24/02/2009 by admin.

Neither did I !

I have just read an interesting article online about this very subject and wanted to share it with you.

The article was on BBC online in September 2009 and reported the results of a study of 8,500 couples carried out by Bristol University.

The research study , published in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility found that a non-smoking woman exposed to smoke in the workplace was 14% less likely to be able to conceive within a year.

If her partner smokes more than 20 cigarettes a day, the odds of delayed conception were 34%.

We have long known that smoking can affect fertility in both males and females but this research is the first to suggest that even passive smoking can affect female fertility.

Click here to read the full article at BBC online

For more information on the affects of smoking on pregnancy and for help trying to give up click here to visit NHS site

NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline: 0800 169 9 169

7 Days a week, 12pm to 9pm. Here to help you!

Posted in Smoking & Pregnancy, Passive smoking & fertility, Smoking & Fertility | Print | 2 Comments »

23/02/2009 by admin.

What are professional pregnancy tests ?

Professional pregnancy tests are pregnancy tests that have been manufactured for use by health professionals. They are for end users only including clinics, hospitals, doctors, nurses, GP’s, practioners, research labs, universities, charities, school nurses etc

How are professional pregnancy tests different to home pregnancy tests ?

Professional pregnancy tests are usually supplied in either bulk pack cartons in which each test is individually foil wrapped,  or in resealable cannisters in which the test strips are not individually wrapped.

The shelf life on the test strips in the cannisters once opened is usually 3 months. Unopened they have a much longer shelf life, often 2 years

The cartons usually contain 40 or 50 individual pregnancy tests and one set of instructions. The cannisters usually contain 25 pregnancy test strips and one set of instructions.

What type of pregnancy test is a professional pregnancy test ?

Professional pregnancy tests come in a range of formats to suit the healthcare professional needs:

1) The midstream professional pregnancy test in which the user urinates directly onto the test (similar to the popular home pregnancy test high street brands) This format of pregnancy test is usually the more expensive as they cost more to manufacture and are bulkier.

2) The cassette format professional pregnancy test requires the user to perform a urine sample into a container. each test kit contains a small pipette which is then user by the healthcare professional testing the sample to draw the urine up into. The pipette is then used to drop the required number of drops into a small well on the cassette, from which the urine runs up the test strip contained within the cassette. The advantages of the cassette in a healthcare setting is that it can be easily labelled where multiple tests may be performed simultaneously on different patients, for example in a hopsital clinic or lab.

3) The professional pregnancy test strip is the simplest test as it is just a test strip that is dipped directly into a urine sample. It is also the cheapest  pregnancy test format as there is very little packaging. It is ideal for use in healthcare settings where one test is being performed at a time and is therefore ideal for GP surgeries, school nurses, A&E departments . They are available either in a cannister or individually wrapped

How sensitive are professional pregnancy tests ?

Professional pregnancy tests come in a range of sensitivities. The most popular sensitivities in the UK are the 25mIU and the 10mIU pregnancy tests. This means that this is the lowest level of hcg that the pregnancy test can detect. The lower the number the more sensitive the pregnancy test ie a 10mIU pregnancy test will detect pregnancy earlier than a 25mIU test

Click here for more information or to buy professional & NHS pregnancy tests

Posted in NHS pregnancy tests, Tests for Health Professionals, Professional Pregnancy Tests, Pregnancy Tests | Print | 1 Comment »

23/02/2009 by admin.

Whoops sorry this was resheduled.

 It is now due to air on March 23rd on Channel 4 at 9pm

Tune in next month to see Pre-Seed’s inventor Dr. E as she helps narrate this exciting show

Posted in Sperm Motility, Sperm | Print | No Comments »

12/02/2009 by admin.

I always find February one of those months when I need a perk up.

This winter seems to have gone on a long time. Ideally we could all probably do with a 2 weeks in the sun somewhere lovely ideally with long white sandy beaches, being waited on.

If like me your budget does not stretch to that, then there are simpler & cheaper way to give yourself a much needed boost.

