Pregnancy Lounge

Tag: getting pregnant

  • Infertility

    Infertility is a fairly common medical condition that affects over 6 million Americans (15% of couples of reproductive age), with over 9 million women currently using infertility services. It is typically defined as the inability to conceive and become pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex, regardless of cause. Although if a woman is over 35, after only about 6 months of trying without any success, fertility problems can start to be suspected. A broader view of infertility includes not being able to carry a pregnancy to term, in other words if the woman suffers from repeated miscarriages.

    Infertility is not the same as sterility. Being sterile means that it is impossible for a person to conceive a child. A diagnosis of infertility simply means that becoming pregnant may be a challenge rather than an impossibility.

    Conception is a complicated process that depends upon many factors. First a woman must be able to release an egg from one of her two ovaries (ovulation). Second, the egg must be able to travel through a fallopian tube that is unblocked, towards the uterus, to reach the man’s sperm for fertilization. Third, the man must be able to produce a significant number of healthy sperm that have the ability to penetrate and fertilize the egg when they meet up in the fallopian tube. Fourth, the fertilized egg must be able to implant itself inside the uterus, attaching to the endometrial lining. Lastly, the fertilized egg must be able to adequately grow and develop without any interference inside the uterus to continue to full term. When just one of these factors is impaired, infertility can result.

    If a couple has been trying to conceive for more than a year, there’s a good chance that something may be interfering with their reproductive function. Infertility may be due to a single cause or a combination of factors that may prevent a pregnancy from occurring or continuing. Infertility can be male or female related. About 1/3 of infertility is due to problems with the man (male factors) and 1/3 is due to problems with the woman (female factors). Other cases are due to problems in both partners or are due to unknown causes that cannot be explained.

    Infertility has a strong impact on self-esteem and often creates one of the most distressing life crises that a couple has ever experienced together. Suddenly their lives, which may have been well planned and successful, seem out of control. Coping with the multitude of medical decisions and the uncertainties that infertility brings can create great emotional upheaval for most couples. Facing the disappointment of not becoming pregnant month after month can lead to depression and significant feelings of loss. These feelings are perfectly normal responses, which everyone has as they pursue infertility treatment. For many, the life crisis of infertility eventually proves to be an opportunity for life-enhancing personal growth.

    Infertility and Women
    Infertility and Men
    Treatment of Infertility

  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility

    Most couples are advised to wait until they have been trying to conceive for at least a year, before seeking medical help, with the exception of couples over 35. Those that are over 35 or those that have reason to believe there may be a fertility problem should not wait a year before consulting a doctor.

    Infertility testing and treatment can be difficult and expensive. Before starting infertility testing, it’s best for couples to discuss how far they would be willing to go with testing and treatment. Only have testing for conditions that they are willing and financially able to have treated would help them move on to other options such as adoption.

    Diagnosis of infertility may take the use of a special doctor called an infertility specialist or a reproductive endocrinologist. Infertility is diagnosed after an infertility workup, which includes a physical exam of both partners to determine their general state of health. Many times, laboratory tests are conducted and sometimes both partners are interviewed about their sexual habits in order to determine whether intercourse is taking place properly for conception. If no obvious cause can be determined at that point, like improperly timed intercourse or absence of ovulation, more specific tests may be recommended.

    Depending on the test results of those tests, different treatments can be suggested. About 90% of infertility cases are treated with medication or surgery. Various fertility drugs may be used for women with ovulation problems. It’s important for couples to talk with their doctor about the drug to be used, so they understand the drug’s benefits and side effects. An x-ray of the fallopian tubes and uterus may be done after dye is injected, to show if the tubes are open and to show the shape of the uterus. An exam of the tubes and other female organs for disease may be done, using an instrument called a laparoscope to see inside the abdomen. If needed, surgery can be done to repair damage to a woman’s ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus.

    For a man, testing usually begins with a semen analysis, which looks at the number, shape, and movement of his sperm. Because semen is rather variable in quality, the test may be repeated. Sometimes other kinds of tests, such as hormone tests, are done.

