Benefits of Reflexology treatments for Fertility

Reflexology has been used for centuries to benefit health and wellbeing and there is ancient evidence that it has been used to aid fertility and conception and it still is to this day. There is a stage in life when we start to reflect about having a family and what it means to us to become a mother, a father and parent. To enter into that stage which society and culture has us believing is a natural rite of passage is not necessarily a straight forward path, made especially difficult when the reality dawns that falling pregnant is not that easy. Reflexology for Fertility For whatever reason unique to the individual couple the anxiety, worry and stress of an unmet desire can bring strain to relationships and even isolation from friends while the process of getting pregnant takes center stage. Reflexology has been used for fertility, pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood for as as long as humans have understood the therapeutic benefit of loving touch (Holt et al 2009). Reflexology assists in re-balancing the mind/body connection – enabling the recipient to regain homeostasis (Tiran 2010). How Does Reflexology Work? Using reflexology for fertilityReflexology is a massage technique that is applied by a reflexologist to specific acupressure points on the feet. The points on the feet correspond to a specific organ of the body. Applying pressure to these points on the feet stimulates movement or a release of energy/prana/chi to the corresponding organ. With time, a connection to your center and a deep therapeutic relaxation ensues. A treatment always provides solace and the space necessary for healing, allowing us to reconnect to our bodies within. McCullough et al (2014) conducted a systematic review on the benefits of reflexology. Looking from a purely medical standpoint, which plotted quantifiable data, the findings displayed as inconclusive. However, from my experience as a reflexologist, I argue that the research needs to come from another angle; one which measures the oxytocin release during the reflexology session and the effect this has on the body. Extensive research has been conducted into the “fight and flight” system in the body, where high levels of the hormones cortisol and adrenalin are released during times of high stress. In contrast, research into the sense of “calm and connectedness” we feel as a result of the release of oxytocin and endorphins during a reflexology, massage or acupuncture session is limited. Reflexology for Reproductive Health Problems Polycystic ovaries, cervical problems, adhesions (more commonly known as scar tissue), pelvic inflammatory disease, premenstrual syndrome, hormonal imbalances, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis and menstrual problems have all shown improvement from reflexology (Holt et al 2009, McCullough et al 2014 and Tiran D 2010). Within a few sessions, improved health and wellbeing surface. In order to address fertility health, a reflexology therapist will work through the reflexology points specific to the clients area(s) of health concern, such as the: •ovaries •lymphatic system •immune system •uterus •circulatory system •neurological system (stress, anxiety, depression) •endocrine system (hormone balance) •liver (toxin release, hormone balance) •kidneys (libido, fertility issues) Reflexology works best when the client also ensures healthy lifestyle habits are in place. These include but are not limited to diet, exercise, relaxation, work/life balance. Article: by Kristy Hawthorn 27th February 2015 www.natural-fertility-info.com Read more about sperm donation and fertility at www.prideangel.com

Get pregnant naturally with the 'Pregnancy Miracle Book'

Infertility is common problem today and many women from all ages suffer from it. With the advance of the modern medicine, there dozens of solutions and medications that could help you solve many of the health problems that could be causing the infertility. Yet there are many women, for which, the traditional solutions offered by the modern medicine simply doesn't work. After being diagnosed as infertile, women quite often turn to various other untraditional pregnancy methods - from seeing sidekicks to performing various rituals, consuming particular herbs and pretty much everything else you can think of. Just recently, it seems there is a solution to infertility that actually works and is called the Pregnancy Miracle Book. Visit Pregnancy Miracle Presentation The Pregnancy Miracle Book is especially created for women, who are unable to conceive and are unable to receive pregnancy help from traditional medicine. It consists of taking advantage of multiple pregnancy techniques, which are meant not only to improve chances to conceive, but also help improve overall body health. How does the Pregnancy Miracle Book Work? The Miracle Pregnancy Book contains a complete program to help women get pregnant in easy to understand and follow manner. With the Pregnancy Miracle Book, you will take care of the cause for your fertility problems. The program contained in the Pregnancy Miracle Book is far more effective than any traditional infertility treatment practiced today. For example with the most popular infertility drugs, the risks of getting cancer hit the roof and with the modern IVF procedures, multiple pregnancies carry increased risks for your health. This sounds scary even without considering the various health risks for your child – from cerebral paralysis to brain damage. With the Pregnancy Miracle Book, you will explore radically new ways of treating infertility. The book focuses on the various reasons for infertility and how to deal with them to conceive without risking the health of our child. What are some of the reasons for infertility according to Pregnancy Miracle Book? Infertility is directly linked to our lifestyle and this is widely recognized fact today. There are multiple factors, which combined affect ability to conceive in negative manner. Fixing any of these wouldn't help, unless you treat all factors simultaneously and here to help comes the Pregnancy Miracle Book. One of the main factors that affect infertility is our diet – the food we eat actually prevents us from getting pregnant and is also one of the most common reasons for child's diseases and disorders. Although, quite popular, our diet is just one of the factors that affect infertility, so to solve this issue you need to cover all of these. Another main reason for infertility is disrupted internal environment and there are many reasons for this occur. To fix this, you will need to develop an exercise routine that will help you also get healthier. With the Pregnancy Miracle Book you will be able to learn all there is to know about how to treat all factors that affect your ability to conceive and within 30 to 60 days you will be able to give birth to a beautiful child, no matter what the doctors are telling you! Visit Pregnancy Miracle Website Article: 22nd July 2014 www.baystreet.ca Read more about natural fertility at www.prideangel.com