Here are my ideas & suggestions for getting a holiday feeling at this time of year

1) make the most of any sunshine we do get

• walk outside on sunny days even if its just for 15 minutes & leave those sunglasses at home.We need to see the sun at this time of year in UK.
• If its snowy get out and have some fun in the snow-who needs a sking holiday, not me. If you have kids take them sledging, build a snow man, have a snow ball fight-it is such fun. Get in touch with your inner child

2) Get some exercise

• do some aerobic exercise-swim, run, cycle, gym, walk briskly,take a class-just get your heart pumping. the feel good hormones released (endorphins)will make you feel so great
• sex is great exercise and certainly releases those feel good hormones if your doing it right

3) Pamper Yourself

• treat yourself to a home facial or if the finances stretch to it go to a salon, lets brighten up our grey winter complexions.use a facial scrub to remove dead skin cells and give yourself a healthy glow
• give yourself a home manicure & pedicure & the apply hand & foot cream. i always feel so much better when my hands look good & cared for-it won’t be long before were wearing sandals( I promise) so lets get our feet looking pretty now. Get rid of all that dry cracked skin
• lets shave our legs, underarms etc. if your finances stretch to it you could get a waxing done. I feel so much sexier with hairless legs & underarms.
• moisturise, moisturise, moisturise-at this time of year our skin can get very dry-too much time spent in doors with central heating & cold weather and little sun. Aplly moisturisers morning and evening. I love to apply body butter to my feet after my bath in the evening & the put my fluffy bed socks on-I wake up with lovely soft feet
• get your hair done-nothing picks me up like having my colour done. Consider having a colour or restyle. Try something new
• tidy up those eyebrows-the weirwolf look does not suit anyone. If you can’t face doing them your self, go to a salon. It is quick, easy and cheap to have it done and in my opinion worth every penny. You will look so much more alert and then you can usually keep on top of them yourself for several months after.

Make time to relax

• enjoy a long soak in the bath in the evening. it helps to relax you ready for sleep. I like to use scented bubble baths,and light candles
• enjoy a good read-we often read on holiday so why not do it at home. I like to read chick lit in the bath every night-pure escapism
• listen to relaxing music or a relaxation cd-make a playlist of your favourite chill out songs
• watch favourite films-whatever is your favourite-I personally favour chick flicks-I will put some film recomendations in another post. I love to watch film on a sunday afternoon in winter with a blazing fire and a pot of tea & home baked cakes-yum. i also like to watch films in the evnings-I find all the adds on commercial tv so stressful
• avoid watching the news if you want to relax-they so rarely report good news

Posted in Sex, Womens Health, Stress, Keeping the romance alive | Print | 5 Comments »

11/02/2009 by admin.

Dont tell yourself it doesn’t matter and she is not bothered.

Its not true-she is bothered. 

You will earn so many brownie points if you do something special for her

Ideas us girls love:

Cut flowers allways go down well and make us feel really pampered

Favourite box of chocolates-not too big a box though or she will just feel guilty for eating them all if she is anything like me

Dinner for two out at a fancy restaurant-lets face it ,an evening off cooking, washing and tidying up is great

Cook a romantic meal for her-I love when my dh cooks for us-he is a great cook

An item of jewellery she covets always goes down well

Hire a romantic film to watch together-Sex and the City is great if she has not already seen it

Give her a cd of love songs or even better compile a romantic playlist for her on itunes

Really nice toiletries or perfume beautifully wrapped & presented

Use your imagination. This does not have to be difficult or expensive, and the credit you will get for it is so worth the expense and effort.

You know what she loves-you can do it. Have fun making her happy-you will be so glad you did

Posted in Valentines day, Marriage, Libido | Print | 8 Comments »

11/02/2009 by admin.

I have just booked a table for DH and myself to go out for dinner just the two of us for a romantic meal.

Just hoping his cold gets better !

 My thinking was a long hot soak in tub before we go out for both of us, dress to impress (sexy underwear-the works), romantic candelit  dinner & wine for two, and then home for an early night and some loving.

I have got him a small valentines gift which is a dvd of his favourite comedian-they do say laughter is the best medicine (we will get rid of that cold)

Plan something special for your sweetie, to show them how much you love and appreciate them.

If you want to buy yourself a little gift for valentines day that will help you understand your other half better I can highly reccomend the ‘men are from mars women are from venus’ books by John Gray. I love them and find they help me to understand my dh & vice versa. I have most of them on my ipod as a audiobook.

