeons on this and other minimally invasive procedures he has developed.
Debunking the Myth
According to statistics cited on eHealthMD, only about six percent of women who are infertile have fibroids, and these are usually not the source of the infertility. Fibroids cause the problem in only 2- 3% of cases.
The real, but rare issue of fibroids causing infertility may include fibroids blocking sperm passage into one or both fallopian tubes, which may prevent the egg's fertilization.
Additionally, if fibroids fill the uterine cavity, they may block implantation of the fertilized egg.
Other rare issues include the possibility of premature labor or miscarriage due to fibroids in the uterine cavity, or an increased chance that the baby is not positioned to be born headfirst, necessitating cesarean section.
Since all these possibilities are so minimal, Dr. Lyons is shocked at the prevalent notion among women who want to bear children that they must be "fibroid-free" in order to conceive.
"Their own gynecologists often will not debunk this notion. It's up to the patient now to research her options," he said.
Do research and know your options. Discerning patients who aren't willing to settle for one opinion or "the way it's always been done" find Dr. Lyons on the Internet and come from as far as Tokyo, Rome, Madrid, Australia and Buenos Aires, seeking him as a second or third opinion.
They discuss numerous options including laparoscopic myomectomy,removal of the fibroids only, or drug therapy. Often, where other physicians will recommend a major surgery, Lyons suggests either a 'wait and see' approach or an easy, in-office procedure such as hysteroscopy.
"It's especially important that patients choose a surgeon who is experienced in working with lasers and laparoscopy. The minimally invasive procedures we perform require more skill than open abdominal procedures. They're easier on the patient, but more challenging for the surgeon," explained Dr. Lyons.
Many surgeons will attempt a laparoscopic procedure and feel it necessary to convert to an open surgery with a long incision during the procedure. Make sure to ask your surgeon about his or her conversion ratio. Dr. Lyons' conversion ratio is less than one percent. www.thomasllyons.com
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How A Fertility Calendar Can Help You Conceive
Fertility Calendar for Women and Men Trying to Conceive a Child the Natural WayMarch 8, 2006
Source www.PRWeb.com
Seattle, WA (PRWEB) March 8, 2006 -- One cannot describe the pain and suffering when your beloved is trying to conceive a baby, just to discover every month after month that another opportunity has been missed without success.
In a modern society when partners are starting families in their late 30s, the chances of conceiving a healthy child are greatly reduced. Age, health and stress associated with the pressure to conceive before it's too late are a few of many factors facing modern parents. Knowing your biological and natural fertility cycles may remarkably improve your chances to get pregnant the natural way.
The natural fertility calendar, also known as lunar fertility, has been used since ancient Babylonian times. But only in the mid-1950' s did Dr. Eugene Jonas from Slovakia perform a comprehensive study about pregnancy, which was later confirmed in clinical conditions by Dr. Kurt Rechnitz in Hungary.
Their study concluded that women have two fertility cycles: one is the traditional ovulation and the other is personal lunar cycle. The woman's lunar cycle has more probability for conception and is easily predictable months in advance. Related studies also confirmed that men have similar fertility cycles when they produce a higher than usual amount of sperm.
The accurately calculated biorhythm and fertility calendar, along with lunar phases, can greatly improve your chances to naturally conceive a healthy baby without any drugs or costly artificial insemination like IVF. Having up-to-the-minute accurate biorhythms and fertility cycles, converted to the correct time zone, for yourself and your partner and downloaded to a personal electronic calendar, such as Microsoft® Outlook™, PDA or digital phone, would not only simplify your family planning but even help you to predict the sex of the baby.
Compatti.com offers a simple way to calculate and download your fertility cycle along with other biorhythms as part of the Biorhythm ToGo™ feature. Lunar fertility cycle is a biorhythmic cycle of about 29.5 days, which contains a short window of "high fertility", when chances of conception are greater, and a "low fertility", meaning conception is unlikely.
It takes two to make a baby. Therefore, it's unfair to put all the pressure of conception on women alone. Men have similar lunar fertility cycles, when they produce higher than average amount of sperm. The time for conception should be determined by the men's cycle as well as women's. In our case, my wife conceived exactly on the day when my fertility cycle was 100%. Since my wife had kept records of her cycles and intercourse, we were able to reconstruct
the exact time of conception and confirmed by doctor's examination.
