Info

You are currently browsing the UK Fertility Information, Support & Fertility Blog weblog archives for January, 2011.

Calendar
January 2011
M T W T F S S
« Dec   Feb »
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  
Categories

Archive for January 2011

Increasing Fertility and your Chances of Getting Pregnant with Lubricant Containing Magnesium and Calcium.

Magnesium and Calcium are some of the earths most abundant trace elements and vital in the health of all living cells. Scientific research has shown the fundamental role trace elements such as Magnesium and Calcium play in the most complex cellular processes of our body including in the process of fertilization.

Most of us are familiar with the benefits of dietary supplements of calcium in the formation of healthy bones and in the prevention of osteoporosis. In fact Calcium (Ca2+) has a myriad of functions in biology, and new roles are still being discovered. At the cellular level calcium controls a number of complex cell events from cell metabolism, membrane binding, interactions between cells (cross-linking) and enzyme activation.Magnesium (Mg2+) is the fourth most abundant mineral found in our bodies. Needed for over 300 biochemical reactions, magnesium maintains normal muscle and nerve function, keeps the heart rhythm steady, supports the immune system, and keeps bones strong at the same time as playing a vital role in functioning of enzymes.

Magnesium, and Calcium ions are found naturally in sperm, seminal fluid and cervical fluid, with Magnesium working in different ways to maintain a healthy environment for sperm in order that fertilization can occur.[1]  Calcium ions play a major role in cellular signaling[2], a form of chemical communication between cells that occurs between sperm and the egg during the process of fertilization. Here the signaling works to promote egg and sperm compatibility and controls a complex series of interactions designed to achieve the proper sequence of events leading up to the formation of the zygote, which then develops into the embryo.

With the goal of naturally improving human reproductive health and fertility scientists at Sasmar researched and patented the concept, combining Calcium and Magnesium ions in a pH and electrolyte balance gel to match and complement natural fertile body fluids, specifically cervical fluid and by doing so promote sperm health, egg health as well as promote sperm adhesion to the egg.

Sasmar a consumer healthcare company, recently released a new fertility lubricant, aptly named Conceive Plus based on this research.

                                 

At the 65th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in 2009 clinical data was published confirming that Conceive Plus fertility lubricant is safe for sperm, safe for embryo development, is non-spermicidal and does not harm the viability or motility of human sperm. The data shows Conceive Plus does not hinder the process of fertilization between ova and sperm and it does not affect embryo development.  This is significant as research shows that regular lubricant is unsuitable for use when trying to conceive because it either damaged sperm or formed a barrier to sperm.

With fertility rates dropping and couples facing an array of barriers like stress, obesity, and as fertility decreases with age the release of a readily available, affordable over the counter lubricant for couples which promotes getting pregnant naturally is an important break.

Clinically tested, non-spermicidal, pH and electrolyte balanced, sperm friendly and with Calcium and Magnesium ions to mimic natural body fluids makes Conceive Plus fertility lubricant ideally suited to couples who are trying to conceive a baby naturally.<!–[if !supportFootnotes]–>


<!–[endif]–><!–[if !supportFootnotes]–>[1]<!–[endif]–> Association Between Seminal Plasma Copper and Magnesium Levels with Oxidative Stress in Iraqi Infertile Men Omar F. Abdul-Rasheed<!–[if !supportFootnotes]–>[2]<!–[endif]–> Essentials of medical geology: impacts of the natural environment on public environment. Olle Selinus 2005

Clearblue Ovulation Test

The ever popular Clearblue ovulation test has had a really surge in popularity in recent months following the introduction of the new Clearblue Digital Ovulation 20 test pack.

The Clearblue range of ovulation tests currently includes:

Clearblue Home Ovulation Tests (non digital traditional midstream ovulation test) each packs contains 7 tests

Clearblue Digital Ovulation Tests now with Smilie face containing 7 midstream digital ovulation tests

Clearblue Digital Home Ovulation Tests 20 test pack which contains 20 midstream digital ovulation tests

 

Why does Clearblue remain so popular ? The answer is fairly simple.Clearblue ovulation tests are high quality, highly accurate (99%) midstream ovulation tests that are widely recognised & easily available .The Clearblue Digital Ovulation Tests make intrepetation really simple (no more comparing two lines) and the new 20 test pack means you can start testing from earlier in your cycle so that you do not miss your LH surge (ideal for those with erratic cycles or who find it tricky to remember when to start testing) The 20 test pack also offers excellent value for money.To see our full range of Clearblue products visit www.buy-clearblue.co.uk

Meditation & Fertility

If you are trying to cope with the stress related to fertility, meditation is truly a gift. This simple and effective practice can transform your fertility journey from an emotional rollercoaster to a more calm, controlled and even positive experience.

According to Dr. Alice Domar, Director for the Mind-Body Center for Women at Boston IVF, mind body techniques
such as meditation produce a relaxation response, which reduces stress and may increase your chance of conceiving. The relaxation response involves releasing feel-good endorphins and turning off stress hormones.

