The Pros, Cons, and Costs Associated With In Vitro Fertilization

What is IVF?

“IVF [In Vitro Fertilization] is the process of fertilization by manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish, and then transferring the embryo to the uterus.” Couples who use this can often have blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, male factor infertility (like low sperm count or motility), ovulation disorders, ovarian failure, uterine fibroids, or unexplained infertility.

After making sure the couple is healthy and prepared for the procedure (typically the woman will go through hormone treatments), the eggs and sperm are retrieved and combined in a laboratory. They are kept in an environment suitable for fertilization and early growth. Those embryos (combined egg and sperm) are then placed in the uterus.

The Pros

IVF has a lot of great benefits. The treatment can help you to conceive, often times with your own egg and sperm. Even if you opt to use a donor egg or a donor sperm, IVF treatment allows many women to still carry the baby themselves. Most infertility issues in women come from the egg and not the uterus, so once the embryo is created, many women can then carry the child. If you’re a single woman or a same-sex female couple, this is also a great option to use a donor sperm but still carry the child.

According to American Pregnancy, you can see the average IVF success rates in the United States below:

●      41-34% for women under age 35

●      33-36% for women ages 35-37

●      23-27% for women ages 38-40

●      13-18% for women ages over 40

IVF is also more successful than most other treatments, such as IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), although if it’s unfortunately not successful, it can help the woman learn about her unexplained infertility and overall health.

Through IVF, couples can also screen for genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, and muscular dystrophy. The process is called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and will ensure that the child will not suffer from these disorders. Pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS), and they can check embryos for chromosomal disorders such as Down Syndrome.

The Cons

Side effects of IVF include discharge (sometimes with a little blood), cramping, bloating, constipation, and breast tenderness. Severe symptoms (which warrant an immediate call to your doctor) include heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, blood in your urine, and a fever.

Side effects of the hormone treatments include headaches, mood swings, abdominal pain, hot flashes, and bloating.

There are also risks with IVF that you should be aware of. For example, the egg retrieval can result in bowel or bladder damage, infection, or bleeding. After an IVF treatment is successful, the chance of a multiple pregnancy increases since a number of embryos are inseminated, and multiple pregnancies carry more risks themselves. IVF also increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, especially when the woman has damaged fallopian tubes, or a child born premature and/or with low birth weight. If IVF is not successful, there’s an emotional factor that couples need to be prepared for.

Some argue that there’s an ethical issue here as well. Selecting embryos and potentially discarding others, especially while scanning/altering for diseases and disorders, doesn’t always sit well with everyone. Remember, this is your family you’re creating, so figure out what you are and are not comfortable with ahead of time.

Lastly, it’s pretty expensive...

The Cost

In Vitro Fertilization cost is different for everyone. It depends on your clinic, your insurance, the medications you take, whether your eggs are frozen or “fresh,” and many more factors. For a general idea, you can try this IVF Calculator.

Forbes ran an article by Jennifer Gerson Uffalussy titled “The Cost of IVF: 4 Things I Learned While Battling Infertility”. You can find her four points, generally, below, but her article is personal and poignant, so you should definitely give it a read if you’re thinking about IVF.

1.     IVF costs about $20,000 each round.

2.     There are multiple payment options, like credit cards, loan programs, and deductions.

3.     Many insurance companies will only cover the diagnosis phase of interfility and not the treatment. You can read about insurance laws specific to your state here.

4.     Be transparent with your clinic and insist they’re transparent with you. Don’t get caught up in surprise charges or “a la carte” fees.

If you want to compare the cost of IVF to other common infertility treatments, check out our other post: The Cost of Common Infertility Treatments.

Written by: Joanna Hynes

Getting Pregnant at 40

If Janet Jackson got pregnant at 49 it’s certainly not impossible for you to get pregnant at 40, because Dammn Baby, That’s the Way Love Goes.

If you’re over 40 and not getting pregnant, you should definitely see a fertility specialist. In fact, it’s suggested that you seek help from a fertility specialist immediately for couples over 40, after 6 months of trying for couples over 35, and after a year of trying for couples under 35.

When you’re 40, your chance of conceiving within a year is between 40 and 50%. While that’s less than the 75% chance of a woman in her mid 30s, it’s still far from impossible odds. However, once you reach 43, that percentage drops a lot (between 1 and 2%).

But Why Can’t I Get Pregnant?

Getting pregnant at 40 is hard because the problem is in the eggs, not the organs.

According to Dr. D. Navot the “environment” for women over 40 is ready, meaning the ovary, fallopian tube, and (most importantly) the uterus, are all competent to handle pregnancy. This is why many women over 40 opt for IVF or other alternative treatments. These treatments can allow for you to carry your child, but insemination happens outside the body or with a donor egg.

In your body, the ovum (or egg) is affected by hormone changes which hinder ovulation. Also, the limited amount of eggs you have decreases every month. According to the Baby Center, you’re only left about 25,000 eggs by the time you reach 37. That may sound like a lot, but remember that you start with between 300,000 and 500,000, and you lose about 13,000 eggs every year.

Make sure you stay aware though. Once you become pregnant, don’t assume it’s smooth sailing. Women over 40 are more likely to deliver a baby that is premature, underweight, or has Down Syndrome, according to the Baby Center. Make sure you stay healthy and honest with your doctor every step of the way.

So How Do I Get Pregnant at 40?

Again, seeing a fertility specialist should be one of your first steps. Read about how to find the right clinic here, but you can also check out some tips on getting pregnant we found below.

Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Weight has a significant correlation with ovulation, and as stated, ovulation troubles are usually the cause of infertility in women over 40. In terms of your lifestyle, make sure to drink plenty of water, stay relaxed (as stress has proven negative effects on fertility, and take your vitamins and anti-oxidants. Folic acid is almost always prescribed to pregnant women, but you can take it as well in preparation of becoming pregnant.

Along the same lines, you should always track your ovulation using an ovulation calendar. This can help you get the timing just right, but it will also show you if something is, in fact, awry with your ovulation cycle.

By Joanna Hynes

PCOS & Pregnancy: How Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Affects Your Fertility

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) happens when women ovulate irregularly or they don’t ovulate at all. Studies have deduced that it’s excessive male hormones that stop the egg from breaking out of the ovary every month, as happens in normal ovulation. The follicles holding the eggs then become cysts. The ultimate cause, however, is still unknown, but PCOS has a connection to genetics, excessive, insulin, and being overweight or obese. Don’t let PCOS terrify you. There are plenty of ways to increase fertility, even with PCOS.

Do I Have It?

According to American Pregnancy, 5-10% of women in their child-bearing years have it, so it’s fairly common. Symptoms include irregular or absent periods, excessive facial/body hair with gradual worsening over time, oily skin and acne, dandruff and thinning hair, pelvic pain, weight gain (usually found around the waist), high cholesterol and blood pressure, skin tags near the neck and underarms, and sleep apnea. You experience most of these symptoms, it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor about PCOS.

What About My Fertility?

According to Advanced Fertility, “The basic difference between polycystic and normal ovaries is that although the polycystic ovaries contain many small antral follicles with eggs in them, the follicles do not develop and mature properly - so there is no ovulation.”

Because of the irregular ovulation, it will be pretty difficult to get pregnant on your own. You can track your cycle with an ovulation calculator to try and narrow down the pattern, but don’t panic if you’re too irregular or don’t have a period.

“The great majority of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome will be able to have a baby with fertility treatment,” according to Advanced Fertility. Luckily, in most cases, the eggs are fine. Getting them out is the difficult part.

What Can Be Done?

Because weight has a strong connection to PCOS, a healthy lifestyle can help manage your systems. There’s even an Old Wive’s Tale that one teaspoon of cinnamon every morning can help regulate your insulin levels, which can help with PCOS. After consulting with your doctor, there are plenty of fertility solutions, like ovulation induction, IVF, ovarian drilling, and fertility medications.

By Joanna Hynes

How to Find the Right Fertility Clinic

So, you decided it’s time to have a baby. You’ve pinched your pennies and decided it’s time to see a fertility specialist. So, how do you pick one? The process is a very personal one. It’s not just about picking the best doctor, because if your infertility treatment doesn’t go as planned, you want someone who can be there for you emotionally as well.

According to DocShop, there are close to 500 IVF clinics in the United States. That’s a lot, and it might seem overwhelming to get started, but don’t worry. We’re here to help.

First, look up the clinic’s success rate. Even though it’s important to have a trusting and nurturing connection with your fertility specialist, you also want to make sure they’re successful and accomplished in what they do. Similarly, see which areas they’re successful in - is it IVF? Surgery? IUI? You want a doctor who can offer you guidance but also whose plans are in line with yours.

The best way to find fertility success rates is through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent’s ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Success Rates report. Fertility centers are required to report to the CDC every few years.

As crazy as it sounds, you can also look up Yelp reviews for a lot of fertility clinics around the country. That way, you can get an honest opinion about a center’s patient services and quality control. It’s important you feel at ease and comfortable during this process. Finally, make sure you’re prepared with the right questions. We found this list on DocShop, so you can go into your consultation confident and ready to see if this is a great fit between you and your fertility specialist:

1.     How expensive is a cycle of treatment? You want to make sure you can afford this. Make sure you get a specific number after you figure out insurance. Demand transparency here.

2.     How many patients do you see each year? While a lot of patients may be a great seal of approval, you don’t want a doctor who is too distracted or busy with other patients. You can receive some great, personalized care from a smaller clinic. It’s all about finding the right balance.

3.     Which treatments do you offer? Remember that fertility required two people (http://www.myatlantichealthsolutions.com/fertility-infertility-resources-for-patients/2016/5/16/the-top-three-male-infertility-treatments). If necessary, make sure your clinic of choice can cater to all of your and your partner’s needs.

4.     How much control does the patient have over treatment decisions? You want to make sure you have a say over the length of your cycle, medications, and the number of eggs that are implanted. Decisions like this are often at the discretion of your fertility specialist, but make sure you let your limits/thoughts be known.

5.     Who is eligible for IVF at your clinic? If the fertility clinic has specific guidelines in place for who they help, it means you know if you’re in the right place. If your clinic is willing to help any age, any health, and any fertility conditions, it might be a red flag. Either they are not very specialized or their focus is on patient volume and money.

All in all, make sure you’re comfortable and your voice is heard. For this process to work, you need to be vocal. Ask questions, make suggestions, and be honest about what you’re feeling - both physically and emotionally, and if you have a great experience, make sure you leave a Yelp review for the clinic so other wanting mothers can have the same experience.

By Joanna Hynes

Which birth control option is right for you?

According to the CDC, nearly 62 percent of women are using some form of contraception. The most common method being used is the pill which is used by 28% of women or 10.6 million women. However, there are many options when choosing which form of birth control best suits you.

