Bayi tabung uji - IVF

Kaedah rawatan bayi tabung uji atau IVF + ICSI adalah langkah terakhir jika rawatan lain untuk capai kehamilan gagal kerana ia merupakan rawatan yang mahal harganya ( antara RM 10- 30 ribu) dan prosedurnya rumit dan memerlukan peralatan yang canggih  dan pakar khusus yang benar2  terlatih dan komited.

Apakah prosedur IVF dan ICSI?

IVF atau bayi tabung uji ialah satu kaedah rawatan dimana persenyawaan benih lelaki dan telor perempuan dilakukan diluar tubuh wanita (in vitro fertilization), iaitu didalam makmal dan embryo yang dihasilkan dimasukkan balik kedalam rahim (embryo transfer).
ICSI ialah satu prosedur dimana sel benh lelaki disuntikan terus kedalam sel telor isteri.

In vitro fertilization / IVF

ICSI

Embryos

Siapa yang sesuai untuk rawatan IVF

1.  Wanita yang saluaran fallopian tersumbat (blocked tubes), munkin berpunca dari jangkitan kuman, penyakit endometriosis, fibroids atau lain2. Setengah pesakit tersebut munkiin sudah menjalani pembedahan untuk betulkan saluran tetapi gagal untuk hamil.

2.  Pasangan yang telah lama kahwin tanpa anak dan telah menjalani berbagai kaedah rawatan kesuburan termasuk pembedahan , ubat subur dan beberapa kali suntikan benih suami (IUI) tetapi gagal hamil.

3.  Benih suaminya rendah hitungan, kurang aktif pergerakkan atau banyak yang berbentuk luar biasa.
Dalam situasi begini IVF dan ICSI dilakukan dimana benih  suami disuntikkan terus kedalam sel telor isteri.

4.  Kemandulan tanpa sebab2 yang diketahui ' unexplained infertility ' dan gagal hamil walau pun kaedah IUI telah dicuba banyak kali.

5.  Pesakit2 PCOS dan endometriosis yang telah dirawat dengan kaedah2  biasa saperti ubat subur, pembedahan dan IUI tetapi masih gagal hamil.



Membuat keputusan untuk rawatan IVF dan ICSI

Sebaiknya keputusan melakukan rawatan IVF / ICSI dibuat setelah semua pilihan kaedah rawatan lain telah dilaksanakan dan masih gagal hamil. Akhirnya kita perlu berserah dan bertawakkal kepada AllahSWT dan mendapat panduan dariNya dengan melakukan solat istiharah sekurangnya 3 kali maklumlah harganya mahal dan hasil kehamilan munkin dalam lingkungan 20 - 40 % sahaja.

Memileh Pusat rawatan IVF dan ICSI !

Sekarang ini pusat rawatan IVF/ICSI tumbuh macam cendawan berbanding dengan tahun 80an bila ia mula diperkenalkan dimalaysia. Dihospital2 kerajaan, separuh kerajaan dan swasta pusat2 IVF/ICSI bolih didapati dan pihak kerajaan banyak memberi subsidi kepada pesakit2. Harga rawatan dihospital kerajaan munkin semurah RM 8K , manakala dipusat2 swasta anatar RM 15 - 30 K. Saya tahu kebanyakan pakar yang melakukan IVF/ICSI hanya sebagai sambilan sahaja kerana mereka banyak tugas2 lain untuk dilakukan. Saya juga tahu ada sebilangan kecil pakar yang hanya khusus buat IVF/ICSI sahaja dan tidak melakukan rawatan2 lian dalam bidang O&G. Tentulah kumpulan kedua ini akan mendapat kejayaan yang lebih dengan lebih ramai pesakit yang hamil  dan melahirkan anak.



Video prosedur IVF

Rangsangan telor (ovarian stimulation)



Menuai Telor / Egg Retrieval

In Vitro Fertilization

Embryo Transfer

Program anjuran br />.


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Masih ada peluang hamil dengan PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Penyakit ini menjadi salah satu punca utama kemandulan. Semakin ramai mengalami penyakit PCOS.

Gejala2 PCOS.
Haid tidak teratur. Jarang datang haid, 3 hingga 6 bulan sekali.
Bila datang haid darah keluar sedikit sahaja atau terlalu banyak dan berpanjangan.
Kesannya sukar hamil / mandul kerana telor sukar matang dan ovulasi jarang lagi.
Keguguran dan sering berulang kali. Sering ada kaitan dengan kencing manis.
Kebanyakkan penyidap PCOS juga gemok / obese.


