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DESCRIPTION
Infertility is described as an inability to achieve pregnancy after 1 year of sexual activity without contraception. The timetable changes to 6 months if the woman is over the age of 35. Infertility is also defined as the failure to carry a pregnancy to term. Infertility occurs in 10 to 15% of all couples and in at least 15% of couples will experience some degree of infertility at some point with all of its accompanying feelings and frustrations. Female fertility depends on normal functioning of the reproductive tract and the production of hormones necessary for normal sexual development and functioning. About 40 to 50% of all infertility is attributed to the female.
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Inability to conceive. Most women have no obvious signs of infertility until they try to become pregnant and are not successful after one year. Some signs that may point to fertility problems include obesity; heavy, irregular or absent menstrual periods; facial hair; and fluid that leaks from the breasts.
CAUSES
Infertility affects more than 6 million American couples each year. In the past, infertility has been largely attributed to the female, but in reality, infertility affects men and women almost equally. Female-related factors account for 40% of infertility, with male-related factors accounting for another 40%. A combination of male and female related factors account for about 10% of infertility, while the remaining 10% of infertility is due to unexplained causes.
There are many reasons for infertility, including eggs that do not fertilize, sperm that are not able to reach the egg and fertilized eggs that fail to develop well in the early stages.
Anatomical abnormalities of the reproductive system. Blocked fallopian Tubes.
NaturalChildbirth.org: Natural Remedies for Blocked fallopian tubes
Hostile uterine environment.
Emotional stress.
Repeated weight gain/weight loss cycles.
Hormone dysfunction, especially thyroid disorders. Low progesterone levels.
Vaginitis.
Disorders of the cervix, such as infection, laceration or tearing from previous childbirth or narrowing of the cervical opening for any reason.
Amenorrhea (lack of menstrual periods) caused by strenuous exercise programs or nutritional disorders (bulimia or anorexia nervosa).
Chemical changes in the cervical mucus.
Ovarian cysts. Irregular ovulation
Endometriosis.
Smoking.
Tumors.
Advanced age (over 34 years).
The use of some medications, including oral contraceptives (e.g., Depo-Provera). A large number of women cannot conceive for many months after discontinuing use.
Intrauterine device (IUD) (possibly).
Disorders probably not related to infertility include: a tilted uterus, small fibroid tumors of the uterus; or inability to achieve sexual orgasm.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Diabetes mellitus.
Stress.
Marital discord and infrequent sexual intercourse.
Smoking.
Genital disorders.
Drugs of abuse, such as heroin.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Obtain treatment for any treatable disorder that causes infertility.
Avoid preventable causes of infertility. Avoid all alcohol and tobacco products. Do not douche or use artificial lubricants. Do not take any medications that are not prescribed by a physician. Eat a balanced diet. Reduce stress. Exercise and get plenty of sleep. Attain and maintain a healthy weight.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Some fertility problems are minor and reversible. Often, no clear cause for infertility is found. Approach treatment with optimism.
Research into this area is offering new options to couples.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Psychological distress caused by feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and loss of self-esteem.
Treatment costs are high and often not covered by insurance.
The unknown and possible long-term effects of medications used to increase fertility.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
Diagnostic tests may include laboratory studies, such as blood studies of hormones; pelvic examination; hysterosalpinogram (x-ray study of the genital tract); postcoital test (PCT), which is a study of the cervical mucus performed 2 to 12 hours after intercourse; endometrial biopsy to rule out luteal phase defect (a defect in hormone production) and possibly others.
Surgical diagnostic procedures, such as laparoscopy (use of a small lighted telescope) to examine reproductive organs.
Keep a basal body-temperature chart to become familiar with your ovulation pattern. Have intercourse just before ovulation, which can be determined from the chart.
Psychotherapy or counseling, if marital problems exist.
Don't use a lubricant during sexual relations. Lubricants may interfere with sperm mobility.
Your partner should withdraw his penis quickly from your vagina after ejaculation. If left in, it reduces the number of sperm that can swim toward the egg.
After your partner's ejaculation, place pillows under your buttocks to provide an easier downhill swim for the sperm.
Maintain a positive attitude. Worry and tension may contribute to infertility.
Alternate pregnancy methods include in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in which eggs from the female are harvested, impregnated with sperm from the male, and implanted in the uterus; GIFT or ZIFT (gamete or zygote intrafallopian transfer) which are implant procedures involving female egg and male sperm; intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) whereby a single sperm is injected into a single egg and the resulting zygote is transferred to the uterus.
The Conception Kit™
by Conceivex Inc
The only Conception Kit approved by the FDA
For use in the United States. This kit contains
a 3 month supply of Conceivex conception products.
