IntegraMed Conference Identifies 3 Trends That Will Transform Fertility Success Rates

The three trends in fertility treatment are:

1. Improved pregnancy rates with decreased multiple rates through metabolomics. With metabolomics, embryo quality can now be evaluated non-invasively to more accurately measure their quality. In doing so, only the most viable embryo needs to be transplanted rather than multiple embryos, thus improving pregnancy rates while significantly reducing the instances of multiples through in vitro fertilization (IVF).

2. Use of vitrification technology to successfully freeze eggs. One of the most exciting and long-awaited advances in fertility preservation is the ability to successfully freeze eggs via a technology called vitrification. Through vitrification, eggs are plunged in liquid nitrogen and instantly frozen, ensuring that this largely water-based cell does not form crystals that would expand and disrupt the egg’s membrane.

Dr. Schnorr predicts that within the next three to four years about 25% of all fertility preservation will utilize vitrification.

3. Improvement in the evaluation and treatment of severe male-factor infertility. Today 40 percent of infertility problems are attributed to the man. Procedures to improve the evaluation, risk assessment and treatment of severe male-factor infertility were discussed

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Mom holds key to sons fertility

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A man's fertility depends more on his mother's lifestyle than his own, research suggests.

A large-scale review of factors affecting sperm production found that how a woman looks after herself in pregnancy could have a major effect on her unborn baby's ability to father a child in adulthood.

Smoking and exposure to pesticides and traffic pollution all do more harm in the first weeks of life than in the adult body, according to Richard Sharpe, one of Britain's leading reproductive biologists.

Professor Sharpe also said that while damage done in adulthood can be undone by kicking bad habits, damage inflicted in the womb was probably permanent.

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Home-fertility test for men set to arrive in stores

Home fertility tests aren't just for women anymore.

A new device that looks a lot like home ovulation and home pregnancy tests but checks sperm count will soon be available in Europe, and is undergoing Food and Drug Administration review for marketing in the United States.

The test targets couples who have been trying to get pregnant for a few months, but aren't ready to seek professional help, according to Dr. John Herr of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, who helped develop the new test.

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Khat plant boosts sperm power

A chemical found in the khat plant could boost the power of men's sperm, researchers have found.

Lab tests by King's College London found treated sperm became fertile faster, and stayed fertile for longer, than untreated sperm.

Khat is mild narcotic, producing a high when chewed, but its use has been linked to long-term problems.

The study was presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference in Berlin.

The researchers say their findings could lead to products to help couples conceive.

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Research indicates soft drinks may damage male fertility

A study has indicated that high consumption of soft drinks may be the cause of reduced sperm quality in men

Young men who want to become fathers may want to cut their cola consumption, according to new Danish research results recently published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Doctors and scientists at Rigs hospital and at the University of Southern Denmark have found a probable correlation between high soft drink consumption and poor sperm quality.

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Understanding Sperm Count and Sperm Motility

Semen analysis, or sperm count testing, is part of a couple’s fertility work-up procedure. Semen analysis is easier and safer as compared to female fertility tests.

These sperm tests are usually done to measure the amount and the quality of sperm that is present in a male’s ejaculate. Semen analysis usually takes note of these characteristics: sperm count, motility, morphology, volume, fructose level and PH.

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Simple Ways to Healthy Sperm

Taking care of a man’s fertility is usually not an issue unless it comes to haunt you — like having no child after several years of marriage, for example. It is absolutely important for males to take care of their own sperm. Here are a few reminders to ensure healthy sperm:

• Avoid Cigarettes and Alcohol
• Exercise and Weight Management
• Keep Cool

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Get in tip-top shape and boost pregnancy chances

Spring is the season traditionally associated with new life but the combination of women choosing to delay family life and a drop in sperm count has complicated the conception process.

There are now around one in six couples that have difficulties in achieving a pregnancy and this figure is on the rise, making it vital for those trying for a baby to address certain areas of their lifestyle as they work at trying to boost their chances.

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Now, home fertility tests for men

The new home test kit, developed by University of Virginia Health System cell biologist John C Herr, based on a protein in sperm can assist couples in determining if a man's sperm count is normal, low, or very low.

SpermCheck Fertility recently underwent clinical and consumer studies to evaluate its accuracy and ease of use. The device is an advance on the SpermCheck Vasectomy technology, also developed by Herr, which is already cleared by the FDA. By measuring sperm levels at 20 million sperm per milliliter and 5 million sperm per milliliter, Herr says that men can determine if they have normal levels of sperm, low levels (between 5 million and 20 million per milliliter) and very low sperm levels (below 5 million).

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Free Test Your Fertility Day

Free Test Your Fertility Day on Saturday 6 March 2010
Being held at The London Women’s Clinic, Morton Park, Darlington, County Durham DL1 4PL

To reserve a place simply call 01325 371 070 or email darlington@londonwomensclinic.com
www.londonwomensclinic.com/darlington

"Our highly qualified team has over 20 years experience in managing fertility problems. Both male and female partners will be offered free preliminary investigations and an opportunity to speak with a fertility expert."

"All discussions will be held in the strictest of confidence; therefore it is a chance for you to ask questions and find out what treatment options are available to you."

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Why Haven't Infertile Couples Been Told These Facts?