    Depending upon the degree of abnormality, the treatment may range from relatively simple artificial insemination of the woman with the man’s semen (AIH), through conventional in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), to the latest techniques of assisted fertilization by microinjection (ICSI). In infertile couples where women have blocked or absent fallopian tubes, or where men have low sperm count, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an option. In IVF, eggs are removed from the ovary and mixed with sperm outside the body in a culture dish. After about 2 days, the eggs are examined to see if they have become fertilized by the sperm and are dividing into cells. These fertilized eggs (embryos) are then placed in the women’s uterus.

    Infertility and Women
    Infertility and Men

  • Physical Fertility Signs

    Besides changes to your cervix around the time of ovulation, you may also notice other physical changes. Spotting and bleeding may occur mid-cycle, indicating possible fertility, due to hormonal changes leading up to ovulation. Backaches, breast tenderness or changes, feeling sick to your stomach, softer clearer skin, abdominal bloating, rectal pain and water retention all show that your hormonal levels are rising and falling. Headaches can sometimes accompany ovulation as well. Occasionally women notice that there is a pattern to when they get headaches during their cycle. Make sure you chart all the additional physical signs that you notice, so you can more easily identify your fertile and infertile times.

    Some women actually feel ovulatory activity every month or occasionally. Pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis during ovulation (or just before or after) is fairly common, although some women don’t feel anything. This usually happens midway through your menstrual cycle, about 2 weeks before your next period. This condition is often called mittelschmerz (MITT-ul-shmurz), which is a medical term that comes from the German words for “middle” and “pain.” It usually lasts only a short time, anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, but it may continue for an entire day.

    Mittelschmerz occurs during ovulation, when an egg is released from your ovary. No one knows for sure what causes it, but it’s quite possible that just before ovulation, follicle growth stretches the surface of your ovary, causing you pain. It’s also possible that blood or fluid released from the ruptured follicle irritates the lining of your abdomen, leading to discomfort. Slight bleeding or spotting is not uncommon and may also occur during this time, accompanying pain.

    Ovulatory pain can happen on either side of your abdomen or even in the middle, although it is more commonly experienced on the right side. It may be felt on one side one month, then switch to the opposite side the next month, or it may be felt on the same side for several months in a row. The pain typically radiates from whichever ovary is ovulating. Some women notice cramping on one side or pain resembling menstrual cramps. The pain may be described as a nagging pain that begins as a sharp twinge and diminishes to a dull ache or tenderness or discomfort near the ovaries. It can be intermittent or constant, but is rarely severe although it can sometimes be aggravated by intercourse, working out or other physical activity.

    Pain during ovulation is usually easy to recognize because of its timing and location. If you notice cramping or pain, be sure to record this on your chart. Ovulatory pain can be a useful guide for some women and may help you further understand your cycles and also assist you in monitoring when you ovulate.

    Emotional Fertility Signs

  • Infertility Causes in Men

    Infertility affects men and women equally. In both men and women, multiple factors can account for difficulty with fertility. Male factors attribute to about 1/3 of infertility problems, while another 1/3 are caused by female factors. The remaining 1/3 of infertile couples have problems caused by a combination of factors in both partners or have unexplained causes. No obvious problem is found in around 10% of couples investigated for infertility. This is when no physical, hormonal or immunological cause for infertility is found in either partner.

    Sperm Abnormalities

    More than 90% of male infertility is caused from sperm abnormalities. Sometimes sperm are malformed and improperly shaped, which makes it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg. Abnormal shape and structure can lead to impaired mobility. If sperm cannot move rapidly and accurately towards the egg, fertilization cannot occur.

    Some men produce too few sperm. A sperm count of 13.5 million per milliliter of semen or less indicates low sperm concentration. Mild to severely impaired sperm production can be caused by undescended testicles, which occurs when one or both testicles fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum during fetal development. This affects sperm production, because the testicles are exposed to higher temperatures. Genetic causes, such as a chromosomal abnormalities can affect fertility, as well. Klinefelter’s syndrome, which is a disorder of the sex chromosomes, causes abnormal development of the testicles, resulting in low or absent sperm production. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic factor that can cause men to have missing or obstructed vas deferens.

