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Ultra Early Pregnancy Tests 10miu Review-pros and cons

Ultra early detection pregnancy tests have been available now for several years  and are proving very popular & reliable at diagnosing pregnancy before the missed period.

If you are using an ultra early sensitive 10miu hcg pregnancy test you need to test 1st thing in the morning on the first urine that you pass after waking, as the hcg level will usually be more concentrated then, and so you have a higher chance of detecting if you are pregnant or not.

Advantages of ultra early pregnancy test strips:

  • they detect lower levels of the pregnancy hormone hcg
  • they are easy to use
  • you find out sooner
  • the ultra early pregnancy test strips are excellent value for money

Disadvantages of ultra early pregnancy tests:

  • They may detect a very early pregnancy that then fails to continue, that you would otherwise not know about.
  • false negatives are more common, as the pregnancy hormone level in the urine, may not be high enough even for the ultra sensitive pregnancy test to detect.
  • you may need to test repeatedly until you get a positive pregnancy test or your period starts

Click here to buy ultra early detection pregnancy tests 10miu sensitivity

 

 

Would you like to guest blog on our fertility blog ?

Do you like guestblogging ?

We are currently looking for guest bloggers & contributors on this fertility blog.

If you would like to be a guest fertility blogger please do get in touch by e-mail to kate@adtuk.co.uk or by posting in comments and we will contact you. Any e-mail address that you post in comments is kept private and will not appear on the fertility blog

New Years Resolutions-do they work ? What is your big one this year ?

Can’t believe how quickly 2013 has come around and how long it is since I posted on this blog.

I have not yet sat down and made my new years resolutions. Every year for the past 10 years I have made the same resolution each year-I wonder if can you guess what it is.

Unsurprsingly it has been ‘to diet & to lose weight’ . In fact to lose 18lbs to be precise. Each year I start off my diet quite well and lose a few pounds then things seem to slip and I am back 12 months later with the same resolution and often more weight to lose.

But last year things were different. I found I had a really good incentive to lose weight -it was affecting my health adversely-it is amazing how much easier it is to lose weight when you have a really good reason to do so. I joined Weight Watchers and lost weight steadily getting to my target last summer. I have been at goal now for about 6 months. The support & motivation I gained from attending the class was invaluable and I found I looked forward and still do so to attending the class.

If you are trying to conceive and you are overweight then you have a really good incentive to lose weight. Being over weight reduces fertility in both men and women and losing weight can improve your chances of conceiving. Being at a healthy weight when you start your pregnancy is also associated with fewer health risks for both mother and foetus and can help you to maintain a healthy weight throughout pregnancy.

If you have quite a lot of weight to lose it may be worth talking to your GP. Some GP surgeries will fund courses with weight watchers or similar groups.

Laptop caused heat damage to sperm & revealed as culprit in couples difficulty conceiving

An article in The Daily Mail this week, revealed how a couple who had been trying for a a baby for about 6 months without success, expressed concerns to their GP. Because the man had previously had mumps, he was referred to the hospital for a sperm test.

The results of the test where startling, showing that although he had a healthy number of sperm, the sperm showed abnormalities consistent with heat damage. The tails of the sperm where wrapped around the heads meaning they could not swim properly.

On closer questioning of the couple it was revealed that the man spent several hours every night with his laptop on his lap. He was advised to stop this practice, and to put the laptop on a table instead. He did this and 3 months later his wife was pregnant, and they now have an 11 month old daughter. The couple had no idea that the laptop could damage sperm in this way.

Heat can be a cause of infertility in men, and has long been recognised in chefs who work long hours in hot kitchens.  Laptops emit a lot of heat when they are on and if sat on your lap can cause overheating of the testicles. The widespread use of laptops has meant that this cause of male infertility is on the increase. The good news is it is reversible.

The message is clear. If you are trying for a baby keep your laptop off your lap and give the little swimmmers a fighting chance.

You can read the news article here

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2228121/Couple-conceive-stunned-doctors-reveal-husbands-LAPTOP-cooking-sperm.html?goback=%2Egde_3043944_member_182443828

p.s  Just a thought even if you are not trying for a baby it makes sense to keep your testicles cool. We don’t yet know what other harmful effects sitting a laptop on your groin may have, but it seems wise to exercise caution in this area.

Female Fertility Predictor

The results of a new study from Denmark reported in the Journal of Reproduction has shown that your mothers age at menopause may be a good predictor of fertility.

The researchers  studied  527 women between the age of 20-40 years of age, and found that women whose mothers had an early menopause had far fewer viable eggs in their ovaries than those women whose mothers had a later menopause.

Women are born with all the eggs that they will ever have, and so those women that had fewer viable eggs have fewer chances of conceiving. This can be measured and is known as the ‘ovarian reserve’

The message from the study seems to be that if your mother had an early menopause then statistically you have a higher chance of having a low ovarian reserve and so should avoid postponing trying to conceive and start early. But this does not mean you can be complacent if you mother had a late menopause.

