fertility Blog

Especially when a person or couple is trying to conceive, efforts to be as healthy and fertile as possible are often made into consistent habits. Things like eating healthy, making sure exercise is a priority, and staying away from alcohol and smoking are often lifestyle changes and precautions that are taken early on, to help maintain optimal health throughout the pregnancy process.

However, as around 13% of couples find out, conceiving a baby can often be much more difficult than previously thought. For some of these individuals and couples facing fertility challenges, this could be due to issues (or previous issues) with sexually transmitted diseases. For many, these are often unknown to the individuals and, unbeknownst to them, can carry consequences far after an STD was passed on to them. 

So, what are some things that you need to know about sexually transmitted pillole ritardanti infections and you (or your partner’s) fertility? 

There are not always symptoms:

Especially when it comes to STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea, symptoms are not always obvious or present at all. In fact, these particular STDs are two of the leading causes of infertility in the United States, often because the diseases went undetected. In cases like these, the disease can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing other issues like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and making it difficult to get pregnant in the long run.

While both of these are easily treatable with antibiotics, it’s when they’re left untreated or undetected that the majority of problems come into play, and can lead to infertility.

When symptoms are present, they’re important to recognize:

In general, it’s important to monitor your sexual health so that you’re in-the-know when it comes to your own body. With this in mind, it’s just as imperative to get the opinion of a doctor if you feel something could be amiss. If you’re sexually active and have any of the following symptoms, it’s probably time to get checked out by a physician:  

1. Sores or bumps on genitals or rectal area
2. Pain during sex
3. Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
4. Pain in the lower abdomen
5. Unusual vaginal bleeding 
6. Painful urination
7. Rash on the hands, feet or trunk

At the end of the day, remember— It’s better to be safe than sorry.

STDs are Preventable:

Although fertility can certainly be affected by sexually transmitted diseases, the good news is, they’re definitely preventable. Although the only way to be 100% sure is the abstain from sex in the first place, there are a number of precautions that you can take, before you’re looking to conceive a child, in an effort to maintain your sexual health. These can include: 

1. Condoms
2. Frequent testing
3. Getting vaccinated for eligible diseases (such as HPV) 

Ensuring you wash thoroughly before and after intercourse.

STD infertility can affect men, as well as women:

Although when the subject of infertility is brought up, it’s often women’s issues that come to mind, conception issues caused by STDs can affect men directly as well. In fact, when it comes to chlamydia and gonorrhea, for example, men can suffer repricutious similar to women. In males, these diseases can even result in something called epididymitis, or a painful swelling and inflammation of the tubes attached to the testicles. When untreated, this can lead to sexual health issues, as well as infertility in extreme cases.

Testing is Imperative:

Even if you’re not actively trying to conceive a child, chances are, you may at least want the option in the future. This makes it absolutely essential that, if you’re sexually active, you get tested often and regularly. Not only can this help to catch diseases before they become more serious, but it can also help you to identify any issues that may not be producing any symptoms. This can help to protect your fertility in the long run, as well as prevent you from spreading an STD that you may not know you have.

Staying in close communication with your doctor is essential:

According to the CDC, there are about 20 million new STD infections every year. Especially if you do get diagnosed with an STD at some point, it’s important to maintain clear and open communication with your doctor. When it comes to fertility, you’ll want to ensure that you know any and all repercussions, risks, and options that you have for the future. 

Conceiving a child, especially when fertility is proving itself to be an issue, can drum up a number of emotions. However, what’s important is to stay educated on the things that could potentially affect your fertility, know signs and symptoms to look out for, and stay in close communication with your doctor. Not only can this help you to get past any obstacles you may be facing, but it can also help you to make the right decisions for you and/or your partner moving forward.

When it comes to becoming a parent, the process can certainly be rife with challenges for many people. However, for most obstacles to building your family, there are solutions that can help. 

For many couples, difficulty conceiving a child naturally can lead down a path where you have to consider starting your family using a gestational carrier or “surrogate”.

Q: What’s the difference between a gestational carrier and a surrogate? 