Increase your fertility with Positive Affirmations

Saying positive affirmations will improve your health and well being, which in turn will increase your fertility and chance of getting pregnant. Using positive affirmations is a form of healing based on re-wiring your subconscious mind to new and more positive thinking while allowing the release old negative thinking. During your life you may have taken up negative thinking patterns based mostly on your fears, life uncertainty and discouraging experiences. These negative thoughts are now the cause of your mental and emotional blocks that might prevent you from allowing the process of conception to take place within your body. Positive affirmations are a great way to meditate and to bring a positive outlook back into your life. If you stop for a moment and think about it, you will notice that you already practise affirmations all the time. When you tell others that you are going to do something, you are affirming something that you intent to manifest into your life. In order for you to manifest an idea into reality, you first have to create a thought, then you have to express this thought either verbally or mentally in the form of a sentence or an image and then you have to choose the actions necessary to manifest it. Positive affirmations are meant to support you through the process of conception by helping you to release all the mental blocks that prevent you from truly manifesting your desire to become pregnant and assist you to affirm positive and encouraging thoughts into action. The following show examples of some positive affirmations you can say to increase your fertility: I love and trust myself I accept the gift of life within myself I release fears about age and time I release emotional blocks preventing me conceiving I welcome my time to become a parent Read more positive affirmations here Article: 25th July 2014 www.natural-health-for-fertility.com

Natural remedies for helping fertility problems

Find the cure for infertility inside your kitchen. Some spices and herbs right from your kitchen closet can help you overcome fertility issues without any side effects. Here are some natural practices that can help you cure your problems. 1. Ashwagandha - This commonly found Indian herb, also popularly known in English as Winter Cherry or Indian ginseng has excellent properties that can cure infertility in both men and women. It helps in normalizing the endocrine system and also boosts its functioning, apart from improving the immunity of the body. 2. Raspberry leaves - This is beneficial for women facing fertility problems, as raspberry leaves encourage the normal growth of the embryo. These can also bring disturbed hormones back to normal. 3. Stinging nettle - Known to cure uterine malfunctions and improve fertility, this strange but beautiful herb is great when you're trying to conceive. It helps retain the embryo inside the womb, thus preventing miscarriages. Stinging nettle can only be consumed in the form of tea and so it is advised that women looking to conceive should drink 2-3 cups of tea everyday. Article: 31st March 2014 www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com Read more about Natural Fertility at www.prideangel.com

Does not getting enough sleep reduce your fertility?

Infertility is a disturbing problem that may leave your with sleepless nights. But, does sleep deprivation affect fertility? Of course Yes! You are making your condition even worse without a sound sleep. Getting enough sleep has great role in your health and beauty. Sleep is usually a factor that is generally overlooked while considering methods to improve fertility. So, if you are trying to improve your fertility, no matter through natural methods or artificial treatments, include a good sleep also in your regimen. FRUITS FOR IMPOTENCE Being relaxed is the best thing that you can do to make your hormones work in balance. Moreover, body needs proper rest to make its organs function to its fullest, including the reproductive system. Stress is always a bad companion for hormones. This will affect your overall fertility to a great extend. Sleep deprivation in women may affect ovulation, whereas in men, it will cause decreased sperm count. If you wonder does sleep deprivation affect fertility, here we may discuss some explanations that may clear your doubt. Irregular menstruation: Irregular menstrual cycle is the most evident and common symptom of sleep deprivation. If you want to know how does sleep deprivation affects your fertility, watch your menstrual cycle. Get enough sleep and you will notice the changes without even trying any medications. Interruption of Leptin Production: How does sleep deprivation affect ovulation is a common question among women. One of the major reasons for this is the effect on the leptin hormone, which plays an important role in proper ovulation in women. Sleep deprivation causes interruption in leptin production, which will cause irregular periods and infertility. Weight Gain: It is a clear fact that obesity is one of the major reasons for infertility among both men and women. Sleep deprivation will have a direct impact on your metabolism, which will result in obesity and eventually infertility. Those women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) must take more care on this matter. Disturbed circadian rhythm: Circadian rhythm controls the hormone balance of your body depending on the dark light cycle. Any disturbance in the sleeping pattern will affect the circadian rhythm, thereby breaking the hormone balance. Chronic Stress: Stress will cause sleep deprivation and sleep deprivation will result in further more stress. It is important to keep a balance between your mind and body for the proper functioning of the system. Sleep will keep you relaxed and will allow your hormones to do its work efficiently. Decreased testosterone: Does sleep deprivation affect fertility is a common doubt among men as well. It has been shown in many studies that lack of sleep will affect the functioning of your endocrine system, thereby keeping your fertility under risk. Decreased sperm count: Disturbed circadian rhythm will affect your body in many ways. While considering infertility, decreased sperm count is considered as a major problem. If you wonder does sleep deprivation affect fertility, the answer is unfortunately, yes. Article: 29th March 2014 www.boldsky.com