Birth control affects everyone differently and it’s highly important to research which form of birth control would best suit your body. After all, there isn’t one birth control that is better than the others—it depends on how your body reacts to each one. Here’s an overview of the different options to consider.

Pill

You most likely know someone that has a phone alarm that rings at the same time each day. If you do, it’s because they need take their birth control pill at the same time each day in order for it be to effective. The pill contains hormones—estrogen, progestin, or a combination of the two which halts a woman’s ovulation.

Conventional birth control pills contain 21 active pills (pills that contain hormones) and 7 inactive pills (those that do not contain hormones). The inactive pills enable you to have a period each month, so while being on birth control you would experience your regular monthly period.

A few of the benefits of the pill are as follows: preventing migraines, improving acne, regulating periods, and more. There are many side effects that vary across the board, but here are a few of the most popular down sides of birth control pills: spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, weight gain, mood changes, decreased libido, and more.

Patch

The birth control patch is a thin, plastic patch that simply sticks onto your skin. Typically, you will have three straight weeks wearing the patch followed by one patch-free week. Similarly, to other forms of birth control, the patch works by releasing hormones (estrogen/progestin) which halt eggs from leaving the ovaries and increasing cervical mucus’s thickness.

This is an extremely effective option as long as the patch is always placed on the skin at the correct time. A few of the benefits of the patch are as follows: lighter periods, convenience, clearing acne, breast growth, protection from period cramps, etc. A few of the downsides are as follows: breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, and spotting. It is not uncommon to go without any side effects; however, it always depends on the person.

Shot

The birth control shot is an injection that has to be administered by your doctor every three months. This shot releases the progestin hormone into your bloodstream which is responsible for keeping your eggs away from your ovaries and increasing your cervical mucus’s thickness. The great news about the shot is that it is a short appointment only four times a year that takes take of your contraception needs. You don’t have to maintain or upkeep it unlike the pill or the patch.

An important aspect to consider is that this form of birth control doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases. A few of the downsides are change in sex drive, change in weight, depression, hair loss, nausea, and sore breasts. However, there are many great benefits of this shot: convenience, effectiveness, and no preparation for sex. The shot is perfect for women that cannot take estrogen or women that are breastfeeding.

Vaginal Ring

You may have seen the NuvaRing commercials that have become increasingly popular. If not, the vaginal ring is a small, flexible ring that is inserted into a woman’s vagina once a month. The ring is left in place for 3 weeks and taken out the following week. The ring works just as the other forms of birth control—by releasing hormones to prevent pregnancy.

The benefits of the vaginal ring are as follows: shorter periods, clears up acne, prevents period cramps, breast growth, and more. A few of the downsides of the vaginal ring are as follows: spotting, breast tenderness, nausea, discharge, vaginal irritation, or infection.

You may seem overwhelmed by all of this information, but it’s important to start the research before you visit your doctor. After you have mulled over the various forms of birth control, speak with your doctor to figure out what best suits you and your circumstances. Your doctor will have your best interest at heart and will be able to weed out any options that may cause increased risks of side effects.  

By Russell McBurnie

6 Signs of Infertility to Lookout For

Infertility is an uncomfortable subject that crosses everyone’s mind at least once in his or her adult life, and it should. According to americanpregnancy.org infertility is, “a condition of the reproductive system that prevents the conception of children.”

What can be concerning is the fact that it affects 10-15% of the population in the US. That’s nearly 7.3 million men and women!  While it is best to have regular check ups with your gynecologist, infertility is unfortunately something you don’t normally realize until you are trying to have children. Below you will see six signs of infertility. If you experience any of these symptoms it is recommended to see a specialist.

6 Signs of Infertility

1.     Abnormal periods (no periods, or painful periods)

2.     More acne due to hormonal changes in the body

3.     Change in sex drive or desire

4.     Rapid weight gain due to hormonal changes in the body

5.     Loss of hair and/or tenderness of the scalp

6.     Pain during and after sex

Damage to the fallopian tubes, hormones, cervical conditions, and uterine causes account for 80% of infertility in the US, and sadly that leaves 20% to unknown causes. If infertility does happen to affect you or your partner, don’t give up! There are still many ways in which you and your partner could conceive.

First off make sure to answer the question “when can I get pregnant?” For women this means up to five days prior to ovulation, and 24 hours after ovulation. If you and your partner have been having unprotected sex for one year with no luck you should consider conception with medical assistance. Female infertility can be treated with laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, medical therapy, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and egg donation.

Infertility treatments have been successful with many men and women; take a look at this blog about celebrity couples that have struggled with infertility and some of the treatments they looked to for help!

By Maren Burns

IUI Success Rates

IUI, also known as Intrauterine Insemination, is a method of artificially inseminating a woman’s uterus with sperm around the phase when a woman’s ovary releases one or more eggs to become impregnated. There are a multitude of IUI procedures you can complete, and the IUI success rates of each cycle may vary depending on the age, level of sperm washing, and the amount of fertility drugs you choose to take or not consume.

Aging is fertility’s downfall.

Overall, the age of a woman plays a vital role in the success of IUI procedures. Certainly, the common knowledge is that the younger the lady, the more likely her chances are to becoming pregnant, and that is true. In fact, under certain ages, the statistical probabilities are vastly higher percentages. After one IUI cycle, a woman under thirty-five years old has a ten to twenty percent chance of pregnancy, while a forty-year old woman has a ten percent, and a woman above forty has a two to five percent probability. (Please, do not lose hope. This pregnancy stuff is fun, I assure you.)

