Tag Archives: reproductive health

Feb 21

It’s HERE!!! Check out our all new website for our first product, The Stork!

Rinovum Women’s Health has officially launched The Stork™ website that you can find at www.thestorkforwomen.com

We are VERY excited to introduce the new site to all of you. You will be able to view product information, pricing and updates on when the product will be available in the market (COMING SOON!!!). In addition to information on how The Stork may be able to help you conceive there are some excellent videos on the Stork, fertility-related topics, an ovulation calculator and our Rinovum vitamin products (designed with those trying to conceive in mind), among other great resources as well!

Have you been trying to conceive? Looking for a proactive, “first-step” product that can aid in conception? Check out The Stork, a prescription, take-home product designed to help aid you in trying to become pregnant!

Jan 14

Yes, Timing is Everything when TTC

Sperm and egg must meet at that ideal time for conception to occur.
But how do you know when exactly is that ideal time for said sperm to meet said egg?

Ovulation:
Knowing when you ovulate is extremely important to know when trying to pinpoint your “ideal” time for conception.
Despite what many have heard not all women ovulate on day 14 of their cycle. Women can have varying cycles that span from 26-34+ days in each cycle. Therefore the plan to “knock-boots” around day 14 of your cycle does not work out too often. To effectively know if you are ovulating, try charting your basal body temperature, using ovulation predictor kits and/or a useful fertility app (for those of us with smartphones or tablets). It is recommended by many physicians to have sex right before ovulation and after ovulation to optimize your most fertile time of the month.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
To chart BBT you have to use a special thermometer that records/takes temperatures in tenths of degrees. This should be done right as you wake up in the morning as this is your basal body temperature. You can purchase these thermometers in drugstores. Right before you ovulate your BBT will increase. If you have been charting for a couple of months you will get to know your cycle’s variations in BBT and it will become easier to spot this spike in BBT before ovulation. Try charting for at least 3 months to really understand your cycle.

Cervical Mucous
Your body’s cervical mucous changes throughout your cycle and is another way to tell where you are within it.
After your period the mucous will be dry and/or sticky but will as time passes in that monthly cycle it will become slippery and stretchy (think egg-whites) when you are your most fertile.

Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs)
The shelves in your stores have started carrying more brands of ovulation predictor kits as the market has grown.
These are over the counter products that can help you determine when you are ovulating. They work by measuring the luteinizing hormone in your morning urine. Your LH will surge right before ovulation.
Clearblue and First Response have OPKs on the shelves at your local drugstore or Wal-Mart.

Jan 12

Male Infertility: News Round-Up

Trying to conceive in 2013? There has been a lot press about male infertility issues in the news this past week. Below is a round-up of informative articles to help you on your journey.

CoQ-10 May Boost Semen Parameters- – January 9th, 2013
Saturated Fats Linked to Falling Sperm Counts January 9th, 2013
Male Cancer Survivors Do NOT Follow Up On Fertility January 7th, 2013
Lifestyles Linked to Human Infertility January 8th, 2013
Natural Aids for Men Who Want to Become Fathers

Jan 10

Fertility PlanIt! 2013

Have you heard about Fertility PlanIt! taking place in Los Angeles, CA this weekend (1/12-1/13/13)? It is going to be one of the first consumer shows dedicated to fertility and trying to conceive for all types of families. We are getting pretty excited to check it out! The show is the creation and hard-work of a wide network of supporters of fertility efforts and trying to conceive. The show will not only have exhibitors but a presentation program where speakers in the fertility space will speak about different subjects. I checked the agenda out today and they look very information.

Some of the topics:
-Beginners Guide to Infertility: What To Do When You Want To Get Pregnant but Can’t
-Becoming a Single Parent by Choice
-Male Infertility
-Naturally Fertility Planning
-Fertility Financing
 
If you don’t have any plans this weekend and feel like taking a quick plane, car or train ride (depending on your location!!), check out Fertility PlanIt! 2013: Los Angeles, CA.
For registration information or further information in general:
 
 
Dec 11

Parenthood at a Later Age

Whether some of us have planned to have children later in life or whether nature delayed us from having children at a later age, the risks associated pre-conception, during and after birth are no longer small. Over three decades after the first IVF baby Louise Brown was born we are discovering that serious birth defects and developmental issues are affecting many children born to parents at an older age.  Trying to conceive can be difficult for those under the age of 35, but the decline in fertility after 35 makes  it extremely difficult. What we are finding is that it is a very harsh decline in fertility over the age of 35 and not solely an issue related to the female anymore. Male infertility cases are on the rise (see earlier blog post) and the news lately has been a plethora of articles regarding autism, asthma and developmental issues in children conceived through assisted reproductive treatments. It is very difficult to digest all the new information about the risks associated with ART while struggling to conceive. The New Republic had a very informational article on the variety of issues we face as older parents trying to conceive and the risks are potential children face. To read the full article: How Older Parenthood will Upend American Society. What do you know about your age and your fertility?