How to increase fertility and prevent miscarriage

Over the past twenty years, fertility problems have increased dramatically. One in six couples now find it difficult to conceive and a quarter of all pregnancies can end in a miscarriage and more and more couples are turning to fertility treatments to help them have a family.What is the cause? What is the cause? From a medical point of view, infertility is believed to be caused by the following factors, and in these proportions. Problem Percentage of cases: Ovulatory failure (including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) 20 Tubal damage 15 Endometriosis 5 Male problems 26 Unexplained 30 If the mathematics don’t add up, it’s because many couples experience more than one problem when trying to conceive: for example, you may suffer from endometriosis, but your partner may also have a low sperm count. Interestingly, the most common cause of infertility is ‘unexplained’, which means that following thorough investigations, doctors can find no specific or identifiable medical problem at the root. But this is where a natural approach can come into play. If a couple fails to become pregnant, there is obviously something causing the problem. It’s no good labelling infertility ‘unexplained’. The answer is to look deeper – at lifestyle factors, nutritional deficiencies and even emotional elements. Back to the topWhat are your choices?The natural approach to fertility is and has been enormously successful, largely because fertility is multi-factorial, meaning that there are many, many elements that can be at the root of your fertility problems. A study conducted by the University of Surrey showed that couples with a previous history of infertility who made changes in their lifestyle, diet and took nutritional supplements had an 80 percent success rate Given that the success rate for IVF is around 25 per cent, it’s worth considering these options.Natural treatment plans are, by their nature, extensive and really do need to be adjusted to suit your individual needs. I will, however, go through the most important points below. Remember that it takes at least three months for immature eggs (oocytes) to mature enough to be released during ovulation. It also takes at least three months for sperm cells to develop, ready to be ejaculated. This means that when you are trying to improve your fertility, you need to have a three-month period before conceiving. This is called ‘pre-conception care’ and it’s as important to take as much care during this period as it is during a pregnancy itself. If you are going for IVF treatment or another assisted conception procedure, you should follow the recommendations listed below in order to increase the chances that the procedure will work. Diet Both you and your partner should follow the dietary recommendations explained in the Nutrition Section (The Foundation of Health) Although it goes without saying that a healthy diet is crucial to a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby, many people are unaware of the fact that diet can help to correct hormone imbalances that may affect your ability to conceive. There are also certain foods and drinks that are known to lower fertility. Other factors which affect fertility include alcohol, smoking, caffeine and Xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens are essentially environmental oestrogens, coming from pesticides and the plastic industry. When you are trying to conceive, one of the most important things you need to do is to balance your hormones. It is extremely important to avoid anything that might cause an imbalance. Read more... Article: www.marilynglenville.com 1st March 2014

Chinese herbal medicine helped a third of infertile women conceive

Fifty childless women who sought fertility treatment at Baptist University's traditional Chinese medicine clinics are said to have been able to conceive naturally after six months' treatment. They account for more than 30 per cent of the 145 local and mainland women aged between 22 and 45 who were prescribed customised herbal medicine by the clinics in a bid to increase their chances of pregnancy. Some of their babies are now a year old. "The figure indicates that traditional Chinese medicine plays a key role in fertility medication," said Li Xiaoguang, a senior lecturer who specialises in gynaecology at the university's School of Chinese Medicine. "TCM helps to regulate the functional capacity of patients in terms of their liver, kidneys and ovaries," she added. Clinic records from October 2011 to February this year showed 50 women became pregnant after going on a course of herbal medicine for an average of six months. The other patients had either given up or treatment was still ongoing. Li said women aged 36 to 40 had the highest success rate, at 46.2 per cent. For those over 40, the success rate was 27.8 per cent. "Older patients may take longer to regulate how their body's function," added Li. "This group of patients is advised to be persistent in their medication once they have started the course." Most of the 50 women who did conceive had relied solely on Chinese medicine, while another five underwent Western therapies such as in vitro fertilisation at the same time. "There is no contradiction in adopting TCM along with Western medical procedures, as long as the patients make it known to their doctors," Li said. "TCM can be used to support and co-ordinate with these Western treatments." One in six couples in the city, or 16 per cent, are infertile, according to data from the Council on Human Reproductive Technology under the Department of Health. Infertility is diagnosed when a couple fail to have a baby after more than two years of regular sex without contraceptives. Li said most of the female cases were attributed to a decline in the functioning of the ovaries and "kidneys" - meaning the reproductive system - due to delaying attempts to start a family. The condition could also be aggravated by pressure, she said. Article: 17th November 2013 www.scmp.com