The message for all women is to avoid postponing & start early as ovarian reserve declines with age. In times of recession lots of women may put off starting a family and then face difficulties later due to reduced fertility.

Source BBC news http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20217735

IVF News-Three Person IVF research success

A controversial new IVF method being researched in the US has produced promising results. So far the studies have been done on human embryos in the lab and monkeys. The technique is used to reduce transmission of mitochondrial disease from mother to child. A public consultastion on the ethics of using this techenique in UK is underway the results of which are expected next spring.

Source BBC News & HFEA

Find out more here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20032216

and at the HFEA http://www.hfea.gov.uk/7517.html

Best Fertility & Infertility Blogs 2012 | Trying to Conceive blogs

Decided it was about time we reviewed all the best fertility & infertility blogs, and  trying to conceive blogs around this year and post some links to them. So here our some great ones to get you started. If you have a particular fertility or infertility blog that you find useful, or you are the author of a fertilty or TTC blog then feel free to post a link to it in comments with some information.

Reading about how others have coped with ups and downs on the journey of trying to conceive through a personal blog can be helpful, and writing down your experiences and thoughts in a blog can also be therapeutic.

There are some great TTC blogs out there. These are some of our favourites. this list is by no means complete, and we are happy to add to it.

Personal Trying to Conceive Blogs

IVF Blogs

http://tertia.typepad.com/so_close/2004/10/surviving_infer.html this is an old blog now but still a great one.

http://ivfgirl.com/

http://invitrofertilitygoddess.com/

TTC after miscarriage/ babyloss

http://nongeordiemum.blogspot.com/

Information & support for infertility blog

Humerous look at infertility blogs

Last updated 2010 http://www.999reasonstolaugh.com/2010/05/758-you-read-infertility-blogs/

http://www.bustedplumbing.com/

Infertility & IVF information blogs

http://www.ivfauthority.com/

http://infertilityblog.blogspot.com/2010_10_01_archive.html

Blogs about infertility success stories

http://chasingamiracle.com/

http://jennandtonica.com/

http://www.roadtohappilyeverafter.com/2010/12/one-where-i-let-it-all-out.htmlful.

FAQ Ovulation-How do I know if I’m Ovulating ?

This is a common question regarding ovulation.

Symptoms & Signs of Ovulation

Some lucky women are able to tell when they are ovulating by changes in their body and this makes life much easier for them when they are trying to conceive.

The easiest one to spot is the changes in the cervical mucus, which becomes stringy and slippery and is often described as resembling raw egg whites at ovulation time.

‘Ovulation pain’ is also reported by some women but is not a very reliable method of timing intercourse as other abdominal pains can be confused with that of ovulation.

Another sign that can be useful is an increased libido at your fertile time. This is natures way of encouraging you to have intercourse at the best time for conception, but again this is fairly non specific and some women do not experience this.

If you do not experience these changes around the time of ovulation do not worry, many women do not notice these changes and it does not mean that there is anything wrong or that you will not be able to know when you are ovulating.

There are a huge range of ovulation tests  & ovulation predictors that can help you to know when you are ovulating.

You can find out more about ovulation tests from Access Diagnostics Fertility  

Best Fertility & Infertility Blogs for 2012

We are compiling a list of the best fertility & infertility blogs of 2012 and would appreciate your input. If you have a favourite blog that has helped you and that you would like to recomend then please do send us the link or post it in comments.

If you are the author of a fertility or infertility blog and would like it included then please get in touch by e-mail to kate@adtuk.co.uk or leave us a message in comments.

The categories so far are :

  • TTC Blogs
  • IVF Blogs
  • TTC after miscarriage/ babyloss blogs
  • Information & support for infertility blogs
  • Humerous look at infertility blogs
  • Infertility & IVF information blogs
  • Blogs about infertility success stories

Free Fertility Resources | Fertility friends | Fertility Information | Fertility Calculator

Here are some useful free fertility resources-feel free to post yours in comments and we may add them to our blogroll.

Infertility & fertility support

Fertility Friends is a UK based support group & forum http://www.fertilityfriends.co.uk/forum/index.php

Fertility Information 

BBC Health Fertility -great free resource for fertility information & news http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/fertility/fertility_index.shtml

Conceive Online is the online presence of the US magazine Conceive  http://www.conceiveonline.com/

Free Fertility Planner

Free Fertility Calculator from Attain Fertility http://attainfertilityplanner.com/default.aspx?src=conceive

What is an ovulation test ?

Ovulation tests determine if you are ovulating, and also detect the timing of the ovulation.

There are a variety of methods used to test for ovulation, but the commonest and simplest to use are urine tests which look for the hormone LH (Luteinising Hormone) levels in urine, and detect the timing of the sudden rise in the levels of LH, which triggers the release of the egg. Urine LH tests are performed once a day, from a starting point which is calculated from the average length of the menstrual cycle. The first positive test result indicates that ovulation will occur over the next 24-36hrs

Another common ovulation test is the BBT or Basal Body Temperature method. This looks for the rise on basal body temperature that occurs with ovulation. This method is more tricky to use with any accuracy as a regular regime and strict methodology is needed to take the very first morning temperature before any activity and plot the results on charts. If used carefully, it will indicate that ovulation has occured, but by the time it it clear on the chart ovulation has already happened.