A: While many people may be more familiar with the term “surrogate,” there are key differences between the two. Technically speaking, a “true” surrogate is someone who chooses to become pregnant and carry a pregnancy for an intended couple by being inseminated with the intended parent’s sperm in order to fertilize their own egg (not the egg of the intended parent). This process results in the surrogate being the biological parent of the baby that is delivered and is considered illegal in most states and no longer offered as an option.  However, most people still colloquially call their gestational carrier their “surrogate”.

A gestational carrier has no blood or DNA relation with the child she carries and delivers. This is accomplished through in vitro fertilization (or IVF), which involves gathering the eggs and sperm of the intended parents, combining them in the laboratory thus creating embryos, and then transferring one or two of the resulting best quality embryos into the carrier. When necessary, embryos can also be created using donor eggs or donor sperm as well.

Q: Who may need to consider a gestational carrier? 

A: There are many reasons for someone to need to use a gestational carrier. Some of the most common reasons include :

• Women who have had a hysterectomy (for any reason)
• Women whose medical conditions make it unsafe or life-threatening for her to get pregnant
• Couples where one partner does not have a uterus
• Congenital or other abnormalities of the intended parent’s uterus that make carrying a pregnancy to term problematic or impossible

Q: What is the process like when utilizing a gestational carrier?

A: Often, a couple has a friend or family member who offers to carry their baby for them. Other times, they use a professional gestational carrier they found online or through an agency. In either circumstance, there are details and legal issues that need to be worked out. Contracts and payment agreements are chief among the important details. Because of the complexity involved, many intended parents choose to work with an agency to help guide them through the entire process, including finding the best match for them on their parenting journey. This is obviously more expensive than having someone you know carry for you. 

Once a potential carrier is identified, she needs to undergo health screening to make sure she is a suitable candidate for pregnancy. This will involve physical exams, blood tests, and procedures to make sure her uterus is normal. Partners of the gestational carriers also need to be screened for infectious diseases. A psychological evaluation is also performed, often with both the GC and the intended parents together to discuss the upcoming pregnancy. 

To create the embryos, the woman undergoes stimulation of her ovaries that takes about two weeks and then a short procedure to harvest the eggs. Other times, the eggs have been collected from an egg donor using the same process. They are then fertilized in the laboratory with sperm. Over the course of 5-6 days, the embryos that are created are cared for and observed. Many of the embryos that start out don’t continue to develop. The embryos that do continue to develop are then available for what is called an “embryo transfer”. Sometimes the embryos are frozen (“cryopreserved”) prior to transfer, for example when the couple creates the embryos before they have found a gestational carrier or before they know they need to use one. 

The gestational carrier also undergoes a process to prepare her uterus for implantation. There are many different ways this can be accomplished. There are protocols that don’t involve many medications (“natural” cycles). However, most of the time, the GC will need to be first on a form of estrogen (patches, pills, vaginal pills, injections) followed by progesterone (injections, vaginal creams or pills). The transfer of the embryos to the uterus would not feel much different than a pap smear. The big decision is how many embryos to transfer. Most of the time, it is recommended to only transfer one embryo to minimize the risks of getting pregnant with multiples. These protocols typically give really good pregnancy rates. Once pregnant, the gestational carrier would be treated just as anyone else who got pregnant without assistance. The intended parents will then have full legal custody once the child is born.

Q: How much does a gestational carrier typically cost?

A: The price of utilizing a gestational carrier will vary widely based on the situation and from person to person, and agency to agency. If your family member or friend carries the pregnancy, the main costs will be the cost of the IVF to create the embryos. You would of course decide how to compensate them.  If you need to use a professional gestational carrier, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50,000 - $150,000. This typically includes an agency’s fees, the carrier’s fee, the cost of IVF, counseling, support, medical fees, etc. There are a number of different potential costs that should be thoroughly weighed before actually entering into a contract with a carrier or agency.

Q: Who can become a gestational carrier?

A: Most agencies or clinics have their own guidelines for who would be a good candidate to become a gestational carrier. While these can vary, some of the requirements often include:

• Being generally healthy
• A healthy BMI
• Being between the age of 21 and 40
• No past major pregnancy complications
• Not currently taking antidepressants or antianxiety medications
• No prior drug or alcohol abuse
• Having been successfully pregnant before is not an absolute requirement but is preferred

Q: What rights does a gestational carrier have? 