Boost your fertility | Five ways to get pregnant

1. Gluten-Free Diet Cut out the bread! or change to Gluten-free. Many women have sensitivity to gluten, which can lead to infertility in women. Findings published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, found that celiac patients — people who have a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and disrupts the absorption of nutrients from food — who did not adhere to a gluten-free diet showed signs of "delayed menarche, secondary amenorrhea, a higher percentage of spontaneous abortions, anemia and hypoalbuminemia." However, celiac patients who did follow a gluten-free diet had normal pregnancies. Screening for Celiac disease/gluten sensitivity is advisable for infertile couples. 2. Get tested for an STI or infection A sexually transmitted infection (STI) or any other infection that is undiagnosed can affect a woman's ability to conceive. Testing is easy and affordable! 3. Take folic acid Women who have a genetic mutation that does not allow them to convert folic acid into its usable form, 5MTHF, are susceptible to infertility. Not only does this genetic mutation increase women's risk of infertility, but may also lead to miscarriage. For women trying to conceive, taking folic acid in the form of 5MTHF is highly important to increase odds of pregnancy. 4. Exercise One study showed that three days of fitness a week for 30 minutes can increase ovulation more than a low-calorie diet in women with PCOS. The form of exercise does not have to be intense but it must be consistently done in order to be effective. 5. Keep stress levels under control Cortisol, the stress hormone, is one of the biggest factors that contribute to hormonal imbalance. For a woman to conceive, her hormones must be in balance, so when her stress levels are too high, especially chronically, she will have a difficult time getting pregnant . Cortisol throws off all of the hormones because it places the body in a flight or fight state so that the other hormones do not have a chance to do their own jobs. Focus on your body and find a place to sit at peace and take deep breaths to naturally relieve the tension and stress levels in your body. Article: 5th September 2013 www.prideangel.com

Overcoming vaginal dryness to help your fertility naturally

Recent article talks about how to improve fertility naturally and talks about the benefit of using sperm friendly lubricant for helping you conceive. In a 2012 article published in journal Human Reproduction, researchers estimated that the current infertility rate in Canada ranged from 11.5% to 15.7%. Both of these estimates represented an increase in current infertility prevalence in Canada when compared with previous national estimates. A new review paper entitled "Overcoming Vaginal Dryness and Improving your Fertility – Naturally" by Dr. Judith Fiore, N.D., Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Natural Fertility Expert in Toronto, is now available for free download to help couples trying to conceive. Toronto, Ontario (PRWEB) November 30, 2012 In a 2012 article published in the journal Human Reproduction, researchers estimated that the current Canadian infertility rate (measured as greater than 12 months trying to conceive) ranged from 11.5% to 15.7%. Both of these estimates represented an increase in current infertility prevalence in Canada when compared with previous national estimates. When trying to conceive naturally many couples are unaware that there are actions they can take themselves to complement any therapeutic approach. A new review paper entitled "Overcoming Vaginal Dryness and Improving your Fertility – Naturally" by Dr. Judith Fiore, N.D., Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Natural Fertility Expert in Toronto is now available at the Canadian Zestica Fertility website for free download. In the paper Dr Fiore shares her insights and experience on what has helped many couples achieve "baby making" success. Her insight and tips for natural ways to increase a couple's chances of conceiving include advice on what to look for in a sperm-friendly personal lubricant to overcome vaginal dryness and help sperm motility, and what it really means to follow a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle. Dr Fiore also covers the importance of sleep, exercise and stress management as well as sharing her thoughts on timed lovemaking. The paper can be downloaded from the www.zesticafertility.ca homepage Article: 30th November 2012 www.sfgate.com

