Archive for infertility
Doctors Discovering More Clues to Solve the Mysteries of Infertility
Posted by: | CommentsDoctors Discovering More Clues to Solve the Mysteries of Infertility
Norwalk and Danbury, CT (PRWEB) June 14, 2006
There is little in the world of medicine more frustrating than the mysteries of infertility. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine reports that about 10% of childbearing couples in the U.S. struggle with the questions of infertility. “Why can’t we achieve pregnancy on our own?” “Why didn’t our In Vitro Fertilization attempts work?” “Do I have ‘good’ eggs?” While the process of conception still remains a mystery at many levels, the good news is that researchers are finding more and more clues to improving the process, from ovulation and egg retrieval to fertilization and implantation.
“The process of conceiving and carrying a healthy baby to term is complex, with many variables that have to fall into place,” notes Dr. Mark Leondires, M.D., a reproductive endocrinologist, Medical Director at Reproductive Medicine Associates of CT, and a leading authority on reproductive medicine. “There are numerous factors that affect this delicate balancing act, but by breaking the process down and focusing on the minute details of each stage of conception, reproductive medicine researchers have been able to solve many issues that were a mystery to us just a few years ago,” Dr. Leondires adds.
It all starts with an egg
In fertile women, each month one follicle nurtures the growth of a single egg that is released into the fallopian tube then fertilized. However, the process is not quite so simple for the roughly 6 million American women who struggle with infertility. Stimulating ovulation with medication has been standard therapy for ovulatory disorders, but Dr. Leondires explains that research and practice have led to a more targeted approach in recent years. “Today we have an arsenal of different therapy combinations, from those that work best on young, responsive patients to those that are effective with poor responders whose follicle counts are lower than usual,” he says.
Delivering the sperm
When conception occurs naturally, the sperm meets and fertilizes the egg somewhere between the ovaries and the uterus – usually in the fallopian tubes. However, a host of factors can make this process difficult, if not impossible, and that’s where In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) comes in. “Today we can help women with structural abnormalities in the reproductive organs that make it impossible to conceive naturally, as well as men whose sperm quality or quantity make it difficult to achieve fertilization, to conceive through IVF,” Dr. Leondires notes. “Although IVF facilitates fertilization by joining the sperm and egg in the laboratory it does not guarantee fertilization,” Dr. Leondires points out. “Many factors come into play. The sperm must be able to penetrate the egg, then the sperm and egg membranes must merge, and finally, the egg must ‘close’ itself off to other sperm,” he explains. Doctors can also assess any problems that are occurring during the fertilization process, and fix them with a process called Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). “With ICSI, one healthy sperm is injected directly into the egg, which eliminates challenges associated with membrane penetration or additional sperm entry,” Dr. Leondires adds.
Monitoring the embryo
Once an embryo is created, doctors have new ways to monitor and evaluate its likelihood of survival in the womb. A recent trend is to allow the embryo extra time in the laboratory, enough to develop into a blastocyst. “As a more mature embryo comprising 125-530 cells, a blastocyst may allow improvement in embryo selection for transfer, which could lead to fewer embryos transferred and a lesser chance of a
multiple gestation, which in and of itself can be a risk for loss of the pregnancy,” Dr. Leondires explains.
In fact, Dr. Leondires urges IVF patients to consider the potential for multiple births seriously when they are asked how many embryos they wish to transfer per attempt. “I encourage my own patients to weigh their diagnosis, the number of cycles they have undergone, and the risks associated with a multiple gestation. ,” he notes.
After the transfer
“Supporting the early pregnancy is another challenge that reproductive medicine experts have been researching for many years, and we have learned that there are probably hundreds of factors that converge perfectly in order to create a successful implantation,” Dr. Leondires says. The good news is that miscarriage rates are no higher for IVF pregnancies than they are for naturally conceived pregnancies. “When an infertility patient successfully conceives, she is carefully monitored, and given hormone replacements that simulate what the body does naturally to support a healthy pregnancy to term,” Dr. Leondires explains.
“Like many other ‘medical mysteries,’ infertility is becoming less and less mysterious as researchers and physicians work to uncover effective new ways to treat this challenging disease,” Dr. Leondires concludes.
Dr. Mark P. Leondires, M.D., FACOG, is a leading authority on reproductive medicine. Dr. Leondires is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He is a member of the Society of Reproductive Endocrinologists, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Leondires earned his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. Dr. Leondires completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. After completion of his training, he fulfilled his military obligation by serving as the ART Director for the largest and most successful program in the military health care system at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. During this time he was an Assistant Professor at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences and clinical faculty for the Combined Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology. Dr. Leondires is currently Medical Director and lead physician with Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMA-CT) in Norwalk. Along with numerous teaching and research activities, Dr. Leondires has published articles in professional medical journals, national consumer magazines and newspapers, as well as abstracts and book chapters. More information about Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut is available at http://www.rmact.com.
