Fertility Help — Understanding Infertility Tests And Treatments

*Question: How do you test for infertility?

Before taking any fertility tests, a doctor will give you an examination to determine to what extent the infertility problem exists. The fertility specialist will generally begin with physical examinations and sexual and medical histories for both you and your partner.

After completing the medical examinations, your doctor will begin to run some tests. Generally, men undergo semen specimen tests where the sperm will be evaluated based on ejaculation volume, its shape, and its movement (or motility). There may also be a need for additional tests such as hormone tests.

For a woman, the doctor will try to determine if she is ovulating properly every month. To determine this, she will be asked to either record her temperature every morning along with cervical mucous texture or she will need to use a home ovulation test kit. You may need to take some additional tests to determine ovulation. These tests may include blood tests for determining hormone levels and ultrasound tests on the ovaries.

*Question: Can my infertility be treated?

Treatment for infertility depends on the physical examination and test results. In most cases, 85 to 90 percent of infertility cases are treated with prescription drugs or surgery.

There are several different fertility drugs that can be taken by women having ovulation problems. However, it is essential that you speak with your physician and let him prescribe the right drugs for your situation. He is the best person to explain to you the possible side effects as well as the possible benefits.

Surgery can be done in cases where fertility problems are caused by damage or other problems in the reproductive organs of either the man or the woman.

*Question: What kinds of medicines do fertility specialists use in order to treat infertility in women?

If a woman has ovulation complications, Clomiphene Citrate is often prescribed. This drug is commonly used for women who may be experiencing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or other disorders that cause ovulation problems.

The hMG (human menopausal gonadotropin is the medicine usually used by women who are not ovulatiing because of problems with pituitary glands. It acts directly on the ovaries and encourages ovulation.

A few other ovary-stimulating drugs such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) are also sometimes prescribed for women experiencing problems with infertility. These drugs generally come in the form of injections.

Metformin is generally used to treat women with high levels of male hormones that cause problems with ovulating. Sometimes it is also combined with FSH.

Also common, Bromocriptine is often prescribed for women who have problems ovulating caused by high levels of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production.

*Question: Which kinds of insurance plans cover treatment of infertility?

While you will find insurance plans that cover infertility treatments, such coverage is dependent on where you live and the type of insurance policy you have. Presently, twelve states have enacted laws that require providers of insurance to cover some form of infertility diagnosis and treatments, either in full or in part. The following states have enacted these laws:

- Arkansas

- California

- Connecticut

- Hawaii

- Illinois

- Maryland

- Massachusetts

- Montana

- New York

- Ohio

- Rhode Island

- Texas

Laws passed in the above states may differ in their scope and the items that must be covered. If you would like further information regarding insurance coverage on infertility diagnosis and treatment, look up the website of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and click on the State Infertility Insurance Laws link.


 

Infertility expert Isabel Tagge gives expert advice on Ivf Treatment. As editor of Infertility-Tips.com, she offers infertility tips and writes Answers to Infertility Questions for PrettyGreatAnswers.com.

The Incredible Effects Of Coffee On Male Fertility

Coffee contains an ingredient called caffeine, which makes the drink stimulating. A shepherd first discovered the coffee bean’s stimulating effect by observing how his goats became energetic and began hopping around when they ate the leaves and fruits of the coffee tree. He tried the fruits himself and discovered that he felt happier, more alert and with more vivacity than before. A monk of the region, which is present day Ethiopia, began to use an infusion of fruits to keep him awake during his prayers.

News of the effect of drinking coffee soon spread. By the 16th century, coffee was being used in the east, with the beans being toasted in Persia. Many people felt that the coffee was bad, and that the effects of the drink were against the laws of the Prophet Mohamed. The drink soon got around these obstacles and even Arabian doctors were prescribing the drink to help with digestion, cheer for the spirit and to stay awake.

In Arabia, a new infusion of the coffee received the name of “Kahwah” or “Cahue”, which means “force”. This new infusion became the classification “Arabian Coffee”.

In 1675, the coffee was taken to Turkey and Italy, but because the coffee came from Arabia, it was forbidden to the Christians. It was only allowed after Pope Clement VIII tried it. Coffee soon reached Holland, and through the Dutch Maritime Commerce, soon spread itself to the New World, Guyana, Martinique, Santo Domingo, Puerto Rico and Cuba.

Commercial establishments in Europe made full use of the new drink by coming up with “Coffee Houses”. Several became widely known, such as “Virginia Coffee house” in London and the “Coffee of La Regence” in Paris. These were populated by famous names such as Rousseau, Voltaire, Richelieu and Diderot.

