trying to conceive http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for trying to conceive Copyright 2008 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:50:37 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/trying+to+conceive A Couple Facing Infertility Has Choices to Make http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-couple-facing-infertility-has-choices-to-make http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-couple-facing-infertility-has-choices-to-make#comments Sat, 18 Oct 2008 23:43:22 +0000 infertility problemslow sperm countinfertility in womenfallopian tubesrene charlesceline dionexcess tissue http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-couple-facing-infertility-has-choices-to-make
Thus, it seems especially cruel when a couple who has both the patience and the financial means is faced with . However, while infertility is something that can definitely be thought of as a significant obstacle, it is also something that might be able to be medically treated.

Many people attribute the majority of infertility problems to the woman in the couple. However, this is not always the case. After all, men have problems with their sperm as well. Take a moment to consider the amount of work that a sperm has to do in order to make it to the egg. It has to swim up the , meet with the egg, and then the egg has to attach itself to the uterus. That's a lot of work in order to conceive!

Most men do not have a problem with their sperm, but there are those who have weak sperm. Simply put, the sperm does not have the energy to make it very far up the fallopian tubes. Or, men might have a . Specifically, when they ejaculate, only a very small amount of sperm has a shot at fertilizing the egg.

can occur for a variety of different reasons. They might have a medical condition known as endometriosis. In such a condition, has built up in and around the uterus, thus causing hardening. Sometimes endometriosis can be treated with medicine, in which case the chances to conceive become greater.

Another issue that might affect a couple's ability to conceive is stress. Take, for example, the situation that and her husband Rene were facing. They had been trying for quite some time to have a child, and had no success. Then, Celine took time off from her career. The result? Their son, .

A couple is deemed to have trouble with conceiving if, despite having sex frequently, they have not been able to conceive for a least a year. Generally speaking, a couple who is trying to have a baby should be able to conceive within four to six months of trying.

Now, just because a couple has not yet been able to conceive does not mean that there still is not a chance they could do so naturally. To determine their situation, a variety of tests will need to be done on both the man and the woman.

So, what options do a couple who cannot naturally conceive have? First of all, in-vitro fertilization might be able to help. However, this method still is controversial because of the various medical risks that are associated with it. Another option is for the couple to adopt. Many couples decide to do this only as a last resort because they want their own biological child. However, there are many beautiful children in need that will change their perspective.More information on tubal reversal treatments, infertility and a Charleston infertility clinic of West Virginia in your area is just a click away.]]> How to Avoid Obsessing Over Getting Pregnant? http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-avoid-obsessing-over-getting-pregnant http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-avoid-obsessing-over-getting-pregnant#comments Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:43:23 +0000 ebb and flowmehereinner peacehopelessnessinfertilityfertilitysadness http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-avoid-obsessing-over-getting-pregnant  
and#9679; With the of emotions in trying to conceive, how can we put our energies and focus into proactive and positive actions?
 
There is so much emphasis put on "" rel="tag">infertility" and the problems with getting pregnant. As a woman, it's important to shift your focus toward "fertility" and away from "infertility".
 
If you keep doing something every day that contributes to your fertility instead of worrying about your infertility and indulging a state of or despair, which can contribute to infertility, then you can begin to shift your energy toward fertility.
 
Does it happen overnight? No. If you are willing to do something every day for 30 days, will it make a difference? Absolutely. Your fertility will be that much stronger in just 30 days.
 
Does it take extra effort to conceive? Is quick fertility meant for a special set of women? I hear this question all the time. "Why does getting pregnant seem so easy for some women? Why isn't it that way for me?"
 
Here is the best way I have found to answer that: When you "exchange" much of your worry, and fear of not getting pregnant for your own version of , trust and alignment with fertility, you might find that you get pregnant with more ease. Women who get pregnant easily don't usually have any question or concern about getting pregnant. They haven't twisted their Energy or Qi up around their fertility. Their Qi just flows and when their divine timing is right, they conceive.
 
Now, I don't mean to be flippant when I say it like this. I don't want you get upset and say, "How can she act like it's that easy?" "She's talking like all I have to do is not be concerned, and that all this time I've been doing it wrong." Please know that you've already been doing many things right. I can honestly say that everyone I've worked with are good people and make good parents. I imagine that is true of you as well. Just be willing to watch what works.
 
We know that in life, if something doesn't work, we have to do it differently. When we watch what works and do the same, it's easier to meet with success. The women who don't have to work hard to conceive, in general, trust the process.
 
Can you say right this moment that you have complete trust that you will get pregnant? If you can't, then you have some shifting around to do. I wish you could know how different you would feel inside of yourself with trust. You would feel completely different about yourself in an instant.
 
My work shows you how to do this. It's about how to release the old, painful emotions that have accumulated on your journey to conceive, and helping you redirect yourself, getting you more centered in your fertility, and getting you on board with more trust. This is vital if you want to conceive.

For all the questions you have about what you should be doing or not doing to support your fertility, when you align yourself with trust in you fertility, you have access to an inner clarity that will shine a light on the things you need for yourself.
 
There is often the question about what has the biggest impact, state of mind or physical health. I'd say both. It's so much easier to stay on track with your physical health when your state of mind is in the right place. When it's not, it's difficult (if not impossible) to stay on track with the health choices you know serve you.
 
Chinese Medicine says that your health and the health of your partner at the time of conception is the constitutional health of your baby, so every healthy choice you make is contributing to the health of your baby. That's a big deal. I support you in doing all you can to upgrade your health on all levels. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by going for it!Laurie Morse, L.Ac., is the author of the revolutionary e-book "7 Strategies to Fertility Success," providing skills and exercises to help women turn their fertility switch on by "pulling their weeds," optimizing their terrain and planting pregnancy seeds with their intentionality. For more information go to: http://www.myfertilitysuccess.com]]> Pregnancy: A Memorable Experience http://www.artwoo.com/article/pregnancy-a-memorable-experience http://www.artwoo.com/article/pregnancy-a-memorable-experience#comments Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:55:00 +0000 remain calminfertility problemunsuccessful attemptshaving a babymedical procedurestrying to conceiveharass http://www.artwoo.com/article/pregnancy-a-memorable-experience Having a baby of your own is a very special experience of life. It is an experience that you will cherish for all eternity. Of course, it all begins months and years before your little baby is actually born. It begins with the decision to raise a family, and the months that are spent in . Some attempts turn out to be successful while many others don't. at conceiving can make the best of us feel worthless. However, do not let it worry you too much. Conception problems and infertility are not quite as uncommon as one might think.

If you are currently having conception problems, do not lose hope of having a baby of your own. There are several to help you conceive that child. Just ask your doctor to help you figure out how to solve the to get pregnant. Apart from medical procedures also, there are several well known tips that you can make use of to resolve your "getting pregnant" problems. All that you have to do is watch out for your conception symptoms and try to conceive accordingly. That is the reason why you absolutely must maintain a menstrual calendar.