IUI cycles can be fun.

As I said it is fun, but better than fun, is getting pregnant, right? Well check this out: The more your fallopian tubes receive sperm and transport it into your fallopian system (insemination) well, then of course the more likely you are to become pregnant. Typically, doctors say that if you have not become pregnant after about three to six IUI cycles, it is probably better to discuss other alternatives with a fertility specialist (like I said, fun stuff).

Fertility drugs are your friends.

Even grander and most fun of it all is drugs. Good drugs, the ones that help you conceive a tiny, frail, cute little beautiful baby. I’m talking about fertility drugs. The ones linked to IUI success. Doctors provide injectable medications such as follicle stimulating hormone or human menopausal gonadotropin before the IUI proceedings (I told you it was fun.) These medications should help stimulate ovulation, and then you are free to become pregnant, finally. However, if you’ve tried all this fancy jazz and nothing reproductive is happening, consult a fertility specialist.

While most people would expect Intrauterine Insemination to work on the first try, you have to be patient. Each person has a unique story when undergoing IUI, so keep this in mind if you’re about to start this process. If you’re not seeing success, don’t feel disheartened. Simply speak with your doctor to discuss alternatives and try to keep a positive mindset.

By Preston Copeland

How to Deal With Infertility Treatment Not Going As Planned

“It’s not fair, there are babies having babies every day. I’m ready - I have a supportive partner, a stable job, and I want a family. Why isn’t this working?”

Exploring different fertility solutions can be really hard, and in a lot of different ways, but you’re not alone. Many women are now pushing children back on their timelines so they can focus on themselves, their relationships, and their careers. Unfortunately, the fertility timeline has stayed the same, so these women can often struggle with infertility. 

In fact, “infertility” was recently redefined - any couple who has been unsuccessful at getting pregnant after more than a year of regular unprotected sex. If you're currently undergoing infertility treatment it's not going as planned, here's how to cope with your situation.

Physical Toll

Being pregnant is hard, but what a lot of people don’t realize is actually getting pregnant could be a whole lot harder. One of the first infertility treatments involves medication (and most other treatments require medication in tandem). According to NHS Choices and American Pregnancy, possible side effects include:

●     Depression, Irritability, or Mood Swings

●     Restlessness, Insomnia, Dizziness, Blurred Vision, or Headaches

●     Nausea or Vomiting

●     Nasal Congestion

●     Hot Flashes, Breast Tenderness, or Decreased Breast Size

●     Decreased Blood Pressure or Bone Density Loss

●     Swelling/Rash at the Injection Site

●     Painful Intercourse, Ovarian Cysts, Pelvic Discomfort, or Vaginal Dryness

●     Ovarian Hyper-stimulation Syndrome (OHSS) - This is when medication sensitivity causes too many eggs to develop in the ovaries. Symptoms include pain/bloating in the lower abdomen, vomiting, shortness of breath, and feeling faint.

IVF side effects include clear or bloody fluid, cramping, bloating, constipation, or breast tenderness.

Financial Toll

We know how expensive fertility treatments cost, but since there are so many more options now and more families are utilizing them, more insurance companies are covering certain treatments. In fact, some financiers and medical providers are even offering partial and full refunds when a treatment is unsuccessful.

Emotional Toll

You can find a mental health counselor who specializes in helping deal with infertility through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. It’s important to talk to someone, even if you’re simply looking for support, but there are plenty of reasons to speak to a fertility counselor.

They can help you when depression starts to transcend other areas of your life, like your relationships or your career. They can also help you sift through all your options, so they don’t overwhelm you. If you’re considering gamete donations, surrogacy, adoption, or a childfree life, you should definitely talk to a counselor about that. It’s a lot to accept, and something you might not realize you need help with.

Even if you have a wonderful, supportive partner, counseling can be great for you. Couples will handle stress in different ways, and a lot of times, it can cause stress between the two. A counselor can help you get through it together or help give you what you need as individuals.

By Joanna Hynes

Should I See a Fertility Specialist?

You want a baby. You have a loving partner and a stable job and you’re emotionally ready. It’s time, but you’ve been trying for awhile and so far: nothing. You begin questioning if you're struggling with infertility. So, what do you do next? Don’t worry, though because you're not alone and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Plenty of families find success thanks to all of the assisted reproductive technology available today.

The ideal candidate for help with infertility is any couple over 40, couples over 35 who have been unsuccessfully trying for over six months, and couples under 35 who have been unsuccessfully trying for over a year. If you fit the bill, you should start seriously considering seeing a fertility specialist-- that is if you haven't already started considering. Here's a few reasons why you might need the assistance of a fertility specialist.

Ovulation Disorders

“About a quarter of women who struggle with infertility have ovulation disorders, making them one of the top causes of difficulty conceiving,” says Laurence A. Jacobs, MD. This means if you’ve had irregular periods, there might be something abnormal going on with your ovulation. Don’t panic. It doesn’t always mean it’s more difficult to get pregnant. It might just be about getting the timing right--timing is key!

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful disease in which uterine lining grows in places it shouldn’t, and “unfortunately, as many as half of women struggling with infertility, and up to 10 percent of all women suffer from [endometriosis],” says Jacobs. So, if you have irregular periods and/or unnaturally painful cramps, see your gynecologist.

