June 2009 Blog Archive
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Cyclists and Fertility Issues
For those of you men who are cycling aficionado's you want to consider
freezing your sperm according to some fertility researchers. Recent studies
show cyclists who average over 186 miles have higher chances of damaged and
poorer quality sperm. This is focused at triathletes, ironmen, and of
course Tour de France cyclists who boast hundreds of miles per event.
BBC News said of the study, "Heat from wearing tight clothing, friction of
the testes against the saddle and stresses on the body from the sheer
amounts of energy needed to do such rigorous exercise, could all contribute
to poor sperm quality, said Professor Vaamonde. The team are doing further
research work in how cycling may effect metabolic processes in the body
which lead to the development of abnormal sperm."
The study went on to say that it is unknown whether the quality of sperm
will return to high quality if the cyclists retire and limit their days and
intensity of workouts. Some fertility experts say avid bikers should
possibly consider freezing their sperm to maintain high quality sperm and
successful results.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Embryo Quality Test
A controversial fertility test may be able to dramatically improve fertility
rates for infertile couples seeking out treatment. Trial runs are currently
underway for embryo quality tests. The embryo test will determine how high
your chances of successful fertility are whilst undergoing In Vitro
Fertilization (IVF). The test will screen embryos for chromosomal
abnormalities, some of which have can cause miscarriages and abnormalities
in the child.
The Times Online reported on the study, "Preliminary research in the US has
suggested that the procedure, which aims to identify embryos with the best
chance of developing into healthy babies, can deliver IVF success rates as
high as 80 per cent - more than double the average in Britain."
Some fertility experts are still quite wary of this test as they don't think
it has the ability to screen and appropriately increase fertility rates for
IVF couples. This is why such experiments are going underway however,
physicians hope to bring out more evidence and see if this technique will be
implemented in the fertility industry.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Surrogacy and the City
TVs favorite sex symbol writer is now the mother of three thanks to a fertility treatment. Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker and husband Matthew Broderick have had a set of twins via surrogacy. The star-studded duo have a son, but the two twins are little girls named Marion Loretta Elwell Broderick and Tabitha Hodge Broderick according to reports. After trouble with fertility the couple announced their fertility treatment endeavors back in April.
In recent years surrogacy has been a viable and popular option for many struggling couples. Although in the current economic climate surrogacy is quite the expensive option for infertility treatment. In fact rates for surrogacy are so expensive that many women are offering their bodies for extra money. As of now, for celebrities like our dear Carrie Bradshaw the cost is definitely worth it.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Ending IVF Mistakes
After a series of In Vitro Fertilization mix-ups and embryo issues at various fertility clinics in the UK, fertility experts feel they may have come up with a viable solution. Cryogenic chips have the potential to end such mistakes. The chip would be an electronic ID tag implanted in the frozen embryo, this would hopefully eliminate the chances of embryo mix-ups.
NewScientist, "As a sample moves through the IVF process, the ID code of every container it is placed in is logged, providing a secure ID audit trail. So, in theory, only sperm and eggs from the right couples can be brought together, and the resulting embryos will be implanted into the right woman."
With a large number of patients starting the trend of freezing embryos the chances and possibility for mix-ups may be quite high. The couples who were inseminated with the wrong embryo were forced to aborted their pregnancy, this would hopefully remove the chances of such mistakes.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
International Fertility
There has been an increase in international (primarily European) infertile couples seeking out fertility treatments in the US. This is due in part to the weak US dollar and recession; UK couples can get IVF treatment for nearly half the cost it would be if they stayed in the UK. Similarly the US has become and IVF hotspot because of reproductive laws in the US that permit international couples to come in for treatment.
Business Wire reported on the influx of foreigners, "In the UK, it is illegal to compensate donors for donating their eggs and lack of anonymity is often a major deterrent for potential donors. Surrogacy laws also expressly forbid advertising for surrogates or to be a surrogate. As a result, there is a shortage of egg donors and surrogates, and most IVF clinics have waiting lists for two years or longer."
States like Illinios are seeing some of the biggest foreign fertility boom. Infertile couples come into big cities make a holiday out of it and get a less costly treatment.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Insurance Coverage for Fertility Treatments
A large portion of infertile couples are unable to seek treatment for their fertility woes solely due to cost of procedures. Fertility treatments are very expensive and rarely does healthcare get involved in monetary aid. Similarly, most pay out pocket because employers have no benefits for such treatments either. Depending on the treatment and diagnosis treatments can cost up to $20,000, and in times of economic troubles it is virtually impossible for some to pay such high costs. Now fifteen US states are mandating fertility treatment coverage.