Once you have succeeded in conceiving, get ready to face innumerable problems that are just waiting to you. From morning sickness and craving for certain foods to finding clothes that fit and labor pains, the journey from conception to delivery is a long one. Those nine months are an opportunity for you and your spouse to bond. Attend classes on pregnancy and baby care so that you at all times, even in future moments of crisis. Learn to remain calm when the delivery is imminent. Also learn the best ways of burping your baby after a feed. You cannot disagree that these are not issues that are limited to women only.

Of course, not everything is serious learning. You also have to take time out to come to a consensus on the baby's name. That is a task that everybody enjoys. If you are having twins, that means double the trouble of finding the perfect name. If you are having multiple births, ready yourself to deal with the many hours that will go into the search for the perfect name. However, do not fool yourself into believing that things will be easy. Debates and many arguments will follow over the choice of the name. Once the baby comes though, things will become easier. Pregnancy is a wonderful time for a couple. Make sure that you make the most of that opportunity. Read about Infertility at http://www.pregnancyetc.com/infertility.htm Trying to conceive? Get conception tips at http://www.pregnancyetc.com/conception_tips.htm Find out more about having twins at http://www.pregnancyetc.com/ ]]> The Various Kinds of Fertility Help Available http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-various-kinds-of-fertility-help-available http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-various-kinds-of-fertility-help-available#comments Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:15:17 +0000 vitro fertilizationfertility dayslow sperm countpopulation boombody chemistryegg productionhormone shots http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-various-kinds-of-fertility-help-available population boom that families are only allowed to have one child. Such a concept seems strange to couples in the United States who are free to have as many children as they want. However, some of these couples have found it hard to conceive at all.

For couples who are desperately trying to conceive without any luck, there are various fertility help options available. The different kinds of fertility help are specific to the couple's situation, as well as their financial situation.

The first place that a couple should go for fertility help is to each one's primary care physician. There might be an underlying reason as to why you two are not naturally able to conceive. For example, a man will not know on his on if he has a , so that will need to be tested. Also, a woman should be tested to find out her prime days for getting pregnant.

All women have certain days of each month in which they are the most fertile. This is the window of opportunity, so to speak. If, after the have been calculated and several rounds of trying naturally haven't seemed to help, it is time to move on to the next step.

There might actually be an emotional issue that is preventing the couple from conceiving. When a woman is stressed, it usually throws her off, and the result is sometimes missed periods. If the woman is hoping to have a child, it is thus very important that she take time to relax. Many women who have taken time out to relax (it's a great excuse for a vacation!) have found themselves getting pregnant sooner.

Doctors offering fertility help usually do all that they can to get the couple to conceive naturally. When that fails, sometimes medicine or will be administered to the couple to stimulate sperm and . If that particular step doesn't work, in- is generally the next option.

In-vitro fertilization involves taking the man's sperm and the woman's egg, and then merging the two in a lab setting. The fertilized egg is then placed back in the uterus in the hope that it will take. Many couples seem to find success with this option, although it is still considered a controversial procedure. It is important to note that in-vitro fertilization is an expensive procedure as well, so it is extremely important to make sure you have the financial means.

If in-vitro fertilization is not something that works for you, the next step is thinking about getting a surrogate. A surrogate is a woman who will have your fertilized egg implanted into her uterus, and will thus carry the child for you. This is an option that couples sometimes hesitate about choosing, but it works out well if they get along with the surrogate. So, basically, if a couple is having trouble conceiving, they really shouldn't immediately worry, because thanks to the wonders of technology, now there are lots of fertility options.More information on tubal reversals, fertility and a New York City fertility clinic of New York in your area is just a click away.]]> Natural Ways to Improve Fertility http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-ways-to-improve-fertility http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-ways-to-improve-fertility#comments Fri, 01 Aug 2008 02:29:25 +0000 fertility specialistpetroleum jellybiological clockegg whitesprenatal vitamintrying to have a babybalanced diet http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-ways-to-improve-fertility biological clock" as it is used to refer to women because women typically have a certain amount of healthy time during their lives for which it is better to try to have a child. If you are , there are many things that you and your partner can do to improve fertility so that you can make that dream a reality. It is important that you both discuss the need and/or desire to have children first of course. If you talk to any , there are a plethora of ways in which you can improve the odds that you will have a healthy baby. Obviously, you don't want to smoke or be around people who do smoke, seeing as how it is not good for your health. Also, it is equally important to make sure that both you and your partner are getting enough rest and are eating healthy and exercising regularly. There have also been many medical advances should you need to go that route.

Dreaming of starting a new family or perhaps adding a new little bundle of joy to your already existing one but you seem to be having a little trouble getting started? Here may be some very easy ways to help increase your chances of conceiving. Of course, as always, if you are concerned or have been trying for more than a year and are still having trouble you may want to consult your physician to make sure there are not any other issues at play.

Make sure that you and your partner are both eating a well and getting the proper amount of vitamins. For women, you should already be taking a if you are trying to conceive, and you can find these over the counter without needing a prescription. That should provide adequate amounts of most vitamins and you will want to avoid taking more Vitamin C because it can interfere with sperm mobility. For men however, a deficiency in Vitamin C or Zinc can result in low sperm count, damaged sperm, and poor sperm mobility.

Substitute for a lubricant. Most lubricants, even , can kill sperm and make conception much more difficult, it is best to use no lubricant at all but if you do need to, egg whites help sperm to be more mobile.

Certain herbal remedies can also be useful in fertility. Dong Quai, for example, is a Chinese herb that can help to boost estrogen levels and increase the chances of a fertilized egg becoming implanted. Chasteberry can also help to regulate these hormones which can aid fertility. Also keep in mind that certain herbal remedies, although useful for other medical reasons, maybe harmful when trying to conceive. Some to avoid include St. John's Wart, echinacea, and ginkgo biloba. You may also want to avoid caffeine and do not over do it on the milk since both an be counter productive in the pursuit to conceive.Alcohol AbuseTeens Addictions]]> Trying To Conceive? Try A Visit To The Chiropractor. http://www.artwoo.com/article/trying-to-conceive-try-a-visit-to-the-chiropractor http://www.artwoo.com/article/trying-to-conceive-try-a-visit-to-the-chiropractor#comments Thu, 26 Oct 2006 02:27:19 +0000 chiropractorblocked fallopian tubeschiropractic patientsnervesaboundendometriosisone of the lucky ones http://www.artwoo.com/article/trying-to-conceive-try-a-visit-to-the-chiropractor one of the lucky ones who conceives within a couple of months or maybe you will find yourself among millions of fertility challenged couples. Whether you are ready to start trying tomorrow or you have been trying for a decade, you might want to improve your odds of conception with a method that is quick, painless, inexpensive, and non-invasive. Believe it or not, a visit to the may help you conceive.

