October 2011 Blog Archive
Friday, October 21, 2011
Is There a Link Between IVF and Cancer? Doctors Say No.
E!'s Guiliana Rancic revealed on Monday that "through [her] attempt to get pregnant for the third time through IVF, [she] found out that [she] has early stages of breast cancer." She is just 36-years-old. She revealed the personal news to Ann Curry of the TODAY show.
It was her fertility specialist that recommended she get a mammogram, and it was through the breast screening that the cancer was discovered. Her doctor told her that he would not begin the cycle of IVF "if possibly there's a small chance that you have cancer because the hormones will accelerate the cancer," according to Rancic.
The news has drawn concern that there was some kind of connection between IVF and breast cancer. Two days later, Dr. Nancy Snyderman of the TODAY show told Curry that there is not a connection. "There's no known cause and effect," she said regarding the hormones used in IVF and birth control pills. "What we do know is that women who are older usually ask for IVF because they're having a harder time getting pregnant—and women who are older have a higher chance of getting breast cancer, so there is an age relation, but not a hormonal relation."
Friday, October 07, 2011
Problems with Fertility? Try These Diet Tips
When trying to conceive, one’s diet usually does not make the checklist of things to consider. However, if you are struggling with fertility issues, making healthful food choices will only help you on your way to conceiving. Both you and your partner should get on board with a healthy eating plan to boost your fertility and increase your chances of becoming parents.
Tips for Women
Eat a highly nutritional, balanced diet. Be sure to get enough B9, zinc, iron and calcium, which regulate your hormones and ovulation. Having a regular cycle can help keep track of your fertile window. Sources of B9 or folic acid include leafy vegetables, egg yolks and legumes. You can find iron in red meat or spinach, lentils, beans and fortified cereals. Foods that are rich in calcium include dairy products, kale, nuts and seeds. You should eat more fiber, which you can find in whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Tips for Men
Zinc is particularly effective in promoting the production of healthy semen. Zinc is found in oysters, kidney beans, beef, oatmeal or sole fish. Vitamin C increases sperm motility, so tell your partner to get supplements or increase his intake of papaya, bell peppers, oranges and broccoli.
Tips for Both
Avoid consuming alcohol in excess, quit smoking and limit your coffee intake to less than three cups a day. These factors may affect fertility both in men and women. Refined carbs have been linked to inflammation which may also reduce your chances of getting pregnant, so cut down on white bread, pasta or white rice. When trying to conceive, you should be in the best health possible. However, if you still don't see results after several months of healthy eating, consult a fertility specialist for help. Click here to find a specialist in your local area.