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Denver Acupuncturist Tackles Infertility Epidemic
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Denver, CO (PRWEB) August 16, 2007
“There is an infertility epidemic in our country. Over the years I have seen or heard of more and more cases of women, who seem to be in otherwise great health and even good reproductive health, but who are struggling with getting pregnant. As a result, there has been a rise in the number of fertility clinics and procedures as physicians try to meet a need and determine why this is happening,” says Dr. Martha Lucas, a licensed practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s acupuncture treatment protocols at the Colorado Center of Traditional Medicine in Denver. “I have different thoughts about the causes of infertility and what treatment course is best and most likely to lead to a successful conception.”
Your Healthy Fertility Choice — A New Treatment Program
To encourage women/couples to use Chinese Medicine FIRST and to conceive naturally, Dr. Lucas has created the new Your Healthy Fertility Choice program. This program uses acupuncture, herbal prescriptions, nutritional recommendations and potentially other therapies in Chinese Medicine to:
Improve you overall health
Increase blood and positive Qi energy flow to the reproductive organs; the uterus especially needs a healthy blood flow to assure implantation
Improve the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs
Regulate the menstrual cycle
Reduce stress by relaxing the patients and improving energetic and emotional balance
Affect the autonomic nervous system which can make the lining of the uterus more receptive to receiving an embryo
Balance hormones
Traditional Chinese Medicine should be your healthy and first choice for fertility success, according to Dr. Lucas. It replaces hormone therapy and invasive procedures that can be painful and are well known for creating mood swings, weight gain and other uncomfortable and potentially unhealthy side effects. She would like couples to use the healthy safe fertility opportunity that Chinese Medicine offers FIRST when trying to conceive.
“In my private acupuncture practice located in the Capitol Hill area of Denver, I use a standard fertility protocol for both partners. This protocol has led to a higher pregnancy success rate than other combinations of acupuncture and herbs. It is so effective that I want to use it on more and more couples to gather data. Convincing data will allow women to feel comfortable choosing Chinese Medicine as a viable fertility treatment option.
“Additionally, it is very gratifying for me to see more and more women get pregnant in a manner that benefits their general health and results in a natural, healthy pregnancy. Natural is a key word here: getting pregnant using Chinese Medicine is a natural alternative to hormones, IUIs, IVFs and other invasive options. And in fact, since I treat the couple, both members receive health benefits,” explains Dr. Lucas.
In Denver, fertility treatments (IUI and IVF) cost tens of thousands of dollars and that cost is not covered by many health insurance plans. The success rate is around 35 percent.
Your Healthy Fertility Choice Treatment Plan
This is a six to eight month treatment plan. Both partners are treated two times a week for 3 months; then one time a week for 3 months. If you are not pregnant by the end of 6 months, there will be 2 additional months of treatment.
Treatment includes acupuncture, herbs, nutritional recommendations and may include other therapies like moxabustion. The charge is currently $ 7,500 for this program. The fee is payable at the beginning of the treatments, when scheduling your appointments. The cost for Dr. Lucas’s program is about 1/3 of the cost of the modern medicine treatments that are only 30 to 40 percent successful. And, if you don’t get pregnant with this program, you will be receiving a substantial refund.
Refund policy: If, at the end of 9 months (8 months of treatment plus one month) you are not pregnant, you will be given a 50 percent refund ($ 3750).
Note, this refund applies to those couples who comply with the entire treatment protocol including taking herbal prescriptions and following relaxation or meditation and nutritional recommendations. At any time a couple may discontinue treatment. In that case you will be charged a per treatment cost of $ 100 plus the cost of herbal prescriptions used to that point. After those costs are paid, the remainder of your fee will be refunded.
About Dr. Martha Lucas
Dr. Martha Lucas is a certified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine who has more than 15 years of clinical professional experience in the healthcare field. She has studied extensively with Jim Ramholz, O.M.D., who was a renowned expert in the field of pulse diagnostics, and with Medical QiGong expert Master Dr. Zhengao Yao. A former Clinical Instructor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Lucas received her Ph.D. in Research Psychology from the University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, and her degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Denver.