Medical History

Things that may have happened in your past could definitely cause some problems getting pregnant. If you or your partner have had more than three miscarriages, genital infections or pelvic inflammatory disease, irregular periods, undescended testicles, or a DES mother (a mother who took diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy - a synthetic estrogen), you should see a fertility specialist to discuss the best course of action for getting pregnant.

Family or personal history of polycystic ovarian syndrome or premature ovarian failure can also be a factor, says Serena H. Chen, MD, as well as any history of tubal problems (like blocked fallopian tubes or an ectopic pregnancy).

But first...

You should see your primary care doctor and/or your gynecologist before seeking out a fertility specialist. There are plenty of lifestyle factors (stress level, diet, intercourse, etc.) that can help you get pregnant. There are plenty of options available to you today, from medications, IVF, insemination, and donors. Don’t worry, artificial insemination can be the right option for you.

By Joanna Hynes

5 Unproductive Infertility Treatments to Not Follow

Infertility is often seen as an infection of the procreant system because it fails to provide a baby after 12 months or sometimes longer of unprotected sexual intercourse. There can be symptoms in each partner in a relationship. Males can often be tested to see if they are having infertile issues by doctors who utilized clinical interventions, or men may give a sample of their semen to have tested in a laboratory.

Often times, desperate times call for desperate measures. When someone wants to have a baby and aren't getting pregnant quick enough, they will turn to various treatments that simply don't provide results. We're here to steer you in the right direction, so here's 5 unproductive infertility treatments not to follow!

1)    Staying relaxed will not help you get pregnant.

Some couples buy into the myth that if the woman will only relax then she will become pregnant.  The couple will go on to believing that this a form of infertility treatment, but it is not. Fertility problems are medicinal, and they should be treated in the proper and clinical manner, consulting on the advice of a medical professional.

2)    Naturopathy procedures are not dependable.

Some couples fall into the Naturopathy philosophy, which is okay for relaxing, but naturopathy procedures follow the belief that life is ruled by power beyond oneself, which is not science. Scientific procedures test and diagnose your body through a series of tests in order to come to a conclusion on what might help you to become a fertile woman. Naturopathy procedures typically pick methods of naturalistic processes based on what they feel is congruent with their vitalistic philosophy, sometimes in contrast to good scientific evidence which proves that they are wrong.

3)    Natural medicine isn't the "cure-all" answer.

Some people follow Infertility & Herbal Medicine because natural therapists believe that herbal remedies are a great treatment for infertility. However, there is no reputable role through herbal remedies in treating infertility because no products have been confirmed to have meaningful effects. There is also the teratogen (a birth defect) which is a risk that comes with consuming herbal medicines. Herbal products can often bring risk, with no established benefit in the case of fertile production. (Note: Herbal medicines rarely have significant side effects when they are prescribed by a Board-certified Specialist, and are used appropriately and at suggested doses.)

4)    Acupuncture doesn't affect your chance to conceive.

Unexplained infertility follows the idea that doctors cannot figure out why you are not becoming pregnant. Some couples become desperate after hearing this tragic news, so they result to methods of therapy like acupuncture in hopes of becoming fertile. However, most scientists believe that acupuncture does not do any good when trying to help cater to a possible pregnancy. Again the scientific reasoning stems from the fact that infertility has a physiologic cause, and acupuncture does not target this area with any objective effects.

5) Prenatal vitamins can affect fertility, but only in combination with other treatments.

A fertility diet plan is always a good idea when it is executed the right way. When you follow a good diet plan, it is proven to help boost your chances of fertility. Sadly, some couples leave the scientifically proven methods of effectiveness to venture into other territories that are even science-based, like prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins do help in certain areas, but there is no solid evidence that these vitamins provide a prenatal benefit. 

Struggling to get pregnant is a difficult situation to cope with, especially with infertility staring you in the face. However, it's important to not lose sight of proven methods. While it is okay to venture out and try these methods, it's imperative to understand that these treatments are not your key to fertility. If you're having difficulty conceiving, contact your doctor to discuss the right course of action. 

By Preston Copeland

5 Rules For Conceiving Quickly - Do They Work Or Not?

“So, how do you get pregnant fast, Julie? I want to get pregnant fast, Julie,” I asked my closest, bestest friend.

“It’s easy, just have a lot of sex.” she responded, staring at the new Bachelorette TV show and chomping out of a sweet, delicious unhealthy bag of Doritos. “Chad on the Bachelorette has already gotten JoJo pregnant, and the show’s not even over yet. It can’t be that hard.”

While that’s great for Chad and JoJo, unfortunately getting pregnant isn’t always so easy for the rest of us. It’s not as simple as clicking your heels or wishing on a star. The problem with getting pregnant is that typically when we reach the stage where we want to have a child, we want to have them tomorrow. Or three months ago. We get impatient, and we expect it to happen just like that. Unfortunately the road to conception can be a long one. There are a few things you can do to make the journey a little shorter, though!

Rule 1) Never wear protection. (That is a given, but very true.)

Wearing those polyurethane sheath defense mechanisms and strapping on your latex armor is a big no-no in the field of fertility. (Kidding. I know you know this one, we hope.) When it comes to fertility, the more sperm the better. If your partner’s sperm count is higher, you have a much better chance of successfully conceiving.  

Your companion can do numerous things to help ensure this. They should start by not drinking as much alcohol. Studies show that drinking each day can lower the testosterone levels and sperm counts, increasing the number of abnormal sperm. Any kind of tobacco or drugs can also create a poor sperm function. Obesity can also contribute to a decreased sperm count as well.

