Showing posts with label Infertility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Infertility. Show all posts

Jun 15, 2009

Infertility Treatment

Infertility Treatment Has Given New Dimension to The Dream of Having a Child

Executive Summary about Infertility Treatment by Smit Mathur

Infertility specialists and fertility management Australia are involved day and night in research and development to discover infertility drugs, which can cure infertility problems of couples. The problem or the cause of infertility can be divided into :

Male infertility
• Female infertility

There are hundreds of reasons behind male and female infertility and their treatment depends upon the type of the problem. Few of the common causes of infertility among men are :

• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Genetic disorders
• Environmental factors
• Less semen formation
• Age, etc.

However reasons behind female infertility are much more complex in nature. Some common female infertility problems are

• Blockage in fallopian tube
• Uterine fibroid
• Urine infection
• Poor diet and nutrition
• Genetic problem

There are a number of treatment procedures available for couples facing infertility problems. Some of the most important ones are

IVF treatment and IVF Diagnosis
• Natural fertility treatment
Traditional Chinese medicine
• Surrogate mothers
Pregnancy treatment
• Infertility acupressure
• Chinese infertility medicine

Female Infertility and Infertility Treatment Options

Executive Summary about Infertility Treatment by Cindy Heller

Female infertility is fairly common nowadays. With the correct diagnosis of female infertility, it can be tackled successfully. The Causes of Female Infertility

There are many factors that contribute to female infertility. If hormonal problems are the cause of female infertility, the treatment options include taking hormones orally. Infections, endometriosis and surgeries can cause damage to the fallopian tubes. In rare cases, the cause of the female infertility cannot be determined. Common Female Infertility Treatments

New drugs are now available to enhance the success rate of many female infertility treatments. Often, female infertility treatment drugs are used together with Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In vitro fertilization.

This female infertility treatment method is usually painless. In Vitro Fertilization is another common female infertility treatment. In this female infertility treatment, fertilization occurs in a lab. This female infertility treatment entails the removal of mature eggs from the female and is fertilized with sperm collected from the male. It is a popular form of female infertility treatment.

Endometrial Biopsy

When a woman is diagnosed with infertility, the doctor will usually perform a procedure called an endometrial biopsy.

Infertility can be caused by a hormonal imbalance, which is why endometrial biopsy and infertility go hand in hand. If the endometrial biopsy detects that the infertility is caused by a hormonal imbalance, the doctor will usually prescribe progesterone to relieve the situation.

Read my oher info on : Egg Donor and Prenatal Care


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Jun 12, 2009

Infertility Clinic

Higher Numbers of Miscarriages and Infertility, Any Link?

Executive summary about Infertility Clinic by by Michael Russell


Pregnancy loss or miscarriage is not uncommon among fertile and childbearing women, but whether problems with fertility aggravate pregnancy loss is an issue to be critically looked into.
In the general population, pregnancy loss ranges between 10-20%. Furthermore, many of the miscarriages in healthy women occur long before a fetal heartbeat is detectable by vaginal ultrasound. In one of such studies, carried out in the UK with 231 women in an infertility clinic it was discovered that pregnancy loss averaged 7.7% with single pregnancies and 18.0% with multiple pregnancies in women below 35 years of age; while the value for women over 35 years old was 4.9% for single pregnancies and 13.4% for multiple pregnancies.
This study result plainly shows that women with infertility problems are not just going to have problems getting pregnant, they might also find it difficult to carry babies to term and deliver a healthy baby, when pregnancy does occur. Due to these, and many other factors, miscarriage rates appear to be higher in women suffering infertility, especially if over 35 years old and in cases of multiple pregnancies.

Infertility Clinic: Who Gets Involved?
Executive summary about Infertility Clinic by by Low Jeremy

Here are the following people you must look for from an infertility clinic :
a.Reproductive Surgeon or Reproductive Endocrinologist
b.Reproductive Immunologist
c.Embryologist
The infertility clinic must atleast have one embryologist specializing in fields like pre-implantation embryology, fertilization events (pre- and post), and andrology. Reproductive Urologist
d.Urologist
An urologist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility covering male factors.
e. Andrologist
Andrologists are more like laboratory specialists rather than people detailing the anatomical background of infertility. They focus on the physiology relating to infertility, treatment cycle for which assisted reproductive technologies are largely based, and biochemistry. They are responsible in developing and handling procedures in aid of fertilization in larger infertility laboratories where they work closely with other specialists in inducing assisted fertilization.
f. Geneticist
Some cases of infertility are grounded on genetic abnormalities such as Tay Sachs syndrome, Klinefelters disease, sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.