Mengapa sukar merawat PCOS ?

1. Salah satu punca penyakit PCOS adalah cacat baka / genetic - dimana gene yang mengawal hormon subur adalah cacat sejak lahir. Tidak ada rawatan untuk membetulkan kecacatan genetic ini.
Kita bergantung dengan usaha mengubah faktor2 lain sahaja , ini pun banyak bergantung kepada azam dan kesungguhan pesakit PCOS.

2. Kegemokkan / obesity adalah faktur kedua pentingnya dalam kejadian PCOS. PCOS sering dikaitkan dengan penyakit diabetes dalam keluarga. Begitu juga obesity juga dikaitkan dengan diabetes dan baka. Usaha untuk mengurangkan berat badan memang sangat sukar, mudah untuk naik berat badan , tapi hendak turun memang perlu azam dan ketabahan.

Penurunan berat badan merupakan rawatan yang terpenting bagi meningkatkan kesuburan dikalangan pesakit2 PCOS. Cara2 yang paling berkesan ialah dengan DIET, iaitu mengurangkan makanan carbohydrate dan gula, dan exercise untuk membakar lebihan gula dan lemak dalam badan.

Namun saya dapati dua perkara diatas amat sukar diamalkan olih pengidap2 pcos. Jika mereka sunggoh2 inginkan zuriat, mereka perlu kuatkan azam dan kecekalan untuk berkerja keras untuk capai matlamat. Pengalaman saya lebih 40 tahun pengidap2 pcos lebih 90% gagal menurunkan berat badan mereka.
Mereka hanya bergantung kepada ubat2 mereka dengan harapan mereka bolih hamil tanpa usaha.

3. Tiada ubat khusus untuk PCOS, kerana ia rangkaian berbagai masalah termasuk, insulin resistance, hormone imbalance antara FSH / LH, hormon testosterone tinggi, estrogen tinggi, progesterone rendah, Akhirnya sel2 benih/telor tidak dapat dimatangkan.

Seringkali ubat subur clomid dengan dose tertinggi diperlukan (200 - 250 mg), dan jika gagal ubat gonadotrophin secara suntikan diperlukan dan ubat ini sangat mahal harganya, sedang kadar kejayaan hanya 30% sahaja.

4. Kegunaan ubat2 supplement bolih membantu untuk kurangkan berat badan, kurangkan insulin resistance seterusnya mengurangkan gula dalam badan, mengurangkan hormon testosterone. Saya sering beri pesakit2 ubat adipex, metformin, black cohosh (remifemin) dan saw palmetto.Perlu diingat pesakit2 PCOS tidak bolih bergantung kepada ubat2 tersebut terlalu lama, munkin antara 3-6 bulan sahaja.

5. Saya nasihatkan makan banyak buah2 dan sayuran serta ulam2. Makanan yang banyak mengadungi bahan2 pengawet, perisa dan pemanis perlu dijauhkan termasuk fast dan junk foods. Segala kebaikkan saperti vitamins, antioxidants, logam dll adlah terkandung dalam buah2, sayur2 dan ulam2.

6. Jangan mudah putus asa, teruskan usaha sampai hamil.Perubahan dalam caragaya hidup sangat penting terutama tabiat makan dan pilihan jenis makanan yang berzat dan berkhasiat. Pilih makanan yang segar/fresh tanpa diperoses, tanpa pengawet, perisa dan pemanis. Lakukan gerak tubuh/exercise , munkin buat jogging 30 minit sehari. Lakukan breathing exercise/yoga untuk relxation, hilangkan stress dengan baca quran dan berzikir.

7. Cuba buat IUI apabila ada telor matang selepas makan clomid dos tinggi, ini munkim bolih menambah peluang untuk hamil. Biasanya jika ada pematangan telor kehamilan akan berlaku secara spontan tanpa memerlukan IUI.

8. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling , ia itu satu kaedah pembedahan untuk menyuburkan ovary perlu dilakukan jika tiada pematangan telor walaupun dengan clomid dos tinggi. Rawatan ini dapat  menurunkan tahap hormon testosterone yang sering menganggu pematangan telor.