Whatever you decide to do for valentines day-be kind to each other and show your sweetie how much you love and appreciate him

Posted in Marriage, Sex | Print | 2 Comments »

11/02/2009 by admin.

Just read this on Dr E’s blog from this January (Dr E developed the range of PreSeed and Pre sperm friendly lubricants) 

Click here for more info on Pre lubricant or to buy

What many have been waiting for!  We now have Pre’ multi-use, flip- top tubes  in a larger size (3.6 oz) 

 Pre’ is mild enough for any moment in the circle of life.  It is our same isotonic, mild formula as in Pre-Seed, but for external application only.  Our formula is recommended and used by clinics all over the world focusing on fertility procedures, menopause changes and pelvic pain disorders.  Now you can decide what packaging you prefer, Pre’ in a pretty flip-top tube for external application, or Pre-Seed with its intravaginal applicators to moisturize deep inside.  We do recommend the internal application of Pre-Seed when couples are trying to conceive, although I use Pre-Seed internally for “old lady” fun especially during drier times.  In fact, Dh and I mix and match between the external Pre’ and the internal Pre-Seed depending on how we are expressing our selves any given time.  

To try this yourselves at home

Enjoy!
Dr. E  

Posted in Pre lubricant, Pre-Seed Lubricant | Print | 1 Comment »

11/02/2009 by admin.

Great news this test pack offer everything you need for a totally CONFIDENTIAL home chlamydia test.
Even better news Chlamelle involves no swabs & is totally pain free.

 Clamelle is a complete self test for screening for non symtomatic chlamydia in men and women.
Each Chlamelle pack Contains: urine sample bottle, transport container, plastic sample bag, pre-paid padded envelope & full instructions.

Results available and posted directly to you in less than 7 days

Click here to find out more or to buy Clamelle home chlamydia test

Posted in Clamelle, Chalmydia Screening, Chlamydia home test, Chlamydia | Print | 1 Comment »

09/02/2009 by admin.

Just read this article at The Nursing Times online that was published today  

Researchers have discovered that obesity in women giving birth for the 1st time can increase the risk of pre-eclampsia & low birth weight or premature babies, compared to the average poopulation

Pre-eclampsia is also a greater risk among women in their first pregnancy with a BMI over 30.

Read the full article here

http://www.nursingtimes.net

The study was funded by the baby charity Tommy’s, the Wellcome Trust and the Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust - and published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Posted in Pre-eclampsia, Obesity | Print | 1 Comment »

06/02/2009 by admin.

The octuplets (six boys and two girls) , only the second set to ever be delivered in USA, were born last week 9 weeks early.

 It is thought that the octuplets are the result of fertility treatment.

Click here to find out more

Posted in Fertility Treatment, Multiple Births, Pregnancy | Print | No Comments »

05/02/2009 by admin.

Tune in on 16th February on Channel 4 to see Pre-Seed’s inventor Dr. E as she helps narrate this exciting show.

Posted in Sperm Motility, Sperm, Trying to Conceive, Male Fertility Issues | Print | 1 Comment »

04/02/2009 by admin.

I have it on good authority that there is a programme to be screened on Channel 4 on 16th february called ‘The Great Sperm Race’ which features Pre-Seed inventor Dr Joanna Ellington (sperm physiologist & CEO INGfertility)

Watch this space for more info 

Click here for more info about Pre-Seed

Posted in Sperm Motility, Sperm, Pre-Seed Lubricant, Male Fertility Issues, Uncategorized | Print | 1 Comment »

04/02/2009 by admin.

What is Chlamydia ?

Chlamydia is now one of the most common sexually-transmitted infections, affecting approximately one in ten young people in the UK.

Although easily cured with antibiotics, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women if left untreated.

It can also cause complications in men and lead to epididymitis, urethritis and Reiters disease

Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis. Between 2004 and 2005, the number of confirmed cases of chlamydia in the UK rose by 5%, from 104,733 to 109,958.