Dr. Lucas is frequently interviewed as a national acupuncture expert and her treatment programs have been featured in both USA Today (http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2004-12-06-acupuncture_x.htm) and WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/99/105306.htm?pagenumber=1). She regularly conducts national training seminars for acupuncturists in cosmetic acupuncture and Chinese Medicine pulse diagnosis theory and technique. For more information go to http://www.acupuncturewoman.com.
The Colorado Center of Traditional Medicine is located in Capitol Hill of Denver. The phone number is 303-947-6224 and the e-mail is DrMLucas @ AcupunctureWoman.com for questions and appointment scheduling.
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How do I Get Pregnant Quick – three Steps to Follow To Get Pregnant Easily
Posted by: | CommentsWe live in a world where everyone wants things quick. We want fast satisfaction and when we want something, we would like it now. For husbands and wives who’re ready to begin a family, the same applies to having a baby. But, how can you get pregnant fast? That’s one of the most common question young married ladies that wish to begin a family would ask. While there are numerous factors that are beyond your control, there are things that you can do that will help women become pregnant right away.
It could actually be as simple as one, two, three. Listed below is an easy 3 action plan which can help a healthy woman get pregnant fast.
Step 1
Head to your doctor and tell her your decision to be pregnant. She must know your background and be capable to provide you any details or recommendation on becoming pregnant according to your body’s condition. A number of females, for instance, have slanted uterus. In case you are one of these, your doctor will tell you of particular positions which will be best for conceiving to take place. But the doctor’s office is usually an excellent starting point if you want to conceive.
Step 2
Live healthy. A healthful physique is the best location to conceive a child. Eating healthy foods, regularly working out as well as drinking lots of liquids should be part of your everyday routine, particularly should you be trying to be pregnant. Also, you must take prenatal vitamins. These will aid in providing you with all the nutrients required to provide the best place for your baby to develop. Should you smoke now is the time to quit. Should you drink, be sure you do so moderately. Keep your body as wholesome as possible; a healthy body is more prone to conceive.
Step 3
Engage in lovemaking every single day. This really is surely the easiest way to come to be with child if you’re healthy and your man boasts a good sperm count. You can document your temperature daily so you can know when your ovulation will take place. But by having intercourse once each day is precisely the simplest way. Your odds of getting pregnant go way up when you know your ovulation cycle and when you are the most fertile.
The way you have sex is almost as critical as when you have sexual intercourse. Make sure you use sexual positions that permit for deepest penetration as well as help in pulling the sperm in the direction of their destination. Keep away from positions which entail keeping the woman on top. Instead use the missionary position since this position is easily the most conception-friendly. You can get pregnant quicker using the correct positions.
By following the above mentioned steps the query, ‘How can I get pregnant fast?’ will not stay unanswered as you will surely end up with a baby soon. Try this simple plan out. You can get pregnant following these three simple steps. All the best!
Help me Have a Baby! Follow These Easy Tips and You Can Get Pregnant
Posted by: | CommentsIf you have been hoping to get pregnant for some time (or what may seem like a long time), you may be wanting to run to a doctor shouting, “Help me have a baby”. Even though a checkup together with your regular physician is definitely the first thing you ought to do if you are trying to get with child, you will find basic things you can do right in the relaxation of your family home – stuff that can make conceiving a child much easier and much more all-natural. You can get pregnant by adhering to some fundamental recommendations.
Make sure you’re in Excellent Health
Every single day physicians see frantic ladies that are having issues getting pregnant. They’re really acquainted with ladies asking for help conceiving. One of the first things your physician will do is give you a routine check-up to ensure you are in fine health, which is very important if you wish to have a very wholesome pregnancy.
Once your check-up is out of the way, you will be granted guidance to relax and simply allow it to happen. Sound aggravating? It is for most women. While relaxation is critical in your objective to become a mother, you can find things you can do and make use of that will improve your chances of pregnancy.
Think Positive
Employ imagination control. Unbelievably, good believing really can really make a difference in every component of your life, even along with getting pregnant. Whenever you have a good frame of mind your body will relax. Being relaxed can make it simpler to get pregnant. So take it easy on your self. Take pleasure in the voyage to motherhood and continue being positive and hopeful. You can get pregnant; repeat that to your self repeatedly and allow your self to really feel the joy that affirmation provides you.
Plan Your Sex
As calculating as this will likely sound, time your sexual intercourse so it’s during your most fertile time. There are easy tests you can do to find out when you’re ovulating. The very best time for you to have sexual intercourse is when you are ovulating.
Be sure you understand when you are ovulating and have sex frequently during that time period. You could search the web for ovulation calendars that can help you identify when you are at your most fertile. This is actually the time that you and your spouse ought to be making love as frequently as possible.