Selepas ovarian drilling amalan pemakanan yang berzat dan berkhasiat amat penting ; ubat subur clomid dos tinggi masih diteruskan selama 3 pusingan haid. Peluang hamil lepas rawatan ini 40-50 %.

9. Bayi tabung uji atau IVF munkin bolih dicuba sebagai langkah terakhir, itu pun kalau berjaya merangsang pematangan telor.

Rawatan kesuburan perlu korban

Rawatan kesuburan/ kemandulan untujuan dapatkan zuriat memang perlu banyak pengorbanan tenaga, masa, wang ringgit dan perlu kesungguhan, ketabahan dan kesabaran. Ada pasangan yang telah kahwin selama 2-3 tahun belum hamil dan bila buat temu janji untuk pemeriksaan dan rawatan kesuburan, tiba2 didapati hamil secara spontan . Begitulah kuasa Allah SWT bila sampai waktunya dan dengan kehendakNya jadilah makhluk mengikut perintahNya ' kun fayakun'

Ada pula yang bertahun2 berusaha dengan menjalani berbagai jenis ujian dan rawatan dengan banyak doktor2 pakar serta berbelanja terlalu banyak jumlah wang, tetapi masih gagal juga untuk hamil. Munkin tidak ada rezeki . munkin ada hikmah terbaik dengan kaedaan tanpa zuriat, hanya Allah sahaja yang mengetahui.

1.  Jangan putus asa, teruskan usaha dan rawatan, berdoa dan mohon dari AllahSWT untuk dapat zuriat

2.  Kuatkan azam dan kesungguhan khususnya untk mengawal berat badan dan amount makanan yang mengadungi  karbohaidret dan manisan gula. Ini sangat penting kerana bila berat badan naik, kesuburan menurun. Ini sagat relevan dengan pesakit2 PCOS. Kebanyakan pesakit PCOS gagal mengurangkan berat badan. Ikuti free weight loss program

3. Amalkan exercise/riadah  - amalan  ini adalah sangat penting untuk membakar lebihan gula yang bolih ditimbukan  sebagai lemak dan kesannya menambah berat badan. Riadah juga memberi ketenangan minda dan jiwa. Segala stress dan tension akan dapat dikurangkan atau hapuskan sama sekali dan kesannya meningkatkan kesuburan.Ikuti Fertily exercise

Fertility Yoga

4. Amalkan catit suhu BBT untuk mengesan waktu subur/ ovultion dan tentukan ada hubungan waktu subur

5. Makan yang berkhasiat , makanan segar dan mentah (buah2 , sayur dan ulam). Lauk2 /perotin dari daging, ayam ikan yang segar dan tidak diperoses. Jauhkan makan yang diperoses, yang mengandungi pengawet , perisa dan pemanis, termasuk fast dan junk foods.

6. Jika ada penyakit saperti endometriosis, fibroid dan PCOS dan doktor cadang untuk dibedah , jangan takut kerana pembedahan adalah salah saatu kaedah rawatan untuk kesuburan yang berkesan.

7. Rawatan kesuburan dengan apa kaedah pun - secara ubatan, IUI, IVF atau bedah memerlukan belanja kewangan yang banyak. Malangnya majikan tidak bolih membiayai kesemuanya, munkin kalau ada peyakit endometriosis, fibroid atau PCOS, pihak majikan atau insurance bolih biayai pebelanjaan tetapi untuk IUI dan IVF  pesakit perlu bayar sendiri.

8.  Suami isteri perlu berkerja sama dan sepakat untuk berusaha menjalni pemeriksaan, ujian dan berbagai kaedah rawatan kesuburan.

9.  Kaedah rawatan tambahan/alternatif saperti acupuncture, bekam, urut dan supplement2 tambahan termasuk herba dan antioxidants bolih diambil bersama2 rawatan perubatan moden.

Insyaallah berkat ketabahan anda, suatu hari kelaka Allah akan kurniakan zuriat.

Kuruskan untuk subur

Rahsia Kurus Badan 

Usaha untuk mengurangkan berat badan bagi pesakit PCOS adalah sangat penting untuk mencapai kejayaan, iaitu menjadai hamil. Biasanya saya beri pengidap2 PCOS ubat kurus badan, ubat kurangkan gula dan ubat imbangkan hormon. Tapi malangnya kadar kejayaan kuruskan badan amat mengeciwakan. Sedikit saja yg berjaya maknya dapat kurungkan 10% dari tahap berat asal

Malah ada pula yg meningkat berat badan walau pun makan ubat2 supplement yg saya beri. Sungguh menghampakan.

