Smoking and Infertility
It is common knowledge that smoking is a health hazard, but only few people know that its negative effects extend beyond lung disease. Smoking can affect a persons’ heart, blood vessels and even fertility in both men and women. For men, it can damage the sperm, making them incapable for fertilization. In women, smoking can cause damage to the ovaries, which often results in miscarriages and could increase the risk of cervical cancer. Studies show that women who smoke reduce their chance of conception by 40% every month.
Men who smoke regularly have been proven to have irregularity in their sperm production. The quality and quantity of the sperm is greatly affected by constant cigarette smoking.
Smoking may also result in impotence by causing damage to blood vessels. The development of an erection is dependent on healthy veins. If a person is a chronic smoker, his veins could be significantly impaired and the blood flow will decrease, which will lead to weak and ineffective erections.
Also, women’s fertility might be compromised by cigarette smoke. The toxic substances can cause harm to a woman’s ovaries. Smoking can result in hormonal changes as well. These hormonal changes can lead to menstrual irregularities and even anovulation, the condition of having menstrual cycles wherein ovulation fails to occur.
Women who smoke also have higher risk of cervical cancer, which is cancer at the opening of the uterus. In most advanced stages, the only healing option is a hysterectomy. This life-saving surgery involves removal of the uterus, and sometimes even removal of ovaries, but it leaves the woman permanently sterile. The effects of smoking on fertility can occur in all women regardless of age, but these risks are compounded in women of advanced maternal age. If one desires to become pregnant, quitting smoking should be one of the top priorities.
Smoking can affect fertility in various ways. For couples who want to have a baby, it is advisable to refrain from smoking completely in order to optimize their chances of becoming pregnant. Recent studies show that there is no safe number of cigarettes a person can smoke. Even occasional social smoking can still affect fertility potential and outcomes. For couples who are anticipating a pregnancy, it is necessary that they quit smoking prior to conception. Their choice will not only increase the chances of conceiving, but be extremely beneficial to the development of the baby.
Reasons for Infertility
There can be multiple causes of infertility in both women and men. Some can be resolved quite easily, while others may be more complicated.
For the majority of men, infertility is the result of having abnormally shaped sperm or having a low sperm count. Low sperm count can be from a condition called varicocele; where the blood vessels in the scrotum are swollen, producing excess heat which inhibits the production of healthy sperm and mobility.
A man’s lifestyle choices can also affect his sperm count as well. For instance, if a certain man smokes cigarettes, uses certain drugs, or drinks excessively, he could have a lower sperm count when compared to a man that does not. The habitual wearing of tight pants and soaking in a hot tub can also lower the sperm count. Certainly, these are a few things that can be easily changed to help cure the infertility problem.
Sometimes medications and illness can lead to a low sperm count. Fortunately, this is appears to be a temporary condition.
When it comes to women, ovulation is one of the main factors of infertility. There are several circumstances that can cause a decrease in women’s ovulation. Being overly stressed can play a role. Also, as a woman grows older, ovulation quite often slows down, especially after the age of 30. The age group that has the best chances for ovulation are those in their late teens and early twenties.
There are also medical conditions that may cause women’s infertility. Unhealthy or abnormal cervical conditions, scar tissue, and/or blocked fallopian tubes can all be infertility factors. Some uterine conditions, endometriosis for example, can also be a cause. In rare cases, fibroids, or a uterine tumor, can result in infertility.
It is important at the beginning of the infertility treatment process to determine with whom the infertility lies, whether with the man, woman, or even both. Some couples can have a condition, that, when combined, works against the other. Therefore, the sooner you discover the signs of infertility, the faster you can act on it and move forward. Even though some causes of infertility are not known, always remember that there are infertility problems that can be treated or solved.
What Is Infertility?
Just What Exactly is Infertility?
Infertility is when a person is incapable of achieving a desired pregnancy or conception. It may also refer to a woman’s inability to carry a pregnancy to its full term, most commonly known as a miscarriage.
