October 2008 Blog Archive
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Controversial UK Lesbian Fertility Laws
The United Kingdom passed a
controversial bill this week, granting lesbian equal access to fertility treatment. The law permits lesbian couples to have their names printed on the child's birth certificate as his/her parents. The bill was passed due in part to the fact that many lesbian mothers and couples were putting themselves and their children in harms way by using backstreet fertility tactics and procedures.
The report released today by Gay/Lesbian activists validates the governments reasoning, "
This latest step forward for our communities is an important reminder that lesbian and gay families are every bit as loving and tender and magical as any other."
This is a great step forward for the UK in both fertility treatments and stem-cell research.
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Thursday, October 30, 2008
Manicures and Martinis
Women in their 20s and 30s are typically trying to avoid and unexpected pregnancy at all costs, which is why many make some ignorant decisions that affect their fertility later in life. Manicures and Martinis is a relaxed, care free conference set up to inform and instruct young women about the
dos and don'ts of fertility. The American Fertility Association has designed M&M as a free educational program around 20 US cities and is led by fertility specialists.
The objective is to introduce infertility treatments, how to prevent infertility and harness and protect yourself from fertility damage. The doctors will discuss early treatments, and outline a number of prevention mechanisms. Just to name a few:
"avoid exposure to certain environmental toxins; protect against sexually transmitted infections; and plan a family with the knowledge that fertility does decline with age."
Manicures and Martinis will also be hosting previously infertile women who have struggled to conceive, they will be telling their personal stories and how they overcame their fertility plight. One of the women says she will be urging young women to go green or freeze their eggs as precaution. If you are interested in learning more about Manicures and Martinis
click here, or if you'd like to learn more about available treatments go to
fertilityproregistry.com. Photolink
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Surrogates WANTED!
Here ye here ye! A Chicago based fertility clinic is looking for
surrogate mothers. The clinic is hoping to increase the incentives for surrogates. So if you are of the appropriate child-bearing age, meet the requirements for surrogacy, and are not on public aid, but don't have health insurance this may be your best bet to rack in some dough. Getting pregnant to help others is Alternative Reproductive Resources slogan right now. Many infertile couples are struggling to pay for costly fertility treatments during this economic downturn, so ARR is hoping to remedy financial woes for hopeful parents.
Typically surrogates whom are between 21-38 are obliged to have health insurance pay for some of the hospitalization and birthing costs. However ARR is waiving such requirements and helping both surrogates who have lost health insurance from the economic crisis and couples hoping to conceive. A free-falling economy may have its perks for some!
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Acupuncture Success
UK scientists have discovered that women undergoing fertility treatments and
acupuncture are more likely to have successful births. The University of Southampton did
the study and found that 1 out of 3 women who are using IVF treatments and simultaneously having acupuncture done conceive successfully. The success rate of those who did not do acupuncture alongside IVF was 1 in 5.
Some acupuncturists say that the success is due in part to relaxation and focusing on a healthier lifestyle. They claim that infertility is caused by imbalances in the liver and spleen, so the acupuncturist tries to heal and balance the system. There are no definitive links yet, however the experiments are showing positive outcomes of combining both treatments. The scientists in the UK are giving the thumbs up for continuing with acupuncture; however it is important to know these are still preliminary findings. If you want more information about other fertility treatments and options go to
fertilityproregistry.com.
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Monday, October 27, 2008
Tick-Tock
Women are not the only ones hearing their biological clock tick with age. Men too are facing fertility issues as they grow older. When men reach their mid-30s and early 40s to start a family, their chances of impregnating their female counterpart becomes more of a struggle. Scientists also say the chances of miscarriage are heightened as well; this is due in part to poorer quality of sperm. The study released by the Sydney IVF clinic, said that men over 35 had dramatically higher percentages of damaged and unhealthy sperm.
We may think that women are the victims of the biological clock; it is now evident that men suffer from the same ticking-time-bomb. The study even said that men over 35 were 75% more likely to have their partner suffer a miscarriage. Men's
fertility issues have stormed into the limelight with such recent studies, shedding new light on treatments and attention. Hopefully with such findings, fertility experts can begin to focus some attention on male issues and develop treatments and resources for struggling men.
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Sun and Cell Phones Damaging Combo for Male Fertility
Sydney, Australia researchers are reporting that not enough sunlight and endless hours gabbing on a cell phone may be reasons for male infertility. So for all you office-dwelling infertile men, book your next holiday for Summer in Sydney so you can start basking in the sun, getting a golden tan and helping your chances of conceiving. The first
study concludes that with the 800 men examined with fertility problems, a third of them lacked Vitamin D – a source administered from sunlight. The researchers say a lack of sunlight damages healthy sperm.
The study goes on to say that,
"In a significant number of these men, there were also elevated levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood associated with cell toxicity, and deficiency in folate, which is essential for healthy new cells," said Dr. Anne Clark, medical director of the treatment centre Fertility First."
The researchers also say, many Aussie men are opting not to stay in the sun for long hours because of increased skin cancer chances. However, a few hours lathered up with suntan oil and lying on the beach may not be too damaging to skin, and similarly may be a good alternative for home-remedy fertility treatments.