Digital Fertility Monitors have also been developed such as the Clearblue Fertility Monitor. These use a combination of programming and urine measurement to determine ovulation and predict the best fertile period for timing intercourse, for the best chance of conception. The big draw back is the cost of buying the monitor and then the monitor test strips, so they are a lot more expensive than normal ovulation tests, especially if lots of strips are used.

Saliva Ovulation Tests (also known as mini microscope or ovulation microscope) are also available which show a classical ferning pattern at ovulation due to the changes in the saliva that occur at ovulation. If used regularly these can be a good ovulation test.

Apps for mobile phones or ipad are also available to prompt the user of the fertile time in each cycle. These are straight calculators working on your cycle length, so a regular cycle is essential for any chance of accuracy. Obviously, as no test is involved, they are not true ovulation tests, but for most couples with no fertility problems, they may be all that is required to prompt the correct times for sex to maximise the chances of conception. A simple calender method can aslo be used if your cycle is very regular.

We recommend trying ovulation urine LH test strips, if you choose to try using an ovulation test. They are inexpensive & easy to use. Keep to one brand and test at the same time each day. Avoid testing in the morning, mid afternoon to early evening is the best time of day to do an urine LH ovulation test. Time sex for the night of the 1st positive result and the next night for the best chances.

Buy Ovulation Test Strips online in UK

 

Chlamydia & Fertility

I worked within the NHS as a doctor for many years and did Gynaecology, GU medicine and Obstetrics jobs as part of my training as a GP. When I was a GP I developed a special interest in GU medicine and took one day a week out of my GP job & worked for many years as a clinical assistent in a local GU medicine clincs in South Yorkshire. In my gynaecology attachments I  was always amazed at how often the diagnosis of  ectopic pregnancy was missed by doctors, until it had ruptured and become any emergency. It was not until I did a GU medicine attachment in a fantastic GU department at our local district general hospital, that I learned that undiagnosed Chlamydia can be a cause of ectopic pregnancy.

Now this was 20 years ago, and I realise that there is now heightened awareness of Chlamydia, its effects on fertility and ectopic pregnancy. I think the womens magazines & the internet has a lot to do with this. Anything that we can do to spread the word and increase both public and medical awareness of this life threatening condition is a good thing, and should aid earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Chlmaydia infection can often be asymptomatic until it causes a problem which makes diagnosis more difficult. You may have it for many years asymptomatically. In recent years there have been screening programmes such as ‘The National Chlamydia Screening Programme’ for Chlamydia targeted at the younger under 25 age group in which Chlamydia is most prevalent ,and through which Chlamydia tests have been available free by post.

The GU team I worked with were passionate about spreading the word to doctors that undiagnosed Chlamydia can be a factor  in some cases of ectopic pregnancy, and that all patients entering hospital with an ectopic pregnancy should be screened for Chlamydia as part of their routine post op care. They went further and advised that all women with fertility issues should also be screened as Chlamydia can be a cause of infertility.

I wonder whether we should go one step further and screen all women of child bearing age for Chlamydia routinely as we do with the cervical smear. It would be so easy to do a Chlamydia test at the same time. Only problem with this is we would miss the younger age group as the cervical smear screening in UK does not start until age 25 currently-which always surprises me as Jade Goody was diagnosed with terminal Cervical Cancer at just 27 years of age. When I worked in the GU Clinic a cervical smear was a routine part of the GU screening process whatever the age of the patient.

Would you say that chlamydia screening is now happening in gynaecology wards & infertility clinics routinely ? Do you think this is important ? Should we screen all sexually active women for Chlamydia routinely when they have their cervical smear? Should the cervical smear screening start at a younger age since teenagers now become sexually active so much younger ?

 Let us know your thoughts in comments

You can also buy Chlamydia tests by post

When is ovulation ?

ovulation tests-ovulation test kit
Ovulation test strips

Knowing when ovulation means that you know when your fertile time of the month is. The fertilisation window each month is actually quite small for women. If you are going to conceive, it is within 24 hours after ovulation.

Ovulation usually occurs approximately 14 days before your period is due ie the 2nd stage of the menstrual cycle (the luteal phase) is usually 14 days long. This is fixed for most women although it can vary between 11-16 days for some. The part of the cycle that more often varies is the first half ie the run up to ovulation or the follicular phase.

If your follicular phase is the same each month this makes knowing when ovulation occurs very easy and predictable using a calender. The problem occurs when the folicular phase of your cycle is erratic or unpredictable. Irregularity of the pre-ovulation phase are more common in young women under 25 years & in older women (over 40 years) often being shorter or longer and less predictable.

For some women the follicular phase can be very prolonged for example in polycystic ovarian syndrome or the cycle may be anovulatory (ie ovulation does not occur)

If the cycle is irregular ovulation predictor kits can be helpful if you are trying to conceive.