A series of research papers published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research found that chiropractic had positive results treating infertility regardless of the woman's age, number of years infertile, previous medical intervention or health history including miscarriages, , amenorrhea, colitis, or trauma.

Your spine is a central highway of . Just as an electrical cord has to be fully plugged in for an appliance to run, your reproductive system will not function properly if the nerves that lead to them are not functioning or are blocked in some way.

A chiropractor will identify pinched or pressed nerves and fix those spinal distortions, which are called subluxations. The distortions can be caused by many things including childhood falls, illnesses, accidents, poor posture, or even stress.

Once the subluxations are minimized or eliminated, a woman's menstrual cycle can strengthen, the action that delivers the egg through the fallopian tubes to the uterus can improve, and some cases of can begin to reverse.

Holistic websites, , and chiropractors themselves with pregnancy success stories. Some women went to the chiropractor for other reasons only to find themselves pregnant, others have battled infertility for more than 10 years and then suddenly became pregnant within a couple of months or even a couple of visits to the chiropractor. These remarkable results are the same regardless of the technique used by the chiropractor.

Naturally this does not mean that everyone will get pregnant after a visit to the chiropractor only that it has worked for many women. It is certainly an option worth exploring either alone or in conjunction with other infertility treatments particularly if you have ever had an accident or illness.

You should be able to consult with a chiropractor and have an adjustment in less than an hour and the visit will probably cost $100 or less if it is not already covered by your insurance. The adjustments are totally non invasive, in fact they are done with the patient fully clothed. The procedure is painless although the sounds created by the adjustments may shock you at first.

Seeing a chiropractor is a great idea even if you are not trying to conceive because the nerves in the spine lead to more than just your reproductive organs but if you are trying to conceive, the benefits to fertility are just too compelling to ignore.

Does it really matter why or how it works? Or only that it works? Even if you do not believe in chiropractors why wouldn't you try a proven fertility treatment that is easy, fast, gentle, non-invasive, covered by most insurance, inexpensive, painless and harmless? So do not forget to add an appointment with the chiropractor as part of your preconception plan. Sheryl Lyon resides in West Michigan and writes for http://ovulation-.blogspot.com and http://amuchbetterway.com, a site that explores better alternatives for natural conception, childbirth, parenting and non-toxic living. ]]> Medical Technology and Infertility http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-technology-and-infertility http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-technology-and-infertility#comments Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:01:29 +0000 sperm problemsinfertility problemssperm countfertility treatmentphysical factorsmiscarriageshaving children http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-technology-and-infertility having children. Sure, there are some couples who make it a point to never have children, but there are others who dream about finally getting to be parents.

However, sometimes circumstances beyond the couple's control can lead to infertility. It seems unfair to those couples who think that they have -- after all, many people are becoming accidentally pregnant each day and are not nearly in as good of a financial situation that the couple who are having trouble conceiving have.

Before the husband immediately places the blame on the wife for infertility problems, it is very important to mention that he, and not she, might be the cause. How is this possible? Well, first of all, a man might be able to maintain an erection, but that does not mean he is able to actually ejaculate properly. After all, that is how the sperm makes its way to the uterus in the first place.

Obviously, a man does not have a microscope with him to figure out his on his own, so he should be the first one checked for possible infertility. Why? Because the tests that are done to determine a man's are far less invasive or time consuming as opposed the tests that determine conception problems in women.

A couple is considered to have conception problems if, after a year of actively trying to conceive, they are unable to become pregnant. However, this can also apply to women who actually do conceive, but have . If either of these scenarios apply to the couple, it is time to go see a doctor who is a specialist in .

The first thing that the doctor will do is schedule a consultation with the couple. During this consultation, the couple should be prepared to answer a myriad of questions about their attempts to conceive. Sometimes, there are not that actually are affecting the chances of conception. Instead, it might be lifestyle factors.

For example, if one or both parties are frequently stressed out, that extreme stress can affect the endocrine system, which plays a significant role in conception. When the endocrine system is affected, sperm levels can drop, and women can have infrequent menstrual cycles.

However, thanks to the advances in technology, couples who just a couple of decades ago could never have children are now getting that chance. The first option is artificial insemination. If the man's sperm is not strong enough to make it to the uterus, then this procedure will increase the chances of it doing so.

Or, if the problem involves the woman's egg not being able to attach itself to the uterus, then that means there is the option of having a surrogate carry the fertilized egg of the couple. So, if you are a couple having trouble conceiving, it is important to not give up hope!More information on tubal reversal, infertility and a Naperville fertility clinic of Illinois in your area is just a click away.]]> Avoid These Foods If You Are Trying To Conceive http://www.artwoo.com/article/avoid-these-foods-if-you-are-trying-to-conceive http://www.artwoo.com/article/avoid-these-foods-if-you-are-trying-to-conceive#comments Tue, 10 Oct 2006 18:27:06 +0000 hormonesanimal productsestrogeneggswreak havocgrass fed beeftrying to conceive http://www.artwoo.com/article/avoid-these-foods-if-you-are-trying-to-conceive
Whether you are just starting your journey to conception or have received the incredibly frustrating diagnosis of unexplained infertility, it is a wise step to evaluate your diet for the impact it can have on your fertility.

Generally speaking, eating for nutrition is a much smarter way to eat than following the latest fad diet. When you are however, you need to examine another piece of the puzzle.

Certain foods, even nutritious ones, can have such a negative impact on your delicate reproductive system that if you are serious about conceiving, you might consider leaving them off your plate for the time being, if not for good.

MEAT, DAIRY, andamp;

Todays commercial meat and dairy farmers give their animals a phenomenal amount of in order to produce more milk, eggs, or simply to grow faster and larger.

Virtually any animal product that you buy in a grocery store today is loaded with hormones. Some of these hormones are mimics and on both men's and women's reproductive systems by posing as estrogen so your own estrogen is not used properly.

In addition to infertilty causing hormones, most commercial contain damaging pesticides that were used in making their feed.

Avoiding unnatural hormones and chemicals is vital if you want to conceive so you have a couple of solutions if you eat animal products.

First, you can give up animal products entirely if you want to begin to eat hormone and pesticide free. It is a logical and perfectly healthy step if you do not have much time to waste in your path to conception.

The second, and probably easier alternative, is to go organic. Buy organic , free range organic chicken and eggs, and organic milk and cheese. These products are all available online if you have trouble finding them in your local grocery store. You will be eating the food you are used to while giving up the dangerous, fertility robbing extras.

SOY

In the great media campaign over the last few years, we have all been led to believe that soy is a miracle health food. Unfortunately while soy does have some nutritional benefits when eaten in its natural state or as a small amount of tofu, most processed soy products sold today are very dangerous on many levels, including extensive damage to your reproductive system.

Thousands of studies have linked soy to infertility, decreased sex drive, and extensive damage to both male and female reproductive systems. Like the estrogen mimics in meat, the phytoestrogens in soy are to blame for this damage.