DuoFertility monitor a success in Britain expands into the US

Fertility monitor which accurately measures basal body temperature is a success in the UK, helping many couples have a baby. Most entrepreneurs care deeply about their businesses but they’re not usually reduced to tears by a successful sale. For Oriane Chausiaux, of Cambridge Temperature Concepts, which provides fertility monitoring for couples struggling to have a baby, the early successes of the business had as much emotional impact as financial. “After the thirtieth pregnancy I managed to stop crying when I heard the news,” says Dr Chausiaux. The company makes a monitor called DuoFertility. This is a small sensor worn by a woman under her armpit, which sends signals about body temperature and sleep patterns throughout the day and night to an analytics centre in Cambridge, using wireless technology. These signals build up a picture about when she is most fertile, because the presence of different hormones affects body temperature. Users can call up the centre at any time to discuss the results with a fertility expert. The device is not cheap – it sells for about £500 in the UK, through the company’s website, Boots online and Pride Angel, but includes all the analytics and communications with the company, which offers a guaranteed refund to women who don’t fall pregnant within 12 months. The price is cheap compared to IVF treatment, which costs between £5,000 and £7,000 per cycle in the UK. The monitor is only suitable for couples who don’t have medical issues that mean IVF is the only way they could conceive but, because about a third of patients who have IVF in the UK suffer from “unexplained infertility”, there is still a large market to go for, says Dr Shamus Husheer, chief executive. The monitor had an unconventional birth. It was the brainchild of Dr Husheer when he was a nuclear and structural chemistry PhD student, working in a particle accelerator in France. He was inspired by the difficulty his parents had in conceiving him and by new battery technology which generated power from the body. He recruited Dr Chausiaux, who is now the head scientist, and four other Cambridge PhD students to help him build a prototype and come up with a business plan. What they developed was a medical device that, in its first form, was “a shoebox full of electronics which you strapped to your body”. The idea won the scientists £1,000 and then £20,000 in competitions run by Cambridge University. They used the money to pay for filing a patent and building a prototype. At the end of 2007, they raised £250,000 from angel investors in the Cambridge area, to develop the DuoFertility monitor. Even when they were still at the shoebox stage, they were contacted by couples wanting to pay to have a monitor built for them. Dr Chausiaux says: “That showed us the need really was there.” Dr Husheer adds: “We also didn’t appreciate how huge the mental and psychological side was when we started off. The couples were always on the phone to us to talk about their condition and we realised we were providing a service that was not available to them anywhere else.” After being screened to check their fertility issues are within the limits the monitor can help with, Cambridge Temperature Concepts says couples who use it for six months have the same chance of getting pregnant as someone of the same age on a cycle of IVF. While growth in the past four years has been “spiky”, Dr Husheer admits, the firm now has 2,000 customers and expects turnover to rise to £2.5m in 2012-13. However, growing through UK retail has been slower and trickier than the pair anticipated and the founders are in the middle of a £1m fund-raising to help to pay for plans to expand in the US. They are hoping that American doctors will recommend the product to patients. The opportunity in the US, where a cycle of IVF can cost as much as $20,000 (£12,500), is an order of magnitude greater than in the UK, Dr Husheer says. “We believe there are 400,000 women in the US a year for whom our product is the right thing.” However, there is also a new opportunity in the UK – the company has been accepted for a trial by the NHS, with the same guarantee that it will reimburse the health service after a year if the patient does not fall pregnant. “There’s a push into payment for outcomes by the Department of Health, so we’re ticking the political boxes too,” says Dr Husheer. Since the first fund-raising from angel investors, they have raised money “a couple” more times the same way, although they still own just over 50pc of the company. “The main things we need to finance now are some people with deep commercial experience in the US, and staff in the UK to do the fertility analysis,” says Dr Husheer. The company hopes to be able to provide the same level of support as it does now for 10,000 people after this round of hiring. All the analytics staff will be based in Cambridge, in large part hired from the town’s universities. The DuoFertility monitor has gained the approval of the US medical regulator, the FDA, and the company is marketing it to the obstetricians and gynaecologists American women typically visit rather than GPs. “Our experience with the FDA was not nearly as bad as some of the rumours suggest,” said Dr Husheer. “They seemed pretty responsive to us because our device is non-invasive and we have a lot of field data from using it in Europe.” Article: 13th November 2012 www.telegraph.co.uk

DuoFertility - Your very own fertility PA

A new fertility product to help you conceive naturally How the DuoFertility programme can help you overcome the fertility challenge and take control of an emotional journey. Lara’s story Lara heard about DuoFertility from her mum, after she read about it in the paper. ‘DuoFertility was just what I needed. I wanted to be reassured that I was actually ovulating and if possible avoid, or even just identify whether I might need fertility treatment. DuoFertility helped us do this effectively and in the shortest amount of time possible so we didn’t delay.’ DuoFertility kept a close eye on Lara’s cycles and the DuoFertility reports gave her the information she was looking for. ‘It was great to see that I was ovulating every month and this really put my mind at rest, especially because I knew age was a big factor in fertility.’ ‘I really liked being able to ring up and speak to someone about my charts too for that extra detail about my cycles. Although I thought I was reading the graphs properly, it was reassuring to talk things through with a fertility advisor to make sure I didn’t come to the wrong conclusions.’ ‘In the end, we didn’t need any treatments because DuoFertility had helped us conceive after only five months into the monitoring programme’ After receiving her kit, Lara quickly found DuoFertility was really simple to use. ‘I do lots of swimming and exercise so at first I was unsure how I would get on with attaching the sensor every day. My bra strap secured the sensor in place and so I felt comfortable wearing it. I soon forgot I was wearing the sensor at all.’ Lara wanted to share her experiences with others to encourage them to consider what DuoFertility can offer. ‘I have talked to colleagues about DuoFertility. They confided in me about their infertility issues after I opened up about my own journey. I knew they could also benefit from the support DuoFertility gave me.’ DuoFertility is an extremely accurate yet simple to use fertility monitoring service. Get the convenience of fertility predictions up to six days in advance of your fertile window, giving you plenty of time to plan ahead. As well as the fertility predictions, the monitor confirms ovulation actually occurred which is that extra reassurance your cycle is working as it should be. From the comfort of your own home, your plug-in device connects to the DuoFertility Centre via your computer. The team of fertility experts will review any unusual patterns in the menstrual cycle in case there are reasons to follow up on testing or treatment with your doctor – which can help avoid any further delays in conceiving. The DuoFertility Money back guarantee Qualifying couples can apply to use DuoFertility on a 12 month programme with the promise of their money back if they don’t manage to conceive naturally The reassuring element to DuoFertility is that all couples can seek advice from the expert team whenever they have questions. This includes being able to ask the team of advisers whether DuoFertility is suitable in exactly your own situation. Find out if DuoFertility is right for you by using the online tool Article: 18th August 2012 www.duofertility.com