    There are several reasons and causes for fertility issues in men. A few men produce no sperm at all, though this is rare, affecting less than 5% of infertile men. When no sperm are produced, it is impossible for conception to occur. If this is the case, reproductive organ damage may be to blame. A varicose vein in the scrotum (varicose) could be the cause of infertility, if sperm are being produced but die. Varicose veins can prevent normal cooling of the testicles and prevent sperm from surviving, due to raised testicular temperature.

    Problems with the delivery of sperm from the penis into the vagina can keep sperm from getting to the egg, including Retrograde ejaculation. This occurs when semen enters the bladder rather than emerging out through the penis. Also, some men are born with blockage of the ejaculatory ducts (the part of the testicle that contain sperm). Infections may temporarily affect fertility, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These infections can cause scarring and block sperm passage. If mumps (a viral infection) occurs after puberty, inflammation of the testicles can impair sperm production.

    A man’s general health and lifestyle may affect fertility. Alcohol, smoking, drugs, emotional stress, vitamin deficiencies, age, heat (hot tubs included) and obesity can all temporarily reduce sperm count and quality. Overexposure to certain environmental elements, including pesticides, lead and toxins reduce sperm count by affecting testicular function or by altering the male hormonal system. Medical conditions such as a severe injury, surgery and certain diseases (including diabetes) can be contributing factors to male infertility.

    Infertility and Women
    Treatment of Infertility

  • Fertility Charting Tools

    To chart your fertility, the only tools you need are a ‘calendar’ or fertility chart/graph and a basal body thermometer. Basal thermometers are more accurate than regular thermometers and are ultra-sensitive, tracking your body’s slightest temperature shift. Most digital basal thermometers come with a sample graph that can be enlarged and duplicated on any copy machine, or you can even download a printable chart on-line. Some women prefer to do their charting completely on-line, it’s just a matter of person preference.

    Record your observations and findings on your chart each day. If you tend to have very regular cycles each month, your charts may look strikingly similar. If your monthly cycles are irregular, you may gain a wealth of information by charting for an extended period of time.

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

  • Fertility Charting

    Fertility charting is basically a pregnancy achievement technique. It requires recording all of your fertility signs on a chart; allowing you to track ovulation, predict the most fertile time in your cycle, understand your own personal fertility patterns and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

    Besides rapid pregnancy achievement, charting can also be helpful in diagnosing and resolving many fertility issues, such as hormonal imbalance or ovulation problems. Potential complications that charting may be able to alert you on include anovulation (when no egg is released), low estrogen, low progesterone, thyroid conditions and even possible miscarriage.

    For couples having difficulty in conceiving, fertility charting can be a very valuable tool. Charting can help you identify your most fertile days, so you can make love on those days to increase your chances of conception. A woman is only fertile for a few short days (the egg lives and can be fertilized for 12-24 brief hours after ovulation) during each menstrual cycle, so timing when you make love is critical part of conception.

    In addition, many doctors and naturopaths strongly encourage fertility charting because it’s completely safe, natural and does not rely on drugs or medical procedures and there are no health risks or side effects. Plus, by charting your fertility, you will also become more aware of the patterns unique to your body, along with gaining a better understanding of how pregnancy is achieved. Once you understand these patterns and changes (and with a little patience), you can begin to anticipate ovulation through a combination of methods:

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

    Read more on Fertility

  • Getting Pregnant

    One can increase their chances of getting pregnancy and increasing fertility. Most people believe the most fertile days during their cycle is 14 days after the beginning of their period, when really ovulation usually takes place about 14 days before your period begins. This is most accurate only if your periods are very regular. Say you have a 32-day cycle, then your most fertile day is most likely about day 18. Or if you have a 27 day cycle, day 13 is your most fertile day. It’s best to have intercourse starting a few days before ovulation, to heighten your chances of conceiving and improving fertility.
     