Coffee is making world headline news even now, hundreds of years later. It turns out that coffee not only stimulates humans and animals, it stimulates male sperm, as well. Brazilian urologist Dr. Fabio Pasqualotto coordinated a study that gained international recognition after he announced that men who drink at least one cup of coffee a day present greater movement of their sperm. The sperm have more energy and are faster, therefore increasing the possibility of making a woman pregnant. “The caffeine can increase the use of energy of the sperm, as if it were a stimulant. It is as if the spermatozoon took an energetic,” Pasqualotto explained.

In his tests, the semen of 750 fertile men with active sexual lives was tested. The coffee did not alter the number of sperm. “The only alteration observed was in its quality of movement, independently of the amount of coffee ingested daily,” the urologist said. Of the men who drank coffee, 67% of the sperm had the mobility to arrive at the ovule. Of the men who did not drink coffee, only 54% had that mobility. Testing is ongoing for men with fertility problems.


 

Read more from this author at: mybody-magazine.com

Male Sperm Count - The decline of fertility

Most men are unaware that we are slowly losing our “virility”. Sure, they feel as horny as ever, but what they don’t know is their sperm count is almost certainly substantially lower than their father and grandfather before them. Today’s man faces lower fertility, reduced sperm health, and sperm counts up to 40 of couples planning a baby will have trouble conceiving. In 26% of these ‘trouble cases’ the problem lies with the male, usually due to a problem with low sperm count. This means that millions of couples will experience infertility problems which are caused by sperm problems in the man.

Those are pretty big numbers - and should be a wake-up call that this problem needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Why are sperm counts on the decline. Well, there’s no single answer - but the experts agree there are many factors negatively affecting male sperm count and health.

Environmental factors affecting low sperm count include:

-Toxic Pollutants
-Heavy metals, pesticides and chemicals in solvents
-Smoking
-Recreational drug use (specifically marijuana and cocaine)
-Anabolic Steroid use

The list above is just a few of many factors known to reduce sperm count, impair sperm motility, and damage sperm health. Other common lifestyles which reduce normal sperm count include obesity, caffeine, drinking alcohol, and diabetes.

When you see how many everyday factors have a negative impact on sperm count and semen production, it seems like we men are fighting a losing battle. However, many things can be done to create a positive effect on your sperm count. This might mean making a few minor changes, or possibly several major changes, depending on your lifestyle. In the last five, years almost 1 million men have used highly effective new medically approved sperm enhancement pills to take charge of their own fertility.

There are many things men can do right now to start improving their fertility and increasing sperm count and sperm health. Some are as simple as improving their diet, and cutting out things like caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs. Drinking lots of water and wearing boxers are also good ideas for health sperm and good sperm volume.

Many foods are also known to enhance sperm health and stimulate sperm production. Foods known to increase semen production and boost sperm count include liver, broccoli, carrots, spinach, almonds, strawberries and most citrus fruits. Vitamin A, C, and E are all known to raise sperm count and promote the health of the sperm and the DNA inside.

The rapid decline in male sperm counts and health are a serious issue which most men are not generally aware of. Take action now and you’ll reap the rewards down the road. Restore your sperm count and health now - keep your sperm happy, and you’ll be ahead of the game when it’s “baby-making” time!

For more information on semen enhancers and to learn how to
Increase sperm volume visit www.Semenpro.com.


 

Bruce Reid has been involved in writing about men’s issues and sexual problems for about 10 years, and is a contributing editor for www.semenpro.com, an online resource for men looking to

Zinc and fertility

Infertility is defined as an inability to conceive after one year or more of regular sexual activity without the use of a contraceptive.

The number of men suffering from male infertility is astonishing. Many causes have been linked as contributory factors to infertility in men, including: Alcohol, smoking, drugs, pollutions and stress. Much research has been done in this subject matter and medical community concludes that Zinc may hold the answer to increasing fertility in sub fertile men.

Many of the health benefits of Zinc have been know for quite sometime. Zinc is necessary for:

Zinc is a wide-ranging mineral and it contains over 200 of the body’s enzymes. Semen and its constituents generally contain high volume of zinc. Zinc deficiency leads to decreased numbers of sperm and impotence in men.

* Biochemical reactions to take place within your body
* To support healthy immune system
* Healing cuts and bruises
* Helping you maintain a sense of taste and smell
* Growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence

Recently completed study has brought yet another proof of the link between Zinc and the production of sperm by the testicles. A group of men were given daily supplements of Folic Acid and Zinc Sulphate in order to assess their effect on spermatogenesis. The researchers found that the two substances had significantly increased the sperm concentration in sub fertile men. Although the mechanisms involved in the concentration of sperm are still unclear and require further studying, it is quite clear that Zinc and the Folic Acid can help men who are less fertile to conceive children.