Care for Yourself
If you smoke cigarettes, drink or do drugs, today is certainly the time to quit. Many of these things can in fact prevent you from having a baby. In the case that you’d nevertheless get pregnant, you’re placing your health and the wellness of your unborn child in danger by continuing to put these unhealthy things in your body.
Preserve a good weight. One of the first things physicians do when they hear the plea, “help me get pregnant” is to ensure the lady is in good health and this starts with maintaining good weight.
Often these easy tips can really be a great benefit. Be sure to try them all to increase your chances of conceiving. Remember to enjoy the voyage to Motherhood and have a great time producing that baby. Best of luck to you.
Using Acupuncture For Infertility And Pregnancy
Posted by: | CommentsBeing pregnant is definitely a thrilling and fantastic time. On the other hand, with all the bodily and hormonal modifications that take place, it may also be a time of soreness. Several expecting females endure fatigue, nausea, backache along with other problems which are regarded as a “normal” component of being pregnant. Acupuncture is a safe, mild and successful method to tackle these ailments, particularly given that Western medicines cannot be utilized throughout this time.
Normal acupuncture in the course of being pregnant sets the basis for a wholesome mom and child. Furthermore, ladies who utulize acupuncture through pregnancy typically experience a less difficult pregnancy than females who do not use acupuncture. Research done in Europe concluded that “women of all ages who obtained acupuncture every week through the final month of being pregnant had considerably shorter labor than ladies who didn’t acquire any acupuncture.”
A few of the ailments that acupuncture can deal with are:
Nausea, Vomiting,
Insomnia
Decreased Energy Levels
Anemia
Anxiety/depression
constipation
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Substantial blood stress (pre-eclampsia)
PUPPs & other pregnancy-related skin problems
Pre-term labor
Delayed labor
Labor discomfort
Lactation complications
Postpartum depression
Prenatal acupuncture has been employed for thousands of years to help sufferers ease into and through pregnancy, and to have an uncomplicated delivery. An Australian study conducted by Adelaide University in 2002 found that acupuncture throughout being pregnant had no adverse effects and was completely safe when provided by a trained acupuncturist.
You may well have heard that some acupuncture points are forbidden for the duration of being pregnant. This is true – certain points on the body are to be avoided for the duration of the pregnancy as they might stimulate uterine contractions. Nonetheless, a trained specialist in acupuncture will know specifically which points are unsafe to utilize during various treatments.
Acupuncture in the course of the first trimester focuses on setting the basis for a wholesome, safe, and uncomplicated pregnancy. Therapies are provided to prevent miscarriage and to tackle any early problems, such as nausea and fatigue. For optimum results, the recommended frequency of acupuncuture throughout the first trimester is once per week.
Acupuncture throughout the second trimester aims to maintain balance and offer relief from numerous problems and ailments that arise during this time. The recommended frequency of therapies for that second trimester is evaluated for each individual. Sufferers may possibly come one to two times per month if the pregnancy is uncomplicated and there are no complaints. If addressing a certain issue, sufferers may perhaps need to come more often.
Acupuncture in the course of the third trimester prepares the body for labor and delivery. Treatment for labor induction can and should be offered anytime after the thirty ninth week if there are no complications present. For the duration of the third trimester, sufferers are encouraged to seek weekly treatment to ensure a smooth labor and delivery. Research show that women of all ages who acquire normal acupuncture in the course of the third trimester generally have smaller and more productive labor.
In most cases postpartum acupuncture is continued in order to return the body to a state of organic balance and optimal health. Not many mothers in this day and age have the luxury of retiring to the bedroom for months after the pregnancy to heal and rejuvenate, because of this acupuncture is a great method to help stimulate growth and speed up the healing process.
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Fertility Specialists Answer Most Common Infertility Questions
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Norwalk, CT (PRWEB) March 30, 2010
The fertility doctors of Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) – Fairfield county’s largest fertility clinic – have compiled the most common questions they receive about fertility, as well as answers.
“Infertility can be confusing, and people frequently ask questions because they want to know if they should seek help from a fertility specialist,” says Dr. Mark Leondires, Medical Director. “The questions and answers below are intended to give some basic knowledge. Many couples put off seeing a fertility specialist when they are having trouble getting pregnant, but they are typically reassured after being diagnosed and starting a treatment plan.”
What is infertility?
Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system often diagnosed after a couple has had one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse, or if the woman has been unable to carry a pregnancy that results in a live birth.
Is infertility a “women’s problem”?
Infertility is a medical problem. Approximately 35% of infertility is due to a female factor and 35% is due to a male factor. In the balance of cases, infertility results from problems in both partners or the cause of the infertility cannot be explained.