Sebenarnya faktor terpenting dalam usaha kuruskan berat badan ialah Pengurangan makanan pada keseluruhan, khusnya pemakanan yg mengadungi karbohaidret dan gula. Contoh2 makanan tersebut ialah, nasi , mee, roti canai, spageti, coklat, ais krim, kueh2, cookies dan banyak lain2. Makan ini semuanya patut dikawal ketat, makan sedikt saja jangan lebih atau tambah.

Masalah pokok ialah tabiat makan yg tak terkawal, mereka ini didepan orang makan sikit, rasa malu, tapi belakang orang makan bertambah2. Waktu menonton TV atau berehat makanan sampingan junk foods tak putus2 dikonyah. Orang gemok sebenar terlebih makan daripada apa yg diperlukan olih badan untuk kegunaan tenaga, repair sel dan tisyu dan pertumbuhan organ.

Mereka juga makan telalu cepat , belum sempat makan jadi lumat ketika dikonyah dalam mulut sudah ditelan. Ini tabiat tak baik. Biasa kantung perut akan menghantar signal keotak yg ia dah penuh / kenyang, Tapi ada tempoh jarak waktu atau lag time lebih kurang 20 minit. Olih itu orang tabiat makan slow2 dan konyah makanan perlahan2 tidak akan terlebih makan.

Orang gemok ada lah dalam keadaan 'self denial', mereka tak akan mengaku makan banyak. Ini adalah satu keadaan yg memerlukan bantuan ahli pakar saikoloji. Mereka memerlukan counselling dalam mengatasi situasi ini

Ikuti "Program Ramping' anjuran Klinik saya , sila hubungi Nini Hadi melalui Facebook. atau staff Klinik Dr Hamid Arshat

Lendir cervix dan kesuburan

Ciri2 lendir cervix pada hari penetasan telor/ovulation.

Lendir pandkal rahim jernih dan banyak  , rupa saperti putih telor dan bila dipegang anatara dua jari ia bolih dijalurkan tanpa putus.

Bila dipadankan dengan carta BBT, ada kaitan dengan waktu penetasan telor/ovulasi

Perhatikan ciri2 lendir mulai dari hari ke10 (dikira dari hari pertama haid) , pengeluarannya makin banyak , jernih, saperti putih telor dan bolih dijalurkan tanpa putus dan pada waktu penetasan telor ia paling banyak keluar dari faraj. Kadang kala disertai dengan rasa senak dibawah perut/ari2 kerana ketika itu telor sedang menetas/ovulation. Ketika ini juga suhu BBT akan menurun, menandakan ovulasi. Ini lah waktu terbaik untuk mengadakan hubungan dengan suami untuk hamil.


Lendir yang cair dan jernih adalah sangat penting untuk membolihkan sperma2 menembusinya untuk masuk kedalam rahim. Dipercayai ketika sperma2 melalui lendir cervix  , mereka memperolihi daya 'capacitance' atau kemampuan untuk bercantum dengan telor/ovum.

Beberapa hari selepas penetasan telor/ovulation, lendir cervix bertukar menjadi pekat dan keladak dan ia tidak bolih lagi ditembusi olih sperma2. Begitu halnya jika ada jangkitan kuman dalam faraj atau pada cervix, lendir bolih dicemari olih kuman2 dan sel2 inflamasi dan munkin perubahan berlaku pada lendir cervix menyebabkan sukar untuk ditembusi olih sperma2. Cervical erosion, cervicitis dan infeksi vagina bolih menggaggu kecairan lendir cervix waktu ovulasi.

Fertile Cervical Mucus

How to Check For Fertile Cervical Mucus to Predict Ovulation

Ovulation and Cervical Mucus

As ovulation approaches, your cervical mucus (sometimes abbreviated on BBT charts as CM) changes from a consistency not-so-kind to sperm, to a more fertile variety that sperm can survive and swim through better. Right after ovulation, the cervical mucus changes back to the less fertile kind.
While everyone's body is different, the general changes that cervical mucus go through are dry or sticky, to creamy, to wet, to a raw egg white consistency, and then, back to dry and sticky.
When your cervical mucus is in the wet or egg white consistency stage, ovulation is approaching. This is the best time to have sex, if you want to get pregnant.