There are several different causes of infertility which can originate from a woman’s, or a man’s, hormonal, emotional or physical condition. Some of these infertile conditions can be treated with the help of trusted medical interventions.
Reproductive endocrinologists, medical professionals that specialize in infertility, consider the following signs for finding out if a couple is infertile:
a. The couple has not conceived offspring after 12 months of contraceptive-free sexual intercourse. This type applies to cases where the female is below the age of 34.
b. The couple has not conceived offspring after 6 months of contraceptive-free sexual intercourse and the female is over the age of 35.
c. The female is incapable of carrying a pregnancy to its full term or the female suffers miscarriage.
Some other types of infertility are as follows:
I. Subfertility
Subfertility means that a certain couple is less fertile than any other typical couple. This type of infertility usually applies to a couple who has tried unsuccessfully to have a child for a year or more. In this situation, the couple’s ability to conceive rate is seen to be approximately between the ranges of 3%-5%.
II. Primary infertility
Primary infertility refers to couples who have never been able to conceive or produce an offspring after several attempts.
III. Secondary Infertility
Secondary infertility is when a particular couple is having difficulty conceiving after having conceived one or more offspring in the past. It can either be a pregnancy that was carried up to its full term, or a pregnancy that resulted to a miscarriage. However, this does not apply if there has been a change of partners.
Infertility problems have always been a serious matter between couples. There might be instances of denial. Other times it might lead to misunderstanding, and worse, divorce. While infertility can be a distressing marital issue, every couple should seek the guidance of medical and psychological professionals. Who knows? They might eventually be gifted with a much awaited offspring.
Infertility Stress
INFERTILITY STRESS
What is it? and How to manage it?
If there’s one thing that marks fulfillment in the lives of most couples, it’s the joyful news of expecting a baby. It’s a gift that brings much happiness to those who have desired to start their own family. However, it is not easy for all couples to experience this joyous occasion. There are those who try for months or years to become pregnant, but end up confounded and thwarted. The inability to cope with this life experience can set off a serious problem called “infertility stress”.
Infertility stress is often viewed as a condition made detrimental by the entwined terms of “infertility” and “stress”. The very thought of being unable to conceive can trigger apprehensions and anxieties which can make things worse. Correspondingly, life strains can put the couples’ inherent dream of having a child at risk.
Infertility is never easy to deal with as it presents no symptoms. There can be numerous causes, which makes it difficult to narrow the exact reason down for each couple. Typical reasons for infertility range from physical irregularities to emotional and psychological concerns. As a result, feelings of disappointment can lead to stress-related problems, which in turn affect their fertility.
It is very important to review how a couple responds to the stresses that infertility brings. Most commonly, they tend to become pessimistic when conception looks quite hopeless for them. The resulting impact on their self-esteem can hinder them from having a child permanently.
Putting all these things into consideration, infertility stress is indeed an obstruction for couples hoping to conceive and for sure, there is no easy way out. Fortunately, there are several infertility treatment options that could aid couples in increasing their chances of a pregnancy. These can either be made through medical intervention or natural techniques.
Medical Interventions:
A favored method that can assist the reproductive process is through fertility medications. These medications are basically for women, although there are a few options for men. They help in stimulating a woman’s egg production or increasing their reproductive hormones.
IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a reliable treatment option for couples which can make unexplainable cases of infertility turn around to make conception and childbirth possible.
Natural Treatments:
Herbs and acupuncture are examples of Natural treatments. These treatment options target the nervous system and help in the reduction of muscle strain and relieve the mind from stress. Other effective means of diminishing stress levels in a natural way are meditation practices like yoga, and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
The infertility treatment process in itself can be exhausting and demanding, adding to the stress load that the couple is already facing. Counseling sessions during the infertility treatment process might prove beneficial in helping the couple handle the various stresses that come their way while trying to achieve their dream of having a child.