It is recommended not to use hot tubs or saunas when trying to conceive because heat destroys sperm cells. If you can get your spouse to follow these tentative laws, that would indeed increase the likelihood of a pregnancy. Following Rule 1 does work because fresh testicles are known to function better at 94 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit. (I’m sure the famous TV stars, Julie and Chad followed these guidelines. My favorite show by the way. Kidding, I hate that show.)

Rule 2) You should visit a healthcare provider long before your womb becomes filled with a lovely child.

The healthcare provider will ensure that you and all your faculties are operating at a healthy level, which is central to ensuring that the child you are planning on making will be conceived. Rule 2 works because it helps to receive council from a professional who can guide you through a healthy program for your body to function at its optimum level before and during pregnancy.

Rule 3) Stay on top of your ovulation calendar.

You will only ovulate once each menstrual cycle. Ovulation is one fragment of the female menstrual cycle when a developed ovarian releases an egg. The egg will venture down the fallopian tube where it may be met by a sperm and become fertilized. If you figure out when your body will begin to ovulate, you and your partner can time your intercourse in order to ensure your greatest chances of becoming pregnant during that cycle. This of course is not a guarantee that Rule 3 will work, but it will give you a higher statistical probability of becoming pregnant. (BTW Chad and Julie were lucky. You however are not Chad or Julie, famous reality TV gods. You must plan!)

Rule 4) Don’t forget to do it.

As much as you may not enjoy timing out your sex calendar, knowing when and how frequently your sexual encounters need to take place is essential for the conception of your cute, sweet baby. Now that you know when your egg is released, you can plan to have sex three days before and up until the day you ovulate.

Sperm can survive in your body for up to three to six days give or take, but your egg will survive in your body for only about one day, so keep that in mind so that you can have healthy sperm in your fallopian tubes when your egg is released into the wild streams. Even though Rule 4 is very specific about the eggs, sperm, and ovulation cycles of your body, this does not guarantee a pregnancy, even if you time everything right.

Rule 5) It’s all about the diet.

If you eat a variety of healthy foods, this can help to ensure that your body is prepared for a pregnancy by providing you with the necessary nutrients like calcium, protein and iron. When you visit your local grocery store, peruse for vegetables, fruits, dairy, and whole grains, which provide the much-needed nutrients.

Besides taking a prenatal vitamin, a woman can also obtain the B vitamin from nourishments like leafy vegetables, broccoli, cereals, beans, citrus fruits, and orange juice. Eating these healthy foods can increase the likelihood of becoming pregnant. (Keep in mind that high cholesterol levels can make it difficult to become pregnant, so stay away from saturated fats.)

While all of these rules play an important role in increasing your chances at successfully conceiving, it’s important to remember that sometimes you can be doing everything right and still not seeing the desired results. Infertility affects tons of couples in the US, and it’s possible that you may need to take extra steps on the long road to conception. If you’re struggling to get pregnant, take some time to familiarize yourself with the process of diagnosing and treating infertility.

By Preston Copeland

7 Things Infertile Women Hate Hearing

If you have at any point struggled with getting pregnant, you’ll understand that there are a few things that infertile women hate hearing. You don’t even have to be infertile. If you’ve simply been trying to have kids and it’s taking a little longer than you thought it would, chances are the following phrases make your blood boil.

1)    “I hate my kids.”

This expression is not meant to make a person feel terrible, but it does often make a woman struggling with infertility feel terrible. Imagine that you really desired a nice BMW, but you weren’t able to afford an expensive vehicle. Yet the friend you drove with owned a nice BMW, and always complained about how it doesn’t travel fast enough, or that the car is becoming too old, or it needs new tires. Some people would love to change those tires, and be grateful that the car at least drives, and content with the car becoming older. But they can’t own a car, and you can own a car. Something to think about!

2)    “I hate being pregnant.”

 Really? Well, in case you didn’t know, I’m sitting right next to you and I would love to become pregnant, you numbskull! Let’s swap places. Ladies, please don’t say this to your friends, family, or worst enemies. We know you don’t mean to cause any harm (I think) but it’s like sitting on your comfy couch scarfing down a big fat chocolate candy bar and talking about how the chocolate is not as good as the chocolate candy bar that you had tasted earlier in the daytime, when the person sitting next to you would die just to even have a tiny nibble of any kind of chocolate.

3)  “Maybe you should stop trying, Elizabeth.”

Some people should be conked on the head with a flying cook pan. I mean come on, really? I should stop trying. Did you stop trying? I know you are trying your best to console us, but I believe a bit of encouragement would be better than having us give up on having kids. Try and remember how important a child is to your friend or family member before saying something discouraging.

4)   “Well, I don’t want kids anyway. That wouldn’t bother me.”

Where’s my cook pan? It wouldn’t bother you. Well that’s very nice. But it bothers me, you naïve fruit loop! Wake up and smell the Captain Crunch you Lucky Charm. You can likely have sweet little menacing kids, and I cannot. Understand that I deeply desire their expensive presence. They are not like a grocery item that you shop at the store for, and then just place back on the shelf. They are living beings that derive from my very own flesh and bones. Now I feel slightly better.

5)   “You don’t get your period. I am so jealous.”

Oh, my. Well at least you are trying. However, your futile attempts fall short of the goal line. I personally, and many other women out there, would happily go through any range of period pain in order to conceive children.

6)  “It’s all in God’s time.”

