FertilityBlend For Women
A variety of nutritional deficiencies can impair human fertility so many couples who are trying to conceive often wonder if a simple multivitamin will suffice to boost their odds, or if there is a specific benefit from supplements designed to enhance fertility. FertilityBlend has two formulations, one for women and one for men and they are quite different.

FertilityBlend for women has eleven ingredients on the label. The primary ingredient that can improve fertility is Vitex or Chasteberry. Chasteberry is an exceptionally useful herb for women who experience any sort of ovulatory dysfunction such as amenorrhea, excessive menstrual bleeding, painful or irregular bleeding, PMS symptoms, fibroids or endometriosis. It can help to regulate your hormones and menstrual cycle but must be taken for at least 6-18 months depending on the severity of your condition.

L-arginine, another primary component of Fertility Blend for women, is an amino acid that stimulates the reproductive organs by improving circulation to these areas and helps to maintain a healthy uterine lining. Some studies have shown both improved IVF and natural conception rates with L-arginine use.

The other ingredients in the women’s version of FertilityBlend, are green tea, Vitamin E, selenium, folic acid, B6 and B12 and the minerals iron, zinc and magnesium. All of these are in fact crucial to reproductive health but you can find them in virtually any multi-vitamin.

This is an excellent fertility supplement for women who are suffering from cycle and ovulation problems. In fact, every woman who is trying to conceive and has irregular, painful or absent periods should run out and buy some of this immediately and don’t stop taking it until you give up or become pregnant. For cases of unexplained infertility or simply taking a long time to conceive, FertilityBlend may help but you probably will not see the same wonderful results as someone who suffers from an ovulatory disorder and you can probably stick with an excellent multivitamin that contains the same essential ingredients in FertilityBlend minus the Vitex/Chasteberry.

FertilityBlend for Men
FertilityBlend for Men is a totally different formulation than the women’s. The two unique ingredients are Dong Quai, which has been shown to increase sperm quality and l-carnitine is essential for normal sperm function.

Researchers have found that L-carnitine is found in much greater amounts in sperm tissues than other cells. Preliminary studies suggest that L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine may be able to stimulate sperm motility in certain situations. The role of L-carnitine on sperm maturation and sperm quality however, is still unclear.

Several clinical studies have evaluated the effect of L-carnitine on men with a low sperm count, a reduction/loss in sperm movement, or men with both conditions. These studies have evaluated only small numbers of men who took oral carnitine supplements for varying lengths of time. Some patients enrolled in these studies experienced increased sperm counts and/or increased sperm motility, however it is still too early to determine the benefit of L-carnitine supplementation. Fertilnet.comThe other ingredients in FertilityBlend for men are Vitamin C, E, B6, B12, Folate, Zinc, Selenium and Green Tea. Most of these are excellent sperm enhancers. For example, Vitamin E increases motility and helps the sperm penetrate the egg while Vitamin C increases count and prevents the sperm from clumping. Selenium and Zinc are great for motility, sperm production and a healthy male reproductive system.

There are other useful herbs for male fertility that are not included in FertilityBlend such as Maca and COQ10 but overall this is a great choice for all men who are currently trying to conceive. This blend would be an excellent part of preconception planning and a man should start taking it 3-6 months before conception efforts start. This blend is imperative for men who suffer from low sperm count or motility. This may give you the extra boost you need to achieve your pregnancy.

Buy FertilityBlend for women (also comes in 3 month size)
Buy FertilityBlend for Men (also comes in 3 month size)

“Chasteberry is derived from the dried, ripened fruit of Vitex agnuscastus. It contains the two iridoid glycosides, agnuside and aucubin, as well as flavonoids, essential oils, and progestins. The berries exert a progesterogenic effect on women and an antiandrogenic effect on men.” FightingInfertility.com

Chasteberry has historically been used to regulate the female estrogen/progesterone balance. Chasteberry can help regulate your menstrual cycle because it stimulates your pituitary gland to release more luteinizing hormone which increases the progesterone released by your ovaries.

If you suffer from amenorrhea, excessive menstrual bleeding, painful or irregular bleeding, PMS symptoms, fibroids or endometriosis, you may benefit from regular use of a Chasteberry supplement. Like most herbal remedies, patience is key because herbal remedies take time. It should be taken for at least six months for infertility and fibroids and eighteen months for endometriosis and amenorrhea.