Sources:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/what-is-infertility-stress-how-can-you-manage-it.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?Information-About-Infertility-Stress&id=3590250
http://searchwarp.com/swa561716-infertility-stress-unexplained-causes-and-solutions-are-revealed.htm
Male Infertility Test
A lot of people believe that infertility is mainly the woman’s problem, but most people don’t realize that about half of the infertility cases actually involve the infertility of the man. It is important that men undergo testing regarding their fertility alongside women. It might be embarrassing, but once you discover male fertility problems early, it could lead to earlier treatment and a successful pregnancy. This testing process can also help lessen the woman’s anxieties.
Doctors often make a diagnosis of infertility when a couple has not conceived a child after 12 months of unprotected and regular sex. Impaired fertility may be a better diagnosis for this case, because many couples who frequently try will usually conceive in the second year or later.
It is advisable to start the evaluation for male infertility with a consultation visit to a urologist. Information gathered during this process may include the following:
a. Full medical and reproductive history
b. Lifestyle questions
c. Physical examination.
d. Straightforward discussion of your sexual life
Male infertility specialists may differ in their approach, but here are some of the expected tests:
I. Sperm and Semen Analysis
A trained expert evaluates the man’s sperm count, shape, movement, and other variables. Generally, a higher number of normal-shaped sperm means a higher fertility rate. However, there are exceptions. Some men have low sperm counts or abnormal semen and are still fertile. Only about 15% of sterile men have normal semen and plenty of normal sperm.
II. Physical Examination
A physical examination can distinguish if there is evidence of Klinefelter’s syndrome and/or varicoceles, both of which can be causes of infertility. This physical examination can be performed by an urologist.
III. Hormone Evaluation
Testosterone, aside multiple other hormones control a man’s sperm production. A hormonal evaluation measures the blood levels of the hormones that aid in the production of sperm. However, only about 3% of sterile men are affected by a hormonal imbalance.
IV. Genetic Testing
A chromosomal analysis can help identify specific problems of fertility and problems with sperm.
V. Anti-Sperm Antibodies
This is a condition where antibodies attack the sperm on their way to the egg, preventing fertilization. The sperm can be perfectly healthy; they just don’t make it to the egg.
Sometimes the sperm in semen may be missing, very low, or abnormal. Several reasons for low sperm in semen are:
a. Retrograde ejaculation.
b. Absence of the main sperm channel or the vas deferens.
c. An obstruction between the testicles and the penis.
d. Anti-sperm antibodies abnormally attacking a man’s own sperm on their way to the egg.
With the aid of thorough evaluation with both the man and the woman, 85% of couples can discover the cause of their infertility. Many couples may even become pregnant after the first year, with continued attempts and treatments.
Infertility and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
There are many reasons why a woman becomes infertile, the reason for her infertility is not apparent right away. However, there is one common culprit of infertility. It is called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS. PCOs, many believe, is known to be caused by unusually high levels of insulin in the bloodstream. Because of this insulin, a woman’s body can develop high levels of male hormones or androgens. These hormones build up in a woman’s system, often causing infertility.
During ovulation, follicles become present in the ovaries. Each of these follicles holds an egg. Over the course of ovulation, one of these follicles disappears. The remaining follicle produces a viable egg. Upon maturation of this egg, luteinizing hormones or LH levels heighten. This causes the egg to explode from the follicle, and causes ovulation.
Women with PCOS generally do not have enough female hormones present in their system. These hormones, which facilitate ovulation, so not develop thoroughly, and make it difficult to conceive. In many cases, cysts develop in these follicles, because the woman does not ovulate.
In some cases, cysts develop within these follicles. Such cysts can be seen through a sonogram. Often called a “string of pearls,” these cysts are the follicles that did not develop enough to cause ovulation. Small cysts often develop and envelop the outside of the ovaries. Because of this, ovulation does not take place, and the body fails to produce progesterone, the hormone responsible for thickening cervical mucus.