In addition to disrupting both the male and female reproductive system, soy has been implicated in a great deal of endocrine related problems for young boys and girls exposed to soy while in utero or as infants.

Due to the dangers to your child, you should never eat soy while pregnant or breastfeeding anyway so unless you munch a few edamame occasionally, soy should be the first food item to go for a couple trying to conceive.

PRODUCE

Fresh produce is one of the best things that anyone, of any age, or any lifestyle can eat. Unfortunately, commercial farms have doused our produce in chemicals and pesticides that while dangerous for anyone, are particularly dangerous to a delicate sperm and egg or a developing fetus.

Certain pesticides and herbicides can impair reproductive organ function, reduce implantation in the uterus, contribute to or cause endometriosis, or cause poor semen quality.

If you are trying to conceive and wish to avoiding these chemicals you should only buy organic produce, both so you are able to conceive in the first place and for the health of your unborn child.

If you do not have access to organic produce then at the very least scrub all your produce before eating. If you want to play it extra safe then you should thoroughly peel all produce prior to eating.

Make a special point to choose organic or avoid items from the following list created by the Environmental Working Group which lists the twelve most contaminated fruits and vegetables in order of toxicity.

Strawberries Bell peppers Spinach Cherries Peaches Cantaloupe(Mexican) Celery Apples Apricots Green beans Grapes(Chile) Cucumbers.

It is not difficult to eliminate some detrimental items in your diet to increase your odds of conception. Simply go organic, skip the soy, and then focus on bringing the fun back to conception. Sheryl Lyon resides in West Michigan and writes for http://amuchbetterway.com ,a site about natural conception, childbirth, and parenting and http://ovulation-calendar.blogspot.com . ]]> Pregnancy Week By Week: Week #1 and #2 http://www.artwoo.com/article/pregnancy-week-by-week-week-1-2 http://www.artwoo.com/article/pregnancy-week-by-week-week-1-2#comments Thu, 13 Apr 2006 17:00:05 +0000 basal body temperaturemenstrual cyclebasal temperatureovulationbecoming pregnantfertilized eggfetus development http://www.artwoo.com/article/pregnancy-week-by-week-week-1-2
The most wonderful experience that can happen to a woman is to be pregnant. It is a truly amazing process of life and being able to go through 9 months of carrying another living, breathing person inside of you will change you forever.

When you think about pregnancy, you think about 9 months. But you actually have to start from the first day of your last . Women have no idea when they ovulate or conceive, but they do know when the first day of their last menstrual cycle occurred. won't take place for another 2 weeks, so you may actually conceive during week 3.

If you are planning on , now is the time to start getting your body ready. You need to start taking prenatal vitamins, which contain folic acid and iron (two very important nutrients for early in pregnancy).

Also, start tracking ovulation by taking your and watch for the signs. Check out the article called "So You're Ready to Have a Baby....." to see more information.

Make sure to check back next week to see what happen in week 2. Until then, happy baby making.



Week #2

This is around the week of ovulation. You are now at the midpoint of your menstrual cycle (if you have a regular 28-day cycle), about to ovulate and are most likely to get pregnant. Your uterus has shed its lining and is preparing itself to house your . Your egg is ripening in one of your ovaries and is getting ready to be released.

A woman is truly fertile for about 4 days a month and this is determined by when she is ovulating. You need to keep track of your menstrual cycle, your and the consistency of your cervical mucus. These will give you the best signs of when you are about to ovulate.

Prepare to have fun trying to make your baby. About The Author: Debra Slater: With over 25 years of experience in the baby related industry, http://HappyMothers.com and http://MommysLittleBaby.com has the most experienced and knowledgeable sales staff. We have provided and continue to provide exceptional service to Mothers, Fathers, Grandmothers, Grandfathers and all family and friends. ]]> Tip On Getting Pregnant http://www.artwoo.com/article/tip-on-getting-pregnant http://www.artwoo.com/article/tip-on-getting-pregnant#comments Sun, 17 Dec 2006 12:28:17 +0000 unexpected pregnancypregnancy and childbirthlikelihood of pregnancysperm countbirth controlintercoursechances of getting pregnant http://www.artwoo.com/article/tip-on-getting-pregnant pregnancy and childbirth. Pregnancy can sneak up on you when you least expect it, and desert you when you are trying too hard.

Lack of knowledge can not only lead to , but also hamper your efforts to get pregnant. For instance, many women assume that they can conceive easily once they stop using . This can't be further from the truth.

The following figures show how soon a normal, healthy woman gets pregnant once she stops using birth control.

1) In 1 Month : 25% 2) In 6 Months : 60% 3) In 9 Months : 75% 4) In 12 months : 80% 5) In 18 Months : 90%

And the chances that a normal, healthy woman who is not on birth control will get pregnant are only 20% to 40% during any given cycle. But if you look at them over the span of a year, the odds that a woman will conceive are actually quite high.

1) Below 25 years : 96% 2) 25-34 : 86% 3) 35-44 : 78%

Here are some tips that will help in some ways to an easier conception.

When To Have Sex?

Figuring out when you're most fertile is the first thing you need to do. According to a study, a woman's fertile period lasts six days - the five days leading up to, and the day of ovulation. This is when an egg is released from one of your ovaries, about midway between your menstrual cycles.

can decrease anywhere between 10% and 36% if takes place a few days outside ovulation.

How Frequent Should I have Sex?

Perish the thought that your partner has to "reserve" his by abstaining from sex. Although your partner's sperm count may get lower if he has frequent intercourse, it's still high enough to achieve pregnancy. In fact, a study found that the more sex you have, the greater your .

But that doesn't mean you have to have intercourse everyday to make babies. The odds of conceiving are very high even if you just have intercourse every other day. Specifically, you can time your intercourse every other day between days 10 and 18 of your menstrual cycle (first day of your period is day 1) so that you have the most fertile period covered.

So, the next time you want to have a baby, watch those times of the day and enjoy your love making! Here's to your good health and happiness and most important of all, lots of babies! Les Boyle is the webmaster of Affiliate Web Review. If there is only one tip for conceiving that you need to know, I suggest you check out Professor Helene Kvist's ttp://www.affiliatewebreview.com/Pregnant.php ]]> Why Know Secondary Infertility? http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-know-secondary-infertility http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-know-secondary-infertility#comments Tue, 30 Jan 2007 08:27:07 +0000 egg cellssecondary infertilityunprotected sexual intercoursesperm cellsegg qualitynew partnermenopause http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-know-secondary-infertility
While you may have conceived your first child with ease and deliver her healthy afterwards, you are still likely to become a patient of a condition we call .

A strange condition it is, secondary infertility is characterized by the inability to conceive after a year of following the delivery of the first child. The causes involve both of the participants yet for the quarter of the reasons studied, causes are multi-factorial.

The primary factor in secondary infertility is age.

It is known that women, while being conceived are already equipped with the precise number of that will mature as they age.