Dec 6

Male Infertility on the Rise Globally

This week in the news a report from France that tracked the sperm count of French men from 1989 through 2005 discovered what we have all suspected – decreasing sperm counts, leading to increasing male infertility issues. The startling piece of this is it may depict the falling sperm count for an entire country.

Throughout the years infertility “blame” was placed on the female and now we are discovering that this is just not the case nor has it been, as approximately 1/3 of infertility issues are related to the male. The study discovered that sperm count decreased by approximately 33.4%, while surprisingly sperm motility (how it moves) increased. There were over 26,000 men involved in the research study.

While it is still unclear from all the studies that have been completed across the globe on sperm quality over the years, the scientists are questioning what may be the cause. Some speculations are:

– Endocrine-disruptors: If you remember not too long ago endocrine disruptors were at the front of fertility news for disrupting our body’s reproductive systems in females and evidently males as well.

– Nutrition, Stress and Lifestyles: these three are always discussed when trying to conceive is the focus. A healthy diet, plenty of exercise and a health lifestyle are sure ways to help improves chances.

If you are having difficulty getting pregnant, speak with your OB/GYN who can check the both of you out before making a decision on what you may need to do in order to conceive.

News Round-Up on the Recent Study:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57557287/french-scientists-warn-sperm-counts-falling-for-men/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20593467

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2243642/Male-infertility-soaring-So-doctors-blaming-woman-baby-FEMAIL-investigates.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

http://www.newser.com/story/158778/french-sperm-quality-takes-huge-hit.html

http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/hd/34090

 

 

 

 

Nov 16

Polychlorinated Biphenyls Can Hurt Fertility Study Finds

Despite being banned in the late 1970’s PCB’s are still very much in our daily lives. The use of PCB’s has been banned in products produced after 1979, but many products may not have been disposed of properly and leak into the environment. Today most of the exposure occurs in the kitchen. High fat foods absorb the chemicals that have been leaked. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)provides the following list of what contains PCB’s (complete list found on http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/tsd/pcbs/pubs/about.htm):

  • Transformers and capacitors
  • Other electrical equipment including voltage regulators, switches, reclosers, bushings, and electromagnets
  • Oil used in motors and hydraulic systems
  • Old electrical devices or appliances containing PCB capacitors
  • Fluorescent light ballasts
  • Cable insulation
  • Thermal insulation material including fiberglass, felt, foam, and cork
  • Adhesives and tapes
  • Oil-based paint
  • Caulking
  • Plastics
  • Carbonless copy paper
  • Floor finish

It has been known for years that these harmful PCB’s can cause cancer and other health issues on the body’s systems. Most recently a study completed by the National Institute of Health on PCB’s and their effects on reproductive health. The study was published in the Environmental Health Perspectives and it included 501 couples that were trying to conceive during 2005-2009. The couples supplied blood tests to determine the level of chemical at the beginning of the study, kept a menstruation log and results of all home pregnancy tests completed during the study. This continued over the years of the study and researchers discovered that as the chemical levels in the couple’s increased their ability to conceive decreased (study states 18-21% in females and 17-29% in males). While there is no way to completely avoid exposure to these chemicals, one can avoid eating processed foods, microwave foods in plastic containers and foods that have been exposed to pesticides.

You can read all about the research study here: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/11/14/environmental-chemicals-may-hurt-chances-of-pregnancy

Oct 23

In the News Round-Up: Egg Freezing

There has been a lot of press regarding the ASRM’s discussion about Human Egg-Freezing. Below is a round-up of what we have found online in the past weeks that are quite helpful:

 

 

Sep 13

Senate Committee Passes Expanded Fertility Treatment Benefits for Our Veterans

Great news to our military families! A Senate Committee has passed the Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvement Act of 2012 led by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash).

This Act will provide the below benefits to our veterans and their families. Specifically tailored for our veterans who suffered traumatic injuries that left them at a disadvantage or completely unable to have children due to injuries to their reproductive organs or spinal injuries.

  • Enhanced treatment options to now include Assisted Reproductive Technologies (including artificial insemination and surrogacy!)
  • Childcare for Vets seeking counseling at VA’s Vet Centers
  • Continued Funding for Research
  • Treatment for spouses

To read more detailed information about the Act: http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/fff168a9-0aaf-45f4-aba9-22692d29a846/Women%20Veterans%20Health%20Care%20Improvement%20Act%20of%202012%20-%20One%20Page%20Summary.pdf

Aug 31

Suffering from Male Infertility: New Research Findings

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (right in our neighborhood!) published some findings this week that may mean great things for those who suffer from male fertility. The researchers used human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)from skin samples (unbelievable to think that a skin graft in the future could make a man fertile again!) to create precursor sperm cells.

You can read all about the amazing research being done here: http://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(12)00225-2?switch=standard

Looking forward to hearing more about this in the future.