Sunday, December 31, 2006

Fertility Treatment - In Vitro Fertilization

Qualifying Factors for In Vitro Fertilization
By Xavier Gallery


Infertility is a fairly prevalent condition that affects millions of American couples. While the condition itself can be devastating news to potential parents, medical technology has evolved to offer a number of treatment options. In vitro fertilization has become one of the most publicized alternatives to the condition of infertility, but few people are aware of the small percentage of couples who qualify for the procedure. In fact, medical professionals typically offer other methods of fertility treatments prior to recommending in vitro procedures. Listed below are some common qualifiers for patients interested in pursuing in vitro fertilization.

Health – The in vitro process itself involves an invasive procedure to extract eggs from the female and subsequently re-implant the fertilized embryos. The procedure is deemed relatively safe, but it is not advised for females who suffer from conditions that could react unfavorably to the procedure. Thus, doctors due take into account the medical history of the female patient before making a recommendation.

Fertility – Because in vitro fertilization replicates the process of insemination outside of the body, it is important that the female partner can produce healthy eggs, and the male partner can contribute quality sperm. This is probably the most overlooked qualifier with in vitro fertilization. The procedure itself is not a cure for infertility, but rather a treatment to aid in the process of conception.

Fallopian Tube Integrity – Pregnancy through in vitro fertilization is most often recommended for females with fallopian tube disorders. Since the female eggs are fertilized by the sperm while in the fallopian tubes, the integrity of the fallopian tubes plays an important role in successful conception. The process of in vitro fertilization actually bypasses the use of the fallopian tubes. This can create an opportunity for successful pregnancy in women with fallopian tube concerns.

Endometriosis – Endometriosis is a chronic condition that results in extra tissue building up outside of the uterus. In addition to causing menstrual discomfort for the female, endometriosis also can create a hostile environment within the female reproductive system that reduces the chance of successful conception. Patients who suffer from endometriosis can experience success with in vitro fertilization, but it depends on the severity of the condition and the availability of other treatment options.

In conclusion, in vitro fertilization is not designed to cure all infertility cases. It is more likely that a doctor will initially prescribe other forms of fertility treatment (such hormone therapy) prior to recommending this procedure. The best advice for couples seeking help with their fertility condition is to meet with their doctor. There are numerous test and treatment options available that have proven successful in the right conditions. Education is the first step in coping with infertility. By becoming aware of the afflicting conditions and the possible treatments, patients can better prepare themselves for a successful pregnancy strategy.



Xavier writes about fertility issues at In Vitro Pregnancy

You can find more resources at http://invitropregnancy.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Xavier_Gallery

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Fertility Treatment - Fertility Clinic

When to Seek Help from a Fertility Clinic
By
Katie Gee


Anyone who has tried for months or even years to get pregnant knows the heartache and frustration you experience month after month as you find out you have not gotten pregnant. During this time you often get unsolicited and unhelpful advice. When is it time to get a professional opinion? When should you seek help from a fertility clinic?

The answer to this actually varies from clinic to clinic as well as from couple to couple. Most clinics agree that if you have been actively trying to get pregnant for six months to a year without success, it is time to get a consultation and some basic testing done by our OB/GYN or by a fertility doctor. Some couples feel as though this is not enough time and they want to keep trying whereas other couples might be ready earlier because of family history or a medical condition.

One thing that you can do during the time that you are trying to decide whether or not to go to a fertility clinic is to chart your cycle. Many clinics will actually ask that you do this for at least three months to establish a pattern anyway, so if you have already done this you are a step ahead. You can download charts online to help you chart your basal body temperature and you can find a BBT thermometer at any drug store. For some people this simple act of charting your cycle can give a doctor a good idea of what the route of the problem is.

If you feel that you are ready to consult a fertility doctor, ask around and do research. There are some good, reputable doctors who are there to help you and other not so reputable doctors who are just in it for the money and the statistics. If you have a local fertility support group or adoption agency in your area, they might be able to point you in the right direction. If you feel unsure about a diagnosis, get a second one from a different fertility clinic. This is your body, your family and your future and you should feel comfortable before proceeding with any fertility procedures.



For more information about ovarian torsion and other related subjects visit our website http://www.familyhopes.com/fertility/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katie_Gee








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Thursday, November 09, 2006

Fertility Treatment - Acupuncture

Can Acupuncture Solve Infertility Problems?
by Dean Caporella

Infertility acupuncture may have started out as a ripple but in recent times, it is gathering wave-like momentum as an alternative treatment for infertility. But is it a sound and reliable treatment?

Acupuncture is still somewhat of a mystery to modern science. The fact that a reasonable explanation of how acupuncture actually works is yet to be established tends to lend a degree of skepticism from those who don't understand it. However, in the area of infertility, several studies conducted in recent years have produced encouraging results when acupuncture has been used in conjunction with modern medical techniques. Infertility is such an emotinal issue that couples, who have exhausted all possible avenues of traditional treatments without success, will then consider other alternatives of which acupuncture is one.