Studies have shown that the effects of meditation include:
• An increased sense of calm
• More control over the mind and thoughts
• A deeper connection to self and inner wisdom
• Greater clarity and focus
• A better ability to cope with stressful situations

Meditation, simply put, involves focusing your mind in a way that promotes the intention to reflect, contemplate
or quiet the mind. It’s easy to begin: just choose a goal like gaining control of your thoughts and quieting your
mind. Then you need to choose a form of meditation that best suits you.

Here are some that I use with my clients. Try them all and then find the one that works best for you.

Click here to read more…

Free Conceive Plus Fertility Lubricant

In the last few weeks we have given away 100 free packs of Conceive Plus trial size (3 pre-filled applicators) Conceive Plus fertility lubricant trial size

We still have 200 packs of Conceive Plus individual applicators 3 dose trial size packs to give away FREE to the first 200 fertility or pregnancy test/ product orders through our fertility website who request a free pack at the time of ordering.

Each Conceive plus trial size pack contains 3 pre-filled individual vaginal applicators containing Conceive Plus sperm friendly lubricant for use while trying to get pregnant.

To take up this offer you must place your order through one of our fertility websites and add the special delivery instructions ‘Yes please to free Conceive Plus trial size’

 This is a limited offer while stocks of the giveaway Conceive Plus trial size last. (offer ended 1/3/11)

Click her to visit our fertility website

Click here for more info about Conceive Plus fertility lubricant

Little miracles

Well it has been ages since I have managed to find something to write about - Although in all honesty what I have actually wanted to blog about was the birth of miracle reiki baby. And finally through the madness of christmas, I have had chance to sit down and get writing.

He was due on christmas day but because of the complications involved in the entire pregnancy, as well as her diabetes, they decided they wanted to induce and make sure all was well before staff started taking holidays.

So on Monday 13th they set off to the hospital and after a long and arduous attempt at induction, little baby Dylan was born by c-section at lunch time on the 15th.

I had to look back over the initial review she wrote for my website to really get my head around just what a miracle he is. As I wrote about before, she was pretty much told there was only a small amount of chance that she would get pregnant with IVF - never mind with no interventions.

There is no proof that Reiki caused all this - but the reiki treatments she has recieved prior to her pregnancy and during it certainly have helped her to relax and ultimately helped her become a mummy.
I have been lucky to see him twice, the first visit being a very emotional and special occasion. Holding the little man was perfection itself. He has such positive energy and is totally chilled out and happy with his mummy and daddy.

I don’t want anyone to feel I am promising false hope - but in the new year, perhaps you can make a resolution to be good to yourself- to give yourself chance to relax - and no better place than that is with a holistic therapy of any kind - be it yoga, reiki, reflexology, massage or some simple meditation cd’s to do at home. A small amount of time out can have a huge beneficial effect on your mental and physical health.

If you are going through cycles of IVF and taking the emotional journey that goes with it, it is the perfect time to ensure that you are as relaxed as can be. Sometimes there is no getting away from the fact that you do need the medical interventions and benefits of science to help - but getting yourself as relaxed will get you through the roller coaster of emotions and may increase the chances of success in reaching your pregnancy.

Take care of yourself and wishing everyone the best for the new year to come.

Namaste

Reiki baby

Information about possible birth defect risks from assisted reproductive techniques; scare tactics or essential disclosure?

There was a report in The Sunday Times yesterday that Prof Lisa Jardine, of the government’s regulatory body the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), is to recommend that fertility clinics warn prospective patients of the risk of birth defects associated with IVF, ICSI, twin pregnancies conceived using assisted reproduction and embryo screening. What does that mean for you, if you are in the midst of or have already availed yourself of one or more of these treatments?

We have heard this before - The first thing you should know is that this is not strictly new news. Eleven months ago, the Daily Mail carried an article stating that “IVF children have higher risk of infertility, obesity and diabetes.” In June of last year, it was reported by the HFEA that a study in France showed that there is a small increase in risks of congenital abnormalities in children born as a result of IVF or ICSI. More recently, The British Medical Journal has recently published information from a study that shows women who have one embryo transferred during IVF treatment are five times more likely to give birth to a healthy baby than those who receive two embryos.  This is not meant to frighten you further, but to show that there are reports in the news all the time and they need to be read carefully and validated.