MoonDragon's Conception Information
Using The Conception Kit™ Instructions
& Ordering Information
Additional information available from the: Fertility Research Foundation
877 Park Ave
New York, New York 10021
(212) 744-5500 (phone)
(212) 744-6536 (fax)
Website: www.frfbaby.com
Email: info@frfbaby.com
or
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
(Formerly The American Fertility Society)
1209 Montgomery Hwy
Birmingham, Alabama 35216-2809
(205) 978-5000 (phone)
(205) 978-5005 (fax)
Website: www.asrm.org
Email: asrm@asrm.org (Main)
Email: asrm@asrm-dc.org (Office of Public Affairs)
MEDICATION
Hormones for a hormone imbalance.
Gonad stimulants such as clomiphene, menotropins (Pergonal), human chorion gonadotropin (hCG), leuprolide (Lupron) or urofollitropin. Recognize that fertility drugs may cause multiple births.
ACTIVITY
Work and exercise moderately. Over-exercising may contribute to infertility. Rest when you tire.
DIET
Eat a normal, well-balanced diet. If you are overweight, try to achieve your ideal weight.
FEMALE INFERTILITY SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS
Information, supplements and products for infertility, the inability for a couple to achieve conception after one year of unprotected intercourse.
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm - 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Zinc is a pure liquid Zinc supplement. Zinc moves through all the fluids in the body, it creates a defense against infection-causing bacteria and viruses trying to enter the body and stops bacterial and viral replication.Maca (Lepidum meyenii) Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Today Maca is used to increase energy and support the immune system. Maca can help a number of conditions from fatigue to frigidity.Sensual Lubricant TCM Formula, Guijiao Wenrun - (Female Sexual Lubricant) - 1 fl. oz.
The Sensual Lubricant - TCM Formula female sexual lubricant can activate blood circulation, remove frigidity and increase sexual desire.Vitamin E, d-alpha tocopherol 400 IU - 100 Softgels
Vitamin E has potent antioxidant activity, supplies oxygen to the blood, aids in strengthening capillary walls, and plays a beneficial role in cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention, anti-aging benefits, circulation, wound-healing, immune function, nervous system function, PMS, hot flushes, diabetes, vascular disease, eye health, tissue repair, athletic performance, leg cramps, skin and hair health, and alleviating fatigue.Zinc Lozenges w/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way 23mg - 60 Lozenges
Nature's Way Zinc lozenge boosts cold season defense with zinc, widely recognized as an important nutritional support during the cold season, and echinacea pupurea, clinically shown to support the immune system, and Vitamin C, a vitally important vitamin for general health maintenance.DMG Supplement N, N Dimethyl Glycine, NOW Foods 125mg - 100 Caps
NOW Foods' DMG Supplement is a methylated amino acid found in all cells. DMG is an antioxidant and methyl donor that has a number of beneficial effects. It has shown to have potential in increasing immune response to the flu and salmonella.Fish Oil / Fisol, EPA DHA, Enteric Coated, Nature's Way 500mg - 90 Softgels
Scientific research confirms the important role of Omega-3 essential fatty acids in maintaining healthy blood triglyceride levels, as well as supporting the heart, skin and joints. Fish Oil contains an abundance of two-key Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids, EPA and DHA.Manganese Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 30 +/- ppm - 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Manganese is a pure liquid Manganese supplement. Manganese, also called the "brain mineral," is important in the utilization of all mental facilities/functions.Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera) Powder - 4 oz. Bulk
Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera) is also known as Indian ginseng. Ashwagandha is useful for coughs, infertility, impotence and more.Infertility (Increase Female Fertility) Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
This Organic herb supplement has been developed to help increase female fertility.Saw Palmetto Berries Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Saw Palmetto may also enhance sexual functioning and sexual desire.Motherwort Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Research has shown that Motherwort is able to calm palpitations and irregular heartbeat.False Unicorn Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Many herbalists recommend False Unicorn for reducing menopausal symptoms, and treating ovarian cysts. It has also been used to normalize hormone levels following oral contraceptive use.Squaw Vine Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Squaw Vine is often used for both menstruating and pregnant women and may be used as a salve and be applied to sore nipples while nursing.Lobelia Herb, Nature's Way 425mg - 100 Caps
Lobelia has been traditionally revered for its soothing properties that nourish the nervous system. Lobelia also enhances the function of the respiratory system and has antispasmodic effects.Passion Flower Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Passion Flower is a powerful relaxant to the nervous system important in the treatments of anxiety, tension and insomnia.Tribulus Terrestris Organic Standardized Extract, 1000mg - 30 Tabs
Tribulus is Nature's master hormone regulator for men and women and has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of health problems including loss of libido (sex drive), impotence, infertility, edema, liver, kidney and heart problems, PMS, menopause, and more. Tribulus is a safe, non-hormonal food supplement prepared from the herb, Tribulus terrestris.
OTHER HELPFUL PRODUCTS & BOOKS - FEMALE INFERTILITY
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member has symptoms of infertility and wants help.
Conception doesn't occur within 6 months, despite recommendations and treatment.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Hormones used in treatment may produce side effects.
NOTE: Bulk herbs are available through Mountain Rose Herbs and Nutritional Supplements are available through Herbal Remedies. To find supplements not listed above, click on the links below:
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
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Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners
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