Included in such coverage are according to the Examiner, "Arkansas, Louisiana, New York, California, Maryland, Ohio, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Montana, Texas, Illinois, New Jersey and West Virginia."
Hopefully with such mandates deployed fertility treatment will become more widely accessible for lower socioeconomic people likewise for all infertile couples.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Boxers, Briefs and Fertility
For the last few days we have been highlighting the facts about male infertility. Granted, having children is generally not a top priority for many young men, but much of their lifestyle choices at a young age impact their fertility later in life. Poor sperm quality and quantity is a major factor in impaired fertility. From laptop use, wearing boxers over briefs and even casual drug use, there are many risk factors for young men.
The United Press International reported, "Dr. Suzanne Kavic, a reproductive specialist at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, said heat generated by hot tubs, excessive laptop use, or using boxers over briefs can impact sperm production, making it difficult to conceive down the road. Other leading causes of male infertility include: enlarged varicose veins in the scrotum, genital injuries or defects, certain sexually transmitted infections, an infection or inflammation of the prostate, immune and hormonal disorders."
Similarly anti-depressants, excessive alcohol abuse and other prescribed medications can be harmful as well. Fertility experts urge men to have active and healthy lifestyles: excercise, moderate alcohol consumption, avoiding drugs, and having regular check-ups to check one's fertility and quality of sperm.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Male Infertility Awareness Launch
Most of us are aware of the perils and struggles involved with female infertility issues; from exhausting IVF sessions to expensive insemination treatments, the process is tedious, emotional and expensive. But what about the male infertility? EMD Serono is launching a male infertility campaign aimed at raising awareness and education about prevention, treatment and general infertility information.
Medical Marketing and Media said of the launch, "The effort, dubbed "In The Know: What No One Tells You About Male Fertility," is launching this week, which is Men's Health Week. The campaign features a 20-page booklet written in conjunction with the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction."
More than 7 million Americans suffer from infertility, and an even larger percentage are said to be unaware of their infertility. Half of these cases are said to be related to men. Hopefully such campaigns bring male infertility to the limelight and teach men about lifestyle changes, foods, and medications that can aid in their fertility health.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Too Wired
Studies are emerging about the dangers of our youth population being too technologically wired. A recent case shows the possible link between laptops (literally on our laps) and male infertility. Laptop use is considered to be damaging to sperm quantity and quality – two factors crucial to successful fertility.
United Press International said, "However, the heat generated from laptops can impact sperm production and development making it difficult to conceive down the road."
Fertility experts are urging men to place their laptops on desks rather than their laps to permit the sperm damage. In recent months, male infertility has shown much recognition and studies from the industry as many are realizing many couples striving to conceive actually have sperm/male issues, not just fertility problems from the female.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Stress and Infertility
Scientists claim to have found a link between stress and infertility. In general chronic stress is known to have adverse affects on people's health; from acne to stomach ulcers and headaches stress induces many ailments. Couples facing infertility issues tend to have high cases of stress. The treatments are costly, time consuming and tend to be emotional for many infertile men and women, thus causing stress.
Science Daily said, "We know stress affects the top-tier reproductive hormone, GnRH, but we show, in fact, that stress also affects another high-level hormone, GnIH, to cause reproductive dysfunction."
The study was done at the University of California, Berkley and will be published in the journal of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The researchers at Berkley are now aware of the links between stress and infertility and will be further researching the issue.
Monday, June 15, 2009
IVF Mix-Up
A UK based couple was implanted with the wrong embryo in an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) mix-up. The fertility clinic has come out clean taking the blame for the mistake. The 'traumatized' couple have had the baby aborted and likewise the couple whose embryo that was has told papers they are highly distressed by the ordeal.
According to News.com.au, "But when they arrived for their appointment they were initially told there had been an accident in the lab and the embryo had been destroyed. Later it emerged a trainee doctor had failed to carry out sufficient checks and the embryo had been implanted in another woman."
IVF has fallen under the critical eye in recent months with this case and the Octomom story. However, such instances of mix-ups and complications are not that common, in fact hundreds of thousands of healthy babies are conceived each year with infertility treatments like IVF.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Adverse Affects of Anti-Depressants
Studies have come out about anti-depressants damaging sperm health and hindering male fertility. The study said that nearly half the men on standard anti-depressant medications have had impaired fertility due to the side effects. There has been a large amount of research done on male infertility recently, especially highlighting the issues of home and common products with such adverse impacts.