The pick release of these egg cells occurs during the midyears woman commencing at her twenties. Then comes , which is simply the lack or absence of egg cells since they were already released and used previously. If there were any left during the latter years towards menopause, the egg cells are likely to be unhealthy and incapable of becoming fertilized, even with well-timed intercourse. At these years (age 45 and above), the possibility of forming a zygote is only 6%.

While we may presume that some more eggs may be left from the whole batch, they still would not be able to fertilize since they have been for long, exposed to environmental hazards that are contributors to the degeneration of .

Lesser studies on male secondary infertility were conducted though. Yet the link between the lessened quality of is likely to be the main and determining reason.

Another condition why secondary condition appears is the introduction of a . If a male or female were able to produce a child previously, changes in a new partner's nature may severely affect the capacity to conceive once more.

To complete the known reasons to secondary infertility, it would be best that we view some troubles concerning pathology.

Essentially, the problem focuses on the interruption of any of the vital steps by which fertilization occurs.

For one, healthy sperm and egg cells must be produced. If the problem occurs in here chances are, either of the couple may have developed secondary infertility.

Second, a supportive environment must be provided. In the absence of a favorable place to nurse the zygote, there is no sense to fertilize egg and sperm cells.

Again, we must understand that there are many conditions that will intensify the chance of becoming infertile. All these may develop after the first successful pregnancy. For more information on infertility, what causes it andamp; where to get advice, please visit http://infertility.articlekeep.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. ]]> Infertility Specialists: What Help They Can Give You http://www.artwoo.com/article/infertility-specialists-what-help-they-can-give-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/infertility-specialists-what-help-they-can-give-you#comments Fri, 06 Oct 2006 08:27:04 +0000 infertility specialistsinfertility casesinfertility specialistrecurrent miscarriagespelvic inflammatory diseaseirregular menstrual cyclecouples http://www.artwoo.com/article/infertility-specialists-what-help-they-can-give-you couples wish to have their own little angels as soon as possible but then there are many cases of infertility whether on the part of the male or the female. There are also a lot of couples who've been married for so long but who've not been able to successfully conceive. Infertility is the term used for one's lack of ability to conceive. Yet, such case can be remedied especially with the aid of s. If the condition persists for such a long time, it is now termed as sterility which is now hard to remedy and at times cannot be mended.

Infertility is one of the medical and social problems that confront many couples all over the world. Infertility does not only happen to women but to men also. With this problem, the couple is advised to see an infertility specialist for the varied sorts of evaluation and examinations. Most infertility specialists would advise that the male be assessed first since the series of tests to be required for the female is literally too expensive and entails a lot of time to be consumed. Among the infertility specialists that handle are the gynecologists, urologists, internists, and endocrinologists.

What Infertility Specialists Say

Infertility specialists recommend that couples should not worry about infertility that much except when they do fall under any of the categories wherein the couples are under the age of 35 and have tried proper timing for sexual intercourse but the effort proves futile for over a year; the couples are over the age of 35 and have concerted efforts to conceive unsuccessfully for more than 6 months; or if the couples are more than 30 years old and histories of excruciating menstrual periods, (PID), , , or if the male goes through a low sperm count are evident. If the couples experience any of these, they must get examined at once so infertility can be remedied.

Factors that Cause Infertility

Infertility specialists cite several factors which in one way or another pose risks for infertility. They are age, weight problems, inflammation, genital infantilism, sexually transmitted disease, smoking, alcohol, tubal disease, and endometriosis. Infertility cannot be prevented by all means as there are even numerous cases of unexplained infertility problems. Unexplained infertility problems arise when the couple has been evaluated and examined but then no visible signs as per medical science is concerned are seen and evaluated.

Infertility Specialists' Recommended Medication

Some tests are conducted by gynecologists to ensure that the evaluation of an individual goes through a serious process.

The Rubin Test. This process assesses the potency of the female fallopian tubes. It is done by putting in carbon dioxide via a sterile cannula which then goes into the uterus, to the tubes, and finally into the peritoneal cavity. Occlusion may be found out if the pressure gauged is up to 200 mm. of the mercury.

The Salpinogram/Hysterosalpingogram Test. This test primarily determines the presence of tubal obstruction.

The Hubner Test. This is done after one or two hours right after the intercourse. The physician gets cervical secretions via a long cannula and the aspirated stuff is placed on a slide for a microscopic examination. The test finds out the feasibility of the sperm cells.

Help is just around. Infertility specialists are the authorities one can trust when such problem arises. Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of http://www.infertilitydomain.com. Visit Jeanette's site to learn more about infertility specialis ]]> I'd Really Like To Be Pregnant, Now! http://www.artwoo.com/article/id-really-like-to-be-pregnant-now http://www.artwoo.com/article/id-really-like-to-be-pregnant-now#comments Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:15:00 +0000 chances of becoming pregnantcaffeinealcoholpreferablytrans fatty acidsprocessed foodsbiscuits http://www.artwoo.com/article/id-really-like-to-be-pregnant-now
First up, is to cut down, and cut out, and , - so give up on the morning "large cappuccino with an extra shot", and change that large glass of pinot grigio for mineral water. OK you'll get some funny looks and a few probing questions from your friends, but when you become pregnant you'll be giving up anyway - you're just getting your body used to it early!

(The science says that caffeine may be linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and that alcohol may have an effect on your hormonal balance).

Secondly, empty your fridge of all those nice convenience foods that are full of additives, stabilisers and chemicals and start cooking for yourself with foods you have bought from the fruit and veg. aisles or the meat and fish counters. Yes it may take you longer, but it is worth it for your body's sake. So the next time you are in the supermarket and see that "Ready Meals" or "Prepared Foods" sign, don't go down that aisle!

You'll also need to give up those nice that you used to dunk in your tea or coffee (which you're not having now are you?), as some studies have shown that the that are contained in many , such as cakes, crisps, biscuits etc. can reduce your by up to 73%.

So no alcohol, no caffeine, no processed foods, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and lots of water, which means you're likely to become healthier, fitter and dare I mention it, thinner, but don't forget, this is not so much a diet, more a lifestyle change to help you achieve your goal of becoming pregnant.

As well as dietary changes, many women may benefit from taking a multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement (if only as an insurance policy). There are number of these on the market, but make sure that you get good, reliable advice as to which ones are most suitable for you.

If you are eating a healthy balanced diet, you should be getting all the nutrients that you need, but a bit of extra help may be beneficial. A good pro-natal vitamin containing B vitamins, zinc and folic acid is a simple place to start, combined with an essential fatty acid supplement.