Check Out My Other Info On Pregnancy and Nutrition , and Baby Gender Selection
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Oriental Medicine and Women's Health

Executive summary about reproductive medicine by Kitty Bradshaw

Women's health, and the problems that affect it, has been well understood by Oriental medicine for millennia. This holistic approach to health and well-being is exceptionally effective today in treating women's health problems, such as:
•Childbirth-related problems.
•Post-partum depression.
•The full range of health issues affecting women throughout their reproductive and post-reproductive years.

Unique Problems
Women have unique reproductive systems that are prone to unique health problems.
A Better Quality of Life
By addressing women's unique health issues, Oriental medicine helps you regain and maintain a unique feeling of health.

Acupuncture and Fertility: Natural Support for Fertility Enhancement with Acupuncture
Executive summary about reproductive medicine by Sadie Minkoff

For over 2,500 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners have been examining the most effective ways to help naturally boost fertility as well as to ameliorate imbalances that contribute to reproductive difficulties. The practice of TCM includes acupuncture, nutrition, herbal medicine and gentle energy building exercises.
Additionally, acupuncture is regularly utilized in conjunction with Assisted Reproductive Therapies [including: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)], to increase their effectiveness.
A balanced diet is of utmost importance where reproductive health is concerned. Reducing caffeine, alcohol, sugar and foods high in saturated fat, while eating plenty of color rich vegetables and essential fatty acids is key. Only buy organic foods to avoid pesticides and additives. Additionally, incorporating gentle energy building exercises - such as Tai qi, Qi gong, or Yoga - nourish the spirit, calm the mind and strengthen the body.
One of the strengths of Traditional Chinese Medicine is that it takes into consideration every aspect of one’s life, including factors such as sleep patterns, stress level and digestion. Imbalances that seem unrelated reveal underlying patterns of disharmony that can contribute to infertility. Acupuncture works by treating the “root” of the problem as well as the “branch” to enhance overall functioning. Today scientists are attempting to translate the effects of this ancient medicine into modern biophysical terms as more research comes out in support of acupuncture’s effect on fertility. Western medical theory holds that acupuncture initiates electromagnetic signals via the nervous and endocrine systems, to the hypothalamus. A recent study indicates that acupuncture improves sperm count, motility and quality.

Check Out My Other Info On Defining Unexplained Infertility , Pregnancy and Nutrition and Baby Gender Selection
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Jun 11, 2009

Infertility Treatment - What's The Process?

Executive summary about Infertility Treatment by Heather Owens

Many treatments can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars, if the couple doesn't have insurance coverage. Very few states in the USA require health insurers to cover infertility treatments, so most couples end up having to finance the procedures themselves. Some couples end up taking a second mortgage on their home in order to pay for infertility treatments. If you're going to consult a medical professional about infertility treatment, then chances are there's one question you both want to have answered - what's the problem? The first stage of infertility treatment involves a few simple tests to determine if there's an obvious cause for the infertility. Sometimes initial testing doesn't reveal an obvious cause for the infertility, in which case further testing by an infertility specialist will take place. If there's still no obvious cause for infertility, and no success in falling pregnant, then the couple can choose to pursue more extensive infertility treatment. Many couples successfully fall pregnant after infertility treatment, but remember, a positive outcome is never guaranteed.