    Your Man and Conception

    Toxic chemicals can also cause deformed or low numbers of sperm. The following substances can potentially interfere with both men’s and women’s fertility: alcohol, caffeine, some drugs (including over-the-counter, prescription and “recreational”), cigarette smoking, marijuana, radiation, and chemicals such as lead, pesticides, polystyrene, benzene, mercury, and anesthetic gases. With regard to fertility, removing the problem usually allows the generation of new healthier sperm, but it may take up to 3 months for the quality and quantity to improve the chances of getting pregnant.

    Wearing tight underware or pants may push the testicles against the body, causing excessive heat- lowering a man’s sperm count. Have your partner trade in is tighty-whiteys for boxers at least 2 to 3 months before trying to get pregnant. Also, hot tubs, saunas, long distance bike-riding, a high fever as well as working around hot furnaces or ovens may also cause a man’s sperm count to drop dramatically.

  • Eating to Conceive

    When preparing for pregnancy, many doctors recommend a 3 to 4 month preparation period, which includes a healthy diet. While trying to conceive, it’s a good time to begin good eating habits, as well as starting prenatal vitamins, to ensure that your baby will have all the essential nutrients from the moment of conception.

    Avoid junk foods, fatty foods and sugar. These foods make up the small tip of the pyramid and tend to replace more nutritious foods. If you get hungry between meals, try eating fresh fruit, vegetables, low-fat yogurt or a handful of nuts.

    Make sure you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, since they contain essential sources of many vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, vitamin A and vitamin C. They are also helpful in keeping you regular, because they are a great source of fiber. When trying to conceive, try and eat organic, as much as possible to avoid chemicals and pesticides which can affect your hormones.

    Cut down on caffeine now, because it has been proven to have a harmful effect on reproductive health. It has also been known to delay your chances of conceiving. Coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, soft drinks and some over-the-counter drugs contain caffeine. But on the other hand, tea has been known to increase a woman’s chances of conceiving. To reduce the caffeine content in your tea by as much as half, brew the tea bag for just one minute, since the shorter the brewing time- the lower the caffeine concentration. Avoid herbal teas, without first talking with your doctor, because they can be potentially harmful to your unborn baby.

    Extremely poor eating habits before pregnancy can harm both you and your baby, as well as your fertility. The Food Guide Pyramid is a good model for healthy eating. The steps of the pyramid show you how to make the best food choices. Eat at least the minimum recommended servings from each level of the pyramid for optimum health.

    If your planning to get pregnant, it’s best to refrain from drinking alcohol. Even moderate alcohol consumption can reduce your chances of conception. And once pregnant, drinking alcohol can have very harmful effects on your unborn baby.

    It is a good idea to start taking a prenatal vitamin (that contains folic acid) about 3 months before conceiving, if possible. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. But keep in mind that even if you are taking a daily prenatal vitamin, eating a balanced diet is still the best nutrition.

  • Cervix and Changes

    A combination of charting your basal body temperature (BBT), cervical mucus and cervical position and shape will indicate when the most fertile time of your cycle is. Cervical change signals general fluctuations in your estrogen levels and can be very helpful and fairly reliable in predicting your fertility. Checking your cervical position and shape takes some practice. Also, to chart this particular sign, there are some guidelines you should follow to achieve the best results.

    Your Cervical Changes and Shape

    Right after your period ends, the position of your cervix is low, hard and closed. At this point in your cycle, it should be easily reached by your fingertip and feel as if you are touching the tip of your nose. A firm, pointed shape generally indicates low estrogen and you are considered to be infertile during this time.

    As estrogen and fertility increase (immediately prior to ovulation), your cervix softens, opens up and rises to it?s highest point within your body so that it?s harder to reach. The opening increases as well, which makes the slit or tiny hole feel much larger, becoming more receptive to sperm, allowing them to make their way more easily through your cervix. Your cervix remains this way until after ovulation has taken place.