Risks associated with assisted reproductive techniques - The next thing is to be aware that the HFEA is merely saying that there is a greater risk of health problems associated with assisted reproduction, but not definitively how much greater the risk is. Their intention is merely to be as open as possible with women about any risk before they give consent to starting an assisted reproductive procedure. I am absolutely in favour of that, as the process in which individual women, or couples, go through should be one of fully informed decision-making. What I want, however, is enough specificity to help people understand the results of the studies, as well as a user-friendly explanation of how likely it is that those conditions may affect the health of their child. The Sunday Times article only alludes to possible side effects of IVF and other fertility methods, but gives no statistics. The list of potential health problems in children born of assisted reproductive techniques (A.R.T.), including:

·        heart defects, cleft lip and neurological flaws;

·        low birth weight;

·        cerebral palsy;

·        cancer of the retina;

·        undescended testicles in boys born of IVF; and

·        Infertility in children born as a result of ICSI, a procedure in which a sperm is artificially inserted into an egg.

Risks associated with embryo screening - Additionally, the HFEA wants patients who choose to have their embryos screened for genetic defects before implantation, to be informed of “potential high risk of neurodegenerative disorders,” or brain disorders in their children.  Apparently, embryo screening which uses one cell rather than two cells is of less danger.  It’s important to note that “before issuing new guidelines, the HFEA is to carry out a further review of scientific papers on the health outcomes of assisted reproductive technology children.” That means that no guidelines have been issued yet and that fertility clinics are not yet required to provide this type of information.  Most people who have IVF will not feel the need for embryo screening as a matter of course. I assume that a fertility specialist would recommend the procedure only in such cases as when a genetic condition has already been identified as a possibile outcome. Consequently, the risk of the screening may be offset by the risk of the suspected defect which could already present. Still, I believe that this information should be included with all of the factors relevant to the patient’s decision-making, as it may make a difference to the type of screening undertaken.

What should you do? By all means, you should feel free to ask your medical practitioner for an explanation of these risks. It is worth mentioning that even if the risks of birth defects are somewhat higher in assisted reproductive births than in naturally conceived births, the incidence will still be relatively low. A good analogy might be the risk associated with amniocentesis. There may be a higher risk of miscarriage in pregnancies in which amniocentesis is performed, however, the risk is still less only about 1% of pregnancies in which the miscarriage will actually occur as a result of the procedure. The patient and her partner are the only ones who can decide whether the risk is a reasonable and acceptable one, given the context in which they are operating.

Weighing and balancing - If you cannot conceive naturally, you must decide whether a greater risk of birth defects in A.R.T. births is acceptable to you, relative to your desire to have a baby by any means. Weigh it against the chance that no birth defect will occur, but make sure to discuss how you would feel about having child with a condition like the ones listed above. I don’t have any overall statistics for you because they have not been issued yet, and may never be; you would have to take each study separately. The best way to make any sense of them is to restrict your exploration to those relating to the specific procedure  you will undergo.

Doing your own research - In order to fully explore these issues, you may want to do some of your own research, starting with the HFEA website, which has an excellent section for patient information. Then, if the information you discover leads to questions that you and your partner find difficult to resolve, you may want to talk to a fertility coach who can help you explore your values and priorities specific to your proposed fertility treatment. Just remember, the HFEA seeks to hold the fertility industry accountable, in line with public policy and to the patients that use it, for the protection of all concerned. While the media reports the findings of studies and government reviews of those studies in a way that sometimes makes them seem of greater or more immediate importance than they actually are, it is better to have that information available to us than to be kept in the dark.

Blog http://yourgreatlife.typepad.com   Follow me on Twitter.com/yourgreatlife

10% Access Diagnostics discount coupon 7 days only

Happy New Year from everyone at Access Diagnostics Fertility 

We have a 10% discount coupon active from today until midnight on Sunday 16th January 

Use at www.accessdiagnostics.co.uk

10% Coupon code is: HNY10

it can also be used www.valuemed.co.uk

  • Coupon is valid until midnight Sunday 16th January 2011. 
  • One coupon per order
  • Coupon can be used multiple times
  • Discount can be used on any products
  • Minimum spend £5 on goods
  • To use coupon code enter the code exactly as it is typed above and then click update. Please feel free to pass the coupon on to friends, family, colleagues & chat groups

 and remember 1st class standard UK delivery is currently free

Would you like to be a guest blogger on our infertility blog ? Then do get in touch

Yes its that time of year again and we are looking for some guest contributors on our fertility blog. Its always great to have new fertility bloggers as they bring fresh ideas, experience and insites.

We already have some really great guest fertility bloggers who blog about all sorts of things fertility & infertility related including IVF, alternative therapies for infertility, their own personal TTC journeys, support for infertility to mention just a few.

If you would like to join our team of contributors please do get in touch. You can blog about anything fertility or infertility related including your personal ttc journey or fertility/ infertility experiences

We are also looking for fertility experts. Are you working in a field of fertility or are in complementary medicine with an emphasis on fertility, and would like to share your knowledge and experience with our fertility readers ? Would you like to blog about your particular field of infertility and how it relates to fertility as a specialist contributor on our fertility blog ?

If you would like to be a guest fertility blogger or contributor please e-mail us or post in comments and we will e-mail you.

Any e-mail address or personal info you leave in comments is kept private

|