Men generally do not take Chasteberry because of the antiandrogenic effects and women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or on hormone replacement therapies need to speak with their doctor, naturopath or herbalist before taking Chasteberry, because it alters your hormonal balance. Naturally those warnings do not apply to woman trying to conceive, but you should probably stop taking it once you become pregnant.

Purchase: Chasteberry
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Taking a break of a month or two can be beneficial on many levels and even more therapeutic if you combine it with an out of town vacation. Chronic stress, lack of sleep, lack of sunshine, poor nutrition and other unhealthy habits can all have a negative long term impact on your fertility. By ignoring your mental health and wellness, you could be exacerbating the problem without knowing it. Not only that, but you owe it to yourself to incorporate balance into your life whether or not you have a child.

Life needs to be about balance in order for a person to be happy. Whenever you put too much of your focus onto only one area of your life, you do it to the detriment of every other aspect of your life. You feel out of balance because you are not paying attention to other aspects of your life, some of which might be very good. You rob yourself of the joy of celebrating other positive moments in your life, such as a promotion at work or the deepening of a friendship. Taking Time Off From Fertility Treatments

If you are of advancing age or have other extreme fertility challenges, you may feel that you cannot afford to “waste” a month or two, but consider the toll on your mental and physical health and the fact that you may be inadvertently making matters worse. You do not have to give up, but you do need to take care of yourself first and that may mean taking a step back to relax, refocus and breathe.

Buy The Audio CD: Indigo Dreams, Real Techniques for Real People Feeling Real Anxiety
(also available in MP3 format)

Author: David Yuri

Sperm enhancement pills have become widely used by men who wish to increase the amount of semen in their ejaculate. Men wish to increase their sperm production for various reasons, among the most frequent ones being long-lasting sexual pleasure, increased fertility, and - last but not least - their personal ego.

The quantity of semen released is often a measure of virility, and this is why a lot of men resort to sperm enhancement products. Apart from sperm enhancement, such pills are also used to increase the libido and the quality of orgasms, which are both influenced by the amount of semen released.

Those wishing to improve their chances for conception often resort to sperm enhancement products. The larger the amount of semen produced, the higher the possibility of conception. Most users of sperm enhancement pills prefer herbal products, made entirely of natural ingredients. Such products are continually being developed by fertility experts, and are highly effective not only because they cause sperm enhancement, but also because they are safe and do not affect the chemical balance of the body. Natural products meant to increase the amount of semen released are generally available without prescription, like most food supplements based on herbal ingredients.

Scientists and doctors who focus on male fertility have developed safe and effective sperm enhancement products. Such products are aimed not only at increasing semen production, but also at treating various sexual dysfunctions and at improving the quality and duration of both male and female orgasm. Sperm enhancement products have always been of interest, but even more so since medical research has shown that the amount of semen produced by a male is in direct connection both with fertility and with the intensity of sexual pleasure. Sperm enhancement pills cover a wide range of the lifestyle drugs market with more and more effective products being constantly developed.

“There are quite a few different herbs that men can take to increase their fertility. One such herb which plays a role in promoting male fertility is flaxseed oil. The ingredients within flaxseed oil help to keep the sperm healthy and may also help with regard to male impotence. Flaxseed oil is a wonderful herbal supplement to consider taking when trying to promote fertility and achieve conception.” The Fertility Shop.com

According to experts, the quantity of semen released by a male at the peak of sexual intercourse is in direct connection with the intensity of sexual pleasure the man experiences. This is why a lot of men decide to use sperm enhancement products. Their choice is often motivated by their desire to appear more virile, but also by their wish to improve the chances for conception. Sperm enhancement products have a beneficial effect on male fertility because they also improve the motility of spermatozoa and the quality of semen. Seminal fluid as the medium for spermatozoa has a major role in fertilization, and this is why pills that stimulate sperm production and improve the seminal fluid are highly appreciated.

Among the lifestyle drugs related to male sexuality, herbal sperm enhancement products are widely used, because they are both safe and effective. The ingredients they are made of are recognized traditional remedies used for centuries to increase semen production. The fact that fertility experts resort to such natural ingredients to develop sperm enhancement products illustrates the recent trend in modern medicine to consider alternative methods of treatment. The human body is regarded in direct relation to the natural environment, and this is also applicable to sexuality. One of the major issues in this respect is the quantity and quality of semen released by males.