Although we would have been happy with either sex, my wife was overjoyed to learn her baby was a girl. With our new fertility calendar, couples can now forecast the sex of their baby by combining their fertility cycle with Horoscope ToGo™. While this technique is not 100% reliable, as no one can predict how long the sperm will take to actually fertilize the egg after the intercourse, couples may still schedule their "love making" when the moon just enters the new zodiac sign. When the moon enters the masculine sign of Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius or Aquarius, the baby will most likely be a boy. Otherwise, when the moon enters feminine signs of Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn or Pisces, the baby will most likely be a girl.
The effect of the moon on pregnancy was also researched by scientists in the USA. There is even a patent #6,497,718, which describes a method of how to facilitate ovulation by simulating lunar cycles with a special night light.
If you are trying to conceive a child the natural way , here are few simple steps to follow:
1. Determine you and your partner's fertility cycle. You can download them from Compatti.com with Biorhythm ToGo™.
2. If you are concerned about sex of the baby, download Horoscope ToGo™. This tool includes moon phases and its movement through the zodiac with baby sex indicators.
3. Plan a suitable time of conception. The ideal time is when:
- Woman's fertility cycle reaches maximum - 100%.
- Man's fertility cycle reaches maximum - 100% and coincides with woman's ovulation period or lunar fertility cycle.
- Physical, emotional and intellectual (mental) biorhythm cycles are not moving through critical times.
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Endometriosis & Infertility
Unraveling the Mystery of Endometriosis and InfertilitySource: PRWeb.com
Endometriosis, a condition caused by a back flow of menstrual tissue into the reproductive organs, afflicts over 5 million women in the U.S. Additionally, it is a factor is 25%-50% of all cases of unexplained female infertility. Recent research offers new insights into why some women develop endometriosis and how to treat it more effectively to restore fertility.
NORWALK, CT (PRWEB) July 14, 2005 -- According to the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 5.5 million women in the U.S. have been diagnosed with endometriosis – a condition that is a factor in 25%-50% of all cases of unexplained female infertility. What's more, because its main symptom is pain during menstruation – a common and normal occurrence – and because definitive diagnosis requires invasive laparoscopic surgery, many women go undiagnosed for years, even decades. While the disorder has remained much of a mystery to the medical community, recent research is shedding new light on why women develop endometriosis and how doctors can more effectively treat it to restore fertility.
" Endometriosis is an enigma on several fronts," notes Dr. Mark Leondires, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist and medical director at RMA of CT. He explains that the basic cause of endometriosis is the back flow, or reflux, of menstrual tissue into the reproductive organs, namely the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. "This occurs at one time or another in about 95% of women," Dr. Leondires says, "But only about 5% of women develop endometriosis.
That's the first mystery; why does this occur in some women, but not in others?" Another puzzling aspect of the condition, Dr. Leondires adds, is that endometriosis does not pose an obstacle to fertility for some women, yet for others, getting pregnant is a significant challenge.
Finding the Answers
"Scientists have been working to answer these questions, and as they have begun establishing a better understanding of the disease, we are able to develop more effective treatment protocols for endometriosis- related infertility," Dr. Leondires explains.
For example, because endometrial tissue grows in response to the rise in estrogen during a woman's cycle, researchers have been working to uncover ways to better regulate estrogen levels in women with endometriosis. A new Japanese study, published in the April, 2005 issue of Fertility & Sterility, found that an immune-enhancing compound called Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was effective at regulating those levels.
Other recent studies have pointed to genetics as a differentiator between women who develop
endometriosis and those who don't, as well as between endometriosis sufferers who have difficulty achieving a pregnancy versus those who are fertile. In one study reported in the July, 2003 issue of Endocrinology, Stanford University researchers studied the uterine tissue of fifteen women with endometriosis-related infertility, and found that certain genes which controlled implantation, immune response to the embryo and other pregnancy-related factors were malfunctioning. In addition, the scientists found that a certain enzyme needed to ensure healthy implantation was missing in the women with endometriosis. "These are important
discoveries that have led to new treatment approaches for endometriosis sufferers who want to become pregnant," Dr. Leondires explains.