A: In short, typically, no parental rights whatsoever. While every gestational carrier-intended parent relationship is individually assessed and has its own individual contract, this is something that’s ensured from the very start. Many times, even professional gestational carriers and the new parents maintain contact after she has delivered since she has been such an important part of their lives. Other times, there is no contact with the GC after delivery.

Summary:

If you are considering using or for sure need to use a gestational carrier, you’re bound to have a number of questions and concerns. The good news is that using a gestational carrier is not unusual or rare. It is something that fertility clinics should be very prepared for and able to help you with. Agencies can also be a great resource and help you navigate the process.  Remember to do your research, read reviews, and look for agencies that have impeccable recommendations. Use a fertility clinic that handles gestational carrier situations frequently.  Not only will this help you to have the smoothest experience possible, but it will also ensure that your path to becoming a parent starts off in the best way possible. 

While conceiving a child can be unplanned, quick or easy for some couples, for others, it can be a difficult process. In fact, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for every 100 couples in the US, about 12 or 13 have trouble becoming pregnant. This can be due to a number of different factors, related to both female and male fertility issues.

According to the HHS, “about one-third of infertility cases are caused by fertility problems in women, and another one-third of fertility problems are due to fertility problems in men. The other cases are caused by a mixture of male and female problems or by problems that cannot be determined.”

For men, many of these fertility issues can be due to a lowered sperm count and, in general, lower overall fertility— both important factors when it comes to creating a viable pregnancy. However, there are a number of different ways that men can increase their chances of conceiving a child with their partner.

1. Avoid Smoking and drug use
   
   When it comes to ensuring sperm are strong and active, avoiding smoking, vaping and drug use is a must. A number of studies have actually shown that smokers have a lower overall sperm quality than non-smokers. LIkewise, in studies focused on drug use with substances like marijuana, cocaine, steroids and even prescription drugs, their use has been linked to Bodybuilding motivation - SACRIFICE brand mecleods epic bodybuilding motivation changes in certain levels of hormones within the male body, impairing sperm production, sperm’s motility, and overall fertility.
   
   
   
2. Get enough Vitamin D
   
   Being in the great outdoors can be a huge mood elevator, but it can also give a big boost when it comes to male fertility. The primary way that most people get vitamin D is by being outside and exposing themselves to sunlight. When the sunlight hits your skin, vitamin D synthesis begins, a process that helps humans with bone, muscle and even mental health.
   
   However, even with outdoor time, most people are actually vitamin D deficient. This is why many physicians recommend a supplement of at least 25,000 IUs per week, for both men and women.
   
   When it comes to male fertility in particular, vitamin D has been shown to increase the levels of calcium found in sperm. This, in turn, makes sperm more active, mobile, and thus, more likely to result in fusion with a woman’s egg.
   
   
   
3. Limit soy consumption
   
   Soy sauce, tofu and soymilk might all seem like healthy additions to a man’s diet, but when it comes to boosting sperm count, soy products may be something to avoid. Soy has been linked with estrogen production, a hormone that could affect overall sperm production. In fact, according to one study, “men who ate the most soy had 41 million fewer sperm per milliliter of semen compared with men who did not eat soy foods. Normal sperm counts range between 80 million and 120 million per milliliter.”
   
   
4. Eat foods rich in antioxidants
   
   A healthy diet is imperative when it comes to increasing the chances of a couple having a child. Not only is this great for overall health, it can substantially help to boost the number of active sperm a man produces. Even more specifically, foods that are high in antioxidants can be particularly helpful. Antioxidants are special compounds that can help to slow cell damage caused by free radicals.
   
   Some foods high in antioxidants can include:
   
   — Green vegetables
   — Nuts
   — Dark chocolate
   — Artichokes
   — Apples
   — Broccoli
   — Strawberries
   — And many more.
   
   
   
5. Limit alcohol
   
   Having a beer after a tough day, or sipping on a nice glass of scotch on the weekend is something that many men look forward to. However, too much alcohol can have a negative effect on sperm count and fertility. Alcohol has been shown to increase estrogen levels and decrease testosterone, which can both be detrimental when a couple is trying to get pregnant. Likewise, too much booze can lower sperm count, play a role in sperm morbidity, and can damage overall quality.  