Guestblogging on this Fertility Blog

We are currently looking for guest bloggers on our fertility blog.

Are you a fertility doctor, fertility nurse , healthcare worker in the fertility or infertility sector or an expert in a particular field of fertility or infertility ? Do you have personal experience of a infertility or fertility investigations or do you work in an alternative field of health helping support couples through infertility ?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes and you would like to share your experiences & thoughts through our fertility blog then we would love to hear from you. You can write about anything health & fertility related that you think our readers may be interested in & post links to other relevant medical or health websites if you wish.

If you would like to be a guest fertility blogger please do get in touch by e-mail to kate@valuemed.co.uk or by posting in comments and we will contact you. Any e-mail address that you post in comments is kept private and will not appear on the blog

Lubricants and Pregnancy

We were recently asked if personal lubricants were safe to use during pregnancy. Personal lubricants and pregnancy advice has been hard to find.

In recent years a range of fertility specific lubricants have come to the market. These are made to allow the free passage of sperm and have studies showing they are less harmful than normal personal lubes. Some have active ingredients to promote sperm motility, such as Zestica. All are safe to use during pregnancy.

Most water based personal lubricants should be safe to use during pregnancy, check the specific manufacturers web site for details on clinical trials but also ensure that the lubricant is fresh and clean. Safest practice would be to disgarded after 3 months to reduce the risk of contamination but most do not suggest this.

There is no evidence to suggest oil based personal lubricants are harmful in pregnancy. It is suggested that any lubricant containing stimulant agents should be avoided, this includes heating and cooling lubricants and local anaesthetic agents. There is no clinical study evidence for this advice, and it probably stems from healthcare professionals having no clear guidance as no study would ever be approved to prove or disprove the facts unless a problem had become apparent or comes to light in the future. As there is no reason to use these products, then avoiding them in pregnancy probably makes good sense.

What is ovulation ?

Ovulation is the term used for the release of a viable egg from the ovary.

Conception can not occur until the viable egg is released, and starts its journey down the fallopian tube towards the uterus.

The trigger for ovulation to occur is a sudden increase in the blood levels of the hormone LH, released from the pituitary gland. Normally the egg is released 14 days before the 1st day of the next menstrual period is due to occur. If conception and implantation occurs the period does not occur and an early pregnancy is progressing.

It is possible to measure LH in urine using ovulation prediction tests

LH levels in blood can also be tested by hospital tests, normally on day 19 of the cycle.

FAQ-When is the best time to do a urine ovulation LH test ?

 urine collection lh test cup

Determining the best time to collect your urine for LH testing 

For best results, collect your urine at about the same time each day, for example, between 10:00AM and 8:00PM. Some women have found that their best specimen is after 12 noon.

Do not collect your first urine after waking up.  Reduce your liquid intake approximately 2 hours prior to urine collection. 

You can store your urine for later testing in the day. Your urine can be stored at room temperature for up to 8 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Do not freeze it.

For best results, test your urine on the same day that it is collected. If you refrigerate your urine, let it reach room temperature before testing (about 30 minutes). Do not shake the container. If a sediment forms at the bottom of the collection container, allow the sediment to settle. Use only urine from the top of the container.

Click here for urine collection cups suitable for fertility

More ovulation test FAQ ‘s and answers

 

Its time to do something nice for your self

At this time of year we can all start to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. The short days and the long, dark, cold nights with the added pressures of the festive season can start to weigh heavy on us all. On top of all this you or your partner may be under the weather with a cold or flu.

It is at this time of year it is particularly important to focus on your self care, and make sure you make time to do something nice for yourself.

Here are some suggestions that always make me fell pampered:

  • Have a lovely hot soak in a scented bubble bath (you could even light some scented candles-bliss, and have a candle lit bath)
  • file & paint your finger nails and apply lashings of hand cream
  • curl up in your PJs and bathrobe and watch a humourous festive film-my personal favourites are chick flicks-I love Bridget Jones’ Diary at this time of year
  • read a good book
  • treat yourself to a magazine and sit down with a cuppa and enjoy
  • have a date night at home-set the table nicely ,put on some romantic music,light candles, turn the lights down.

5% Discount Coupon for Access Diagnostics

Here is a quick reminder of our current 5% discount coupon for November & December 2011.

Coupon is aut5

  • Valid until end of January 2012
  • use at www.accessdiagnostics.co.uk
  • May be used multiple times
  • can be used multiple times
  • feel free to pass the coupon on to friends, family , chat groups, colleagues etc
  • one coupon per order
  • if you have an account remember to login to make it a 10% discount
  • 1st class delivery just £0.99 . Free when you spend over £25 on goods (net vat if applicable)
  • Fast discrete delivery as always
  • coupon can also be used at www.valuemed.co.uk

How to use a saliva ovulation microscope to predict ovulation

A saliva ovulation microscope is very simple and easy to use and can be used multiple times so is quite enviromentaly friendly.

The picture shown above shows the Fertile Focus ovulation microscope and the image very nicely illustrates the change you are looking for when you look down the lens of the microscope.