And research reported in the April 2005 edition of Human Reproduction confirms that oxidative stress can lead to or exacerbate endometriosis. The medical community has suspected such a link for years, theorizing that a healthy lifestyle and diet rich in antioxidants – which can counteract oxidative damage to the body's cells – could protect some women against endometriosis-related fertility.
A comprehensive treatment approach With these new discoveries in mind, Dr. Leondires notes that a comprehensive approach to endometriosis-related infertility is often most successful.
He recommends the following four-step plan:
Surgical Intervention
"Once we determine that endometriosis is a contributing factor to infertility, the first step is often surgery to remove the endometrial tissue that might be blocking the ovaries or fallopian tubes, and any endometrial masses in the uterus" Dr. Leondires explains.
Lifestyle Changes
As with anyone struggling with infertility, patients are also encouraged to adopt healthy
lifestyles and switch to an antioxidant-rich diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. "Good nutrition and fitness supports the entire process of infertility treatment," Dr.Leondires notes.
Drug Therapies
Medications can be prescribed that have been shown to ready the lining of the uterus to make it
more receptive to implantation, including the breast cancer drug Letrozole, along with Lupron and Danazol. These have been shown to increase implantation rates when used in conjunction with the next step, assisted reproductive technologies.
ART Approaches
"Once these initial steps have been taken to address the effects of endometriosis on the reproductive system, we tend to see more successful results with assisted reproductive technologies like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intrauterine Insemination," Dr.Leondires says.
Bio:
Dr. Mark P. Leondires, M.D., FACOG, is a leading authority on reproductive medicine. Dr. Leondires is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He is a member of the Society of Reproductive Endocrinologists, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Leondires earned his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine and completed his
residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. Dr. Leondires completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.
After completion of his training, he fulfilled his military obligation by serving as the ART Director for the largest and most successful program in the military health care system at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. During this time he was an Assistant Professor at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences and clinical faculty for the Combined Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology. Dr. Leondires is currently Medical Director
and lead physician with Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMA-CT) in Norwalk. Along with numerous teaching and research activities, Dr. Leondires has published articles in professional medical journals, national consumer magazines and newspapers, as well as abstracts and book chapters. More information about Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut is available at www.rmact.com.
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Friday, April 27, 2007
Toxins & Fertility
We are inundated with toxins. These toxins are in our food, air, water, toiletries, and homes. Many of these toxins not only adversely affect adult health, but these toxins can impair fertility with negative impact on delicate male & female reproductive systems, as well as on a developing fetus. Even low levels of exposure can result in health problems and to make matters worse, many of these toxins accumulate in our tissues over a lifetime. Some studies have shown a horrifying generational effect of toxins. In these studies, pregnant rats were exposed to certain toxins. Not only were the rats offspring affected but the offspring for three additional generations were affected as well. That means what your grandmother was exposed to while pregnant can impact your grandchildren.
How exactly do these toxins affect your fertility? Only about 5% of the almost 80,0000 chemicals used in the US today have been tested for their reproductive effects. Nobody knows the full extent of the damage these chemicals are causing to our reproductive systems. The following are just a couple of examples of some of the toxins we know of and their effect on your fertility.
FOOD & FERTILITY
- Vinclozolin is a fungicide used in the fruit industry. Vinclozolin blocks cell receptors that are normally activated by the hormone androgen which is responsible for male characteristics and the development and function of male sexual organs.
- Methoxychlor or MCX is a common pesticide used to kill flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches & other insects and is applied directly to crops, livestock, home gardens, & pets. It was designed as a safer alternative to the now banned DDT. MCX alters a gene in the female reproductive tract and reduces the ability of the uterus to support embryo implantation.