Changing your diet alone may not ensure that you conceive, but it is certainly a step in the right direction Andrew Smith is a Director of MumsTheWord, a leading supplier of Natural and Organic Baby Care Products and pre conception safe products http://www.mumstheword.com ]]> Do You Use Pregnancy Message Boards? http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-use-pregnancy-message-boards http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-use-pregnancy-message-boards#comments Sun, 16 Jul 2006 22:27:09 +0000 medications during pregnancypregnancy pregnancypregnancy due datespregnancy trimesterssymptoms of pregnancystages of pregnancypregnancy cramps http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-use-pregnancy-message-boards
There are actually some ways to discuss and learn about pregnancy on the web. You can email your friends, chat with them instantly, or join some groups designed for pregnant women. Of all the available and possible ways that you can consider, joining and participating in some pregnancy message boards is by far the most popular and easiest way that you can consider.

Finding pregnancy message boards on the web there days is just so easy. With lots of sites out there offering message boards for pregnant women and those who are thinking to conceive, it's no wonder that you can chat, discuss, or exchange thoughts with the other forum users anytime and anywhere.

Pregnancy message boards are also a great place to learn. As you may know, pregnancy message boards allow you to discuss with the other members your pregnancy problems, fears, or share with them your pregnancy experiences. It is also here where you can find other women with similar and discuss issues such as in the first week or first month pregnancy signs and symptoms, development and . If you have fear or questions about twin pregnancy, the pregnancy message boards are also a great place for you to start.

Furthermore, the pregnancy message boards are the great place to start discussing or asking for advices about the right maternity clothes to wear, the right foods to eat during pregnancy, or even about the right food to eat in order to avoid pregnancy. You can also learn about the safe , , aches and pains just here.

It is worth noting that the pregnancy message boards not only cover those above mentioned issues or matters. The pregnancy message boards are also a great place to learn about miscarriage. So, if you want to know about the signs of miscarriage or you have questions about having another pregnancy after miscarriage or perhaps you just need some information about it, then you may want to participate on this kind of forums. And, if, for instance, you have some breastfeeding questions or advices or just want to post the arrival of your new baby in the birth announcements, then pregnancy message boards have spaces for you.

Perhaps what's best about the pregnancy message boards is that you do not necessarily need to register as a member of the group or subscribe in order to access parts or sections of the sites. However, there are still some restrictions to your access. For example, there are some forums online that only allow their members or subscribers to access the members-only parts. But, this does not mean that the guests have no chance to know what's inside those restricted parts. In fact, the guests are often free to register as a member. Joining or taking advantage of the discussion forums and chat rooms are even highly encouraged Check out the most recent article posts at http://www.articleposts.com An active hyperlink to this site must remain if you use this article. Enjoy! ]]> There's No More Rewarding Job Than Being an Infertility Specialist http://www.artwoo.com/article/theres-no-more-rewarding-job-than-being-an-infertility-specialist http://www.artwoo.com/article/theres-no-more-rewarding-job-than-being-an-infertility-specialist#comments Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:57:51 +0000 infertility specialistvaginal ultrasoundegg countpelvic ultrasoundfertility specialistsperm countphysical exam http://www.artwoo.com/article/theres-no-more-rewarding-job-than-being-an-infertility-specialist
An is a doctor whose goal it is to help those couples that have been trying to conceive for over a year with no success. However, for women who are over thirty-five years old, they should consider seeing a fertility specialist after having tried for six months. It is the job of the infertility specialist to isolate the variables in the situation, and figure out why the couple hasn't yet conceived.

When a couple is first referred to an infertility specialist, they will need to set up an appointment for a consultation. During this consultation, the specialist will need to know answers to basic questions, like if the woman has already been diagnosed with a medical condition such as endometriosis. The male will also be asked various questions as to things like his .

Also, the couple should be prepared to discuss their previous medical history in its entirety. Once this has been related to the specialist, the next step is for the woman to have a full . During the exam, the woman should ideally also undergo a . This way, the specialist can tell if the woman has irregularities such as blocked fallopian tubes.

Next, the specialist will want to find out what the woman's is. This is usually done through a . In addition to this, the woman's menstrual cycle will need to be discussed. If the woman has had very few periods during her lifetime, then she might possibly have polycystic ovarian syndrome. Such a syndrome can often be treated with some medication.

The man will also have to undergo a physical exam and testing. First of all, the man's semen will need to be analyzed. Actually, this procedure should be one of the first that the specialist does -- even before the woman is tested. The reason for this is because the semen testing is very basic compared to the tests that a woman will have to undergo, and if it is discovered that the man is the source of the infertility problem, then that saves the woman from having to be as extensively tested.

Blood tests might also be done on the couple, but that depends on the couple's medical situation. Once the cumulative results from all of the tests have been compiled, the specialist can then make a decision as to how to proceed. Some couples might only need some medicine or ovulation therapy, while other couples might need surgical intervention.

Since each couple's situation is different, it is impossible to determine the exact price of a specialist's services. However, for those couples who decided to move ahead with in-vitro fertilization, they should expect to pay a few thousand dollars. However, with the proper financial situation and treatment, many couples happily welcome their new baby!More information on tubal reversal treatments, infertility causes and a Munster infertility clinic of Indiana in your area is just a click away.]]> Watch Out For Signs Of Infertility http://www.artwoo.com/article/watch-out-for-signs-of-infertility http://www.artwoo.com/article/watch-out-for-signs-of-infertility#comments Wed, 27 Sep 2006 10:27:12 +0000 basal body temperatureinfertilityunprotected sexual intercourseendometriosisconceivemiscarriagesphysical tests http://www.artwoo.com/article/watch-out-for-signs-of-infertility infertility is the weakness of a person or a couple to a child within a period of a year of .

Though that may be quite simple, the struggles that this sign entails create dramatic changes in a couple's life.

In most cases, people have no knowledge that they are actually patients of infertility. The main reason- the lack of immediate symptoms.

Infertility by nature is a condition that does not deal with the physical-external make-up of the person affected by it. There are no external measures and symptoms that we may conduct and observe when examining if a person is infertile. In fact, before any diagnosis is made pertaining to infertility one has to undergo a series of extensive examinations, and other techniques which themselves are very taxing.

In case that the couple was able to conceive yet have undergone multiple , they probably may fall under the category of infertility. However, it would still be safe if they consult a physician first for further analysis of their case.

If you are experiencing the absence of menstrual bleeding yet the results of pregnancy test tells you that you are not pregnant, then you might be a patient of infertility. If this condition prevails for some months it is likely that something in your reproductive system is impaired.

Once you experience pain somewhere in your pelvic area, it would be best that you disclose this with a physician. Abnormal pain may be caused by conditions like and internal infections.

Watch out for basal temperatures. These are good indications that your system may be having some troubles. Abnormal rise or fall of is linked with hormonal imbalances that concern mostly the hormones needed for ovulation.

Say if your basal body temperature is low while undergoing the first part of your cycle that may indicate too high estrogen release in your body. Meanwhile, high basal body temperature at this stage could possibly indicate low progesterone.

Anovulation may be indicated through the absence of upward shifting of the basal body temperature.

On the other end of the scale, male infertility seems to posses no clear signs except the obvious- erectile dysfunction.