The Concept of Fertility Treatment

Executive summary about Infertility Treatment by James Bowie

The term fertility treatment suggests a treatment to improve the fertility or egg production in women who would like to bring a new child into the world. Infertility often creates high levels of stress within relationships. The advances or lack of, are not unrelated to the ever increasing cases of infertility among people today. Major lifestyle changes make people more susceptible to being plagued by infertility: quite often this illness, and it is an illness, is self-inflicted. Infertility from a Medical Point of View.
Infertility can affect either or both parties in any relationship. The treatments required for infertility, are gender specific and will vary with each patient's case history. After the tests have been completed, the treatment for infertility will consider any and all cures, any of these can entail a number of different procedures which will depend on the requirements of the patient and the analysis gained from the tests. Exercise and other complimentary treatments
Apart from the use of medical fertility treatments there are also other things which will be suggested to compliment the ongoing treatment. Stress is a major contributing factor to a lot of illness not least infertility, therefore stress must be dealt with immediately.
Infertility is quite an emotional experience for all concerned and deserves to be closely scrutinised by everyone concerned with the subject. Many people are afraid to admit to be suffering from infertility, which is a real shame as there is treatment and support available from many outlets.
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Infertility Counseling: Is It Right for You?

Executive summary about Infertility Counseling by Mike Jerry

Infertility counseling can help most couples that are going through fertility treatment programs. There are two types of counseling that an individual or couple may be looking at for fertility assistance; emotional counseling and physical pregnancy support.

Physical Pregnancy Help
The doctor's knowledge of their specialty is an essential part of fertility support.

Financial Help
There are a variety of fertility grant and pregnancy grant programs available to both men and women who are suffering infertility. Emotional Help
Another important aspect of fertility programs is their ability to successfully offer infertility assistance on an emotional level. Couples can visit a therapist to discuss their concerns and worrying regarding the process of infertility.

Community Help
One of the easiest ways to get support while going through infertility is to seek an infertility group. Most fertility clinics will have information on a fertility support group in the area. To make the process more enjoyable couples should utilize all the resources that are available to them, including: financial, emotional, and community support programs.

The Importance Of Genetic Counseling - It Pays To Keep Eyes Open
Executive summary abot Infertility Counseling by Saurabh K Jain

At times, it is fatal to undermine the importance of genetic counseling. Genetic counseling helps in diagnosing of any risk factors to the impending pregnancy. Reasons For Genetic Counseling
•If your partner is 35 years old.
•if you have a disorder like cystic fibrosis.
•if you have a child with mental disorder.
•if your child has genetic disorder.
•if you have constant miscarriages or if your babies are still born.
•if you have STD.
•if you have problems of infertility.
•if your family has had a history of a particular disease.
•if you have a physical deformity of any kind.
•if you catch pregnancy infections
•if your family has a history of epilepsy.

Classification Of Tests
The carrier test examines for a kind of blood disorder called Thalassemia. The disease cystic fibrosis usually afflicts people of Caucasian origin. The screening tests can also determine the Huntington’s disease and the hemophilia disease. How can one undermine the importance of genetic counseling.
Genetic counseling helps them to organize themselves, free themselves of these harmful substances at the pregnancy planning stage, and deliver healthy babies. Genetic disorders and developmental disorders can be detected with the test of Amniocentesis. The importance of genetic counseling is evident again over here.
The cost of genetic counseling is quite affordable. Most insurance policies cover genetic counseling.

Check Out My Other Info On IVF Info , In Vitro Fertilization , and Baby Gender Selection
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Jun 9, 2009

Male Infertility - Overview


Approximately 15% of couples attempting their first pregnancy meet with failure. Important issues related to the evaluation of the male factor include the most appropriate time for the male evaluation, the most efficient format for a comprehensive male exam, and definition of rationale and effective medical and surgical regimens in the treatment of these disorders. Unduly prolonged unprotected intercourse should not be advocated before a workup of the man is instituted. Initial screening of the man should be considered whenever the patient presents with the chief complaint of infertility. This initial evaluation should be rapid, non-invasive and cost effective.

MALE REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis

The hypothalamus releases GnRH in a pulsatile nature which appears to be essential for stimulating the production and release of both luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Testosterone, the major secretory product of the testes, is a primary inhibitor of LH secretion in males. The mechanism of feedback control of FSH is regulated by a Sertoli cell product called inhibin. Prolactin also has a complex inter-relationship with the gonadotropins, LH and FSH. In males with hyperprolactinemia, the prolactin tends to inhibit the production of GnRH. Besides inhibiting LH secretion and testosterone production, elevated prolactin levels may have a direct effect on the central nervous system.