How long should we try before we see a doctor?
In general, if you are less than 35 years old and have been trying for more than one year you should schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist. If you are greater than 35 years old we would like to see you after at least six months of timed, unprotected intercourse. However, if you have a reason to suspect you may have a problem getting pregnant such as a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, painful periods, miscarriage, irregular menstrual cycles, or if your partner has a low sperm count, you should seek help sooner. Many couples have a hard time admitting that there may be an infertility problem, but be reassured there are often many things we can do to help.
What is a Fertility Specialist?
A fertility specialist, or Reproductive Endocrinologist, is a medical doctor who has been specially trained in the complex issues that can contribute to infertility. In addition to being trained as an Obstetrician/Gynecologist which requires a four-year residency a fertility specialist must complete an additional two to three year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology. This fellowship training is highly specialized to focus on the diagnosis and treatment of infertility and female endocrinology.. A physician can become Board Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology by successfully completing the fellowship as well as written and oral examinations.
Currently in the Unites States, there are only about 1,000 Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologists. Specifically for infertility related to males, Urologists with a sub-specialty in Andrology are the most qualified experts as they have often completed two-year fellowships and passed exams to become Board Certified in Andrology.
What fertility testing should our fertility doctor perform?
Your doctor will likely do the following:
Blood tests to check reproductive hormone levels in the woman; estradiol (E2), progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid hormone, prolactin, and possibly male hormone levels.
Complete semen analysis on the male partner
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), an x-ray exam to evaluate if the woman’s fallopian tubes are open
Ultrasound to confirm the normal appearance of your uterus and ovaries in the woman
What about smoking and drinking alcohol and caffeine?
There is evidence linking reproductive impairment with exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.
Alcohol and tobacco use have been demonstrated to affect the reproductive capacities of both men and women, and tobacco is an especially potent reproductive toxin that negatively effects female fertility by damaging eggs. In men there is a direct effect on sperm quantity, quality, and reproductive function. In general we ask that women consume less than 150 mg of caffeine per day which is equivalent to two small 8 oz cups per day. Remember sodas and tea also contain caffeine. In addition, it is wise to be in the best physical shape possible while you attempt to conceive and, of course, to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Are hot tubs really bad for a man?
Yes. High temperatures can damage sperm. That is why the scrotum is located outside the body – to act as a kind of “refrigerator” to keep the sperm cool. So, it is a good idea to avoid hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms when men are trying to help in the pregnancy pathway.
About RMACT
Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) specializes in the treatment of infertility. With Connecticut fertility clinics and egg donation offices in Norwalk, Danbury and Greenwich, and affiliate New York fertility clinics serving Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties, our team of Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologists offer a wide range of infertility treatments from ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) to the most advanced assisted reproductive technologies including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), egg donation and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). The RMACT team of fertility doctors includes Drs. Mark P. Leondires, Spencer S. Richlin, Joshua M. Hurwitz and Cynthia M. Murdock. All physicians are members of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Fairfield County and Connecticut Medical Societies. RMACT’s IVF laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and CLIA; other accreditations include the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). RMACT offers individualized infertility treatment plans in a patient-focused and supportive environment. Support services, such as, infertility treatment financing, psychological counseling, acupuncture and yoga are also available. For more information visit, http://www.RMACT.com.
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The Infertility Cure Retreat Comes To Seattle
Posted by: | CommentsThe Infertility Cure Retreat Comes To Seattle
Arden, NC (PRWEB) May 26, 2010
Dr. Randine Lewis, Ph.D., Lic.Ac. will host a fertility-enhancing retreat for patients and spouses at the Edgewater Hotel in Seattle June 11th – 14th. The work at these intensive retreats is based on Dr. Lewis’ book, The Infertility Cure, a program that uses ancient Chinese medicine for aiding in getting pregnant and having healthy babies.
With a regime of acupuncture, dietary considerations, and a mixture of Chinese herbs, 75 percent of Dr. Lewis’ clinical patients were successful in achieving a healthy pregnancy and birth. At this point in her career, she no longer has a clinical practice and prefers to work with small groups of patients at her intensive retreats held all over the world. She tends to work with women in their 40’s who have been told they have little or no hope. It is a tougher patient group than she saw in her clinical practice but she still sees impressive results in terms of pregnancies and deep therapeutic healing for all who attend her retreats. This is her first retreat in the Seattle area where there will be a focus on “integrative medicine” – bringing forth the best of both eastern and western medicine for fertility enhancement. During the retreat, there will be a special presentation by Dr. Gerard Letterie of the Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences.