Well, now we are getting somewhere. Not really. We learn this heavenly fact each month when we are not pregnant. Also, keep in mind that not all of us believe in the almighty. However, we empathize with your friendly attempts. Please keep in mind our theological preferences, and the proper content of the subject when relaying your divine information.

7)   “Keep going. Do more and eventually you will get pregnant.”

Why had I not thought about this revelatory evidence? Because it stinks. It is just not true or encouraging to tell me stinky information. “Maybe the Gods will have favor on you, Jessica. Just trust in them.” If they are Greek Gods, maybe I will concede, but if any other western Gods are interfering with my menstrual cycle, then we will have a problem. Seriously people, please be a little more considerate and thoughtful with your brilliant analysis on the business of pregnancy and support systems on when to conceive.

Written by: Preston Copeland

What To Look For In A Sperm Donor

When you are looking for a sperm donor, you might have a tendency to look for the same physical characteristics you would want in a mate. Talk, dark, and handsome, anyone? As you are casually thumbing through the sperm donor catalogue on a Sunday afternoon, a million questions are doubtlessly running through your mind. Is my sperm donor attractive, athletic, funny (or not funny)? What if I accidentally choose a sperm donor that predisposes my kid to be on the next TLC series of unpredictable food addictions?

Back in the olden days, you had to wait weeks for information on sperm donors and the selection process could be tedious. Today, you can buy sperm just about as easily as you can commit to a late-night pizza purchase. All you need is a credit card and a high-speed internet connection, and you can have the sperm donation shipped to your front door – overnight!

There are many reasons why a couple or individual would choose to seek out a sperm donor. Perhaps the woman is having trouble conceiving or the man in the equation has low sperm motility. no matter how hard you’ve tried to work your way through all the best-ways-to-get-pregnant suggestions out there, nothing is working. In these situations, locating a sperm bank can be an incredibly helpful option. Think about the following considerations as you search for the perfect sperm donor:

1.     Medial history – Remember that your child’s life will likely be a little easier if he or she has knowledge of the sperm donor’s background. Do you need to be aware of high cholesterol or a propensity towards mental illness?

2.     Legal ramifications – Be sure to clarify with your lawyer whether the sperm donor wants participation in the child’s life or the donation is no-strings-attached.

3.     Education background – If raising a brainiac is on your agenda, some sperm banks will provide information about the education and employment history of the sperm donor.

4.     Ethnicity – Families may prefer to have a child share their ethnic heritage or may be looking to expand their family beyond their own heritage.

5.     Physical Features - While there are no guarantees, if you want a blue-eyed baby, it is a good idea to see if your sperm donor bears these characteristics.

For help locating a sperm bank in your area, be sure to check out the National Sperm Bank Directory. No matter what decision you make, always do your homework.  You do not want to find out that your sperm donor was really a criminal with mental health problems lying about having a genius IQ. That’s a surprise nobody wants.

Written by: Meagan Bates

7 Yoga Positions To Help With Your Fertility

Many may be skeptical that yoga can help get you pregnant, but what most do agree on is that yoga can affect mood and blood flow, both of which have a significant impact on fertility. What many may not realize is fertility yoga can also stimulate hormone-producing glands.

In the video below, Liz McDonald walks us through a number of yoga for fertility poses. She notes that these are great posts to do after intercourse, or “partner yoga,” as she calls it. However, these poses also work to increase fertility, so before you’re even trying to get pregnant.

Yoga helps keep the body in balance. It promotes blood flow and homeostasis in all systems (including your reproductive system), so take a look at the video below, and get started now!

As we learned in Diagnosing Infertility, stress can make it more difficult to conceive, and a lot of fertility problems stem from hormone imbalances. Yoga can help with that! Yoga can help...

• Regulate your endocrine system (which affects your hormones)
• Clear blockages in your reproductive system
• Increase circulation
• Create a healthy immune system and promote body detox
• Create a clear and stress-free environment
• Strengthen your reproductive organs/muscles for a smoother pregnancy

(ALL THE PICTURES BELOW ARE TAKEN FROM) http://www.momjunction.com/articles/yoga-asanas-that-boost-fertility_003039

Best Fertility Yoga Poses for Beginners

Paschimottanasana: Stimulates ovaries and uterus, relieves stress and depression

Hastapadasana: Stretches back and improves blood supply to pelvic region and nervous system, relieves stress from abdomen

Janu Shirasana: Strengthens lower back (which is helpful during pregnancy), relaxing

Baddha Konasana: Improves hip flexibility, stretches genitals, releases toxins and negative energy from hips and groin, pelvis/back/abdomen stimulated by blood supply, aids ovary function and removes irregular menses, ensures smooth delivery

Viparita Karani: Relieves backache and improves blood flow to pelvic region, best to do after sex

Balasna: Calms brain, relieves stress and fatigue, aligns pelvis and increases blood flow

Cobra Pose: Strengthens back, stimulates hormone production in the uterus

For other poses, breathing exercises, and my personal favorite, the Shavasana (Yogic sleep), check out MomJunction.

Written by: Joanna Hynes

The Top Three Male Infertility Treatments

When we think about infertility, we generally associate it with a woman being incapable of child-bearing. In reality, infertility issues affect men just as much as they affect women.

Infertility Problems Men Experience

Lifestyle: So many things affect fertility that we may not realize – alcohol, tobacco, drugs, anabolic steroids, testosterone replacements, significant weight gain or loss, and sexually transmitted infections. A doctor can help explain what needs to be done to change these.