Advantages of using a saliva ovulation microscope:

  • reusable so may save money if you are trying for some time
  • small & discrete-most of them resemble a metal case lipstick
  • convenient-can be used any time anywhere
  • less messy than using urine samples
  • can be done easily at work
  • can be used again and again
  • 98% accuracy for most models
  • safe & natural
  • with practice can be a very relaible method of predicting your most fertile time

How does an ovulation microscope work ?

The ovulation microscope works by detecting the oestrogen surge that occurs just before or during ovulation. During this oestrogen surge the saliva changes and crystals form when the saliva is left to dry on a the microscope slide. These crystals when dry are seen as a ferning pattern when viewed through the ovualation microscope.

How do I use an ovulation microscope ?

It is important to read the instructions that came with the ovulation microscope that you have purchased, as they may vary slightly is use, however the basic priciples are the same for most ovulation microscopes. The lenses may vary in magnification and with some microscopes you can replace the batteries.

  1. Place saliva on the ovulation microscope lens (use a damp cotton wool or a damp swab to do this)
  2. Let the saliva dry
  3. Focus the lens
  4. View the results through the lens
  5. The presence of the ferning pattern indicates peak fertility

Some tips for using a fertility microscope to get the most reliable results

  • always clean the slide before use
  • avoid drinking for up to 20 minutes beforehand as this may dilute or remove the saliva from the mouth
  • avoid smoking,drinking alcohol, taking medicines or using toothpaste for up to 2 hours before testing as these can interfere with the saliva

Click here to see a range of ovulation microscopes including the Fertile Focus that are available to buy online in UK from Access Diagnostics Fertility website or to find out more

5% Discount Coupon for Access Diagnostics Fertility Autumn 2011

 Access Diagnostics fertility

Here is the latest Access Diagnostics 5% discount coupon

  • Discount Coupon is aut5
  • May be used at all of Access Diagnostics websites
  • Valid until end of January 2012
  • Can be used multiple times
  • One coupon per order
  • Feel free to pass the coupon on to friends, family, chat groups etc
  • Can be used at  www.accessdiagnostics.co.uk & www.valuemed.co.uk

& 1st class UK Delivery is currently Free when you spend over £25

Clearblue Digital 20 test improves your chances of conceiving

clearblue digital 20 test pack

A recent study has concluded that the new 20 test pack of Clearblue Digital Ovulation Tests increases a women’s chances of conceiving because there is less chance of them missing their ovulation.

The findings were presented to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in July 2011 in Stockholm.

The study involving 101 women found that by using the Clearblue digital 20 ovulation test pack 99% of women predicted their ovulation correctly wheras only 25% of women using the calender method predicted their ovulation correctly in the study.

Researchers said that this was because the ovulation test could cope with cycle variability whereas the calender method could not.

Click here for more info or to buy the Clearblue Digital Ovulation 20 Test pack

Access Diagnostics Fertility 10% Discount Coupon

Just a quick update on what’s happening this week

We have a 10% Access diagnostics discount coupon AM10 which is active until the end of September at www.accessdiagnostics.co.uk or www.valuemed.co.uk

There are also some great  ‘Deals of the month’  for September

Clearblue Digital Home Ovulation Tests 20 test pack

To get free 1st class standard UK delivery during September you simply need to spend over £25 on goods

 

Click here to see more Access Diagnostics special offers & deals

 

5% Discount Coupon for Access Diagnostics

We have a 5% online discount coupon for Access Diagnostics that is active until the end of September 2011 at Access Diagnostics websites.

The coupon code is: ADSUM

Coupon can be used at www.valuemed.co.uk and www.accessdiagnostics.co.uk

Standard UK delivery is currently free when you spend over £25 on goods (net vat)

LH test strips-which sensitivity is best for me ?

ovulation tests-ovulation test kit
Ovulation test strips

Urine LH ovulation prediction tests are now available in a range of sensitivities. This can make buying choices confusing.

The WHO still recommends 40miu/ml as the cut off for professional urine ovulation prediction. For this reason all professional packs of LH tests will universally cut off at 40miu, which makes comparison between brands easy.

When it comes to home tests there is no longer an international agreed cut off level. Different brands have different sensitivies and in some cases brands offer an ultra option. Levels of detection for a positive result vary from 20miu, through 25miu to 30miu.

This makes choosing an LH test a matter of trial and error, as the more sensitive tests are not suitable for every user, and the same is true for the less sensitive urine ovulation tests also. This is because every women’s LH physiology is slightly different, and to a degree varies each cycle. In some women a 40miu test will never give a clear positive result, the test line simply darkening around the peak, but never exceeding the control comparison. These women should try a 25 or 30 miu LH test for a series of 3 cycles to find a test which for their LH urine excretion gives a clear positive result. Only those who still find no clear positives should move to the 20miu membrane, as for most users this would give a positive result far too early in each cycle to be any use at indicating ovulation, indeed for some this test will be positive for over half each cycle,

Expect a 3 cycle trial when you start any test brand, get to know the test and stick with it. Avoid changing brands when you find one that works, changing tests during a cycle will almost inevitable confuse you, comparing 2 brands simultaneously in the same cycle is very likely to give conflicting results and better still use tests from the same batch throughout a complete test cycle. Many testers combine LH testing with BBT monitoring in the trial phase to assist in identifying the peak LH test result for them (helps decide if you should try a more sensitive test)

What’s the sensitivity of Clearblue visual, clearblue digital and First Response ovulation tests ? This has never been revealed by the manufacturers and it is probably tweaked in response to commercial pressures each time a NEW version is released and the previous line goes into generic manufacture for supermarket own brand options.