How to Check Your Cervical Mucus:

1. First, wash and dry your hands well.
   
2. Find a comfortable position, either by sitting on the toilet, squatting, or standing up and putting one leg up on the bathtub edge or toilet seat.
   
3. Reach one finger inside your vagina; your index or middle finger is probably best. (Be careful not to scratch yourself.) Depending on how much cervical mucus you're producing, you may not need to reach so far, but getting a sample from near your cervix is ideal.
   
4. Remove your finger from your vagina and observe the consistency of whatever mucus you find. Do this by both looking at the mucus and rolling what you find between two fingers (usually your thumb and index finger). Also, try pressing your fingers together and then slowly moving them apart.
   
   • If what you find seems sticky, or findings are scant, you're probably not ovulating yet.
   • If what you find is creamy, ovulation may be coming, but not just yet.
   • If what you find is wet, watery, and slightly stretchy, ovulation is very likely close. Find time for some baby-making sex.
   • If what you find is very wet, stretches between your fingers for an inch or more, and resembles raw egg white, your cervical mucus is very fertile. Ovulation is right around the corner, and now is the ideal time for intercourse.
5. If you are charting your BBT, you should mark down on your chart your cervical mucus findings. Abbreviations often used are S for sticky, C for creamy, W for wet, and EW for egg-white cervical mucus.
   

Tips:

• Don't check your cervical mucus during or right after sex, or when you're feeling sexually aroused.
  
• You can also check your cervical mucus by looking at the toilet paper or your underwear, but sometimes you can get a better sample by reaching inside, as described above.
  
• If you have trouble finding anything, checking your cervical mucus after a bowel movement may be easier. (Don't forget to wash your hands well.)
  
• Some women, especially those with PCOS, have several patches of fertile-looking cervical mucus throughout their cycle. If this is your situation, predicting ovulation by tracking cervical mucus might not work well for you. Taking your BBT will help you pinpoint which patch of fertile mucus was related to ovulation.
  
  • Can You Have Too Much Cervical Mucus?
  • What Does It Mean If I Have No BBT Temperature Rise But I Do Have Fertile Cervical Mucus?
• Some drugs, including antihistamines and, ironically, Clomid, can dry up your cervical mucus. In this case, you might not find as much fertile cervical mucus before ovulation.
  
• If you never or rarely notice wet or egg-white consistency cervical mucus, let your doctor know. Infertility can sometimes be caused by something referred to as hostile cervical mucus.
  
  • Why Don't I Have Fertile Cervical Mucus?
• Some women notice that their cervical mucus becomes wet or almost egg-white like again right before menstruation. Obviously, this isn't a sign of impending ovulation.
  
  • Can Cervical Mucus Indicate Early Pregnancy?
• A day or two after sexual intercourse, you may confuse semen with wet cervical mucus. With experience, you can learn how to differentiate the two. But for the purposes of getting pregnant, assume that you may be approaching ovulation and mark your

D&C dan kesuburan

Orang mengaitkan cuci rahin atau D&C hanya untuk tujuan merawat keguguran. Sabenarnya D&C ada banyak peranana lain saperti:
1. Mengatasi perdarahan dari rahim, biasa berlaku pada wanita umor empat puluhan, yang berpenyakit fibroid atau adenomyosis, gangguan hormon.
2. Buat diagnosis untuk mengesahkan kanser rahim atau lainnya.
3. Untuk merawat kemandulan dan  sukar hamil.
4, Lekat uri lepas besalin.

Biasanya selepas menjalani xray HSG, lebih kurang 30% akan hamil dalam tempuh 3-6 bulan jika benih suami normal dan saluran fallopian terbuka lepas HSG. Jika masih belum hamil lagi dalam tempuh itu , saya cadangkan  prosedur D&C dan hydrotubation. Ia dilakukan lepas haid dan perlu diberi bius umum (pesakit tidur)

Bagaimana D&C dan hydrotubation bolih meningkatkan peluang hamil?