Varicoceles: These are large veins in the scrotum, similar to varicose veins. They raise the temperature, which is a no-no concerning sperm. Some treatments include surgery to repair the veins and or other ways to fertilize the female like IVF.

Ejaculation Issues: A blocked or damaged passageway can prevent the ejaculate fluid from getting to where it needs to go. There are surgeries to repair the tract.

Sperm Count/Motility Issues: Issues with sperm size, speed, and quantity can sometimes be fixed with fertility drugs or seek out sperm donors. Sometimes these problems are caused by hormone imbalances or disease, so see a doctor to get those regulated.

Antibodies: Some genital imbalance/trauma like vasectomy, testicular torsion, or infection can cause your body to develop antibodies that attack your sperm. A prednisone-like steroid can help inhibit these antibodies, but a more permanent solution would be IVF or ICSI (intractoplasmic sperm injection).

Types of Tests

Typically, men focus first on lifestyle and medical history first. As stated above, many things can affect fertility, and luckily, these are often easier to handle.

Next, the men provide a semen sample, which is then analyzed for sperm count, shape, appearance, and sperm motility. Your urologist may investigate further with physical exams, bloods tests, or an ultrasound.

Fertility Solutions For Men

In vitro fertilization can help most of the problems described above. Within IVF, eggs and sperm are both extracted and combined. The fertilized embryo is then injected back into the female. This can help men with low sperm count and motility, as they don’t need to travel far.

Intrauterine insemination is similar, in that it helps men with low sperm count and motility. The process uses a catheter to inject a concentrated sperm sample director into the woman’s uterus, increasing the chance that they’ll find the egg.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is typically added to an in vitro fertilization cycle to help with male fertility problems. This isolates a single sperm to be injected into a single egg, marginalizing the room for error. Unfortunately this can mean a microscopic needle pulling sperm from a testicle, but it doesn’t hurt that much! Though you should avoid strenuous activity for about a week.

Infertility is more common than you’d think, and it’s important to remember that it can affect men just as easily as it can affect women. Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner or doctor if you think there might be something wrong, there are tons of treatment options available to help overcome male infertility. 

Written by: Joanna Hynes

The Cost Of Common Infertility Treatments

So you’ve read about possible fertility problems and tests for diagnosing infertility, and now you’re ready to explore treatment options. Below, you’ll find some of the favored treatment options for couples to help with infertility.

Remember, you’re not alone. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Marian Carey both sought fertility treatments. If you actually want to talk to others going through this (maybe Kim K won’t answer your calls?), Baby Center has a community of people going through the same thing you can talk to!

Fertility Medications

A lot of infertility causes can be traced back to hormone imbalances. A common solution for this is clomiphene pills and gondatropins injections. Careful, though, because these can increase your odds for twins!

Some drawbacks include mood swings and breast tenderness. Talk to your doctor about the in-depth list of side effects. Clomiphene led to about 80% ovulation in the first three months, and of those, 30-40% conceive within three treatment cycles. Gondotropins led to 15% conception rate when timed properly with intercourse.

Clomiphene pills cost $10-100 a month depending on dosage and brand.

Gonadotropin injections cost $1,000-5,000 depending on dosage and length. 

Surgery

Surgery can help treat endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome; it can also help with genetic deficiencies and block fallopian tubes. While there are always surgical risks and side-effects, there are increased success rates for conception and, if the infertility was also causing pain (like with endometriosis), it can help in other ways.

Surgery can cost between $2,000-10,000 depending on type, anesthesia, inpatient vs. outpatient, and insurance.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

This procedure uses a catheter to inject the sperm directly into your uterus. It may lead to some cramping, but it typically lasts a day, and this procedure is often paired with fertility drugs. The success rate in couples with unexplained infertility was 7-15% higher after IUI.

Average cost is about $865.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

With in vitro fertilization, the sperm and eggs are both extracted from the parents, combined in a laboratory, and transferred back into your uterus after fertilization. Women often take fertility drugs in preparation for this procedure. Many celebrities have done this, including Courtney Cox and Celine Dion.

According to Baby Center, IVF had the following success rates:

1. 40% success in women 34 and younger
2. 31% success in women 35-37
3. 21% success in women 38-40
4. 11% success in women 41-42
5. 5% success in women 43 and older

The average cost is about $12,400 per cycle when using your own eggs (BYOE) and partner’s sperm (BYOS).

Donor Eggs and Embryos

There are many reputable egg donation agencies to connect families with fertile women willing to give such a gift. The Donor Source is one such company. A donor egg is mixed with your partner’s sperm and then inserted so you can carry your baby. A donor embryo is ready to go and is injected. There is usually an option for fresh or frozen eggs. Fresh eggs have a higher success rate.

A fresh donor egg with in vitro fertilization will cost between $20,000-30,000.

A frozen donor egg with in vitro fertilization will cost about $16,000.

A frozen donor embryo with in vitro fertilization will cost between $5,000-9,000.

Gestational Surrogacy

Surrogacy is when a woman agrees to carry your embryo (or a donor’s embryo) for the nine months and then claims no parental rights. It can be a long process (legally and emotionally), but many women found success this way. Giuliana Rancic, Elizabeth Banks, and Sarah Jessica Parker all used surrogates, and let’s not forget Kate Holbrook (Tina Fey) in Baby Mama (2008).

A surrogacy is typically arranged through an agency and can cost about $150,000, but only $25,000-35,000 of that goes to the carrier herself. It mostly goes to medical expenses, insurance costs, and legal/administrative fees.

Written by: Joanna Hynes