Many women with PCOS do not have a menstrual cycle at all. PCOS can worsen with age, and can also cause irregular menstrual cycles. Five to 10 percent of all women have PCOS. These women are within the childbearing years. However, most women don’t know that they have PCOS until they seek infertility treatment. Less than 25 of PCOS sufferers will never know that there is a problem.
However, there is an exception to every rule. Some women with this condition actually do get pregnant, despite the fact that their periods are irregular. The symptoms of infertility are not limited to hormones alone. Many PCOS sufferers grow hair on their back, face or chest. Still, others will experience hair thinning.
Some women with PCOs will become obese, or may develop diabetes. However, PCOS symptoms are not the same for every woman. Some will have irregular periods as their only symptom.
Because PCOS sufferers do not ovulate, a woman with the condition may have a hard time getting pregnant. However, there are things you can do to overcome the condition’s symptoms and facilitate conception. Weight loss can restore the body’s natural balance of hormones, therefore increasing a woman’s ability to conceive. Metformin, a drug used to treat PCOS-related infertility, may also help.
This drug works by improving the body’s ability to process insulin. It is considered safe for women without diabetes, because it only targets insulin levels, as opposed to overall blood sugar levels. Other drugs used to treat PCOS include Clomid and various others. Clomid works by restricting hormone receptors in the brain. As a result, the brain thinks estrogen levels are low, and thus produces LH and FSH, which in turn facilitate ovulation.
Clomid is believed to be effective in causing ovulation, but only 30 to 40 percent of those taking the drug will actually conceive. IVF (in vitro fertilization) and IVM (in vitro maturation) can help women with PCOS to become pregnant.
During IVM, eggs are removed early in a woman’s ovulation cycle, and are then matured in a clinical setting. These eggs are then fertilized and implanted in the woman’s uterus. IVF does the same thing except that During IVF, many women are put on drugs that help facilitate conception. IVF is also a good alternative for women who have bad reactions to medications or do not respond well to drug therapy.
Infertility Statistics in Society
When dealing with infertility issues, many couples feel helpless and alone. They watch other people with babies, desperately wishing they had one to call their own. And then they begin to wonder: Why can’t I have one too? However, they don’t realize they are not alone. Millions of couples can relate.
In the United States alone, roughly 7.3 million women struggle with infertility issues. These women are between the ages of 15 and 44. In 2002, roughly 11.1 percent of women aged 15 to 44 underwent in vitro fertilization or IVF.
Many women struggle with infertility issues. However, a good majority of them will not know they have fertility problems until they try to conceive. While some women with polycystic ovarian syndrome may get pregnant, they may not know they have the condition until later on. Couples struggling with infertility may envy those who have children. However, those with infertility issues often fail to consider that others with children may have struggled to conceive.
Roughly six percent of those struggling to get pregnant sought professional help in 2002. Roughly another six percent received treatment to keep from having a miscarriage. Five percent of women have undergone fertility tests. Others received ovulation drugs, and roughly one percent went through IVF. Roughly 11 percent of women ages 15 to 44 have trouble getting pregnant and may not have a full-term pregnancy.
It is a known fact that a woman’s egg production declines as they get older. This makes it more difficult to get pregnant. Many women who struggle to get pregnant receive infertility treatment between the ages of 35 and 39. Fifteen percent of women between the ages of 30 and 34 received infertility treatment, while roughly three percent of women aged 15 to 39 received treatments. Many women between the ages of 15 and 44 are already infertile by the time they seek treatment.
However, they are not alone. Roughly 27 percent of these women are infertile by the age of 35.
Roughly 17 percent of women ages 30 to 34 are infertile. Roughly 2.9 percent of women age 15 to 29 struggle with infertility issues. Many married and infertile women between the ages of 15 and 44 were infertile long before these ages. However, roughly 27 percent women become infertile between the ages of 40 and 44.