1. Dalam prosedur ini saluran pintu rahim perlu dibesarkan (dilatation) dan ini akan mumudahkan benih2 suami masuk kedalam rahim.
2. Dinding rahim atau lapisan endometrium perlu dikikis dan dibersihkan. Biasanya ada berlaku penebalan lapisan ini sebab ia tidak luruh kesemuanya ketika haid, dan lama2 ia bertimbun/menebal menjadikan 'endometrial hyperplasia' atau 'endometrial polyp' yang munkin menyukarkan embryo melekat/implant dalam lapisan endometrium. Lepas D&C, lapisan baru akan dibentuk dan ini munkin memudahkan peroses implantation embryo.
3. Dalam prosedure ini juga saluran fallopio akan diperbesarkan dalam prosedur 'hydrotubation' dan ini memudahkan perjalanan benih2 suami bergerak menuju ke muncung saluran fallopio dimama percantuman benih dan telor/ovum berlaku.

Prosedur ini dijalankan sebagai 'day surgery' , hanya perlu masuk day surgical center hanya separuh hari sahaja. Pesakit datang pagi dengan berpuasa sejak tengah malam. Prosedur dilakukan dengan bius am (pesakit tidur) dan 2-3 selepas itu ia bolih pulang.

Talipon staf klinik sejurus lepas habis haid dan prosedur ini biasanya dilakukan 2- 3 hari lepas habis haid tetapi sebelum subur.

Tiada patang larang khas lepas itu, hanya ia perlu tidak mengadakan hubungan dengan suami selama seminggu. Makanan mengikut sajian biasa dan vitamin supplemen perlu diteruskan

Bagaimana peluang hamil ?
Purata antara 20 - 30 % pesakit yang menjalani prosedur ini akan hamil dalam tempoh 3 - 6 bulan.

Kos prosedur D&C dan Hydrotubation termasuk bius RM 1500 - 2000

Untuk mengetahui selanjutnya hubungi klinik

Herba dan vitamin untuk subur

Tahap kesihatan yang baik adalah penting untuk meningkatkan kesuburan dan untuk wanita selamat menjalani peroses kehamilan dan kelahiran. Peranan vitamin dalam penjagaan kesihatan tubuh badan memang telah diketahui umum. Vitamin meningkatkan immunity atau ketahanan badan untuk melawan penyakit dan menangkis serangan berbagai jeniis kuman yang merbahaya.

Vitamin bertindak untuk mempertahan keutuhan sel2 dan serta mencegah kerosakkan. Terdapat banyak jenis vitamin2 saperti A, B ( B1 - 12), C , D. E, K dan setengah vitamin penting bagi fungsi organ yang khusus saperti Vit A adalah penting bagi kesihatan mata dan penglihatan. B6 dan B12 penting bagi sistem urat saraf.

Apakah vitamin2 dan logam2 yang penting bagi sel2 benih dan peranakan?







 Here is information we've collected about how the various vitamins, minerals and herbs affect fertility. As with all use of any of these products, please check with your doctor as to how they might affect you.

Vitamins and Minerals for Fertility
Vitamin C and Fertility:
According to a study conducted at the University of Texas Medical School at Galveston, insufficient amounts of vitamin C in a man’s diet can lead to agglutination of sperm. Agglutination occurs when sperm cells clump together, thus inhibiting maximal progression or movement of the sperm. According to Dr. Earl Dawson M.D., Ph.D., associate professor at the U of Texas at Galveston, vitamin C is also helpful in smokers who have increased amounts of abnormally formed sperm. Cigarette smoke is absorbed through the lungs and enters the circulatory system (bloodstream). Once the toxins reach the bloodstream they find their way to the semen and this can lead to less than optimal sperm count and function. It is believed that vitamin C helps to neutralize the toxic effects of cigarette smoke on the sperm. When sperm stick together (a condition called agglutination), fertility is reduced. Vitamin C reduces sperm agglutination,(3) increasing the fertility of men with this condition. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 60 milligams per day for an adult male. According to Dr. Dawson intake of 200 to 1000 milligrams per day had a beneficial effect on sperm.
Women should avoid megadoses of vitamin C because it can dry up cervical fluid, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. Limit the amount you take to the dose included in your prenatal vitamin.


Vitamin E and Fertility:

Vitamin E Essential for fertility and reproduction. Deficiency in rats has shown that it leads to absorption in the female and loss of fertility on the male. This potent antioxidant plays important roles in male sperm production. It is known that a lack of vitamin E inhibits the formation of sperm. Low vitamin E levels can cause a decline in the formation of key sex hormones and enzymes responsible for sperm production.. Although potency is not affected, fertility is improved due to its protective effect on sperm cell membranes. Supplementation with Vitamin E may also aid in improving sperm motility. Dose: 400 IU daily. Talk to your doctor prior to starting Vitamin E, particularly if you are currently taking aspirin or other blood thinners.