DuoFertility - Your very own fertility PA

A new fertility product to help you conceive naturally How the DuoFertility programme can help you overcome the fertility challenge and take control of an emotional journey. Lara’s story Lara heard about DuoFertility from her mum, after she read about it in the paper. ‘DuoFertility was just what I needed. I wanted to be reassured that I was actually ovulating and if possible avoid, or even just identify whether I might need fertility treatment. DuoFertility helped us do this effectively and in the shortest amount of time possible so we didn’t delay.’ DuoFertility kept a close eye on Lara’s cycles and the DuoFertility reports gave her the information she was looking for. ‘It was great to see that I was ovulating every month and this really put my mind at rest, especially because I knew age was a big factor in fertility.’ ‘I really liked being able to ring up and speak to someone about my charts too for that extra detail about my cycles. Although I thought I was reading the graphs properly, it was reassuring to talk things through with a fertility advisor to make sure I didn’t come to the wrong conclusions.’ ‘In the end, we didn’t need any treatments because DuoFertility had helped us conceive after only five months into the monitoring programme’ After receiving her kit, Lara quickly found DuoFertility was really simple to use. ‘I do lots of swimming and exercise so at first I was unsure how I would get on with attaching the sensor every day. My bra strap secured the sensor in place and so I felt comfortable wearing it. I soon forgot I was wearing the sensor at all.’ Lara wanted to share her experiences with others to encourage them to consider what DuoFertility can offer. ‘I have talked to colleagues about DuoFertility. They confided in me about their infertility issues after I opened up about my own journey. I knew they could also benefit from the support DuoFertility gave me.’ DuoFertility is an extremely accurate yet simple to use fertility monitoring service. Get the convenience of fertility predictions up to six days in advance of your fertile window, giving you plenty of time to plan ahead. As well as the fertility predictions, the monitor confirms ovulation actually occurred which is that extra reassurance your cycle is working as it should be. From the comfort of your own home, your plug-in device connects to the DuoFertility Centre via your computer. The team of fertility experts will review any unusual patterns in the menstrual cycle in case there are reasons to follow up on testing or treatment with your doctor – which can help avoid any further delays in conceiving. The DuoFertility Money back guarantee Qualifying couples can apply to use DuoFertility on a 12 month programme with the promise of their money back if they don’t manage to conceive naturally The reassuring element to DuoFertility is that all couples can seek advice from the expert team whenever they have questions. This includes being able to ask the team of advisers whether DuoFertility is suitable in exactly your own situation. Find out if DuoFertility is right for you by using the online tool Article: 18th August 2012 www.duofertility.com

Eating avocados can triple chance of IVF success

Eating avocados and dressing salads with olive oil could help women trying to have a baby through IVF, researchers claim. Foods typically eaten as part of the Mediterranean diet may triple the chances of success for women having the fertility treatment. A study found monounsaturated fat – found in olive oil, sunflower oil, nuts and seeds – was better than any other kind of dietary fat for would-be mothers. Those who ate the highest amounts were 3.4 times more likely to have a child after IVF than those who ate the lowest amounts. In contrast, women who ate mostly saturated fat, found in butter and red meat, produced fewer good eggs for use in fertility treatment. US experts behind the study believe monounsaturated fats – which are already known to protect the heart – could improve fertility by lowering inflammation in the body. The study was presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Istanbul. It was carried out at Harvard School of Public Health, funded by the US National Institutes of Health. Study leader Professor Jorge Chavarro said: ‘The best kinds of food to eat are avocados, which have a lot of monounsaturated fat and low levels of other sorts of fat, and olive oil.’ He said the study was small, but the findings merited further investigation. ‘While these results are interesting, this is the first time to our knowledge that dietary fats have been linked to treatment outcome in IVF,’ he said. Prof Chavarro said higher levels of monounsaturated fat were linked to higher live birth rates, which ‘ultimately people are looking for’. The study took place among 147 women having IVF at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center. Their intake of different dietary fats was recorded and the outcome of fertility treatment compared between the highest and lowest third of intake in each category. Women eating the highest levels of all types of fat had fewer good eggs available for use in treatment. Prof Chavarro said the link was driven by saturated fat intake, while high levels of polyunsaturated fat consumption produced poorer quality embryos. Higher intakes of monounsaturated fat were linked to a 3.4 times higher live birth rate than those with the lowest intake. For those eating least, monounsaturated fat made up nine per cent of calories in their diet while it comprised a quarter for those eating the most. Prof Chavarro said ‘Different types of fat are known to have different effects on biological processes which may influence the outcome of assisted reproduction - such as underlying levels of inflammation or insulin sensitivity. ‘However, it is not clear at this moment which biological mechanisms underlie the associations we found.’ He said fish remained a source of ‘good’ omega 3 fatty acids, although the study was not able to pin down its contribution. Article: 4th July 2012 www.dailymail.co.uk

New Fertility programme, DuoFertility, is now available to American couples to help them get pregnant.