However, the statistics don’t end there. Roughly 23 percent of women aged 30 to 34 had become infertile. Roughly 11 percent of married women aged 15 to 29 struggle with fertility issues.
Though many couples struggle with infertility issues, it does not mean that there is no hope. These women may have trouble carrying a baby to term, but in many cases, they are able to and will get pregnant.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a great way for women with fertility to get pregnant and have children. Roughly 38 percent of those who go through IVF do in fact get pregnant. However, a woman’s chances of conceiving through IVF drop significantly by age 39. Twenty-two of babies born to these mothers are likely to survive. Carrying a baby by or beyond the age of 43 increases your chances of miscarriage. Less than 10 percent of these babies will survive.
After age 40, a woman’s chances of getting pregnant from her own eggs drop significantly. Many of these women will get donor eggs from women much younger than them. Women using donor eggs generally have a better chance of conceiving. By going for this option, you have a 45 percent greater chance of conceiving. In fact, the chances of getting pregnant with donor eggs are greater than that of women in their 30s, who use their own eggs.
Infertility Insurance Insights
When you and your partner learn that you cannot have children, there are a number of things you can do, one of which is seeking treatment. Despite infertility, you can have your own baby. It just takes time. Oftentimes, infertile couples can conceive with help, but many steer away of this, because of the cost.
Though infertility treatments are expensive, there are many of them available. Many choose in vitro fertilization, because it is so effective. However, one round of IVF can cost thousands of dollars. If you’re struggling with fertility issues, it may take more than one round of IVF to get pregnant. You can pay $1,000 per month on IVF medications. Other treatments may cost over $4,000.00.
Since many couples cannot afford infertility treatments on their own, they can purchase infertility insurance. This insurance makes it easier for couples to get assistance to conceive. You can get infertility insurance from your current insurance company at a relatively low cost.
However, pricing varies, so it is important to examine your options carefully. Infertility insurance will give the option of trying various treatments. Included in these treatments are diagnosis, the treatment itself, and any other reproductive treatments you may need. This also includes any surgeries you may need.
As a general rule, insurance will only cover three to five cycles of infertility treatments, but it will not cover treatments that involve donor eggs. Regular health insurance requires that you pay premiums on a monthly basis. Infertility insurance, however, is included in your monthly insurance cost. There may be cases where you can be reimbursed for fertility-related treatments. Infertility insurance often requires that you make a payment upfront, and then be reimbursed. If you do not get pregnant, 70 to 100 percent of these insurance costs are paid back.
You may also be able to take out a loan to cover the cost of fertility treatments. If a pregnancy does not result from these treatments, you will be reimbursed fully.
However, not every couple can get infertility insurance. If your insurance company does not qualify you for this type of insurance, you may not be able to get it. To obtain this insurance, you will have to meet the qualifications set forth by your insurance company. To qualify, you must first already hold an insurance policy. You may not qualify if you are 40 or above. You must also have trouble conceiving for one to five years.
Despite the many hurdles couples face, finding infertility treatments is quite easy. However, you do have a lot of things to consider. Seeking infertility treatments brings hope and fulfillment to many couples.
But once the baby arrives, the couple will need to figure out finances, which at times, is a struggle itself. But in the long run, the pros outweigh the cons. You can have a baby without draining your pockets empty.
Infertility Information for Your Lifestyle
Getting pregnant and having a baby is one of the most beautiful things you will ever do. However, experiencing the gift of a child is difficult for many couples. Infertility is the result of biological factors, which in many cases, makes it difficult to conceive and have a full-term baby.
In most cases, the inability to conceive is because the woman’s reproductive system does not function properly. While the reasons for infertility are copious, they can usually be narrowed down to one specific problem that is caused by the female reproductive organs.
However, the woman is not always responsible. In other cases, the man may have issues with sperm motility or a low sperm count. Whatever the case, a woman must have a regular menstrual cycle to get pregnant. In some cases, she may have ovulation problems, which make conceiving difficult. Sometimes, her tubes may be blocked, or she may have problems with her uterus. If she had a tubal ligation, conception may be difficult.