From a medical point of view, the effects of sperm enhancement products, including higher fertility and improved sexual pleasure, are due to the fact that the pills meant to increase semen production influence both the quality and quantity of seminal fluid. Those who have used sperm enhancement product testify to an increased libido and longer, high-intensity orgasms and these effects are experienced shortly after beginning the treatment. The volume of semen released increases gradually with taking the pills, and so does the quality of sexual performance.

The fact that herbal sperm enhancement products are recommended by medical experts is of utmost importance. It means that these all-natural pills, meant to increase the quantity of semen produced, are also safe, with no side effects on those who use them. They are recommended not only for sperm enhancement as such, but also for those who wish to increase their chances for fertilization with higher quality semen. Herbal pills used for increasing sperm production are guaranteed to improve sexual performance and the intensity and duration of orgasms, which is why they are highly popular.

Sheryl’s comment:
It takes about 70 days to produce fully mature sperm cells that appear in ejaculate. Keep that in mind when supplementing with herbal products. If you are taking any dietary supplements to increase male fertility, give it a minimum of three months to kick in and keep taking it until conception occurs.

Buy Amberoz Fertility Enhancement Pills

About the author:
To transform the fantasy into reality, to have the ability to prolong orgasm, to enhance the quantity of semen you ejaculate, you should benefit from sperm enhancement with natural products.

A recent study published in the November 1, 2007, issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology which was completed by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)concluded that women can substantially reduce their relative risk of infertility caused by ovulatory disorders with simple dietary and lifestyle changes.

The study focused on infertility caused by ovulatory problems which is responsible for up to 30% of infertility cases. The study followed almost 18,000 married women and tracked a number of factors that have been proven to cause ovulatory problems and ovulatory related infertility in women.

“The women with the highest fertility diet scores ate less trans fat and sugar from carbohydrates, consumed more protein from vegetables than from animals, ate more fiber and iron, took more multivitamins, had a lower BMI, exercised for longer periods of time each day, and, surprisingly, consumed more high-fat dairy products and less low-fat dairy products. The relationship between a higher ‘fertility diet’ score and lesser risk for infertility was similar for different subgroups of women regardless of age and whether or not they had been pregnant in the past.

Said Chavarro, ‘We analyzed what happens if you follow one, two, three, four, or more different factors. What we found was that, as women started following more of these recommendations, their risk of infertility dropped substantially for every one of the dietary and lifestyle strategies undertaken. In fact, we found a sixfold difference in ovulatory infertility risk between women following five or more low-risk dietary and lifestyle habits and those following none.’”

There are so many reasons why this study makes sense. Notice that the factors common to women with the highest fertility scores are common to anyone who follows a very healthy lifestyle. If you get more of your protein from vegetables than animals for example, you are missing all sorts hormones, antibiotics and other nasty chemicals that are routinely given to commercially raised livestock and poultry.

Want to maximize your fertility diet further? In addition to the factors that improve fertility in this study, stick to organic animal and vegetable products and raw, full fat dairy products.

You have been trying to have a baby for years. You carefully track your ovulation, you try all the tricks and still no baby. You visit your doctor who runs a battery of tests on you and your partner. Everything looks fine, he declares! No reason you should not be able to have a baby! Unexplained infertility strikes again.

Infertility can be caused by many factors other than the basic reproductive complications that your fertility doctor may look for such as endometriosis or a low sperm count. Infertility can be brought on by toxins, lifestyle, stress, poor health or most likely some combination of these.

One cause of infertility that is often overlooked is thyroid disorders. This tiny gland at the base of your neck can cause serious health complications if it is over or under active. An overactive thyroid is called hyperactive while an underactive one is called hypoactive. Hypoactive thyroid is a very common, yet often undiagnosed condition. Many of the symptoms are vague and can be easily dismissed by a doctor who is not familiar with the warning signs.