Over two million American couples are having problems getting pregnant.[1] The standard treatment which can help these couples conceive is in-vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF can change lives but can also be very emotionally, physically and financially draining. The DuoFertility programme is a highly effective method to help couples conceive. The programme is totally non-invasive and drug free, yet published studies have shown a pregnancy rate similar to that of a cycle of IVF after just six months of use[2]. It uses a revolutionary sensor to monitor a woman’s body 24 hours a day, indicating the couple’s most fertile days, giving couples the very best chance of getting pregnant. Fertility experts review the data with the couples regularly to provide feedback. Studies have shown that DuoFertility can help 8 out of 10 infertile couples, including half of all those seeking invasive clinical procedures such as IVF2. DuoFertility has helped hundreds of couples get pregnant in Europe. Now that same help is available to American couples for $795. In the US, a single cycle of IVF will cost on average $15,000 to the couple and is rarely covered by health insurance, leaving many American couples struggling to afford fertility treatment. At one-twentieth the cost of a single cycle of IVF, DuoFertility has the potential to help millions of American couples to turn their dreams of a family into reality. To find out if DuoFertility can help you get pregnant, you can use the DuoFertility suitability tool here. You can purchase DuoFertility, which is FDA cleared, from the US on the DuoFertility website or the Pride Angel website. [1] Centers for Disease Control and Preventio (CDC) :http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/fertile.htm [2] Chausiaux et al., “Pregnancy Prognosis in Infertile Couples on the DuoFertility Programme Compared with In Vitro Fertilisation/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection”, European Obstetrics & Gynaecology 2011;6(2):92-4 online PDF: http://bit.ly/IfjFiY Article: 3rd July 2012 www.duofertility.com.us

Vitamin D may help infertile couples conceive study shows

Vitamin D may help couples conceive a study has found. Couples trying for a baby should take a sunshine holiday as sunlight boosts fertility in both men and women by increasing their levels of vitamin D. Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is also key to balancing sex hormones in women and improving sperm count in men, according to researchers.
For women, vitamin D helps boost levels of the female sex hormones progesterone and oestrogen by 13 per cent and 21 per cent respectively, regulating menstrual cycles and making conception more likely. Fathers-to-be increase their fertility by going into the sun, too – because vitamin D is essential for the healthy development of each sperm’s nucleus.

It also increases levels of the male sex hormone testosterone, improving a man’s libido, according to the review of several studies, published this week in the European Journal of Endocrinology. The vitamin’s effect on both male and female sex hormones may explain why conception rates fall in the winter and peak in the summer in Northern European countries, say the researchers at the Medical University of Graz in Austria.

In their own study of nearly 2,300 men, they also found that levels of testosterone and vitamin D peaked in August and were lowest in March, just after the winter. Women have been found to ovulate less – and their eggs have a reduced chance of implanting in the womb – in the winter months. The link between sunshine and fertility has also been found in animal studies, the review states. Female rodents kept in total darkness have been found to be less fertile and have more pregnancy complications. In male rats raised with no sunlight, the number of successful matings drops by 73 per cent.

Fertility problems affect one in seven couples in the UK. In four out of ten cases, the difficulty lies with the male partner. Although vitamin D can be obtained in small quantities by eating oily fish, eggs and liver, about 80 per cent of the amount the body needs is obtained via a chemical process that happens when the UVB rays in sunlight are absorbed by the skin.

So how is the best way of getting your optimum levels of Vitamin D? The first option should always be through nature, which as everyone knows is through the sun. However, we live in the UK where we do not get adequate sun light to obtain vitamin D. Even in the summer, most people seek to get their sun at the wrong time of day.

The 2 types of sun rays we are concerned about are UVA and UVB. UVA rays are the ones that are more likely to cause skin problems. UVB rays are strongest when the sun is highest in the sky, which is what we are looking for in order for our skin to produce vitamin D.

Never getting sunburn is the idea, as you should build up your tan and resistance gradually to fulfil your body’s vitamin D potential.

Clare and Donovan Blake from the Natural Fertility Program & Retreat, based in Essex say 'It is pretty hard to get adequate vitamin D levels living in the UK, and food sources do not provide high enough levels, therefore supplementation is required. As always, practitioner supplements are recommended to ensure good quality. You should always take Vitamin D with fat.'

Read more about fertility and Vitamin D or visit www.naturalfertilityprogram.co.uk for more ways to boost your fertility naturally

TV Presenter conceived 'miracle baby' naturally, just weeks after stopping IVF

She spent two years undergoing IVF treatment, and after four failed attempts thought she had lost all hope of becoming a mother So it’s little wonder Kate Silverton looks overjoyed as she shows off the baby she never thought she would have – conceived naturally within weeks of stopping the treatment.
The 41-year-old BBC presenter, who is married to Michael Heron, a former Royal Marine, gave birth to daughter Clemency in November, describing her pregnancy as a ‘miracle’. ‘I still can’t quite believe that she’s here,’ she said. ‘Seeing her smile melts me to the core. It’s the culmination of everything I ever dared imagine or hope for.

‘When I have her in my arms, feeding her in the early hours, with Mike sleeping by my side, I look down at her little face and still feel overwhelmed by what’s happened.’ ‘Whether it’s the beaming smile I get when I lean over her crib in the morning or when her bottom lip trembles if she’s uncertain about something, I just live for those moments now. She’s just adorable.’

Doctors warned Miss Silverton she would struggle to conceive naturally after she had to undergo surgery to remove one of her ovaries. She then underwent four rounds of IVF, but they all failed and the couple stopped the treatment – only for Clemency to be conceived naturally soon afterwards.

Miss Silverton said: ‘I’m not sure how this happened, but I will give thanks every day for the rest of my life that I have experienced giving birth and now have a daughter. ‘It’s heartbreaking to know there are so many couples out there who face the same difficulties as we did and I wish that I could spread some of our good fortune to them.’