Click here to see our current range of ovulation tests

Calculating ovulation-FAQ-when exactly is my ovulation ?

 Here is a question about ovulation that we received today that is frequently asked

”Good day , pls i have been trying to conceive since January this year but I don’t know if I am not calculating my ovulation well.  I saw my july period on 13th and august on 11th, pls when exactly is my ovulation day again, thanks. Reply soon pls.

My first child is 2yrs now 

NN (Mrs) ”   17/8/11

Here is our answer:

Ovulation usually occurs in most fertile women 12-14 days before the period starts.If your cycle is regular (ie similar length each month) it is fairly easy to predict when you will ovulate This means that if you are on a 28-29 day menstrual cycle then ovulation will occur around day 14-15 (the 1st day of your period is day 1 of your cycle)This is not an exact science however so you should also look for other signs of ovulation such as changes in your cervical mucus (the stringy watery vaginal discharge that occurs at ovulation)

Check out this article about this http://uk-fertility.co.uk/index.php/2008/11/04/signs-of-ovulation/

Here is an online ovulation calculator that you may find helpfulhttp://www.babycentre.co.uk/tools/ovu/ If your cycle is irregular it can make predicting ovulation much trickier, and you may need to consider other methods some as basal temperature monitoring or ovulatin predictors.You may find this article helpful http://uk-fertility.co.uk/index.php/2010/04/12/ovulation-predictor-tests-and-methods/

Hope this information is helpful to you. Do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of further assistance. To see more frequently asked questions about ovulation and ovulation prediction visit Access Diagnostics Fertility site

 

Fertility News & Research

Here is a  round up of the fertility stories in the BBC news in the last couple of months:

‘Eating disorders delay pregnancy’

Women with a history of eating disorders may struggle to fall pregnant quickly, research suggests.

They are also more than twice as likely to need fertility treatment, a study of more than 11,000 UK mothers has found.

Pregnancy rates after six months were lower in women with anorexia or bulimia, but by a year they were the same as the general population.

Would-be mothers should seek help early for any symptoms of eating disorders, say researchers.

They may need extra support during and after pregnancy, a team from King’s College London and University College London reported in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

BBC News 3/8/2011

Read the full story here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14370824

Stem cell sperm study leads to successful mouse births

By Caroline Parkinson Health editor, BBC News website 4/8/11

Fertility experts are hailing a mouse study in which working sperm cells were created from embryonic stem cells in mice as “hugely exciting”.

Japanese researchers successfully implanted early sperm cells, made from the stem cells, into infertile mice.

The working sperm which they made was then used to father healthy, and crucially fertile, pups, Cell journal reports.

A UK expert said it was a significant step forward in infertility research

Read the full story here:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14404183

Clue to male infertility found

By Helen Briggs Health editor, BBC News website 21/7/11

As many as a quarter of men have a genetic change which makes them less fertile than usual, research suggests.

The discovery could lead to a new screening test to identify those who will take longer to father a child, experts report in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

The change is in a gene that codes for a key protein found on the outside of sperm.

Sperm lacking in the substance find it harder to swim to the egg.

Researchers believe a man with the altered gene can still get his partner pregnant, but this will take longer than usual.

Dr Edward Hollox of the University of Leicester is a co-author of the study.

We understand little about the subtle molecular events which occur in sperm as they make their journey through the woman’s body to fertilise an egg”

Dr Allan Pacey University of Sheffield

He told the BBC: “If you’ve got this gene variant you should allow that little bit longer if your partner’s planning to get pregnant.

“It takes two – it’s the genetic variation in a man that affects fertility in this particular case.”

Read the full story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14219907

Will Zita West tablets, for men help improve sperm count and motility ?

zita west vitamen buy uk online 

 Here is a question that we received this week regarding male fertility:

Hi, Will Zita West tablets, for men help improve sperm count, and motility?? As my husband has a low sperm count, and poor motility sperm. Many thanks. Look froward, to hearing from you soon.

Here is our answer:

Vitamen is a multivitamin & mineral supplement designed to support male reproductive health. Deficiencies in vitamins & trace elements have been shown to be detrimental to sperm production & sperm health

Here is the information for Vitamen from the manufacturer below in bold & I have put links to some blog articles we have written on improving male fertility which you may find helpful:

Nutrition for conception

Healthy parents tend to produce healthy babies. And healthy babies, in general, grow into healthy children and adults. Much emphasis is given to the importance of a woman’s health and nutritional status before and during pregnancy. But her male partner plays an equally crucial role at conception.