Due to the fact that your thyroid is directly linked to your metabolism, one of the first signs of an underactive thyroid is an inability to lose weight or unexplained weight gain. Some hypothyroid sufferers hardly eat at all and still fail to drop a pound. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

• Coarse, frizzy hair
• Outer 1/3 of eyebrows thin or missing
• Pale, dry skin
• Fatigue
• Memory loss and brain fog
• Intolerance to the cold
• Constipation
• Irregular or heavy menstrual cycles
• Irritability and depression
• Joint and muscle soreness
• Decreased sexual libido

As you can see, most of these symptoms are vague enough to be totally overlooked by many doctors except those who are able to put all the symptoms together to see the big picture. This is why millions of cases go undetected while the poor sufferers simply chalk up their symptoms to aging or some other mystery ailment.

This is unfortunate for those trying to conceive. Hypothyroidism can cause menstrual irregularities, decreased sex drive, miscarriage, failure to ovulate, premature childbirth and preeclampsia. Some women experience an autoimmune version of hypothyroidism in which their bodies are producing killer cells which attacks their own tissues (including their own thyroid or an embryo). If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism and have experienced a miscarriage then you should visit a reproductive immunologist because normal thyroid medications will not resolve the underlying autoimmune issue and it is highly unlikely that you will be able to maintain a pregnancy without treatment.

Most women with hypothyroidism can be treated and can achieve and carry a normal pregnancy, however. The trick is getting diagnosed and getting appropriate treatment. Since many doctors will not recognize the symptoms of hypothyroidism, you may need to insist on a thyroid test. The problem is, however that testing for thyroid problems is sketchy at best. Doctors will admit that results can vary wildly from day to day. You may have to insist on more detailed tests from an endocrinologist.

“Your thyroid gland produces two main hormones, thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3), that influence every cell in your body. They maintain the rate at which your body uses fats and carbohydrates, help control your body temperature, influence your heart rate and help regulate the production of protein. Your thyroid gland also produces calcitonin, a hormone that regulates the amount of calcium in your blood” - Mayoclinic.com

Once diagnosed, there are two different medications that your doctor may prescribe to you. The first is synthetic drug containing thyroxine - T4 only (Levothyroxine) and the second is desiccated animal thyroid (Armour) and contains both thyroxine and triiodothyronine - T3 and T4. Many doctors prefer the T4 only version, but countless women who did not get well on the T3 only finally achieved a normal level of health on the T3-T4 combination.

This still does not help women who fail to obtain an accurate diagnosis of hypothyroidism or women who are diagnosed with a sub-clinical level of hypothyroidism and their doctor will not provide a prescription. Other women are inclined to fix the cause of their thyroid troubles rather than applying the band-aid of prescription medications.

While an under active thyroid can have many causes, one of the primary causes is an iodine deficiency. While iodine is added back into table salt, many women do not use enough salt to prevent a deficiency. Living near the ocean helps prevent iodine deficiency as well but that does not help the millions of women landlocked far from iodine rich soil. Lastly, seaweed, specifically Kelp and Dulse, are fabulous sources of iodine but most Americans do not incorporate seaweed into their diets the way the Japanese do.

Another factor in chronic iodine deficiency in the Unite States is the ridiculously low RDA. The current RDA for iodine in the United States is 0.125 mg while the Japanese regularly consume over 13 mg daily (over 100 times the US RDA) with no ill effects and arguably some of the best health in the world. Click here to learn more about iodine studies, health benefits and why the US RDA for iodine is ridiculous). So even if your daily supplement contains iodine, it does not contain nearly enough to prevent an iodine deficiency.

“The role of iodine in the body goes far beyond its function of making thyroid hormones. Other possible functions include: helping to regulate moods, preventing cancer (especially in breasts, ovaries, uterus, prostate and thyroid gland), preventing and treating fibrocystic breasts in women, helping to regulate blood pressure, helping to regulate blood sugar and prevent and treat diabetes, and helping to prevent abnormal cardiac rhythms.” - Mbschachter.com

Clearly, adequate iodine intake is essential for good overall health in addition to optimal reproductive health. There are many ways to start reversing an iodine deficiency. Some people drink dissolved sea salt and water, others take baths with dead sea salts. You can obviously eat more seaweed and kelp supplements but some seaweed can be contaminated with pollutants. Two items you can pick up at most pharmacies or online, Lugol’s solution(2 drops) and Iodoral, both contain 12 mg of iodine and iodide. Some people paint their feet with iodine or use colorless iodine for a variety of health ailments, including reversing an iodine deficiency. It may take up to three months at 50 mg/day to achieve iodine sufficiency or up to a year at lower doses so this is not a quick fix (unlike prescription thyroid medications). Learn more about how people use it and how it benefits their health at Earthclinic.com

Lastly, iodine deficiencies during pregnancy can cause mental retardation, autism and other birth defects like cretinism. Studies have shown increased intelligence in newborns whose mothers supplemented with iodine during pregnancy. If you are trying to conceive then you need iodine, not only for your thyroid and reproductive health, but to maintain a healthy pregnancy and have a healthy baby. Unless you live on the ocean and eat sushi every day, you might want to consider getting your body iodine sufficient and baby ready.