Dr. Lewis decided on a career in medicine when her first child was in the third grade. As she completed medical school, she remarried and began to try for a second child. As time grew on, she began experiencing hormonal problems which resulted in her inability to conceive. After refusing to listen to her doctors who told her the answer was to hyper-stimulate her ovaries, she looked into her own solution: acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment. After three months, she was pregnant. Dr. Lewis changed her focus to an education surrounding traditional Chinese medicine and her family eventually moved to China where she practiced traditional Chinese medicine. Dr. Lewis is the founder of Eastern Harmony Clinic in Houston, where she treated infertility and recurrent miscarriage with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
“There are many things women can do to resolve their fertility crisis naturally and there are also ways Chinese Medicine can increase chances of success with assisted reproductive technologies like IVF,” Dr. Lewis says. “Dr. Letterie recognizes the value of integrating the best of eastern and western medicine into his practice and so we wanted to conduct this special retreat in Seattle with him.”
Acupuncture is a main ingredient of the retreat, and has been found to be a key catalyst in assisting women to achieve successful pregnancies. Acupuncture has been found to lower the stress hormones responsible for infertility, boost fertility as it increases the blood flow to the reproductive organs, increase endorphin production, and normalize the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis. In a study done by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, 160 women who were undergoing assisted reproduction therapy were divided into groups of two: one group received acupuncture before and after the embryo transfer, the other did not. As a result, 46.5 percent of the women who received acupuncture became pregnant. Only 26.3 percent of the women who did not receive acupuncture in the other group became pregnant.
In addition to the acupuncture, each participant will have an individual intake to confirm their diagnosis according to Chinese Medicine, and an acupuncture treatment by Dr. Lewis’ staff. Patients will receive a full regime of reproductive massage, nutritional guidance and eating plan, as well as intensive group work and lectures on both Western and Eastern reproductive medicine.
Although this regime dramatically increases the chances of getting pregnant, the retreat does so much more for the long-term aspect of women’s lives.
“Although I have seen many women get pregnant using this method – including myself, Randine also helps lives beyond helping women conceive,” Kristin O. of Boston, Mass. says. “She somehow is able to remind us of who we are, and all that we are capable of. With her help we are able to crawl out of our sadness and into a stronger, more confident and aware self. I can honestly say that after three of Randine’s treatments, I have found a state of happiness and peace that I forgot was possible.”
Dr. Lewis says that with this program, women will learn to shift their paradigm into taking full control of their bodies. Women will learn different types of treatments that regulate hormone levels and will receive methods to increase reproductive response. Women in this program will also reduce their physiological response of stress.
“We are not trying to force a pregnancy,” Dr. Lewis says. “We are opening you up on every level. We are making changes in your life which reduce the stress of infertility… We go at [getting pregnant] like we devour everything else, and try to force it to happen. When life is our goal, these methods don’t work. Unsuccessful reproductive medical intervention often makes women crazy. We need a sane approach”
The infertility program is scientifically and medically based, and does not interrupt the body’s own functions. It is about helping to resolve deficiencies and imbalances and allow a pregnancy to happen. For more information and online registration for the June retreat with Dr. Lewis, visit http://www.thefertilesoul.com.
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Fertility Specialists Answer Most Common Infertility Questions
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Norwalk, CT (PRWEB) August 2, 2010
The fertility doctors of Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) – Fairfield county’s largest fertility clinic – have compiled the most common questions they receive about fertility, as well as answers.
“Infertility can be confusing, and people frequently ask questions because they want to know if they should seek help from a fertility specialist,” says Dr. Mark Leondires, Medical Director. “The questions and answers below are intended to give some basic knowledge. Many couples put off seeing a fertility specialist when they are having trouble getting pregnant, but they are typically reassured after being diagnosed and starting a treatment plan.”
What is infertility?
Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system often diagnosed after a couple has had one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse, or if the woman has been unable to carry a pregnancy that results in a live birth.
Is infertility a “women’s problem”?
Infertility is a medical problem. Approximately 35% of infertility is due to a female factor and 35% is due to a male factor. In the balance of cases, infertility results from problems in both partners or the cause of the infertility cannot be explained.
How long should we try before we see a doctor?
In general, if you are less than 35 years old and have been trying for more than one year you should schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist. If you are greater than 35 years old we would like to see you after at least six months of timed, unprotected intercourse. However, if you have a reason to suspect you may have a problem getting pregnant such as a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, painful periods, miscarriage, irregular menstrual cycles, or if your partner has a low sperm count, you should seek help sooner. Many couples have a hard time admitting that there may be an infertility problem, but be reassured there are often many things we can do to help.