Age is a very important factor, when it comes to infertility. As a woman ages, it becomes more difficult to get pregnant. This happens with every woman, and is a part of getting older. As a general rule, women lose roughly 1,000 eggs each month. Conditions, such as PCOS, sexually transmitted diseases, and endometriosis may also play a role.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is often responsible for infertility issues. This serious condition can be caused by ignoring vaginal infections. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia may also cause problems. These conditions leave scars on the fallopian tubes, because of bacteria. This bacteria travel all throughout the female reproductive system. Once PID has been treated, it is possible to get pregnant.
And so, the question remains: What is the most likely cause of infertility? Polycystic ovarian syndrome, a hormonal disorder, is quite possibly one of the main causes of infertility. The condition disturbs a woman’s ovulation cycle, thus making it difficult to conceive. The woman may ovulate irregularly.
Metformin is just one medication that can treat PCOS. It absorbs insulin and makes conception easier. It may be necessary to check your hormone levels, if you have trouble getting pregnant. The hypothalamus may also be at fault. It produces reproductive hormones, which affect the testes, pancreas, and numerous other organs. Disease can also cause infertility.
Your lifestyle has an effect on infertility too. Smoking, alcohol, and drug use have a strong effect on your fertility. Being underweight or overweight can also contribute. Stress and sexually transmitted diseases should also be considered as risk factors.
Having fertility problems is a major cause of stress. In some cases, it is difficult for doctors to pinpoint the exact cause of a couple’s infertility. In this case, the reason is determined unknown. However, reducing stress levels can help with this problem. Tracking a woman’s ovulation cycle may help you conceive. But the best way to increase your chances of conception is to eliminate as much stress from your life as possible.
Acupuncture’s Role in Overcoming Infertility
Acupuncture was developed in the Eastern part of the world. Despite its age, it has remained one of the most popular treatments. Acupuncture is the process of stimulating different parts of the body through injections and the placement of needles. These needles are placed in different parts of the body to provide pain relief and to help treatment preexisting medical ailments.
Acupuncture is used to manipulate the central nervous system. This is done by regulating blood pressure. Acupuncture helps release endorphins, which ease pain. These aids in the release of neurotransmitters, which help the body heal.
When used in conjunction with infertility treatments, acupuncture is quite effective. It maintains the body’s natural rhythm, thus facilitating blood flow to all organs in the body. This also makes certain that hormones are processed and released properly. This helps improve the functioning of the ovaries and other reproductive organs. It also regulates blood flow to the endometrium, which in turn helps the reproductive system function effectively.
There is now speculation that acupuncture may make in vitro treatments more effective. Evidence suggests that acupuncture helps during the transfer of eggs. This often causes a woman to get pregnant. If your tubes are spasmed, acupuncture may be able to help. When combined with herbal treatments, acupuncture helped the follicle stimulating hormone or FSH. Acupuncture can help women who have lost pregnancies for no reason and those who have miscarried, because of PCOS. It can also regulate cycles and help with male fertility.
Over an extended period of time, acupuncture helps heal the body. Women can have acupuncture up to four months before being artificially inseminated. Acupuncture treatments can also help with transfer. Women can benefit from receiving treatments even beyond this procedure. For the woman, going through fertility treatments takes a tremendous toll on the body. Because of this, acupuncture is recommended to soothe the body and alleviate stress.
Because so many couples struggle with infertility, it is important to explore your options. Acupuncture is a great option to facilitate pregnancy. Thankfully, it does not come with many risks. However, a woman may miscarry, if the wrong part of the body is stimulated. That’s why it is so important to pick the right specialist. Acupuncture is a healthy alternative to other, more dangerous treatments.
Current research studies have found that the most successful in vitro cycles and treatments included acupuncture. When used alone, it has not been found to help increase fertility. It must be used in conjunction with fertility treatments to be effective.