5 Ways to Boost Male Fertility & Increase Sperm Count
There are a large number of factors that can each play their own roles when it comes to getting pregnant. By exercising, eating right and getting enough vitamins, men can better their chances of conceiving a child with their partner by increasing their sperm health and count. By making healthy choices as much as possible throughout the process, men can help to increase the chances of their partner conceiving quickly, and having a healthy pregnancy.

The road to pregnancy can be a happy, joyous time. For others, it can be one of the most trying times of their lives, testing their patience in a roller coaster of emotions. In either scenario, it’s not rare for people to make sure they’re making good choices to be as healthy as possible, helping them to increase their fertility and the likelihood of becoming pregnant.

While everyone is exposed to a number of different chemicals every day, when trying to get pregnant, these chemicals can have a negative impact on overall fertility and conception efforts. What’s even more tricky is that these chemicals aren’t always easily identifiable. Often, they’re lurking in the air, in the items we use on our bodies, and even in our food, all unknowingly. While it’s easy to avoid the toxins that are obvious, some of these hidden compounds can be much more difficult when it comes to steering clear.

There are a number of toxic chemicals that can have a negative impact on conception and fertility, but there are a few that can be particularly harmful and, unfortunately, common throughout our homes and environment. These include:

• Bisphenols (BPA)
  
  You may have heard of BPAs over the years, but not know exactly what they are or where they’re found. Bisphenols are compounds that are used in a variety of plastic products, and often, can even spread into food if it’s stored within a container made with it. BPA is utilized to help with corrosion and/or reactions between containers and food, but has been linked to male impotence, fertility issues, and even heart problems. To avoid BPA, look for plastics that specifically label themselves as “BPA free”, or glass containers.
  
  
• Parabens
  
  Parabens are preservatives that are typically an ingredient in a variety of different products, including cosmetics and hair care. They can even be found in foods like jellies, jams, processed vegetables, and pickles. Although parabens are widely present, across a large number of different products and brands, they can be detrimental when it comes to fertility and conception. Parabens have been linked with allergies, breast cancer, rashes, blisters, and when exposed during pregnancy, to infant weight gain that can lead to adulthood obesity.
  
  
• Pesticides
  
  Although pesticides can be found in places as common as a household garden, they are often used in much larger capacities. Pesticides are used to deter pests from damaging crops, and are often present on foods, like produce, that are purchased from the grocery store. They can also be difficult to get off of produce, as a simple wash with water doesn’t always completely rid fruits and veggies of their traces. Pesticides have been linked with a reduction in fertility, and when a woman is pregnant, have even been thought to lead to miscarriages.
  
• Heavy Metals
  
  Some examples of heavy metals can include lead, arsenic and aluminum. These can often occur in the air that we breathe, in contaminated foods, household products, and even cigarettes. Studies have shown that too much exposure to these metals can lead to trouble conceiving due to pregnancy delay, reduced sperm count, and even reduced sperm mobility.

Although toxins are found all throughout our world, when trying to conceive a child, it’s important to avoid these as much as possible. While avoiding them completely may not always be an option, by limiting one’s exposure, the chances of negative impacts can be greatly reduced.

When trying to maximize your fertility, there are a number of different ways that one can limit their exposure to these chemicals. These can include quitting smoking, using only filtered water, ensuring your home is free of lead paint, and educating yourself on other dangerous chemicals that could be present throughout your environment.

Navigating fertility challenges is a long and complex process that millions of people face every year worldwide. It is for these reasons that if you are going through challenges with fertility you will have numerous questions that need answers. Questions come up anywhere between how painful will the process be to questions about bonding with a baby conceived with medical help. For those who have chosen for one reason or another to utilize an egg donor to improve conception outcomes, one of the most typical and recurrent questions asked is "if I use Donor Eggs Will The Baby Look Like Me?" The short answer to that question is this; it depends. There is not a simple answer to this question much like there is not a simple answer to the question "will i love my donor egg baby?"