Selenium:

A study conducted at the University of Padua in Italy and published in the Journal Science states that a diet low in selenium could be a cause of male infertility. Selenium acts to help prevent oxidation of the sperm cell, thus aiding in maintaining sperm cell integrity. Good sources of selenium can be found in red meat, liver, brazil nuts, almond and seafood. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for selenium is 70 micrograms/day for an adult male.

Zinc:
This mineral is involved in over 200 proteins and enzymes and is essential for male fertility. Zinc is involved in the activation of key sperm enzymes, and moves into the prostate with the assistance of testosterone. A lack of zinc causes a lowering of testosterone, shrinks testicle size and produces misshapen and less healthy sperm, among other negatives. Upon restoring a daily dose of 15 milligrams, testosterone and sperm count levels rebounded to acceptable levels within 12 months. Take zinc with a full glass of water.

Herbs for Fertility

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is used primarily for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Black cohosh, a phytoestrogen, is the most promising herbal remedy to treat mood swings, hot flashes and vaginal dryness associated with menopause. Phytoestrogens are non-steroidal, plant-derived substances that bind or activate estrogen receptors in various areas of the body. In post-menopausal women, phytoestrogens typically act as weak estrogens.
An improvement in overall menopausal symptoms, reduction in hot flashes and stimulation of vaginal changes were observed in a series of clinical studies in more than 800 women. Few or no toxic effects were observed.

Evening Primrose Oil:

Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) lowers cholesterol, helps to alleviate pms and most importantly here, aids in the production of fertile quality cervical fluid. EPO is an essential fatty acid that contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA). It is converted to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 which has anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator. The anti-inflammatory properties help people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. We want to discuss the effects EPO has on pms and cervical fluid.

If you suffer from pms - this is a sign that you are deficient in the fatty acid contained in EPO. EPO can help the body to alleviate the pms symptoms. EPO does a world of good in treating aliments of all sorts.

EPO helps the body to produce more fertile quality cervical fluid also known as "egg white cervical mucus." This is because fertile cervical fluid is thin, watery, clear and "stretchy" and easily aids the sperm to swim through the uterus and into the fallopian tube, and to the egg. If there is a lack in this type of cervical fluid, it can impede and/or prevent fertilization. Some women are very dry, and have problems in producing an adequate amount of fertile quality cervical fluid. Drinking a lot of water and taking the EPO can certainly help in the production of fertile cervical fluid. Also, this type of fluid helps the sperm to stay alive for up to five days inside the fallopian tube, thus enabling conception to happen even if you don't have intercourse again by the time ovulation occurs.

EPO should only be taken from menstruation to ovulation. This is because EPO can cause uterine contractions in pregnancy. The dosage taken should be 1500mg to 3000mg per day. I usually took around 2000 mg of EPO. Since essential fatty acids are necessary, you can take flax seed oil in place of EPO after ovulation. This may be taken throughout pregnancy. Check the label to see the correct dosage.

There are many remedies out there to help with fertility, but few are as good as EPO. EPO is excellent for women because of the help it gives in alleviating pms symptoms, and even menopausal women can benefit from taking it. I have heard of many praises to EPO and the fact that it definitely increases the fertile type cervical fluid. This may take a month or two to build up, and produce the results you are looking for. It is imperative that you chart your fertility symptoms and signs, so you can know when you have ovulated. By knowing this information, you can discontinue the EPO after ovulation and start the flax seed oil. Unless you are very regular, charting your fertility signs is the best tool to determine where you are in your cycle.

Ginseng:

Stimulates the immune system and can help fight male impotence and improve male fertility. Measurable test results show that it can increase sexual desire, raise testosterone levels, increase sperm count and increase sperm mobility

Pycnogenol

According to a study done by Dr. Scott Roseff, author of the study and Director of the West Essex Center for Advanced Reproductive Endocrinology "Up to 60% of infertile couples have difficulty conceiving due to abnormalities in the male's sperm. By taking Pycnogenol(r) to increase normally functioning sperm naturally, couples may be able to (or potentially) avoid in-vitro fertilization and either enjoy improved natural fertility or undergo less invasive and less expensive fertility-promoting procedures."
Pycnogenol(r) is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the Maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France. It represents a unique and natural combination of genetically programmed constant proportions of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, making it a super antioxidant.
The antioxidant Pycnogenol improved the quality and function of sperm in men with fertility problems by a mean of 38% and 19%, respectively, after only 90 days of use, according to a new landmark clinical trial being published in the October 2002 issue of the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, giving infertile couples new hope and a new alternative to more invasive procedures.