Testis

In the intact testis, LH receptors decrease or down-regulate after exogenous LH administration. Estrogen inhibits some enzymes in the testosterone synthetic pathway and therefore directly effects testosterone production. 44% is bound to testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin or TeBG, also called sex hormone-binding globulin. 54% of testosterone is bound to albumin and other proteins. These steroid-binding proteins modulate androgen action. The biological actions of androgens are exerted on target organs that contain specific androgen receptor proteins.

The germinal cells. The seminiferous tubules contain all the germ cells at various stages of maturation and their supporting Sertoli cells. Sertoli cells are a fixed-population of non-dividing support cells. Sertoli cells appear to be involved with the nourishment of developing germ cells as well as the phagocytosis of damaged cells.

Spermatogenesis is a complex process whereby primitive stem cells or spermatogonia, either divide to reproduce themselves for stem cell renewal or they divide to produce daughter cells that will later become spermatocytes. The spermatids then undergo a transformation into a spermatozoa. Groups of germ cells tend to develop and pass through spermatogenesis together. This sequence of developing germ cells is called a generation. There are six stages of seminiferous epithelium development. LH effects spermatogenesis indirectly in that it stimulates androgenous testosterone production. FSH targets Sertoli cells. Androgen-binding protein which is a Sertoli cell product carries testosterone intracellularly and may serve as a testosterone reservoir within the seminiferous tubules in addition to transporting testosterone from the testis into the epididymal tubule.

Transport-Maturation-Storage of Sperm Although the testis is responsible for sperm production, the epididymis is intimately involved with the maturation, storage and transport of spermatozoa. Spermatozoa gain progressive motility and fertilizing ability after passing through the epididymis. The coiled seminiferous tubules terminate within the rete testis, which in turn coalesces to form the ductuli efferentes. These ductuli efferentes conduct testicular fluid and spermatozoa into the head of the epididymis. The epididymis consists of a fragile single convoluted tubule that is 5-6 meters in length. The epididymis is divided into the head, body, and tail. The epididymis also serves as a reservoir or storage area for sperm. Prior to ejaculation peristalsis of the vas deferens and bladder neck occur under sympathetic nervous control. The major volume of the seminal fluid comes from the seminal vesicles and secondarily the prostate. The first portion of the ejaculate characteristically contains most of the spermatozoa and most of the prostatic secretions, while the second portion is composed primarily of seminal vesicle secretions and fewer spermatozoa.

Check Out My Other Info On About Pregnancy , IVF Info and In Vitro Fertilization

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Jun 8, 2009

Defining the Unexplained Infertility Diagnosis


A couple that has been assigned the diagnosis Unexplained Infertility, obviously suffers from infertility and has undergone a diagnostic work up which failed to reveal a credible underlying cause for their condition. In other words, the diagnosis of UI is reached by default; it is a negative diagnosis, suggesting that a clinical problem exists but that the probable cause for this problem has remained elusive. Moreover, even if it were to exist, it would behoove us to improve the sensitivity of our diagnostic testing, so that testing procedures become able to detect even subtle and multifactorial abnormalities in the reproductive processes which can lead to infertility. The opposite is, of course, also true: the shoddier a diagnostic evaluation, the more often will it end up with a diagnosis of UI. The hypothetical conclusion that a couple suffers from UI will, therefore, greatly vary between practitioners, and what is considered UI in one practice may have a very specific diagnosis in another.

Unexplained infertility and female age

The likelihood of a diagnosis of unexplained infertility is increased substantially in women 35 and over - and greatly increased in women over 38. The reason for this is that there are more likely to be egg quantity and quality problems as women age. Since we do not have a "standard category" called egg factor infertility, these couples sometimes get lumped in to the "unexplained" infertility category. Most women over 40 who try to get pregnant will have difficulty, and fertility over age 44 is rare - even in women who are ovulating regularly every month. The point is that the older the female partner, the more likely that there is an egg related issue causing the fertility problem. Unfortunately, there is currently no specific test for "egg quality".

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