What is a Fertility Specialist?
A fertility specialist, or Reproductive Endocrinologist, is a medical doctor who has been specially trained in the complex issues that can contribute to infertility. In addition to being trained as an Obstetrician/Gynecologist which requires a four-year residency a fertility specialist must complete an additional two to three year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology. This fellowship training is highly specialized to focus on the diagnosis and treatment of infertility and female endocrinology.. A physician can become Board Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology by successfully completing the fellowship as well as written and oral examinations.
Currently in the Unites States, there are only about 1,000 Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologists. Specifically for infertility related to males, Urologists with a sub-specialty in Andrology are the most qualified experts as they have often completed two-year fellowships and passed exams to become Board Certified in Andrology.
What fertility testing should our fertility doctor perform?
Your doctor will likely do the following:
Blood tests to check reproductive hormone levels in the woman; estradiol (E2), progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid hormone, prolactin, and possibly male hormone levels.
Complete semen analysis on the male partner
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), an x-ray exam to evaluate if the woman’s fallopian tubes are open
Ultrasound to confirm the normal appearance of your uterus and ovaries in the woman
What about smoking and drinking alcohol and caffeine?
There is evidence linking reproductive impairment with exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.
Alcohol and tobacco use have been demonstrated to affect the reproductive capacities of both men and women, and tobacco is an especially potent reproductive toxin that negatively effects female fertility by damaging eggs. In men there is a direct effect on sperm quantity, quality, and reproductive function. In general we ask that women consume less than 150 mg of caffeine per day which is equivalent to two small 8 oz cups per day. Remember sodas and tea also contain caffeine. In addition, it is wise to be in the best physical shape possible while you attempt to conceive and, of course, to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Are hot tubs really bad for a man?
Yes. High temperatures can damage sperm. That is why the scrotum is located outside the body – to act as a kind of “refrigerator” to keep the sperm cool. So, it is a good idea to avoid hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms when men are trying to help in the pregnancy pathway.
About RMACT
Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) specializes in the treatment of infertility. With Connecticut fertility clinics and egg donation offices in Norwalk, Danbury and Greenwich, and affiliate New York fertility clinics serving Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties, our team of Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologists offer a wide range of infertility treatments from ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) to the most advanced assisted reproductive technologies including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), egg donation and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). The RMACT team of fertility doctors includes Drs. Mark P. Leondires, Spencer S. Richlin, Joshua M. Hurwitz and Cynthia M. Murdock. All physicians are members of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Fairfield County and Connecticut Medical Societies. RMACT’s IVF laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and CLIA; other accreditations include the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). RMACT offers individualized infertility treatment plans in a patient-focused and supportive environment. Support services, such as, infertility treatment financing, psychological counseling, acupuncture and yoga are also available. For more information visit, http://www.RMACT.com.
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Boston, MA (PRWEB) March 8, 2006
Pathways to Wellness, a Boston-based provider of holistic health services, recently launched a new Fertility Enhancement Program that combines acupuncture and yoga and is specifically designed to help women and men overcome problems related to infertility.
According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, an estimated 3 million couples are unable to conceive after one year of trying.
“The inclusion of acupuncture and yoga along with biomedicine creates a comprehensive fertility treatment plan that addresses all the various and complicated issues that can be present in the patient with infertility,” says Kristen Porter, MAc, LAc, Executive Director of Pathways to Wellness and New England School of Acupuncture faculty. “Holistic care provides an adjunctive treatment that brings support and nurturance to the patient in body, mind and spirit. Addressing infertility on all of these levels cultivates a landscape within that can better create and support a healthy pregnancy.”
Recent studies led by Dr. Paul C. Magarelli, an infertility doctor at the Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Center in Colorado Springs, CO and an earlier study conducted in 2002 by researchers at the University of Ulm in Germany have shown that acupuncture can enhance the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). These studies indicate that using acupuncture in conjunction with IVF therapy increases the chance that the embryo will be implanted successfully and reduces the chance of miscarriage.
A 2003 Fertility and Sterility article, co-authored by a team of researchers at New York Weill Cornell Medical Center, provided a summary of research that supports acupuncture’s potential fertility-boosting benefits including regulating reproductive hormones, increasing blood flow to the uterus, and lowering stress hormones.
For many women, adding acupuncture to their infertility treatments has helped them become pregnant. And unlike many fertility drugs, acupuncture has no harmful side effects nor do women need worry about multiple births or ectopic pregnancies, common concerns when undergoing IVF and other infertility treatments.