Check out Mary Shomon’s Interactive Thyroid Quiz
Buy the Book: The Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough

By: Priya Shah

Falling Sperm Counts
Many people are aware that sperm counts have dropped by half in the last 50 years, and that modern men have 20 percent less semen volume than their fathers (BMJ, 1992, volume 305).

A recent report from researchers in Aberdeen presented preliminary data that suggests the sperm concentration of the men seen in their clinic had declined by 29% over the past 14 years. (British Fertility Society; 5 January 2004)

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals from normal, everyday plastics are known to cause reproductive damage, as documented in Theo Colborn’s book “Our Stolen Future.” Damage to sperm caused by exposure to common chemicals like alcohol and pesticides in food has been linked to lowered intelligence and behavioral disorders in children.

Lifestyle risk factors known to decrease sperm quality include:

• Cigarette smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Chronic stress
• Nutritional deficiencies

Other causes of infertility include congenital factors and health conditions like prostatitis and diabetes that can affect sperm production.

Pollution is stealing our future, and there’s little anyone can do to avoid it. There may not be a lot you can do to reduce your exposure to persistent environmental toxins. There are definite measures you can take to reduce the impact of the environmental pollutants and toxins on your body.

You can prevent and, to a certain extent, repair the damage they cause to your body, through a better lifestyle and nutrition. Some nutritional therapies and antioxidants that have proven beneficial in treating male infertility and improving sperm counts, sperm morphology and motility include:

• Carnitine
• Arginine
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Vitamin B-12
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Glutathione
• Coenzyme Q10

Studies show that anti-oxidant supplementation - glutathione in particular - can improve sperm quality, and possibly increase your chances of conceiving.

If you smoke, drink, are exposed to stress, chemicals, radiation, pesticides or take medication or drugs (like sulfasalazine, ketoconazole, azulfidine, anabolic steroids, marijuana) that affect fertility, you should consider taking an antioxidant supplement to reverse some of the damage.

Why are Antioxidants Important for Sperm Quality?
Mammalian spermatozoa are coated by a membrane rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids are extremely susceptible to oxidative damage by free radicals or Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) by a process called lipid peroxidation (LPO).

Lipid peroxidation damages the sperm cell membrane. It is considered to be the key mechanism of ROS-induced sperm damage and leads to

• Loss of sperm motility
• Abnormal sperm morphology
• Reduced capacity for oocyte penetration
• Infertility

“Supplementing has been difficult as research suggests that glutathione taken orally is not well absorbed across the GI tract. glutathione precursors such as undenatured whey protein and N-acetyl-cysteine have been shown to increase glutathione content within the cell. N-acetylcysteine is a generically available supplement which has been demonstrated to increase intracellular reduced and total glutathione by 92% and 58% respectively.” - Wikipedia.org

To protect sperm from damage, the body depends on powerful antioxidant enzymes in the body such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase/reductase (GPX/GRD). Some amount of all the antioxidant enzymes, which may protect spermatozoa from oxidative attack, are also made by the epididymis during storage. The glutathione peroxidase/reductase enzymes play a central role in the defense against oxidative damage in human sperm.

Why is Glutathione important for Sperm Quality and Fertility?
A decrease in levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) during sperm production is known to disrupt the membrane integrity of spermatozoa due to increased oxidative stress. Intracellular glutathione levels of spermatozoa are known to be decreased in certain populations of infertile men.

Compared with a control group, the infertile men in all groups had significantly higher levels of ROS and lower levels of total antioxidants. There is strong clinical evidence to show that men diagnosed with infertility have high levels of oxidative stress that may impair the quality of their sperm. In some groups, higher levels of ROS were associated with lower sperm counts and defective sperm structure, while lower antioxidant levels correlated with reduced sperm movement.