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Most are quick to say the answer is no when they are asked, "does a baby conceived via donor eggs resemble birth mom?" However, a simple 'no' is the wrong answer. What does it depend on exactly? There is a number of factors that independently and collectively influence how much donor egg babies will resemble the birth mother physically. A major factor playing a role in this is the means of which you use to choose your egg donor. The most commonly used method of doing this is to use an agency to search for a donor. Egg donors who donate through agencies are heavily screened and evaluated in aspects such as physical features, personality, family history, health records, etc. What this does is allow recipients to search for and browse through donors, enabling the recipient some autonomy in what the door looks like, how their health is, what their family history shows, what skills they have, etc. By having control over the physical features of the egg donor, you then have some control over the physical features of the donor egg babies. In a way, you are able to choose what will make your babies personality and what predetermined traits they will have. You can even take it a step further and use some natural methods to increase your chances of having a specific gender.

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Another practice frequently seen with egg donation is when the recipient receives donor eggs from a biological family member of theirs. While reasons to use this method vary and are not isolated to physical appearance, one reason is to ensure that the egg donor baby will carry some portion of the same DNA as the recipient. This method does not always guarantee that the child will resemble you, as even genetically related full siblings can come out not noticeably resembling each other in physical appearance. Even without the presence of fertility challenges and interventions, often times physical traits can be known to skip a generation as well. So when using this method for picking out your egg donor, the answer to the question of "if I use Donor Eggs Will The Baby Look Like Me," is that they probably will but there are no guarantees.

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Even if criteria based searches through an agency and family member donation are not used, there is still no guarantee that your egg donor baby will not look like you. There is also the possibility that you will be asking yourself, how is it that my donor egg baby looks like me? Due to recent research and development in the area of fertility, it has been discovered that even if the egg has completely different genetic material then the recipient, they still have influence on the genes of the baby between conception and birth. This is all thanks to the embryonic fluid that the baby lives in for nine months. Micro RNA's or molecules that double as a communication system between the mother and the baby actually have the ability to moderate the presentation of the babies genes. However this process is not isolated to just physical trait genes, but also has an influence on personality genes, reproductive predispositions when it comes to the possibility of multiples, and genes that carry disease from one generation to another. Armed with this information, you now have a better understanding on the topic if someone were to ask you about "how my donor egg baby looks like me."

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Often times having no certain answer to questions about interventions for fertility challenges can stop a recipient from considering egg donation as an option. Now when your nosy Aunt Gertrude asks you "does a baby conceived via donor eggs resemble birth mom," you can soundly answer yes and know how to back that up with facts. After having read this information you can also silence doubts associated with having a baby that is not your DNA. You will be able to bond with your baby and have peace of mind that the answer to the question "will i love my donor egg baby?" will always be yes.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a family but have been having trouble conceiving, infertility may come to mind. While some factors are beyond your control, there are lifestyle choices that have a serious impact on your fertility. Alcohol and infertility have been proven to go hand in hand.Read on to learn more about the effects of alcohol on fertility:

What is Female Fertility

As a female, your fertility is your biological ability to conceive a child. Both you and your partner may question your fertility if you’e been trying to get pregnant. If you’ve been trying for over at least one year, or at least six months if you are over 35, there could be an underlying fertility issue. But what if you live a healthy lifestyle? You eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly and only indulge once in a while? Enjoying an occasional cocktail usually doesn't cause infertility. However, alcohol and fertility can be the reason you're not able to conceive. In addition, you should know that insurance might not cover it.

Alcohol and Infertility in Females

If all underlying medical conditions known to cause infertility have been ruled out, you need to start looking at your lifestyle choices. While it's true that having an occasional glass of wine may actually be beneficial, exceeding the recommended guidelines can cause infertility. There is a direct link between consuming and alcohol and female infertility.Many studies now show that having even one drink a day can lower your fertility levels. If you’re consuming more than 10 drinks per week, your chances of becoming pregnant are even lower. Alcohol and infertility rates triple when one or both partners are heavy drinkers, not to mention the other medical problems you are at risk of developing.If you fall into this category, the effects of alcohol on fertility are staggering. Knowing how much is too much is key.The ongoing affects of alcohol and infertility in females is far deeper than simply abstaining for a few days. Since many women don't find out they are pregnant until a month or two after conception, the CDC recommends completely eliminating alcohol for at least four to six weeks before trying to conceive. If not you can inadvertently cause damage to the fetus and possibly even miscarry.