The creation of a healthy baby requires not just a healthy egg but a good supply of properly formed mobile sperm as well.Over the past few years we have seen an increase in the number of men with low sperm counts.

Recent research suggests that of the one in four couples who take longer than the average to conceive, the cause, in around one-third of cases, lies with the male partner.

Other research has indicated that up to eighty percent of birth defects are caused by defective male sperm. And it is now known that the cause of a Down’s syndrome baby may also lie with either the mother or the father.But don’t worry – there is a lot that can be done simply by making changes in nutrition and lifestyle.

Poor sperm health, whether it be a low count, poor motility or malformations, can generally be improved by optimising the father’s overall health and nutritional status. But it is sensible to start this process as soon as possible.

Sperm take ten weeks to develop sufficiently to leave the body, so planning for a pregnancy should start at least four months before conception takes place. That means giving up smoking, alcohol and social/recreational drugs, checking for genito-urinary infections, avoiding hot baths and tight clothing, eating healthily and taking supplementation, when necessary, to help redress nutritional imbalances.

Vitamen is a high quality supplement specially formulated for men. But remember, it is no good taking vitamins if you are not getting the rest of the basics right. Drinking plenty of water is one of them – at least 2 litres a day. Water is a large component of sperm, so a good, regular supply is vital in the process of production.

Vitamen is a premium multivitamin and multi-mineral supplement. It contains essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy conception and, in particular, the production of healthy sperm.

It may also be worth reading these blog articles on improving male fertility:

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of further assistence 

Kind Regards

IVF News & Research

IVF has been in the UK news twice this week following the publication of two recent studies on IVF. Here is the BBC news coverage of the IVF research findings below

Being overweight doubles IVF miscarriage risk   28th June 2011 BBC news

Overweight women undergoing fertility treatment have double the risk of miscarriage of normal weight women, a UK study says.

More than a third of overweight and obese women had a miscarriage compared with one in five of normal weight women, a fertility conference heard.

Previous research has shown that women who conceive naturally are also at a higher risk if they are overweight.

Experts warned that obesity is putting women’s fertility at risk.

The study in more than 300 women was carried out at the fertility clinic at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London.

Read the full article here at BBC news    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10434138

 IVF procedure ‘may increase risk of Down’s syndrome’ 4th July 2011

Drugs used in IVF for older women may increase their risk of having a baby with Down’s syndrome, experts say.

Doctors already know that the chance of having a baby with the genetic condition goes up with the age of the mother, especially for those over 35.

Now UK researchers, who looked at 34 couples, think drugs used to kick-start ovaries for IVF in older women disturb the genetic material of the eggs . Work is now needed to confirm their suspicions, a meeting in Sweden heard

Read the full article her at BBC news http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13992232

Ovulation Tests FAQ-Please help me choose which ovulation test is best for me

Here is a frequently asked question regarding ovulation test strips that we received last month:

Hi
Can you help me choose the most appropriate product please? I’ve looked at your stock, but have to say I’m confused! I’d like to purchase some Ovulating predictor strips which I wee on. I would like to buy enough stock for 2 months supply please. Can you advise which of your products will suit my need?
Many thanks!
Andrea

Here is the reply from one of our customer services team:

Thank you for your enquiry.I can suggest our Advanced Ovulation Test Strips. We have been selling them for a long time, they are very popular and we do not experience people coming back with any problems with the tests. 

Advanced ovulation test strips best ovulation

If you go onto our fertility website you will see all our ovulation tests.

The link is www.accessdiagnostics.co.uk

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any more information or call us 

 

Zestica Conception Kit to be launched at Fertility Fair

 zestica conception kit burdica fertility

Burdica biomed, the UK based medical biotechnology company had recently released for UK sales it’s new Zestica Fertility Conception Kit.

The pack is the first product aimed at couples who are struggling to conceive and offers a unique new approach at preparing the vaginal flora and pH to be optimal for reproduction, sperm receptive (in many cases the upper vaginal environment can be sperm hostile) and with the use of it’s unique Zestica Fertility lubricant, give any poorly motile sperm a boost.

No other product has safely addressed the issue of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) the common overgrowth of bacterial flora found in the upper vagina in a pregnancy and conception safe combination of products which are safe to use while trying to conceive (and proven safe during pregnancy )

The unique Zestica Conception Gel is used during the run up to ovulation to prepare the vaginal flora and pH to be optimal for sperm. Ladies then switch to Zestica Fertility Lubricant for the period of ovulation and sex, then switching back to the conception gel post ovulation to maintain optimal conditions for the sperm passage to the egg and implantation.

The conception kit contains 7 ovulation prediction tests, 10 conception gel applicators and 6 zestica fertility lubricant applicators,  each pack contents is intended for use in one cycle and costs £49.99 Additional ovulation tests packs and fertility lube are available seperately but the conception gel is only available in the full conception kit.