    Once ovulation has occurred- when estrogen levels suddenly drop, you can feel your hardened, closed cervix back in its lower (pre-ovulatory) position. Keep in mind that women who have given birth previously may notice that their cervix feels slightly open, even after ovulation. When the position of your cervix drops, it will become easy to reach once more. At this point, you are considered infertile once again and cannot get pregnant.

    You should begin observing your cervical position and shape the first day after your period ends. Cervical position can be monitored throughout the day and be done while checking your cervical mucus. Before checking your cervix, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. The best time to check it is right after you have showered. Sitting on the toilet or with one foot on the toilet seat (or bathtub) may be the most comfortable positions for checking your cervix. You can check your cervical position by gently inserting your finger and feeling for your cervix, which is located at the top of your vagina. Record if it?s hard to reach (high position) or easier to reach (low position) and also if it feels firm or soft. It normally takes a few months to see all the changes in your cervix during your cycle and notice a pattern.

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

    Read more on Fertility Charting

  • Cervix, Changes and BBT

    Cervix, Changes and BBT

    bbt basal body temperatureA combination of charting your basal body temperature (BBT), cervical mucus and cervical position and shape will indicate when the most fertile time of your cycle is. Cervical change signals general fluctuations in your estrogen levels and can be very helpful and fairly reliable in predicting your fertility. Checking your cervical position and shape takes some practice. Also, to chart this particular sign, there are some guidelines you should follow to achieve the best results.

    Your Cervical Changes and Shape

    Right after your period ends, the position of your cervix is low, hard and closed. At this point in your cycle, it should be easily reached by your fingertip and feel as if you are touching the tip of your nose. A firm, pointed shape generally indicates low estrogen and you are considered to be infertile during this time.

    As estrogen and fertility increase (immediately prior to ovulation), your cervix softens, opens up and rises to it?s highest point within your body so that it?s harder to reach. The opening increases as well, which makes the slit or tiny hole feel much larger, becoming more receptive to sperm, allowing them to make their way more easily through your cervix. Your cervix remains this way until after ovulation has taken place.

    Once ovulation has occurred- when estrogen levels suddenly drop, you can feel your hardened, closed cervix back in its lower (pre-ovulatory) position. Keep in mind that women who have given birth previously may notice that their cervix feels slightly open, even after ovulation. When the position of your cervix drops, it will become easy to reach once more. At this point, you are considered infertile once again and cannot get pregnant.

    You should begin observing your cervical position and shape the first day after your period ends. Cervical position can be monitored throughout the day and be done while checking your cervical mucus. Before checking your cervix, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. The best time to check it is right after you have showered. Sitting on the toilet or with one foot on the toilet seat (or bathtub) may be the most comfortable positions for checking your cervix. You can check your cervical position by gently inserting your finger and feeling for your cervix, which is located at the top of your vagina. Record if it?s hard to reach (high position) or easier to reach (low position) and also if it feels firm or soft. It normally takes a few months to see all the changes in your cervix during your cycle and notice a pattern.

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

    Read more on Fertility Charting

  • Cervical Mucus and Charting

    In conception, cervical mucus is an essential element because it nourishes and protects sperm, keeping them alive for up to five days inside your cervix, until ovulation occurs and fertilization can take place. Slippery cervical mucus also provides channels, which help sperm swim through your cervix. Without enough fertile mucus, your cervix is blocked and conception can’t happen.

    Whether your cycles are long, short, regular or irregular- charting your cervical mucus patterns (along with your BBT) is a great way to pinpoint your most fertile days and predict when you will ovulate, so you can be sure of which days lovemaking may result in pregnancy.

    In charting the changes in your cervical mucus, you will be looking for changes in consistency, quantity and color. The consistency of your cervical mucus changes throughout your menstrual cycle based on the hormonal shifts that are associated with ovulation, caused by estrogen and progesterone.

    Once your period has stopped, your cervical mucus is typically dry or it may feel dense, tacky, chalky or crumbly. The number of dry days after your menstrual bleeding ends, varies from cycle to cycle. Sperm are prevented from penetrating your cervix on days when there is no mucus. As you get closer to ovulation your cervical mucus will get thinner, because of increased levels of estrogen.