Alcohol and Male Infertility

Keep in mind that it’s not only female fertility that’s affected by alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol intake can significantly lower testosterone levels and sperms quantity and quality in males. It can also reduce libido and even cause impotence. If your partner is a heavy drinker, it can negatively impact your ability to conceive. However, the reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption can quickly reverse the ill-effects of alcohol.

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Heavy drinking can also impact your fertility indirectly. Women who drink even moderate amounts of alcohol are at higher risk of ovulation disorders. Moreover, the indirect damage done to the liver and other internal organs have a direct link to alcohol and fertility levels. Finally, alcohol and male infertility is usually considered taboo to talk about. Women are the ones who carry the baby, so why do men need to abstain? Simply put, the overall health of their sperm and themselves counts on it.

What is IVF?

In-Vitro-Fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology designed to help parents conceive a child who are unable to achieve pregnancy naturally through sexual intercourse. IVF consists of fertilizing a sperm and an egg outside of the uterus followed by a procedure to implant the fertilized egg into the lining of the uterus. There are many steps that go in to making IVF a successful process. The first step in the process is taking fertility drugs to help the ovaries produce mature eggs. Oftentimes, these drugs must be taken for many months in order to induce ovulation. Once the ovaries have created enough eggs, the eggs are then ready to be harvested.Your doctor will have you undergo a process called egg retrieval to collect the healthy eggs, which is a minor surgical procedure. During this procedure, the doctor will extract the eggs from your ovaries through the vagina. Once the eggs are extracted, the eggs are then fertilized with sperm in a lab setting then implanted back into the uterus several days later during a process called insemination. Several IVF side effects with fertility drugs such as Lupron, Progesterone, and Estrace can be taken during the IVF process. However, there are common IVF medication side effects.One of the most common questions prior to undergoing IVF is: Is IVF Painful? Advanced Fertility Care states that there is some pain and discomfort that accompanies IVF.They provide a rating scale for each step of the process, and note that most patients say the most painful part happens during egg retrieval.

Lupron Side Effects IVF

Lupron is used during IVF to shut down the body's reproductive hormone system. Lupron drastically lowers the body's estrogen levels and suppresses the bodies production of luteinizing hormone, which is the hormone that stimulates ovulation. Among a few common Lupron side effects IVF are gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and nausea, headaches, and trouble sleeping are a few on them.

Progesterone Side Effects IVF

There are many Progesterone side effects IVF. Progesterone is administered during IVF to prepare the womb for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining. This is important because it promotes successful egg implementation during insemination. Some common side effects are unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, feet and ankle swelling, and change in mental status. All of these side effects may seem entirely unfavorable, but for couples who are trying for pregnancy after miscarriage, IVF may be the only option for them to try and have a family while struggling with infertility.

Estrace Side Effects IVF

Estrace is a strong form of the hormone estrogen, and there are many Estrace side effects IVF. Estrogen is needed during IVF to maintain the endometrial lining of the uterus, which strengthens egg implantation during insemination. Some of the IVF side effects of taking Estrace are vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps, weight gain, breast pain, and vaginal itching or discharge. There are a few different types of artificial insemination that can be performed during IVF which often dictate what infertility drugs will be needed during the process. There are many known IVF medication side effects and they all vary based upon the individual.

After Effects of IVF Treatment

The after effects of IVF treatment are different between each woman. IVF does run the risk of women giving birth to multiple babies due to multiple eggs being implanted during insemination.

Side Effects of IVF Drugs

The side effects of IVF drugs can cause hot flashes, breast tenderness, headaches, blurred vision, ovarian cysts and pelvic discomfort.

IVF Side Effects on Baby

Some research suggests that babies conceived via IVF can possibly have lower birth weight, but otherwise there do not seem to be a huge amount of IVF side effects on baby. It can be difficult for couples to decide whether they should try IUI versus IVF, but you should always consult your fertility specialist to determine what the best option is for you and your family.