The second study says that men who use their cell phones incessantly may be at risk for lower sperm numbers. These men have 40% less healthy sperm than those who do not use their phones as much. The report says after 16 hours of steady cell use, there was clear DNA damage in these men's sperm. So for all you infertile men, douse yourself in suntan or sun block, lock-up your cell phones and start tanning daily! Or just get more active outdoors: surfing, running, beach volleyball, and so much more.
If you want to learn more about fertility treatments and infertility symptoms or simply find a professional in your area go to
fertilityproregistry.com.
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Thursday, October 16, 2008
Cindy Margolis Fertility Book
Cindy Margolis' book having a Baby…When the Old-Fashioned Way isn't Working is a first hand account about her own struggles with infertility. She wrote the book with hopes of opening dialogue about infertile couples and what alternatives and treatments are available to them. Margolis, the former playboy playmate, says that she wrote the book because there are not enough personal writings about people's struggles and problems; rather impersonal and medical literature is more common. The novel is a combination of self-help book, memoir and fertility resource. Margolis' book is already a success; she claims it is due in part to her own telling tales and plight against depression as a result of her infertility. In addition to helpful websites, books research and doctors.
Cindy also urges her infertile readers to seek help from fertility experts, saying they will motivate and empower you. So if you are interested in learning more about Margolis' book
click here. Or if you'd like to do some research on your own, go to
fertilityproregistry.com and find articles and professionals who may be able to help you.
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Thursday, October 16, 2008
Male Infertility Issues
Researchers at San Francisco Sate University are studying the link between proteomics and male infertility. The study of proteins may help scientists solve male infertility problems. The researchers say that the proteins found in sperm are essential to discovering the dynamics and reasons behind infertility and more importantly how it can resolve the matter. Proteomics would aid in the process by identifying which proteins in the sperm are dysfunctional.
The study says that because the proteins found in sperm are unique, with more information and experiments, they may be able to tailor and target methods aiming at specific proteins that are considered infertile or rejects. One researcher highlights the importance of this study.
"Up to 50 percent of male-factor infertility cases in the clinic have no known cause, and therefore no direct treatment. The ultimate goal is that a doctor could be able to say to a patient, 'this is the protein that is mis-regulated in your sperm and this is the drug that corrects it or decreases the level of that protein."
Hopefully with this information doctors can better rectify the plaguing male infertility issue hindering many couples trying to conceive.
If you are suffering from male or female infertility,
fertilityproregistry.com may answer some of your questions or help you find a fertility clinic in your area.
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Infertility Treatments Dwindle with Economy
With the economic turmoil wreaking havoc on American families, there is a threat that fertility rates may be on a downturn as well. Infertility treatments like IVF or even prescription fertility drugs are quite costly, as is raising a child. Reports say that the number of infertile couples seeking treatment has decreased with the newfound financial crunch. People are cutting expenses where they can, and for many couples that means opting for home remedies and more cost efficient tactics for conceiving. Some lovers are either postponing starting a family, while others are choosing not to have another child. Regardless of the intention, one thing is remains the same – frankly, recessions and babies just don't mix – raising children means bills, bills and more bills.
Although definitive results have not yet been released about these statistics, the preemptive studies conclude there may be a negative affect found in the near future as more doctors report on the numbers of infertility treatments. Check out
fertilityproregistry.com for some the latest information and clinics in your area.
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Monday, October 13, 2008
Fertility Expo
The Reproductive Wellness Treatment Center is hosting a fertility expo for couples struggling to conceive. Set to take place on October 28th in San Diego, the expo will show off some the latest fertility treatment technologies. Fertility experts hope that this event will help couples find the answers they are looking for and put forth infertility issues in the limelight. Many couples have infertility issues, but do not know where to find information or clinics that can help them in their plight to make a family.
The expo will highlight a sundry of invasive and non-invasive methods: fertility medications, home remedies, fertility yoga, new studies, acupuncture, IVF and many other methods of treatment. If you are interested in attending the event is free (donations welcome) and it will take place at the University of California, San Diego. Or for more information about infertility treatments go to
fertilityproregistry.com.
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Friday, October 10, 2008
IVF Success in UK
IVF births in the United Kingdom have topped an all time high,
The Mirror is reporting that there have been 10,000 successful births as a result of IVF. This is a monumental boost in credibility and reliability for fertility clinics worldwide. With success rates this high in all age ranges, women's concerns for performing the infertility treatment may be considerably lessened.
The report says,
"Births following IVF increased 13.1 per cent between 2005 and 2006, leading to 10,242 births and 12,596 babies."
The figures also went on to show that the numbers rose for all age groups – which is a positive sign for couples in their late thirties to early forties who have struggled to conceive.
If you are interested in IVF or any other infertility treatment, contact
fertilityproregistry.com for information, queries or to find a local fertility clinic.