Previous evidence has also shown that oxidative stress can decrease a sperm’s life span, its motility, and its ability to penetrate the oocyst, or egg cell. Up to 40% of men with unexplained male infertility have higher levels of free radical activity in their bodies. Because men with high levels of ROS have a seven-fold lower likelihood of inducing a pregnancy than men with lower levels, researchers recommend that treatment for infertile men should include strategies to reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm quality.

How can Glutathione help in the Treatment of Infertility?
Glutathione is not only vital to sperm antioxidant defenses, but selenium and glutathione are essential to the formation of “phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase” - an enzyme present in spermatids - which becomes a structural protein in the mid-piece of mature spermatozoa. When either substance is deficient, it can lead to instability of the mid-piece of the spermatozoa, resulting in defective motility. Free radical scavengers - such as glutathione - that restore the structure and function of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the cell membrane, can be used to treat these cases.

In a double-blind cross-over study of twenty infertile men, treatment with glutathione led to a statistically significant improvement of the sperm quality. The study concerned men in whom the sperm quality was poor due to unilateral varicocele or germ-free genital tract inflammation - two conditions in which ROS or other toxic compounds are indicated as causative factors. Treatment with glutathione was also found to have a statistically significantly positive effect on sperm motility (in particular forward motility) and on sperm morphology. The findings of these studies indicate that glutathione therapy could represent a possible therapeutical tool in cases where ROS or exposure to toxins is the probable cause of infertility.

Glutathione Therapy for Male Infertility Study- 1992
“Eleven infertile men were treated with glutathione (600 mg/day IM) for 2 months. Standard semen and computer analyses of sperm motility were carried out before treatment and after 30 and 60 days of therapy. Glutathione exerted significant effect on sperm motility patterns. Glutathione appears to have a therapeutic effect on some andrological pathologies causing male infertility.” Pubmed.gov

Buy the Book: Glutathione: The Ultimate Antioxidant

Read the complete report with references on Male Infertility and Glutathione

Copyright © 2004 Priya Shah

_____________________________________________

About the author:
Priya Shah is the Editor of The Glutathione Report, a newsletter featuring regular updates on the health benefits of glutathione. Get a Free report on Glutathione in Health and Disease
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Chlamydia is a common transmitted disease (STD). It caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, which can damage a woman’s reproductive organs. Name “chlamydia” is derived from the Greek word “chlamys,” which was a kind of cloak worn by men in ancient Greece. Chlamydia is one of the most widespread bacterial STDs in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 2.8 million people are infected each year. Chlamydia bacteria live in fluid and in semen.

Even though symptoms of chlamydia are usually mild or absent, serious complications that cause irreversible damage, including infertility, can occur “silently” before a woman ever recognizes a problem. Chlamydia is known as a “silent” disease because about 75% of infected women and about 50% of infected men have no symptoms. Even if symptoms are present, they may be mild and last only a few days, and may not be noticed or considered significant.

Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after you are infected. Those who do have symptoms may have an abnormal discharge (mucus or pus) and may experience pain while urinating. These early symptoms may be very mild. In women, bacteria can infect the cervix and urinary tract. If the bacteria move into the fallopian tubes, they can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can lead to infertility if untreated.

In men, chlamydia can infect the urinary tract and the epididymis, causing epididymitis (inflammation of the reproductive area near the testicles). Chlamydia also can cause discharge from the penis of an infected man.

“Officially, it [Chlamydia] is a bacterium, but it is more like a virus in being very small and unable to multiply outside living cells. Chlamydia is not life-threatening, but it can do serious damage to a woman’s Fallopian tubes. If this happens, the woman could become infertile.”… - EmbarrasingProblems.co.uk

Causes of Chlamydial Infections

• Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Chlamydia pneumonia.
• Chlamydia psittaci.
• Unprotected sex (oral, vaginal or anal)

Symptoms of Chlamydial Infections

• Irritation with discharge
• Cough and fever can occur in pneumonia (although the classic description is afebrile)
• Eye discharge and/or swelling develop in conjunctivitis
• Lower abdomen tender to palpation

Treatment & Prevention of Chlamydial Infections
1.Chlamydial infection is treated with oral antibiotics.