The TV star has yet to hire any help with the baby insisting that she and Heron, 44, wanted to do as much as possible themselves. She said: ‘We chose not to have any help as we like the idea of working as a team with her, to learn as much as we could instinctively, although I admit it has been a rather steep learning curve.’ Miss Silverton wed Mr Heron in December 2010 at St Bride’s Church in Fleet Street – two years after they began dating.

Article: 23rd January 2012 www.dailymail.co.uk

Are we heading for an Infertility Epidemic?

Research figures published in 2005 stated that by 2015, 33% of the population would be infertile. Now, as we head into 2012, we are only 3 years away, so, are we still heading for this infertility epidemic and why?

Since the introduction of industrial, agricultural and household chemicals in the 1960’s, we have continued to be exposed to an increasing number of toxic chemicals; in turn fertility problems have risen continually every year. Today, an average 30 yr old female in Britain has at least 500 potentially dangerous man made chemicals in a fat sample, whereas an Egyptian mummy has none. Likewise, men in western countries have half the sperm production of their grandfathers at the same age. This information alone is reason enough to understand why we are becoming infertile.

Dr. Alan Beer, a world renowned Immunologist, stated in his 2006 book “Is your body baby friendly?”, that as much as 40% of unexplained infertility may be the result of immune problems, as are as many as 80% of unexplained pregnancy losses. Immune problems may be lying dormant and there may be an imbalance causing disruption to your fertility which you and your GP may be unaware of it. An imbalanced immune system may be attacking any successful attempts of conception; therefore the body is in conflict with itself and needs to be rebalanced. With 80% of our immune system residing in the Digestive System, this highlights the importance of good digestion to aid in strengthening Immunity.

With an abundance of food choices today, our diets are often lacking in nutrients which directly affects successful conception and pregnancy. There have been several recent articles in the press about the increase of rickets due to vitamin D deficiency in pregnant mothers. Vitamin D deficiency is on the increase impacting the health of the Egg & Sperm and causing fertility problems.

Infertility is a modern day problem; our lifestyles, poor diets and lack of understanding of health are not conducive to fertility.

Article: 22nd December 2011 by Clare & Donovan Blake www.naturalfertilityprogram.co.uk

IVF not needed for many infertile couples - DuoFertility study shows

A new study published in European Obstetrics & Gynaecology shows that just six months using the DuoFertility monitor and service gives the same chance of pregnancy as a cycle of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) for many infertile couples. This study demonstrates that there is a viable non-invasive, drug-free alternative to IVF for thousands of couples, with the potential to save them (and the NHS) millions of pounds each year.

The paper is the first peer-reviewed publication of clinical pregnancy rates using the new DuoFertility product and service. Lead author, Dr. Oriane Chausiaux said “The results show that for couples suffering from unexplained infertility as well as a variety of other factors, twelve months using DuoFertility yields a higher clinical pregnancy rate than a cycle of IVF.” Not only is IVF invasive for the woman and demeaning for the man, but for many couples it is a procedure needlessly costing the NHS, or the couple themselves, thousands of pounds. A typical cycle of IVF in the private sector costs £7,000 all up. By comparison the DuoFertility program offers a year of monitoring and support for £500 - and it comes with a 12-month money-back pregnancy guarantee.

The publication coincides with the 200th reported pregnancy by users of DuoFertility, which was celebrated at the weekend with a party hosted by medical personality Dr. Miriam Stoppard. Dr. Stoppard, addressing the assembled parents and parents-to-be, said "[it is] the first product or service that I have seen in this arena which truly wraps around all of the needs of the couple, from the medical monitoring, to the review of this data by experts, and then the all-important emotional support that is provided."..."The results of the scientific studies on pregnancy rate are very encouraging, but do need to be followed up with live birth rates, and I look forward to seeing further research."

The authors of the study caution that although non-invasive and drug-free, DuoFertility is not suitable for all couples. Dr. Husheer, inventor of DuoFertility explained “although DuoFertility is suitable for around 80% of infertile couples, there are some couples with medically identified conditions that prevent natural conception, such as a woman with two blocked fallopian tubes. In these cases IVF is absolutely the right thing to do, enabling conception where it was previously a physical impossibility.”

About Cambridge Temperature Concepts Cambridge Temperature Concepts Limited (CTC) has developed a new kind of wireless physiological monitor, which measures body temperature, heat flow and movement with unprecedented resolution. The first application (DuoFertility) is in conception assistance for couples suffering infertility, however work is underway in areas as diverse as sleep quality monitoring, hypoglycemia detection, infection control and a range of veterinary applications. DuoFertility is a non-invasive, easy-to-use female fertility monitor. It is the most natural, convenient, and precise way of maximising the chances of getting pregnant.

CTC was founded by graduate students at the University of Cambridge in, winning business competitions at collegiate, university, regional and national levels prior to Angel funding. Less than 18 months later, the DuoFertility product had progressed from sheet-of-paper through medical device approvals, production prototype, Europe-wide trial, and had gained first direct-to-consumer sales.

Article: by Cambridge Temperature Concepts, 14th December 2011