Saw Palmetto:

Iis a natural steroid source herb with tissue building and gland stimulating properties to tonify and strengthen the male reproductive system. It is a primary herb for male impotence, low libido and prostate health.

Vitex (Chasteberry):

Vitex helps to lengthen luteal phase defects and helps to lower high prolactin levels, both of which causes infertility. However, vitex does not contain hormones - its benefits stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland - specifically upon the production of lutenizing hormone. This helps to increase the production of progesterone - thus helping to regulate the menstrual cycle. It also aids in decreasing prolactin levels. A breastfeeding mom, for example, would produce a high level of prolactin, thus the natural birth control effect. But in decreasing the prolactin levels - it may enable a woman to finally become pregnant

Some say to take it from menstruation to ovulation - stopping once ovulation has been established and then continuing again if menstruation should occur. Others have said it is safe to take all month long - stopping if pregnancy should occur. On this argument - the effects vitex has on a woman’s hormones can benefit her throughout her entire cycle. Also, it may be a smart practice to discontinue any supplements during menstruation, to allow the body to completely cleanse itself.

Vitex is not a fast acting herb and may take several months to build up in your system. When using vitex to treat infertility you can take it up to 12 to 18 months - or until pregnancy occurs. Should pregnancy not occur in that time span, seek the advice of a health care professional for the next steps in achieving pregnancy. Another note of caution - you cannot take vitex while taking the fertility drug Clomid - or any drug like Clomid. It seems that vitex and Clomid counter act each other.

Vitex helps minimize symptoms of PMS, regulate heavy, frequent or lack of menses.
It helps to improve fertility in cases where fertility is the result of hormonal imbalances.
Vitex useful in treating peri menopausal and menopausal symptoms, in particular hot flashes, and menstrual irregularities such as flooding, clotting and irregular cycle. Post menopausal women who still feel cyclic mood swings can also benefit.
Vitex should not be taken during pregnancy or with hormone therapy.


Flaxseed Oil

There are quite a few different herbs that men can take to increase their fertility. One such herb which plays a role in promoting male fertility is flaxseed oil. The ingredients within flaxseed oil help to keep the sperm healthy and may also help with regard to male impotence. Flaxseed oil is a wonderful herbal supplement to consider taking when trying to promote fertility and achieve conception.
Treat menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, female infertility and endometriosis. Because the hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) in flaxseed oil help stabilize a woman's estrogen-progesterone ratio, they can have beneficial effects on the menstrual cycle, and relieve the hot flashes of perimenopause and menopause. Flaxseed oil may also improve uterine function and thus treat fertility problems. In addition, the essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil have been shown to block production of prostaglandins, hormonelike substances that, when released in excess amounts during menstruation, can cause the heavy bleeding associated with endometriosis.

Hormones for Fertility

Progesterone Creams

Modern science confirms that insight, as, of all female hormones, progesterone is the one most essential for conception and to the survival of the fertilized egg and the fetus throughout gestation.At Ovulation, progesterone levels rapidly rise from 2-3 mg/day to an average of 22-25 mg. per day, peaking as high as 30 mg/day. If fertilization does not occur in ten or twelve days, progesterone levels fall dramatically, triggering the shedding of the secretory endometrium (the menstrual cycle).If pregnancy does occur, however, progesterone production is taken over by the placenta which secretes an ever increasing supply, reaching 300-400 mg/day during the third trimester!

Among the numerous Other Desirable Effects of Natural Progesterone are the following:
Makes Possible the Survival of the Fertilized Egg
Maintains the Secretory Endometrium which Feeds the Ovum & Resultant Embryo
Progesterone Surge at Ovulation is the Source of Libido
Inserted intravaginally it will help eliminate vaginal dryness due to menopause.

Because Progesterone is essential to prevent the premature shedding of the supportive secretory endometrium, a significant drop in progesterone levels or blockade of progesterone receptor sites during the first 10 - 12 weeks of pregnancy may result in the loss of the embryo (Miscarriage).