Success Rate of IVF

It has been reported the IVF has nearly a 40 percent success rate, which is much more of a success than its counterpart, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), which is reported to only have a 20 percent success rating for women under the age of 35.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most popular procedures of assisted reproductive technology (ART). It is estimated that at least one million children have been born as a result of ART procedures. However, the number of IVF and other ART procedures that have been attempted are significantly higher. These highly varied statistics may leave you with some questions. Is IVF safe? What are the side effects of IVF? Keep reading to learn more.

The Details of IVF

The IVF process can take weeks, months or years. Each person will be different; however, the steps of the process are quite similar. The end goal of the process is to attempt to have an egg become fertilized by sperm. IVF anavar kaufen can be used for both couples and single people. You can use the sperm, egg or both from a partner or a donor. These details can be determined by you.Female patients will be required to take various medications to ensure the eggs are primed for fertilization. The eggs are extracted to be paired with sperm in hopes for successful fertilization. If successful, the egg will be implanted into the uterus so that the egg can attach to the uterus lining and result in pregnancy. If a man is actively part of the sperm donation process, he might be recommended to eat right, exercise and avoid bad habits, such as drinking and smoking, during the IVF process.

Who Can Administer IVF?

One of the dangers and risks of IVF is the temptation to find a less expensive source to administer the treatment. You must be highly selective with whom you choose to protect your safety. While you or a trusted companion can legally and safely inject yourself with fertility injections to prepare for the treatment, it is imperative to only pursue highly qualified and trained medical doctors to perform your IVF treatment.

Who is a Suitable Candidate?

People of all ages and all circumstances can be ideal candidates for IVF. In the past, IVF would be recommended as the last chance course of treatment. Today, many medical situations will put IVF at the top of ART possibilities. If you experience infertility for reasons including age, endometriosis, fallopian tube damage, genetic disease risk, lost pregnancy due to chromosomal abnormalities or infertility for unexplained reasons, you could be an ideal candidate for IVF.

What are the Risks of IVF?

IVF risks and side effects will vary greatly depending upon the patient. You could experience any number of side effects, such as allergic reactions, vaginal bleeding, blood in urine, bloating, breast tenderness, bruising from shots, cramping, headaches, infection, pelvic pain, constipation or mood swings. You might even experience them all. One risk many people overlook is the possibility of a multiple pregnancy with twins, triplets or more.The chances of success might also be seen as additional IVF risks or IVF side effects. If you are under the age of 35, your success rate is over 40 percent. If you are over the age of 40, it drops to a maximum of 18 percent. It is also important to note that the procedure could result in the after effects of IVF treatment, such as a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy and it is a highly costly process without a guarantee of success. You could also face severe psychological stress as a result of IVF. These are all aspects to take into consideration.IVF has been a success over one million times, and it is considered highly safe when the procedure is conducted by a well-trained and experienced doctor. If you are struggling with infertility for any reason or any unknown reason, IVF could be the answer to your needs.

If you've already had a miscarriage, you might be concerned about conceiving another child. While this is a concern that troubles many women, you shouldn't let that get in the way of your desire to have a family. By understanding more about pregnancy after miscarriage, you'll be better prepared to have a more successful pregnancy.

Does One Miscarriage Mean You'll Have Another?

The causes of a miscarriage vary and, in many cases, the cause is left undiscovered, but this doesn't necessarily mean you'll have another one. In the most general terms, a miscarriage is the loss of a baby before the 20th week, which is the result of an abnormally developing fetus. In almost half of the instances, the miscarriage results from chromosomal problems in the fetus, which has little to do with the genetics of the parents. Since it's more a matter of chance, there's no reason to suspect that getting pregnant after miscarriage will result in another failed pregnancy. Getting professional help can improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.

A Closer Look at the Odds

In fact, research shows that less than 1% of women who have previously miscarried will have a second miscarriage. While your doctor or fertility specialist can speak to your specific situation, there's a 14% of having a second miscarriage. That rate rises to 26% for a third miscarriage with women who have previously had two miscarriages. While your chances of getting pregnant after miscarriage drop with a history of miscarriages, you should not be overly concerned about having a second miscarriage. So, while the question of can you get pregnant after a miscarriage may change with additional miscarriages, you shouldn't let one miscarriage sway you from trying to conceive.

How Soon After a Miscarriage Can You Get Pregnant?