- Estrogen mimics wreak havoc on the human reproductive system. All humans, male and female included, manufacture estrogen. Cells within their bodies contain receptor sites for this estrogen. Estrogen mimics are close enough in structure to trick the body. These mimics are then able to attach to these receptor cells as if they were real estrogen. At best the estrogen mimics may simply block true estrogen from doing its job or they can totally redirect cellular behavior. In females these estrogen mimics can contribute to or cause endometriosis which is a leading factor in infertility. The mimics can cause males to develop without testes, with undescended testes or with abnormally small penises. Estrogen mimics can also contribute to testicular cancer and poor semen quality. Estrogen mimics are also found in paints, toiletries, pesticides, spermicides, & as a breakdown product of the plastics used in some water bottles and baby bottles.
- Xenoestrogens are found in most commercial meat and dairy products as well as soft plastic food storage containers and plastic wrap (particularly after microwaving). Recent Italian research showed women with the highest concentration of meat and dairy in their diet had an 80-100% higher risk of endometriosis.
- Phytoestrogens are found in plants, most notably soy. Soy contains endocrine disrupting isoflavones genistein and diadzen. There is evidence that soy consumption has been linked to infertility, increased cancer risk, and infantile leukemia.
- The common pesticides Kepone, DBCP, & ethylene dibromide have been found to reduce sperm counts.
- MSG has also been linked to reduced fertility
- A number of toxic substances are found in fish, including: mercury, PCBs (which have been banned for decades), radioactive materials, stronium, lead, chromium, arsenic, & cadmium. These chemicals have been linked with autism, alzheimers, kidney dysfunction, infertility, MS, thyroid problems, and more.
COSMETICS & FERTILTY
Use of Phthalates, dibutyl phthalate in particular (DBP) which is one of the most common and potent reproductive & developmental toxins, is widespread. DBP is used primarily in nail polishes, but also in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, antiperspirants, sunscreen, gums, candy, & oral pharmaceuticals.
Phthalates are linked with reproductive damage in both men and women. They are considered dangerous enough that phthalates are banned in the European Union. Phthalates can cause low sperm counts, damaged or absent testicles, and absent prostate glands. They are also linked to premature breast development in girls.
Parabens, the second most common ingredient in household products are estrogen mimics. Parabens are found in bath products and cosmetics everywhere, including baby wipes. Parabens are linked to breast cancer, falling sperm counts, and hormonal damage.
To check the dangers of your cosmetics, visit the fantastic interactive website called Skin Deep sponsored by the Environmental Working Group at www.ewg.org. You can research specific products on the site and find out if they have reproductive or developmental toxicity as well as other health and safety hazards.
TOOTHPASTE, TAP WATER, SOAP & FERTILITY
Fluoride is the toxin prescribed to the masses without their consent. In animal studies, fluoride has lowered the total number of offspring, the total number of litters, and the number of offspring born alive. In other studies, countries with high levels of fluoridation in the water supply had a lower total fertility rate. Fluoride has been shown to cause hormone disruption and low sperm counts. Additionally, Chinese studies have found fluoride to cause neurological damage to children in early embryonic life or infancy.
Triclosan, also known as Irgasan and Microban - found in anti-bacterial soaps, dental care, cosmetics, deodorant, first aid products, small appliances, kitchenware, kids toys, and more. Triclosan is linked to decreased fertility, and altered sex hormones. cancer, allergies and weakened immune systems. In addition to creating antibiotic resistant bacteria, triclosan pollutes our groundwater from the chlorinated dioxins formed when it comes in contact with the chlorine in tap water.
These fertility impairing toxins are just the tip of the iceberg and no one know the true extent of damage that living in a chemical soup is doing to us and our fertility. If you think you are not being exposed to as many toxins as we list, think again. Most people are exposed to most of these toxins and to many more. This list is just a handful of toxins that are known to affect fertility. Your fertility can easily be affected by over the counter or prescription drugs. Alcohol, cigarettes, and illegal drugs have a very direct and negative impact on fertility. Toxic stress can also be major factor in infertility, particularly in cases of "unexplained infertility".