BV has long been recognised as a negative risk factor for first trimester miscarriage (2 fold risk)*, but is normally only screened for in fertility specialist centres prior to IVF or other fertility treatment. BV is in most cases sub symptomatic, not resullting in vaginal discharge or irritation. Rates of reported BV in reproductive age women are between 13% and 31% *(S G Ralph, A J Rutherford, J D Wilson, BMJ 319 : 220 (Published 24 July 1999) ) Most studies clearly identify a risk factor for miscarriage in the first 6 weeks after conception (early miscarriage) some have suggested lowered implantation rates may also be occuring due to imflamation of the uterus lining.

TTC Success Stories

Do you have a great ttc success story that you would like to share with others ?

If you have , then send us your ttc success stories and we will publish them on our fertility blog (discretely of course)

Do you have a ttc or fertility related question that you would like to ask our team ?

Then please e-mail it to us with your question

Send your reviews, ttc stories, & questions to kate@adtuk.co.uk

Would you like to be a contributor on our fertility blog ?

We have some brilliant contributors on our fertility blog.

If you would like to become one of them then please do get in touch, we would leave to hear from you.

Contact us through comments on our fertility blog, through our twitter page or e-mail us on the e-mail address above.

8 ways to improve sperm count & motility naturally

  1. Stop smoking
  2. Avoid overexercising which may cause overheating of the testicles-particularly prolonged cycling & horse riding
  3. Stop using a laptop on your lap-causes overheating
  4. Avoid illicit drug use ie use of anabolic steroids, Cannabis etc
  5. Eat a healthy balanced diet with plent of fruit & veg
  6. Avoid very hot baths, saunas etc
  7. Take a male fertility supplement-studies have shown that trace elements in the diet can play a significant role in male fertility
  8. Reduce your alcohol intake

Male infertility on Gavin & Stacey

I watched an old episode of Gavin & Stacey last night on BBC3 in which they tackled the subject of male infertility in a light hearted way yet with sensitivity and understanding.

Stacey has been trying to get pregnant for the last 12 months without success. She persuades Gavin to go with her for tests with the doctor, and they are both surprised when the test results show that Gavin has a low sperm count.

This started me thinking about male infertility.

What is male infertility ?

Male infertility is the inability of a male to produce a pregnancy in a women. Most commonly this is due to a problem with the sperm ie a poor sperm count, poor motility or abnormal morphology of the sperm although sometimes it can be due to other causes such as structural or ejaculatory problems.

How common is male infertility ?

Depending on the source you use, male infertility seems to account for between 30-50% of cases of infertility. Ths figure is surprising to many as public perception tends to be that the problem is more likely to be with the women.

What causes male infertility ?

There are many causes of reduced fertility in men. Sperm quality is thought to be declining in the western world in recent years and this has been attributed to many factors including changing working practices for many men involving long working hours, long periods of time sat either at desks or in cars, diet, smoking, alcohol, drugs, stress.

Some medical causes of male infertility include:

  • obstructive problems (blockages in sperm-carrying tubes)
  • testicular injury and disease
  • varicocele
  • sperm disorders
  • genetic disorders
  • problems with erection and ejaculation
  • hormonal problems
  • general medical disorders that reduce fertility
  • drugs that reduce fertility
  • Environmental toxins and radiation

Other factors that may affect sperm count & quality

  • Anything that causes overheating of scrotum may be a factor for some-ie overexercising, cycling, horse riding, very hot baths, saunas, laptop use, sitting at desk for long periods of time, obesity etc
  • Stress
  • Diet
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Recreational drugs such as Cannabis

Click here for information on home male fertility test & erection aids

”When do I use pregnancy test strip because I can’t wait to be positive ?”

We recently received the following question about early pregnancy tests from a Pre-Seed user.

Question

‘I am trying to conceive and I used Preseed last week which was my ovulation, and I expect my menstruation by next week, pls when do I use a pregnancy test strip because I can’t wait to be positive.’

Answer

‘The earliest you can use an early detection pregnancy test strip to detect pregnancy is 8-10 days post conception.

If you are testing this early use an ultra early10mIU detection pregnancy test.

You might find this article on our fertility blog useful’

http://uk-fertility.co.uk/index.php/category/how-soon-can-i-do-a-pregnancy-test/

Access Diagnostics Fertility have a range of ultra early pregnancy tests including 10 miu pregnancy tests.

http://accessdiagnostics.co.uk/acatalog/Ultra_Home_Pregnancy_Test.html

10 great reasons to have sex regularly when you are trying to conceive (even when its not your fertile time)

  1. It helps to relieve stress
  2. It increases intimacy between a couple
  3. It releases ‘feel good’ chemicals into your system
  4. It can improve the quality of the sperm by flushing out the old ones
  5. It is great form of exercise that raises your heart rate
  6. It can help you to sleep better
  7. Its better for you than than chocolate
  8. Its fun and makes you smile
  9. It increases your chances of conceiving
  10. Paradoxically the more often you have sex, the more you want to have sex ie if you don’t use it you may lose it

So next time you are thinking ‘its not the fertile time of the month, can I bothered ‘ just give it a go. You may be surprised how much you will enjoy it, and how much better you will feel afterwards.