This condition is characterized by the inability to create erection, which may be contributed largely by the abnormalities in the blood vessels, specifically those found in the penis. Diseases and conditions like stroke, abuse of alcohol, and major problems in the circulatory system may also cause Erectile Dysfunction. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on infertility, what causes it andamp; where to get advice, please visit http://infertility.articlekeep.com ]]> Infertility And Natural Herbal Remedies http://www.artwoo.com/article/infertility-and-natural-herbal-remedies http://www.artwoo.com/article/infertility-and-natural-herbal-remedies#comments Sat, 11 Nov 2006 06:27:17 +0000 natural herbal remediesnatural herbal remedyovercoming infertilityinfertility problemsfertility problemincrease fertilityfertility problems http://www.artwoo.com/article/infertility-and-natural-herbal-remedies fertility problem.

Many couples affected by infertility spend months or years of treatment for without a positive outcome. The inability of a couple to conceive and the exact causes of infertility are very hard to pin down, and may have many underlying single or multiple causes. Therefore it may be wise to try to remedy the problem by maximizing many of the bodily functions needed for a successfull outcome.

have come a long way since their ancient origins, and are making new strides every day, with remedies to and enhance functioning of the male and female reproductive systems.

Herbal remedies use botanicals (plants) either singularly or in compounds, and sometimes animal by-products to prevent and correct targeted conditions.

Many new natural herbal products have been compounded to remedy infertility for example for: Females to:

* Promote regular ovulation * Correct hormone imbalances * Regulate menstrual cycles * Increase libido

Males to:

* Improve the functioning of the (prostate, seminal vesicles, testes, and penis) * Increase, testosterone levels, sperm production and, motility * Enhance sex drive, and strengthen erections

Stress, poor nutrition, bad habits such as smoking, over use of alcohol, and drug abuse, emotional and psychological problems, a number of prescription medicines, can all adversely affect fertility, and may require some lifestyle changes.

Natural remedies optimize reproductive health without adding to the risks of multiple births, and many other problems of other approaches to problems.

A could be the answer to your problem.

The FDA does not regulate the manufacturing of herbs, common sense and a little research can help assure that you are buying a quality product. Check the name of the manufacturer or distributor, and the facts label for, amount, daily usage values, and active ingredients. Joe Rote has spent 18 years in the health field, and is the webmaster of http://www.aa1info.com that will point you to high quality information, and natural herbal remedies that are produced under pharmaceutical conditions to ensure the highest degree of potency and consistency. Copyright 2006 Joe Rote this article may be freely distributed if the resource box stays attached and no part of the article changed without permission ]]> What About Sperm Count? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-about-sperm-count http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-about-sperm-count#comments Fri, 03 Nov 2006 18:27:03 +0000 sperm motilitymotile spermsperm countslow sperm counttrying to conceiveanxiouslyfertile days http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-about-sperm-count
Many people really do not understand what sperm count is. A man's sperm count can tell you how fertile a man is or how likely he is to be able to produce offspring. Sperm count simply means the number of sperm in a unit volume of semen. While the normal range falls between 20 million and 150 million sperm per milliliter, lower can cause fertility problems.

If a couple is having trouble conceiving, a physician will probably recommend that the potential father have his sperm count measured. This will let the couple know whether his count is in a normal range. It is important to keep in mind that having a does not mean a man cannot father a child. It just makes it a bit more difficult.

One thing that men have in their favor is the fact that time is not as much of an issue as it is for women. While women become less fertile as they age then eventually undergo menopause, men remain fertile well into their later years. Although some studies show that sperm counts decline around thirty percent, this is definitely not enough to deem these males as infertile.

To easily obtain conception, it is not just important that a man have a high sperm count. also factors into the equation. Sperm motility is so important at the time of fertilization because it assists the passage of the sperm. Non-motile or especially usually does not lead to fertilized eggs.

If you are a child, there are things you can do before enlisting the aid of a specialist. Did you know that there are certain days in each month when couples are most likely to conceive a child? By having intercourse on those , you increase your chances of having a baby.

Timing the woman's menstrual period is integral in determining when she is most fertile. About fourteen days after a women starts her period, an egg is released. This egg lives for about one to two days. This does not mean those are the only days you can get pregnant, however. In fact, in ideal conditions, sperm can live for five days. Still, having intercourse during this period, referred to as "ovulation" will boost your chances of conceiving.

Inexpensive ovulation tests can be purchased. They work in the same way as a pregnancy test. The woman can test her urine to see if she is, in fact, ovulating. If so, she will know it is a good time to have intercourse. Although this method is not foolproof, it certainly helps your chances of conceiving, especially if your sperm count is not as high as it could be or your sperm have motility problems.

If conception is eluding you then it is important to realize that a visit to your doctor is in order. He or she can best advise you on ways to maximize your chances of having a child for your particular situation. Ian Jefferson has an interest in Male Infertility. For further information on Male Infertility please visit http://www.maleinfertilityhelp.com/maleinfertility.html or http://www.maleinfertilityhelp.com/blog/2006/10/17/what-about-sperm-count/ .. ]]> A Question Of Conception http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-question-of-conception http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-question-of-conception#comments Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:25:01 +0000 german measlessemen analysislifestyle questionslifestyle changesgynaecologistmale partnerovulating http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-question-of-conception lifestyle questions you might have never previously contemplated. In this article I've offered comprehensive answers to six frequently asked questions.

How long should we try to conceive before seeking medical advice?

This really depends on you and your partner's health. It is always worth seeing your GP before starting to try. Your GP will ensure that you have been immunised against (Rubella), and discuss that you may need to make to maximise your chances and ensure that you will be as healthy as possible through pregnancy. Your GP will also be able to gather information about you and your partner and decide if you should be referred early on to a .

Generally as long as you and your partner are in good health, then you should try for about one year before seeking medical help. This is because most couples (80%) will fall pregnant within the first year, and 95% within two years without any medical intervention.

What sort of investigations should we expect to have done after one year?

After one year of trying, it is worth looking into why there maybe a delay. Your GP should be able to organise the basic investigations for you and your partner. The most important tests are a blood test to check that you are , and that your partner's is normal.

The ovulation blood test is best done 7 days before your next period starts. If you have a 28 day cycle then this means that the test is done on day 21. Commercially available urine tests are available and these will detect ovulation (again in 28 day cycle, ovulation should happen around day 14).

The is normally given instructions as to producing the sample. To standardise the test most laboratories advise three days of abstinence from ejaculation. Most fertility centres have rooms where men can produce samples. Should this not be the case, it is best to bring in the sample as quickly as possible. Also try and keep the container as close to body temperature as possible.

My partner is not keen on having a semen test, does it matter?

Yes it does matter. We know that about 30% of all subfertility is due to there being a major problem on the male side. Slightly reduced semen measurements are thought to be contributory in another 15% of cases. It is very important that your partner's semen is checked very early on in your investigations.

My periods are irregular, does that mean I will never be able to get pregnant?