Men interested in improved sperm production should consider a zinc supplementation. The daily dose of 66 milligrams of Zinc Sulphate are safe, since none of the men involved in the study has reported any side effects. This means that you can supplement your own daily intake of minerals, although you should talk the matter with a doctor before putting yourself at any kind of risk.

 

Tom Donne is a full time SEO worker and a freelance writer who contributes articles on different subjects. Check out the website about man related health news. Information about health.

Male Fertility – Six Simple Tips to Increase

If you want to increase male fertility then the tips enclosed are all safe and will aid healthy sperm production and conception.

Here we will look at simple lifestyle changes that can increase male fertility and in part two the best sexual positions to aid conception.

The natural clock

As a general rule, the 35 age is significant in men in terms of fertility.

Men over this age are 50% less likely to achieve conception with a healthy female than men under 35.

Many of the tips to help increase fertility at any age are simple lifestyle changes – let’s look at them:

1. Alcohol and drugs

Alcohol, smoking and drugs all have an effect on sperm production and health and need to be severely curtailed or cut out completely.

Try and have at least 4 days off drinking altogether and if you must drink at the weekend, do so in moderation.

2. Get fit

People who are over weight tend to be less fertile than men who are not so you will need to get in shape. However you also need to careful with exercise and not overdo it.

Marathon running or long cycling rides for example should not be undertaken – do gentle exercise 30 minutes or so 3 – 4 times a week is enough combined with sensible eating.

3. Temperature

Heat is an enemy of healthy sperm, so avoid tight trousers or jeans. If you drive long distances, then make sure you have breaks every hour and the same goes for sitting in the same spot. Also cut out saunas and steam rooms and have a shower.

Wear loose underwear - get out those baggy cotton boxers and throw away tight underwear made of synthetic materials.

It is known fact that the scrotum area should be 4 degrees lower than body temperature.

4. Regular Sex

The chances of conceiving go up the more sex you have and you can double your chances simply by increasing sex from ones a week to 3 or 4 times a week.

Sperm quality deteriorates if it is not ejaculated within 3 days from the mans sexual organs so by having sex every other day you are ensuring the healthiest sperm for your partner.

5. Watch the clock

Sperm counts are higher in the morning so AM. Intercourse gives you better odds of conceiving so do it when you wake up.

6. Diet Essential Foods

You need plenty of vitamins A, C and E as well as selenium and zinc.

Selenium is believed to be good for sperm motility; nearly 50% of the selenium in a man is in the testes and seminal ducts; men lose selenium in their semen and it is vital to get enough.

Zinc is required for the production of testosterone and zinc content of the prostate gland and sperm is higher than in any other body tissues. Zinc not only helps produce testosterone, but also helps to
maintain semen volume and keep sperm healthy.

Men who tested a supplement of folic acid in combination with zinc sulfate in clinical tests, saw some of the men increase their sperm count by more than 70%.

While you can get these in a well balanced diet, it is sensible to leave nothing to chance and make sure that you take a daily supplement.

The above are simple tips that added together will help fertility over the longer term.

A sperm takes around 3 months to wait so you will need to be patient, but after this period you will be doing as much as you can to aid conception.

In part 2 we will look at sexual postions that can help aid conception.

 

MORE FREE INFO PDF AND AUDIO DOWNLOADS On all aspects of how to get more from sex and relationships and everything to do with male Sexual Problems visit our website for a huge resource of articles, features and downloads and at www.net-planet.org/index.html

Male Fertility - 11 Essential Supplements To Increase Male Fertility

Male Fertility rates have dropped dramatically over the last 100 years and one of the main factors has been changes in our diets.

Here we will look at diet and lifestyle changes that can be made to increase male fertility, as well as 11 natural supplements for male reproductive health.

Male infertility there is no single cause

There is no single cause for the drop in male fertility rates. Likely causes include a combination of the following: Diet, environmental and lifestyle changes.

Three quick lifestyle changes to increase male fertility

You may know this already, but here are three major causes of male infertility, which should be cut or even better stopped completely.

Avoid or cut alcohol consumption

Medical evidence has linked alcohol consumption with defective sperm.

Don’t smoke.

Medical evidence has shown there is a link between smoking and low sperm count.

Recreational drugs

There is not enough room here to go into the affect of all the recreational drugs on sperm count and male fertility, but there is medical evidence linking a number of them with male infertility.

Male fertility don’t see it in isolation

Male fertility does not exist on its own, its part of our overall body functions and what you put into your body affects how efficiently it operates.

Male fertility & Nutrition

Not eating the right diet can have the following impact:

It can impair hormone function, inhibit sperm production, and produce abnormal sperm.