Chlamydia is the single largest cause of sub fertility in Western Europe. Chlamydia is ofter carried without symptoms which is why screening at risk populations for Chlamydia is so important in helping to prevent the complications of Chlamydia

 How do you catch Chlamydia ?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is transmitted (passed on) from one person to another during intimate sexual contact. You can catch chlamydia through:

• having unprotected vaginal sex,
• having unprotected anal sex,
• having unprotected oral sex, or
• having genital contact with an infected partner.

Chlamydia can also be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth. Although no obvious symptoms are immediately apparent, the infection will often develop two weeks after birth, and can result in complications such as pneumonia.

What symptoms can Chlamydia cause ?

Chlamydia is often called the ‘silent’ disease due to the lack of noticeable symptoms. 

Because of this lack of symptoms many people are unaware that they have Chlamydia and can pass it on unknowingly. Around 50% of men and 70% of women who have the chlamydia infection will have no symptoms at all and many others have minro symptoms that they may not act on.

In women, genital chlamydia does not often cause any symptoms. However, some women may have ‘non-specific symptoms’ such as:

• cystitis,
• a change in their vaginal discharge, and
• mild lower abdominal pain.

If left untreated, the chlamydia infection may lead to the following symptoms:

• pelvic pain,
• pain during sexual intercourse, or occasionally,
• bleeding between periods.

The chlamydial infection can also spread to the womb, and cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID is a major cause of infertility, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage

A man with chlamydia commonly experiences a urethral discharge from the penis and may experience some discomfort on urinating (passing urine)

If you think you may have Chlamydia then see your GP or contact your local STI or GU clinic who will be able to arrange testing and treatment

How is Chlamydia diagnosed ?

Chlamydia can be diagnosed in a women by a cervical swab peformed by a doctor or nurse in a GU clinic, hospital clinic or a GP surgery and in a man by an urethral swab performed by doctor in a clinic or GP surgery

It can also be diagnosed by a simple urine sample which can be performed at home. The urine samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Click here to view home chlamydia urine lab tests

How is Chlamydia treated ?

The good news is that Chlamydia is easily treated with a course of antibiotics which are prescribable by your GP or by a hospital or GU clinic. It is very important that to prevent re-infection both partners are treated.

Can I screen myself for Chlamydia ?

Yes, for the last couple of years services have been available to allow individuals to screen themselves for Chlamydia. As chlamydia often has no symptoms , screening at home allows early diagnosis & treatment

For more information on Chlamydia click here

Posted in Ectopic Pregnancy, PID, Chlamydia home test, Chlamydia | Print | 1 Comment »

03/02/2009 by admin.

Hi,

Hope everyone is coping with the snow !

 Access Diagnostics 5% coupon code for February 2009 is save

Click here to visit Access Diagnostics Fertility Test Site

Coupon is valid until the end of Feb and gives a 5% discount on goods

Posted in Fertility Test Site, Fertility Supplements, Fertility Tests | Print | 1 Comment »

02/02/2009 by admin.

Just read this really good honest article about sex in marriage.

If your sex life is flagging I highly reccommend reading this

Two years ago, my wife and I made it our new year’s resolution to have sex every day. The reason was simple. Utterly worn out by the arrival of our first child, we had pretty much stopped having sex. I was 33, she was 30, and our erotic life needed not so much a jump-start as electrotherapy.

Read the full article and the results of their sexperiment here http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/men/article5598881.ece

Posted in Marriage, Libido, Sex | Print | 1 Comment »

02/02/2009 by admin.

Just read this interesting article in the Times online

 The article is from From The Sunday Times February 1, 2009

I was 24 when I was first told to “get on with it” if I wanted to one day have children. I’d just been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), joining a club of about 5% of the female population, and there I was, staring down at my Nikes, with my doctor sitting in front of me, telling me that I might find it harder than most to conceive, and that if I did ever want to, it would be best to get around to it sooner rather than later. And once that had happened, everybody had their tuppence to throw in. There was the facialist who told me she’d “be surprised” if I ever conceived naturally; the friend and new mother who, child smugly nestled on hip, highly recommended I be a “young mum” like her; and all the articles I pored over that preached exactly the same thing. And ever since then, I have been terrified that they might all be right.

Read the full article here http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article5599066.ece

Posted in PCOS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome | Print | 1 Comment »