Benefits Of Acupuncture

One of the benefits of infertility acupuncture has been it's ability to regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles as well as improving sperm mobility. It has been particularly useful in the area of in vitro fertilization(IVF). Studies have shown that acupuncture treatment aids in the production of better quality eggs. There is a correlation between women being more relaxed during fertility treatments when undergoing corresponding acupuncture treatment. This relaxation has had the effect of aiding better egg transfer which in turn has led to higher pregnancy rates.

Are Ther Disadvantages In Using Acupuncture?

An obvious disadvantage of infertility acupuncture treatment lies in the fact that while it seems beneficial in aiding problems of function including irregular ovulation, it's use in treating structural problems is undetermined. However, a study of acupuncture generally suggests it wasn't designed to repair structural damage and this is best left to modern surgery techniques. It also requires several sessions which could be seen as a disadvantage but again, when emotion comes into play and all other avenues have failed, then this is usually just a minor inconvenience.

It's important for couples considering infertility acupuncture to be prudent in their selection of practioner. Making sure they are licensed to practice is an obvious checkpoint. Before you even consider acupuncture a discussion should take place between you and your doctor regarding any possible side effects that may come about from medication which is already being administered and acupuncture medication such as herb treatment. It is common for acupuncture practitioners to offer herb medicine in conjuction with treatment but you'll need to check with your doctor before taking these. Why? Simply that some herbs could interfere or hamper the effects of drugs you have already been prescribed.

Doing some "legwork" prior to choosing a practioner should involve speaking to friends and families. Find out whether they have had acupuncture treatment and get recommendations. Going online and participating in infertility forums is another avenue that could be pursued.


About the Author
Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Infertility is an emotional topic. Find out about infertility acupuncture as well as the latest infertility news and reviews at:http://www.infertilityline.com



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Sunday, November 05, 2006

Female Fertility Treatment

Female Infertility Treatment Options

by Susan Smith


It is not just men who have to worry about being infertile, women also suffer from it and it really can be heartbreaking. There are various reasons why the problem can occur, though all of them are just as devastating for the affected women.

Why the Problem Occurs

Female infertility is diagnosed when a woman has been trying to become pregnant for over a year. It occurs when the egg fails to be released. There are two types of infertility in women; primary infertility, which is when a woman cannot get pregnant naturally for over a year. Secondary infertility, which occurs when a woman can get pregnant, but suffers constant miscarriages. Some other common causes include:

*The Diet

Women who eat unhealthily can often have problems conceiving. A healthy, nutritious diet is more likely to result in pregnancy than one that is packed full of junk food. Our diet really does affect every single part of our body, including the reproductive system!

*Your Weight

This could be linked to your diet and if you are overweight, you have a lot less chance of becoming pregnant than an average weight person. Similarly, if you are underweight you will also suffer big problems getting pregnant and even if you do, you may not have the right nutrients to help the baby to develop inside the womb.

So, in order to have the best chance of getting pregnant you really do need to check that you are at a healthy weight.

*Excessive Stress

If you are constantly stressed, you have absolutely no chance of becoming pregnant. Stress affects every part of your body and it is said to even take years off your own life if you constantly stress about everything. So, if you do have a stressful job or a particularly stressful life, then it would be better to find a hobby or something that relaxes you.

Above are only a few of the reasons why a woman may become infertile. A medical condition that may cause infertility includes damaged fallopian tubes that have been caused by an infection in the body.

So are there any treatments available that may help? Luckily there are certain things you can try in order to improve your chances of conception. It is mainly just a matter of trial and error!

The Various Treatment Options Available

If you are having infertility problems, the best place you could possibly go is to a female infertility treatment center. There are several around the country where women can get help with their problems and they can find out about any solutions that may be available to them.

There are some surgeries that can help with infertility problems, including a laparotomy microsurgery. Basically, this is where a microscope is used to perform the reproductive operation. This can be used for people with endometriosis and it can also help to fix fallopian tubes or remove any scar tissue that may be present. The downfall for this treatment is that it is a little bit more invasive than some other treatment options available. However, it is generally a very good treatment option for women with fertility problems.

If your problem is down to your weight or your diet, simple lifestyle changes such as cutting down on your food intake and exercising regularly may help considerably.

Overall, there really are so many different options available to you if you do have any problems with infertility. It is always better to consult a professional so that your problem can be properly diagnosed. Remember that it takes roughly one year to become pregnant sometimes, so you may not have a problem if you have only been trying for under a year to get pregnant.


About the Author
Susan Smith is a writer and administrator for Infertility Informer, a site that specializes in infertility treatment.

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Fertility Treatment

Hi!

In this blog I'll be letting you know more about Fertility Treatment and what is available to you if you are having problems conceiving.

Bookmark this blog as I will be adding updated information on Fertility Treatment as often as possible.

Issy