There is no question that our diets have undergone dramatic changes in the last 100 years and these have affected male fertility rates and seen a dramatic rise in male infertility.

Before we look at our top supplements, here are some tips on a diet for increasing male fertility.

Eat Naturally

Eat “naturally from the earth” get plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, brown rice and seeds.

Avoid junk food, processed foot and foods high saturated fat.
Water.

Drink plenty of water at least 2 -3 liters a day to flush out any toxins in the body.

Pumpkin seeds

A great food for male fertility, as they contain high levels of zinc and essential fatty acids which are vital to healthy functioning of the male reproductive system.

Supplements

The following supplements can help increase sperm count and mobility. Don’t expect overnight results as they will take a few months to become effective.

1. Arginine

This non essential amino acid and is needed to produce healthy sperm. Natural production of arginine declines with age and a supplement here may help older patients

2. Coenzyme Q10

Helps Increase sperm count and motility.

3. L-carnitine

Required for normal sperm function, Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid and men with healthy sperm in high numbers often have high carnitine levels.

4. Selenium

Selenium is believed to be good for spermmobility.

Nearly 50% of the selenium in a man is in the testes and seminal ducts; men lose selenium in their semen.

5. Zinc

Required for a healthy male reproductive system and sperm production.

Zinc is required for the production of testosterone and zinc content in the prostate gland and sperm is higher than in any other body tissues.

A deficiency of zinc is associated with numerous sexual problems, including sperm abnormalities and prostate disease.

Zinc helps to maintain semen volume and adequate levels of testosterone; keeping sperm healthy.

6. Vitamin B-12

B-12 deficiency reduces sperm motility and sperm count and is one of the most frequent vitamin deficiencies so make sure your intake is adequate.

7. Vitamin E

Helps to improve the overall health of sperm.

Sperm can be damaged by harmful molecules (free radicals). Vitamin E is an antioxidant which helps to reduce the number of free radicals, vitamin C also can be taken for its antioxidant qualities

8. Omega fatty acids

Omega 3 fatty acids (found in oily fish and flaxseed oils) and omega-6 fatty acids ( evening primrose and starflower oils) can help improve the sperm membrane fluidity and male fertility.

9. Astragalus

A Chinese herb which is now grown in popularity worldwide medical research indicates that Astragalus has a stimulating effect on the production of sperm and also helps to improve sperm motility.

10. Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and popular worldwide to help increase testosterone levels and sperm count and improve the quality of sperm

11. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Saw Palmetto contains a variety of fatty acids, including capric, caprylic, caproic, lauric, palmitic and oleic acid, and their ethyl esters.

Saw Palmetto oil is high in phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, cycloartenol, lupeol, lupenone and 24-methyl-cycloartenol), as well as other oils, resins, and tannin and is seen as an overall body tonic for men and is believed to help male fertility rates.

Male fertility rates are affected by a number of factors however having the right diet can and does help in the production of healthy sperm and should be a consideration for all men seeking a family.

 

MORE FREE INFO On all aspects of health and more on nutrition visit our website for a huge resource of articles, features and downloads and at www.net-planet.org/index.html

Fertility Treatment: What You Should Know

A fertility treatment is used when a man and a woman are unable to conceive a child naturally. The fertility treatment is designed to increase their chance of pregnancy. There are many different fertility treatments. A specialist will conduct testing on both individuals to determine the possible reasons behind the infertility, and then the treatment options that are available are discussed. Fertility treatments aren’t always effective and they are often very expensive. Most insurance plans don’t cover fertility treatment.

Ovulation Induction involves the female taking fertility drugs to increase her chances of getting pregnant. These drugs often come with some health risks and side effects but they can help regulate the menstrual cycle and increase the likeliness of pregnancy.

Artificial insemination is the process of injecting sperm from the male into the female. This is often combined with fertility drugs and methods of helping the male produce more sperm that are stronger. Assisted Reproductive Technology, known as ART, are more complicated fertility treatments. This involves removing the ova from the female, fertilizing it with sperm from the male, and placing it back in her body before it is known if conception has taken place.

Invitro Fertilization is similar but it involves removing the ova from the female, fertilizing it with sperm from the male, and making sure conception takes place. Then the embryos are placed into the uterus of the female. One side effect of this method is the possibility of multiple embryos being formed at the same time, leading to as many as seven babies being born at one time.

The process of fertility treatments can be very simple for some couples such as increasing the sperm count of the male. Other couples struggle for years with fertility issues because of the let down of not finding an effective treatment and the side effects. In addition to the financial cost, fertility treatments affect couples physically and emotionally.

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Learn more about fertility treatments at www.fertility-treatment.org/