2.Persons with chlamydia should abstain from intercourse until they and their partners have completed treatment, otherwise re-infection is possible.

3.Having multiple infections increases a woman’s risk of serious reproductive health complications, including infertility. Retesting should be considered for women, especially adolescents, three to four months after treatment. Latex male condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of chlamydia.

4.Use condoms correctly every time you have sex.

5.Limit the number of partners, and do not go back and forth between partners. Practice abstinence, or limit contact to one uninfected partner.

6.Common methods of birth control, like the oral contraceptive pill or the contraceptive shot or implant, do not give women protection from STDs. Women who use these methods should also use condoms every time they have sex to prevent STDs.

“Some of the young women have never even heard of the disease that threatens to sterilize them. They wonder, in their classic youthful way, how this possibly could be happening to them.” - Source: Chlamydia: the cruel fertility thief - Seattle Times.

Juliet Cohen writes articles on rare skin disorders and health disorders. She also writes articles on health care.

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

By: Keysha

The first thing that the infertility specialist will do is analyze your medical history and perform a physical examination. He will ask questions about your medical and emotional health, menstrual history, whether you or your partner are under any medications, about your lifestyle, if your or your partner smoke, consume dugs, alcohol or caffeine. All these can help the doctor establish what kind of tests to perform.

The following tests can be performed to determine the cause of infertility:

• Monitoring the body’s temperature in order to determine if ovulation takes place
• A urine test to detect LH surges helps to determine the precise day of ovulation
• Blood and urine tests can be performed to determine hormone levels
• The doctor may take tissue samples of the uterus to establish if the corpus luteum produces an appropriate quantity of progesterone so that to the risk of premature ovarian failure or the absence of ovulation could be eliminated;
• To measure FSH (follicle stimulating hormone, the woman will take clomiphene citrate (a fertility drug) on days 5 and 9 of the menstrual cycle and on the 10th day the doctor will measure FSH to test the ovarian reserve;
• Women with ovarian failure may take a test for autoimmune disease like diabetes or hypothyroidism

If these tests don’t show off any result (which is very possible), then other procedures are performed for examining the uterus.

“Before you have infertility tests, try fertility awareness methods to find the best time to become pregnant. A woman is most fertile during ovulation and 1 to 2 days before ovulation. Some couples find that they have been missing the most fertile days when trying to become pregnant. A woman should keep a record of her menstrual cycle and when she ovulates. This record will help your doctor if you decide to have infertility tests.” - Webmd.com

Ultrasound
The ultrasound procedure uses sound waves, is painless and is used to evaluate the ovaries and the uterus in order to detect ovarian cysts and tumors, fibroids.

Hysterosalpingography
Hysterosalpingography is a procedure used to discover any abnormalities of the uterus and an eventual blockage in the fallopian tubes. A small tube is inserted into the cervix and a special dye is injected through this tube into the uterus and the fallopian tubes. The uterus and the fallopian tubes filled with this dye are exposed to an X-ray. If the X-ray shows that the dye emerges from the end of the tube then there is no blockage. This procedure carries a risk of pelvic infection so it is recommended that the patient take antibiotics prior to the procedure.

Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy procedure uses a tube (hysteroscope) inserted into the vagina, then into the cervix all the way to the uterus. The hysteroscope is equipped with a small camera that allows the doctor to view the uterus. This procedure may detect conditions like: fibroids, pelvic scar tissue, endometriosis and correct them by eliminating the scar tissues that may attach organs together. There are some risks associated with this procedure such as: infection, bleeding, or side effects of the anesthesia.

Sheryl’s comment:
While it may be comforting on some level for you to find out a specific cause of your failure to conceive, you very well may undergo these invasive, painful & expensive tests only to hear what many before you have heard. “Unexplained infertility“. Some studies have shown that up to 80% of couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility are able to conceive after undergoing natural treatments for infertility (such as acupuncture) and lifestyle changes (such as yoga for fertility, daily walks and better sleeping habits). Perhaps it makes sense to implement as many of these changes as is reasonably possible prior to undergoing medical fertility testing looking for an answer.

For more information about in vitro fertilization you can visit our site In Vitro Fertilization , find what are the in-vitro-fertilization.eu/infertility-treatment.htm“>infertility treatment . More information here in-vitro-fertilization.eu .

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