The good news is that there is something you can do about it. First you can do your best to detox for fertility through fasting, high fiber diet, deep breathing, sweating with FIR infrared saunas or rigorous exercise, urban rebounding, herbal and nutritional detox plans, colon hydrotherapy, showers and baths in filtered water, and various kidney, liver, lung, gallbladder flushes, dry skin brushing, aromatherapy
Naturally if you are going through the effort to detox your body then you want to minimize any new toxins coming in. Think of your body as a boat. You can expend great energy bailing out the boat but it does not do much good if you are not going to plug the leak. Do not expect to eliminate all toxins from your life it is impossible. You can do your best by:
- eating organic, raw, and vegan
- using water and air filters
- use safe cosmetics
- use safe cleaning and laundry products
- try to meditate or practice yoga to minimize mental stress and clutter
- Doing a great detox for fertility at least three months before you try to conceive
Do what you can to detox your body and mind then use this list as a guide to avoid re-toxing, and then get down to the fun business of making babies!
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Thursday, April 26, 2007
Sperm Enhancement Products
Author: David Yuri
Article:
Sperm enhancement pills have become widely used lately by men who wish to increase the amount of semen they ejaculate. Men wish to increase their sperm production for various reasons, among the most frequent ones being long-lasting sexual pleasure, higher fertility, and - last but not least - their personal ego. The quantity of semen released is often a measure of virility, and this is why a lot of men resort to sperm enhancement products. Apart from sperm enhancement, such pills are also used to increase the libido and the quality of orgasms, which are both influenced by the amount of semen released.
Those wishing to improve their chances for conception often resort to sperm enhancement products. The larger the amount of semen produced, the higher the possibilities for fertilization. Most users of sperm enhancement pills prefer herbal products, made entirely of natural ingredients. Such products are continually being developed by fertility experts, and are highly effective not only because they cause sperm enhancement, but also because they are safe, and do not affect the chemical balance of the body. Natural products meant to increase the amount of semen released are generally available without prescription, like most food supplements based on herbal ingredients.
Scientists and doctors have constantly been preoccupied with male fertility and with developing safe and effective sperm enhancement products. Such products are aimed not only at increasing semen production, but also at treating various sexual dysfunctions and at improving the quality and duration of both male and female orgasm. Sperm enhancement products have always been of interest, but even more so since medical research has shown that the amount of semen produced by a male is in direct connection both with fertility and with the intensity of sexual pleasure. Sperm enhancement pills cover a wide range of the lifestyle drugs market with more and more effective products being constantly developed.
According to experts, the quantity of semen released by a male at the peak of sexual intercourse is in direct connection with the intensity of sexual pleasure the man experiences. This is why a lot of men decide to use sperm enhancement products. Their choice is often motivated by their desire to appear more virile, but also by their wish to improve the chances for conception. Sperm enhancement products have a beneficial effect on male fertility because they also improve the motility of spermatozoa and the quality of semen. Seminal fluid as the medium for spermatozoa has a major role in fertilization, and this is why pills that stimulate sperm production and improve the seminal fluid are highly appreciated.
Among the lifestyle drugs related to male sexuality, herbal sperm enhancement products are widely used, because they are both safe and effective. The ingredients they are made of are recognized traditional remedies used for centuries to increase semen production. The fact that fertility experts resort to such natural ingredients to develop sperm enhancement products illustrates the recent trend in modern medicine to consider alternative methods of lifestyle. The human body is regarded in direct relation to the natural environment, and this is also applicable to sexuality. One of the major issues in this respect is the quantity and quality of semen released by males.
From a medical point of view, the effects of sperm enhancement products, including higher fertility and improved sexual pleasure, are due to the fact that the pills meant to increase semen production influence both the quality and quantity of seminal fluid. Those who have used sperm enhancement product testify to an increased libido and longer, high-intensity orgasms and these effects are experienced shortly after beginning the treatment. The volume of semen released increases gradually with taking the pills, and so does the quality of sexual performance.
The fact that herbal sperm enhancement products are recommended by medical experts is of utmost importance. It means that these all-natural pills, meant to increase the quantity of semen produced, are also safe, with no side effects on those who use them. They are recommended not only for sperm enhancement as such, but also for those who wish to increase their chances for fertilization with more and more quality semen. Herbal pills used for increasing sperm production are guaranteed to improve sexual performance and the intensity and duration of orgasms, which is why they are highly popular.
About the author:
To transform the fantasy into reality, to have the ability to prolong orgasm, to enhance the quantity of semen you ejaculate , you should benefit from sperm enhancement with natural products.
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