    Eventually, your cervical mucus turns to a consistency similar to raw egg whites (about 1-3 days prior to ovulation), which helps sperm to penetrate your cervix. This cervical mucus is very slippery and stretchy, sometimes changing in color, appearing fairly clear or yellowish. It may feel abundant, wet (similar to what you feel at the beginning of your period) and can be stretched into a thread between your fingers. This type of cervical mucus signals that eggs are developing and indicates that you are highly fertile. You and your partner should make love every day that you see or feel this type of fertile cervical mucus, for the best chance of conceiving.

    After ovulation you will notice that your cervical mucus typically gets thicker, sticky or dries up all together, becoming a protective barrier against sperm once again. This is caused by a decrease in your estrogen levels and an increase in your progesterone levels.

    You should start checking your cervical mucus on the first day after your period, and check it several times during the day. You can check it externally by wiping downward with toilet tissue, while sitting on the toilet. It can be more accurate to insert your index or middle finger (making sure your hands are clean), and observe your cervical mucus by feeling it and recording your observations on your chart.

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

    Read more on Fertility Charting

  • Average Basal Body Temperature BBT

    Average Basal Body Temperature BBT

    chartCharting your BBT allows you to confirm the onset of ovulation, making it a very useful method in helping to plan the timing of intercourse that will lead to conception. By keeping track of your BBT, you can also gain an understanding of the general patterns of your menstrual cycle. After recording your temperature on a chart for a few months, you can begin to notice a distinct pattern of temperature fluctuations in your monthly cycle, which will help you to predict your most fertile days in the future.

    Your temperature in the morning, right after you wake up, is low between your period and ovulation. Around the time of ovulation, your temperature rises and remains high for about two weeks until your next period. This temperature rise will let you know that ovulation has occurred. But remember charting your BBT tells you when you have ovulated after it has happened, so you should also look for other fertility signs, such as observing your cervical mucus, which changes several days before ovulation.

    Your BBT is directly related to your levels of estrogen and progesterone. The presence of the hormone estrogen helps cause the low temperature before ovulation. On average, your BBT will range from 97.0-98.2 degrees Fahrenheit, prior to ovulation, although it can vary slightly one way or the other. Sometimes, your temperature may actually take a dip the day of ovulation, but this doesn’t always happen.

    Higher temperatures reflect the higher levels of the hormone progesterone in your system, which is secreted after ovulation. Typically, it will rise at least 0.4 to 0.6 degrees- jumping up to 98.0-98.6 degrees and beyond, although there is a wide range of “normal” temperatures. Your temperature will remain higher until the end of your cycle, when your progesterone levels begin to drop. Your period often begins within a day or two following the decline in progesterone.

    If your temperature stays high for 17 days in a row and you don’t have your period, it could be an early indication of pregnancy. Pregnancy causes your temperature to remain high beyond the typical 14 days after ovulation, so an elevated temperature past the expected date of your period can mean you’re pregnant (unless of course you have a fever).

    You can find a reliable basal thermometer at practically any drugstore and they are inexpensive. Basal thermometers are more accurate than regular fever thermometers and are ultra-sensitive, tracking your body’s slightest temperature shift. Digital thermometers are best, because they are quicker and you don’t have to shake them down.

    When charting your basal body temperature it’s important that you take your temperature first thing in the morning, before you get out of bed. For your temperature reading to be accurate, you must take it before you do anything: before standing, going to the bathroom or brushing your teeth. It’s easiest just to keep your thermometer next to your bed, within easy reach. Also, for best results, try to take your temperature as close as possible to the same time everyday and after at least 4 hours of continuous sleep, otherwise it will be slightly different.

    Taking your temperature at an unusual time, going to bed late, illness, fever, stress, drinking alcohol, exercise, using an electric blanket or heating pad can all affect your basal body temperature, causing it to be higher than normal. Also, some fertility medications, such as Clomid can cause elevated temperatures and make charting less accurate.