The Chicago Tribune reported on the findings, "It's fairly well known that SSRI anti-depressants negatively impact erectile function and ejaculation. This study goes on step further, demonstrating that they can cause a major increase in genetic damage to sperm," said Dr. Peter Schlegel, the study's senior author and professor of reproductive medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. "Although this study doesn't look directly at fertility, we can infer that as many as half of men taking SSRIs have a reduced ability to conceive."
Men on anti-depressants are being urged to monitor their sperm quality, especially those ready to undergo infertility treatments. Generally obesity, smoking, alcohol and drug use impair fertility, but this new study may answer a lot of questions for many couples struggling to conceive.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Fertility Holidays
No I am not referring to a honeymoon or a romantic getaway, fertility holidays are becoming quite the popular trend for infertile couples. Dubbed 'fertility retreats' by doctors cashing in, couples are taking a holiday while also hoping to conceive. The retreats do not implement invasive fertility treatments like In Vitro Fertilization, rather they deploy natural fertility remedies.
News.com.au (Daily Telegraph) said of the swanky trips, "Using a mix of oriental medicine and western teachings, the "life-changing" retreats offer meditation and relaxation, yoga, qi gong, dance, dietary advice, self-massage techniques and acupuncture. The retreats claim a success rate of more than 30 per cent, and say they can resolve complex health problems, including premature ovarian failure and poor ovarian response. "
Many couples around the world struggle with natural conception which is why such trips are becoming so popular. Patients can enjoy the delights of a holiday while also enhancing their fertility. Although the retreats do not promise positive results of child bearing they do claim to help many infertile couples peace of mind and calm them down.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Infertility and Testicular Cancer
Male infertility has recently burst onto the front pages with research and controversy. In fact, a study reported on by Reuters has found a link between male infertility and increased testicular cancer rates. The study, after examining thousands of men in Europe and California said the link is not related to men using infertility treatments, rather it is something in the body associated with both ailments. Much of the relationship can be credited to environmental factors as well which have the ability to adversely affect health.
The Reuters article Study finds infertility-testicular cancer link said, "Infertile men are nearly three times more likely to develop testicular cancer than those who are fertile, U.S. researchers reported on Monday. The finding suggests a common source for both problems, perhaps errors in the way the body tries to repair damage to genetic material or environmental factors, Dr. Thomas Walsh and colleagues at the University of California, San Francisco reported."
The study went on to discuss links between highly industrialized countries like the US, parts of Scandinavia and the UK where men have poor sperm quality, which can associate to infertility issues.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Healthy Foods, Healthy Fertility
Infertility research has shown a possible link between healthy eating and better quality of sperm in men. Preserving and taking care of reproductive health is essential to preventing fertility issues. In fact some studies have shown that consumption of certain nutrients and foods has the ability to significantly improve male fertility rates. Men who regularly ate more lettuce, tomatoes and salads, and removed excess dairy and meats had better quality of semen.
Reuters India reported, "Researchers found that diet remained an important factor. The men with normal semen ate more carbohydrates, fiber, folate, vitamin C and lycopene than the men with poor semen quality. The men with healthy semen also ate less fat and less protein. Low levels of antioxidant nutrients in the diet "seem to have a negative effect on semen quality," Mendiola and his team write."
However it is also important to note that a healthy diet is not the only factor related to fertility health. Lifestyle, smoking and other factors also contribute to adverse impacts on semen quality and success of fertility naturally. Trials will continue to be administered in the coming months to further investigate the current findings.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Obese Children and Infertility
Recent studies are finding a link between child obesity and infertility later in life. As obesity runs rampant in the US among children, more research and studies are being administered to see what side effects exist. There are a number of adverse affects associated with obesity among adults and children, however this is one of the first links found with fertility issues.
Express Buzz said of this research, "According to the Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 50-80 per cent of obese children remain obese even as adults and are prone to obesity related diseases."
Infertility has become considerably more common, but luckily fertility experts are learning more about the risks and lifestyle factors that relate to it. Many treatments are available and affordable for infertile couples: from IVF to egg donation awareness is key to fertility health.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Fertility Blues
As fertility rates and treatments seem to be increasing in clinics in the UK
and Australia (with government backed and funded procedures), the US
fertility market is dwindling. A worldwide study concluded that from
2000-2004 assisted reproductive technologies increased by nearly a quarter,
but as the recession began to destroy many markets the fertility industry
has been one of it's victims as well. Interestingly enough many people are
seeking out egg donation and sperm donation for extra money, but infertile
couples are struggling to cope with the costly expenses of infertility
treatments.