The answer to this question largely depends on you and your partner. Before discussing the medical restrictions, it's important to note that feelings of grief, loss, and anger may play a part in determining when you'll be ready to try again. From a physiological standpoint, your doctor or fertility specialist will probably advise you to abstain from sexual activity for at least the first two weeks following the miscarriage. This is to prevent infection. It should also be noted that it can take up to six weeks for your menstrual cycle to resume and you can conceive through this period.

When Should You and Your Partner Try Again?

If you're still nervous about how long to get pregnant after miscarriage, it may help to know that it essentially comes down to a personal choice. However, research has found that women who conceive within six months of their miscarriage experience fewer complications than those who wait. While you may ask your doctor how long after miscarriage can I get pregnant, he will likely recommend trying again as soon as you feel up to it. However, if you have had more than one miscarriage already, your doctor may recommend fertility testing and other exams to ensure you're healthy and capable of carrying a pregnancy to term.

Getting Tested May Be a Wise Precaution

If you have had two or more miscarriages or if you're concerned about passing on genetic defects, it may help to get tested by a fertility specialist or your OB/GYN caregiver. A simple blood test is one way to identify hormonal problems that can affect your ability to have a successful pregnancy. Additionally, you and your partner may be asked to undergo chromosomal tests. These tests will determine if either of you are passing genetic defects on to your child. Other exams can also be conducted to determine if there are physical abnormalities in your body, which may affect your ability to conceive and carry a healthy baby.If you have had a miscarriage in the past, there's no reason to assume you cannot have a baby. Once you and your partner decide to try again, the first thing you should do is discuss your hope of having a baby with your doctor. Your physician can guide you and offer recommendations to improve your chances of having a healthy baby.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), a type of artificial insemination, can be a highly useful tool in struggles with fertility. It is important to note that IUI success rates by age can vary greatly; however, many women are ideal candidates despite one’s age. If you struggle with fertility, this might be the solution you seek.

Fertility Challenges

The CDC estimates that roughly 10 percent of all women, regardless of age, struggle with becoming pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy to term. People experience fertility challenges for any number of reasons. Your age could be a determining factor as it does become significantly more difficult to become pregnant after the age of thirty-five. You may have had HPV. If you are severely overweight or underweight, you may struggle to become pregnant. You may simply be stressed and sleep deprived. And it is possible that you have unexplained infertility issues. These are just a few possible reasons you are finding it difficult to become pregnant. Fortunately, IUI can help.

Facts about IUI

IUI is a type of artificial insemination that helps sperm reach the egg more easily. The sperm is placed into the uterus directly during ovulation to minimize the sperm’s travel time to improve the chances of fertilization. What is the success rate of IUI? This rate will vary greatly depending upon your age. IUI is often covered by insurance to some extent; however, if you do not have the right insurance, this type of fertilization technique is often less expensive than others. You can receive such a procedure at medical facilities, such as a fertility clinic Scottsdale AZ that offers insemination treatments.

IUI Under 35

Your artificial insemination success rate will be at its best before you reach the age of 35. During this age range, your success rate with IUI will be roughly 20 percent. This rate will be dependent upon a number of other factors, as well, such as the sperm, your fallopian tube status and your cervical mucus condition. It is important to note that it may take up to six times for a woman of any age to receive success with IUI.

IUI 35 and Over

Once you turn 35, your chances for natural conception drastically decreases. This figure decreases even further with each passing year. If you are between the ages of 35 and 40, your chances for successful IUI lowers to 10 percent. Once you turn 40, this figure lowers to between 2 and 5 percent. It is sometimes recommended that if you are 40 or older, you should seek in vitro fertilization rather than to pursue IUI. You can always use an IUI success rate calculator to determine your best chances for success.

Risks

As with all medical procedures, IUI does not come without risks. The procedure is considered highly safe and minimally invasive; however, you should be aware of some complications that could occur with relatively low risk. You could develop an infection. Vaginal bleeding in small amounts could occur. If IUI is paired with medications that induce ovulation, you could experience a multiple pregnancy that results in twins, triplets or more.If you are in search of an artificial insemination methodology that is effective, affordable and less invasive, IUI could be the solution for you. Be sure to speak with your doctor about ways in which you can improve your success rate of IUI, and take care of yourself no matter your age for the best results.