An irregular cycle is when a woman has a cycle length of more than 35 days. The vast majority of women with irregular periods will fall pregnant. The most common cause of irregular periods is polycystic ovarian syndrome. This condition affects 20% of women, and is normally effectively treatable by weight control and medication.

An irregular cycle often means that ovulation (egg production) is not occurring on a regular basis. However, ovulation can occur occasionally. This explains why women with irregular periods can still conceive without medical aid, but the length of time they need to try is longer than in those women with regular cycles. If medication is required to make you ovulate then the treatment is best monitored by ultrasound.

I am 37 and am worried that I will not be able to conceive.

It is well publicised that the ability to fall pregnant decreases with age. This is because a woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have. The eggs of a 37 year old woman are 37 years old and unfortunately `new' eggs cannot be made. These more mature eggs are less likely to produce a pregnancy, and if a pregnancy does arise then the chances of a miscarriage or a chromosomal abnormality in the pregnancy increase. A woman will go through the menopause when the vast majority of the eggs are used.A blood hormone test on day2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle can provide further information as to your chances.

When population studies are looked at, they do show that women after the age of 37 demonstrate a clear fall in the chances of falling pregnant. It is difficult to establish your individual chance without taking other factors into account, however most women aged 37-39 fall pregnant, it may just take longer than if you were younger.

We have been using hormonal contraception (the pill) for a long time, I have heard that it can cause a decrease in my fertility

The combined oral contraception does not cause infertility. Many women are concerned about a delay in fertility after stopping contraception. There are many different types of contraception and in the majority of cases (including the pill) fertility returns to the age related level quite soon after stopping.

It is worth remembering that the pill is prescribed for many reasons other than contraception. These include irregular, painful or heavy periods. These symptoms may be parts of a wider problem such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or endometriosis that are associated with a decrease in fertility. The pill often masks the symptoms, and once the pill is stopped the symptoms and the underlying problem will return. If your periods are very different from how they were before starting the pill then you should see your GP or gynaecologist.

If you are anxious that you are taking too long to conceive don't be embarrassed to ask your GP questions relating to your specific circumstances and remember - you and your partner are in this together! For more information about Baby Products and BabyFy please visit our website at http://www.babyfy.com ]]> Considering Medical Treatments to Conceive a Baby? 10 Questions to Ask Reproductive Endocrinologists Before You Hire One http://www.artwoo.com/article/considering-medical-treatments-to-conceive-a-baby-10-questions-to-ask-reproductive-endocrinologists-before-you-hire-one http://www.artwoo.com/article/considering-medical-treatments-to-conceive-a-baby-10-questions-to-ask-reproductive-endocrinologists-before-you-hire-one#comments Tue, 19 Aug 2008 06:50:28 +0000 surface lesionsivf procedureshysterosalpingogram hsgintrauterine inseminationartificial inseminationuterine cavityfallopian tubes http://www.artwoo.com/article/considering-medical-treatments-to-conceive-a-baby-10-questions-to-ask-reproductive-endocrinologists-before-you-hire-one
Depending on your test results and the procedures offered by your Ob/Gyn, such as (IUI) - sometimes referred to as , you may consider seeking expert advice from a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE). If you are new to the topic of infertility, you are probably not sure what to ask or where to look for resources or information. Below are ten important questions to ask an RE before you hire him/her to help you get pregnant:

What type of testing is needed? Depending on how seriously your Ob/Gyn considered your situation, you may or may not need to undergo additional testing. However, generally there will be some tests the RE will want to conduct anyway. Common testing would include a blood work-up, a Clomid Challenge (slightly different than just taking Clomid to induce ovulation), a Fluid ultrasonography (FUS) to look for irregularities or within the , and a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to determine if there are blockages in the .

How long does the testing take? One of the challenges, both emotionally and physically, during this time in your life is how long each step of the process can take. Ask your RE how long he expects the initial testing to take. Also, ask for the order in which the tests should be performed and how long between the results and the scheduling of the next test. Knowing the steps and time frame for each will provide some peace of mind.

Do you take any insurance? Even if the IUI or are not covered, some of the initial testing to determine the causes for your infertility might be. If you live in one of these states you have some form of infertility coverage (check your provider for more details): Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, and West Virginia.

Once we receive our diagnosis, what is the timeline for our designated procedure? Something every couple wants to know. The testing is time-consuming, so once you finally determine what is "wrong" or which procedures might work best for your situation, you'll want to know how soon you can begin treatment. During this time, ask questions about how the procedures will work from start to finish. This will give you an idea of the time frame as well. For example, pursuant to my IVF schedule I was on birth control pills for one month prior to starting any medications. I've heard that other REs use a different schedule.

Do you have a waiting list? Many REs have a long waiting list. Check with the REs to determine how long you would have to wait before you can start your first treatment cycle. Also, you might want to ask the REs how quickly they could fit you in if a second cycle was necessary.

If the first procedure doesn't work, what do we try next? Unfortunately, not all IUI or IVF attempts are successful the first time. Ask the REs how many times they'll try IUI before they recommend another procedure. Be aware, however, that many REs will not commit to a course of treatment until they see how you respond to their first effort.

Do you have a specialization? Some fertility clinics have a reputation for certain procedures. For example, there is a facility in Colorado that specializes in donor egg/sperm procedures. Other clinics specialize in managing patients that have experienced prior treatment failures. Determine what each RE specializes in so that you can determine if he/she is the right doctor for you and your circumstance.

What are your success rates? Often this information will be provided on each RE's website. However, you should still ask the question and tailor it to your specific situation. For example, "What is your success rate with couples over 35 dealing with endometriosis?" Or "What is your success rate with couples using donor egg?" Their success rates should be good regarding the area(s) in which they specialize and the specific area(s) in which you need treatment.

Are you conservative or aggressive with treatments? As with any physician, some REs are more aggressive than others. This difference in approach could be in the dosages they recommend, how they treat external issues that may/may not impact your treatment protocol, etc. One RE we met with wasn't going to treat my elevated prolactin levels during our IVF cycle, while another said he didn't want to take any chances that the prolactin could impact my ability to conceive.

What do you consider a successful outcome? The clinic we used to conceive our twins considered a live birth a success. If we had experienced a loss during our pregnancy or at birth, we could have attempted another IVF cycle at no additional cost. On the other side, another clinic we considered using determined a successful outcome to be a 24-week pregnancy.

Hiring an RE may be one of the most important decisions of your life. Spend the time getting to know the RE you are about to hire to help you become pregnant; you might decide he/she is the doctor who will help you build your family. On the other hand, you may find that another doctor would be a better fit for your circumstances.Kelly K. Damron is the author of Tiny Toes: A Couple's Journey Through Infertility, Prematurity, and Depression. Damron is the mother of twin girls conceived via IVF and born 10 weeks premature. She is an advocate for the infertile and prematurity communities. To learn more about her book visit: Tiny Toes.]]>