The Los Angeles Times said, "The turn of the century saw a huge burst of
babies, worldwide, conceived with assisted reproductive technologies, such
as in vitro fertilization, according to a new study. But, in the United
States, infertility treatments are down due to the recession, according to
some reports."
From job losses, lost health coverage, and general financial struggles it
has been very difficult for many couples to afford In Vitro Fertilization
(IVF) and other treatments. Without some government subsidies it may be a
difficult task to bring back to the upsurge so quickly after a recession.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Infertility Awareness
An awards ceremony honoring fertility clinics that have helped raise
awareness and treatment for infertility was held last night. The National
Infertility Organization honored New York based Reproductive Medicine
Associates for their work in raising the cause. Thousands of infertile
couples struggling with conception every year, much of the reason people do
not seek out treatment is that they are unaware of what is available for
them and at what cost. Fertility clinics seek to improve the knowledge and
awareness while also providing sound healthcare.
Pr Newswire said, "RMA of New York is truly honored to be awarded The 2009
Friends of RESOLVE Award," said Alan Copperman, MD, Co-Director of RMA of
New York and Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Mount
Sinai Medical Center. "Our mission of providing patients with up to date,
accurate information about their diagnosis and treatment options in a
caring, compassionate manner is very much in synch with RESOLVE's core
goals. RESOLVE's support services have been indispensable to many of our
patients and RMA of New York pledges to continue to work closely with
RESOLVE to help individuals and couples build families."
Many options are available for infertile men and women from In Vitro
Fertilization to egg donation and surrogacy there are economically viable
treatments. In fact some procedures even can get some monetary help from
health insurers.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Infertility Research
Fertility researchers have found a link in rats that connects a chemical
with infertility. When a nontoxic chemical is added to rodents which consume
crop meant for humans induced infertility. The infertility was caused due
to menopausal symptoms in the rodents.
Science Daily said, "Of particular interest was a chemical compound known as
4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide, or VCD, typically used in manufacturing rubber
tires, polyesters and plastics. She found that low, nontoxic doses of VCD in
mice sped the menopausal process and rendered them infertile. She dubbed
this new animal model of accelerated menopause "mouseopause."
Physicians and fertility experts are thrilled at the prospect of this study,
as it may show them why many countries who rely on certain crops find
infertility rampant in women. This may lead to bringing into place less
consumption of certain foods for people. The scientists again said this is
still early research and requires much more investigation before anything is
brought into action.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Taking Action
For many women as their late thirties loom, so too does increased chances of
infertility. For the women of the world wanting to be mothers, but waiting
Mister Right, there are options available to preserve your fertility and
healthy eggs. Women are taking action and spending tens of thousands of
dollars to extract their healthy eggs, freeze them to use at a later date.
This provides them with healthy young eggs to use when ready for pregnancy.
This is generally a technique used for cancer patients.
The Age reported, "Ms. Hill, from Collingwood in Melbourne, will start her
pre-operative regime next week and her eggs will be "retrieved" under
anaesthetic in July. A former lawyer with an MBA, she sees the $11,665 for
Melbourne IVF's "lifestyle egg freezing treatment" as money well spent. The
cost is so high because Medicare rebates do not apply to procedures done for
non-medical reasons. "I know that I am unlikely to be in the position to be
thinking realistically about having children until I am in my 40's," she
said. "I am a pragmatist and it would be better to be [trying to conceive]
with 38-year-old eggs."
The idea of lifestyle egg freezing has gained much ground in Australia, all
big capital cities Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are seeing hundreds of
women enquiring about it each month. This may be the next fad in fertility.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Fertility Reforms in Croatia
It seems like fertility is making news all over the world. The Associated
Foreign Press reported today that a long awaited fertility bill about In
Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Croatia is being reviewed by parliament. The
bill has been disputed for years by the Catholic Church and the conservative
population in the country. The Health Minister announced that the new law
would appease both sides of the party, the bill would only allow married
women to undergo IVF, and would permit children conceived from IVF to know
who their biological parents are when they turn 18.
The Associated Foreign Press said, "At the same time, the legislation
contains "liberal" provisions allowing egg and sperm donations, the minister
added. Under the new law, a child conceived by a donated egg or sperm would
be able to obtain information about his or her biological parents once
turning 18. Such a provision was already condemned by local parents
organisation RODA, which warned it could discourage potential donors."
Sources say that nearly 3,000 Croatian women suffer from infertility
annually, resulting in a necessary infertility industry in the country.
Even if there are slightly more stringent laws surrounding the treatments,
it is still vital they are offered for residents.