Men, too, who are being treated for infertility problems may benefit from acupuncture according to a new study published in the July 2005 issue of the journal, Fertility and Sterility.
Findings from that study indicate that acupuncture treatments improved the quality of sperm and increased the overall number of normal sperm in a group of men with infertility problems. The researchers who conducted the study estimate that ten percent of men are infertile, and that the male partner is a factor in up to 50 percent of infertile couples.
Acupuncture and yoga can also relieve the stress and anxiety associated with infertility problems. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, women being treated for infertility face stress levels on a par with those of women coping with illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
Pathways to Wellness Fertility Enhancement Program’s yoga classes are designed to strengthen the body while quieting the mind and provide a supportive environment for women who are trying to conceive.
“The goal of the Fertility Enhancement Program is not simply a pregnancy, but rather identifying and rebalancing the energies of the body that are not flowing smoothly,” says Porter. “When we work at this root level, the patient experiences benefits in multiple aspects of their health and well-being. Acupuncture and yoga during pregnancy can continue to provide support and balance along with drug-free treatment of symptoms that may arise during the course of pregnancy.”
About Pathways to Wellness
Pathways to Wellness is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equal access to high quality holistic therapies including acupuncture, shiatsu, Chinese herbal medicine, and yoga.
Open to all people needing care, Pathways to Wellness is one of the country’s largest providers of free and low-cost holistic medicine. Pathways practitioners specialize in chronic and life threatening illness, and work collaboratively in a team environment and in conjunction with Western medical professionals to offer an integrated approach to care.
Located at 142 Berkeley Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02116, Pathways to Wellness can be reached at 617-859-3036. Additional information on Pathways to Wellness’ services can be found on its web site at http://www.pathwaysboston.org
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Related Healthy Pregnancy Press Releases
Miscarriage And The Successful Pregnancy: A Woman’s Guide To Infertility
Posted by: | CommentsAny unwanted, spontaneous pregnancy loss until the second trimester of pregnancy is considered a miscarriage. Once such an impulsive pregnancy loss occurs after approximately 23-24 weeks of gestation and it is considered a so-called intrauterine demise. One out of every three women age 18-45 has experienced a reproductive loss. Women experience miscarriage often receives no explanation for the cause of their miscarriage. The lack of advice regarding the future and what can be done to avoid another miscarriage is too often the case.
Some miscarriages occur before women recognize that they are pregnant. About 15% of fertilized eggs are lost before the egg even has a chance to implant in the wall of the uterus. A woman would not generally identify this type of miscarriage. Another 15% of conceptions are lost before eight weeks’ gestation.
Symptoms of Miscarriage: –
The warning sign of vaginal bleeding precedes nearly all miscarriages. Bleeding that signals a miscarriage may be little or heavy. It may be constant, or it may come and go. Bleeding may be followed by cramping abdominal pain and, in some women, lower backache.
• Vaginal bleeding is the first miscarriage symptom associated with spontaneous abortion. Vaginal bleeding refers to the bleeding in or from the vagina. The vaginal bleeding may be heavy or light, regular or irregular.
• Abdominal cramping, genitals, thighs, buttocks and lower back pain are the signs of miscarriage that usually occur soon after the vaginal bleeding commences. Unusual pain in the pelvic region is another miscarriage symptom.
• Passage of tissue, resembling large thick blood clots in the earliest weeks up to pinkish/grayish material, with or without cramps or pain.
• Other miscarriage symptoms include decreased breast tenderness, morning sickness, failure of fetal heartbeat, and no fetal movements. A sudden loss in the weight, dizziness, severe vomiting, painful contractions for five to twenty minutes are also miscarriage symptoms that give good indications of pregnancy loss.
Treatment for Miscarriage: –
• Many women are uncomfortable with the idea of surgery, and the side effects can potentially be dangerous, including a slight risk of uterine or cervical injury. Unless surgery is absolutely necessary, some women may want to seek alternative treatments.
• Expectant Management involves waiting for a miscarriage to progress naturally while being regularly monitored by a health professional. For many women, the miscarriage process may naturally be completed within 72 hours.
• Expectant management is usually recommended in cases of an uncomplicated miscarriage. The woman must have a stable blood pressure and heart rate and not be experiencing high levels of pain, fever or excessive bleeding. In some cases bleeding may last for weeks and result in an incomplete miscarriage.
• Medical Management is usually offered to women who have experienced an incomplete miscarriage with no serious complications. Medication is prescribed to allow the uterus to push out all remaining tissue.
You may be interested in reading Treatment for Miscarriage and Miscarriage Bleeding. Also visit more on Treatment After Miscarriage
Article from articlesbase.com