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Thursday, October 09, 2008
I am Women hear me Roar
A study shows that women raise their voices during the time of the month they are most fertile. So if you're in doubt about when is a good time to try for a pregnancy just have your significant other listen to your voice volume. Voice fluctuations go hand in hand with fertility. One to two days before ovulation – the most fertile time – the female voice increases.
The researchers talked about the relationship between fertility and voice in their report,
"Dr Greg Bryant said: "Our study shows women change their voice in relation to fertility. The closer they get to ovulation the greater the increase in their pitch. What we're saying is by raising pitch women enhance fertility. They're turning up everything that makes them attractive."
So to all men, boyfriends and husbands when your female counterpart is raising her voice at you, it's not to take the trash out, rather it's to take her to bed.
Go to
fertilityproregistry.com for more information about fertility treatments or to find a professional in your area.
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Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Lenient Fertility Laws Passed in Australia
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's Labor Party and Parliament have begun to wave their contentious liberal laws in the face of many conservative Australians. The state of Victoria passed a
fertility Bill that would grant lesbians and single women greater access to infertility treatments. Similarly, the new law would give gay partners and surrogate mothers added parenting rights.
Many are concerned that the Bill is far too broad and can lead to slippery slope of liberal fertility rights. Sports and Reaction Minister – and strong Liberal Party member – denounced the bill saying,
"We are told that the ART bill is all about the rights of the child, but in reality it is about the wants and desires of adults."
Fertility treatments have become a great issue worldwide; this isn't the first time we've heard Australians debating these rights. Just last week Prime Minister Rudd pushed for longer paid maternity leave for new mothers. This may benefit women like Nicole Kidman who have been struggling with infertility issues for years now.
If you want to learn more about infertility treatments and find a professional go to
fertilityproregistry.com. Photolink
Friday, October 03, 2008
Celebrity Fertility News: Chef Jamie Oliver and Wife Jools
Jools Oliver just announced she is pregnant with her third child. Lucky number 3 didn't come easy for this stellar celebrity couple. Jools and Jamie used a heavy dose of fertility treatments to conceive. Jools was taking an infertility drug called Clomid to help with their chances of a positive pregnancy. However, Clomid, alongside many infertility drugs has a number of horrendous side affects. Jools says she was "knackered constantly," felt dizzy and nauseas as well.
This power couple wasn't jaded by their fertility problems; their first child was conceived using IVF. Had Clomid not worked, the couple was prepared to do another series of
IVF treatments just as they had done a few years earlier. Jools publicized her pregnancy just last month, and is expecting baby number 3 sometime in April.
If you're interested in infertility treatments like IVF or any other fertility related remedies go to
fertilityproregistry.com. Photolink
Thursday, October 02, 2008
New Discovery may help Infertility Treatments
British scientists at Oxford University unraveled the longtime medical mystery as to why healthy embryos fail to latch to the womb today. This report in the
Telegraph outlines the details involved in a successful pregnancy. Attachment and infertility go hand-in-hand; many women suffer from this implantation ailment. Now that the Oxford team has found the link the potential to repair such reproductive issues may be resolved. The group is hoping to develop drugs that can enable and aid in the implantation process during the early stages of attachment.
The scientists have made significant strides already, the report says that,
"The Oxford team working with Professor Anne J. Ridley at King's College, London, have found two proteins that make cells in the womb lining move out of the way and allow the embryo cells to get in."
If such findings are proven to work, infertility treatments will become more cost-efficient, less pain staking and far more prevalent. Success rates are high with IVF, but these results can further improve IVF procedures. With infertility figures peaking yearly, couples will find solace in knowing reproduction techniques are steadfastly progressing.
To learn more about infertility treatments, tubal reversals and advancements in the reproduction arena, go to
fertilityproregistry.com. Also, if you'd like to look at the video footage compiled by the Oxford University team click here.
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Wednesday, October 01, 2008
India Stiffens Surrogacy Laws
Formerly loose surrogacy laws in India have led to mistreatment, high costs and other widespread issues in infertility treatment. Indian parliament has chosen to tighten laws revolving surrogacy. The process now requires infertile couples to hire a lawyer and a doctor and seek out such practices at a semen bank instead of an infertility specialist.
India's increasing fears of foreigners enticing poverty stricken women to carry their children for cheap will now be diminished; couples from overseas must now legally register at their respective Embassies before proceeding with the infertility treatments.
These new regulations aid in the protection of the surrogate mothers and the possible chance of the couple prematurely backing out. The laws entail that the couple and surrogate mother sign a contract as well as agree upon insurance measures in case of an unfavorable outcome. The precautions have been put in place to add credibility and viability to infertility treatments in India, and provide both parties with adequate and necessary insurances and security.
The outcry against the new laws is coming from the fertility specialists, because the surrogacy changed its allocation to semen banks. Some are worried that since semen banks are used solely for sperm donors, the level of expertise is compromised.
Regardless of who is the agent in the surrogacy deal, the entirety of the process is much safer and significantly more reliable because now a lawyer, the embassy (if necessary), a doctor and semen bank are all actively involved in the treatment.
If you're looking to get information about the various fertility treatments available in the US, go to
fertilityproregistry.com.
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