Millions of people have celiac disease, but most don’t know they have it, in part because symptoms can be so varied. It is an often overlooked digestive disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, is eaten.

Infertility seems to be more common in women with untreated celiac disease. Other gynecological and obstetrical problems may also be more common, including miscarriages and preterm births.

For men, problems can include abnormal sperm -- such as lower sperm numbers, altered shape, and reduced function. Men with untreated celiac disease may also have lower testosterone levels.

The good news is that with proper treatment with a gluten-free diet and correction of nutritional deficiencies, the prognosis for future pregnancies is much improved.

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Lifestyle factors can impact male fertility

Getting enough sleep, reducing stress levels and improving diets can help boost a couple's chances of conceiving, experts say.

While many women are aware of ways to optimize their likelihood of falling pregnant, men often ignore the role of male fertility in the process of natural conception.

Yvonne Bishop-Weston, nutritionist for First Response, said that low numbers of sperm can be due to high stress hormones, which reduce the body's ability to stimulate sperm production.

She explained: "Poor motility or ability to swim prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. If sperm tests show no specific problem areas, but borderline levels, general nutritional fertility support can help maximize quality and quantity."

Adopting a diet rich in magnesium, antioxidants and low in saturated animal fats can help enhance male fertility, she added.

According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2008, there were increases in fertility rates for all age groups compared to the previous year.

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Obesity tied to poorer sperm quality

Studies have come to conflicting conclusions as to whether obesity impairs a man’s fertility. But several recent ones have found that obese men tend to have poorer quality sperm than leaner men do — including lower sperm counts and fewer progressively motile sperm, which refers to sperm that swim forward in a straight line rather than moving about aimlessly.

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Air Pollution Can Harm Human Reproduction

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As if more evidence was needed to combat air pollution caused from burning fossil fuels, two recently released reports articulate a human toll that may be higher than previously imagined.

The studies, both out of Brazil, measure how air pollution lowers fertility in men and can complicate pregnancies in women--problems likely to be compounded by the rapid urbanization taking place in the developing world where access to healthcare is much more limited.

With reproductive rights being such a hot-button topic internationally, it's a wonder why more attention isn't paid to combating pollution on this basis or why those responsible for perpetuating fossil-fuels aren't held culpable for endangering them.

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Daily sex helps to reduce sperm DNA damage and improve fertility

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Daily sex (or ejaculating daily) for seven days improves men’s sperm quality by reducing the amount of DNA damage, according to an Australian study presented today.

"The optimal number of days of ejaculation might be more or less than seven days, but a week appears manageable and favourable. It seems safe to conclude that couples with relatively normal semen parameters should have sex daily for up to a week before the ovulation date. In the context of assisted reproduction, this simple treatment may assist in improving sperm quality and ultimately achieving a pregnancy. In addition, these results may mean that men play a greater role in infertility than previously suspected, and that ejaculatory frequency is important for improving sperm quality, especially as men age and during assisted reproduction cycles"

Dr Greening said he thought the reason why sperm quality improved with frequent ejaculation was because the sperm had a shorter exposure in the testicular ducts and epididymis to reactive oxygen species – very small molecules, high levels of which can damage cells. "The remainder of the men who had an increase in DFI might have a different explanation for their sperm DNA damage" he concluded.

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Treating Infertility

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Male infertility is a problem that has been plaguing couples for a long time.

Thanks to medical breakthroughs, today, there are several methods to help couples conceive. According to consultant gynaecologist Dr Rishma Dhillon Pai, when a couple fails to conceive even a year after trying for a baby, it is labelled as infertility.

“The man is responsible for infertility in 30 to 40 per cent of the cases. The semen analysis may show low sperm count or movement (normal is more than 20 million sperms/ml and more than 50 per cent motility) or in some cases, no sperms in the semen sample,” she says.

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Fatherhood fears: Surge in diabetes could leave thousands of men infertile

When Neil James-Poole was diagnosed with diabetes, he knew the disease put him at greater risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.

But what he wasn’t expecting was that it would mean he might never be able to have children - a problem he didn’t learn of until it was almost too late.

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FREE INFERTILITY SEMINAR: Fertility Options: IVF & Mind-Body Seminar

During this free seminar, Dr. Perloe explores issues the diagnosis and treatment of infertility with ovulation induction, insemination and surgery as well as in vitro fertilization. You will learn about age related infertility, fallopian tube obstruction, male infertility, PCOS, endometriosis and use of donor sperm or donor eggs. Mind-Body issues will be discussed by holistic health counselor, nutrition expert and yoga teacher Wendy Brown as well as by Mark Schwartz, L.Ac, who is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. Learn how you can take a more active role in the fertility process.

Learn how you can afford fertility treatment. Although infertility treatment is not always covered by insurance, GRS offers many unique financial programs including ”Shared-Risk IVF” with a money-back option and the “No-Hidden-Fees IVF” which includes all frozen embryo transfer cycles and a second IVF cycle if necessary.

You will also have the opportunity to tour our state-of-the-art medical facilities, ask any questions you may have related to infertility and IVF and schedule a free, meet & greet with any of the GRS physicians.

Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm.
Location: 5445 Meridian Mark Road, Suite 270, Atlanta, GA 30342

Register online or tmitchell@ivf.com or 404-843-2229 x 154

For more information about:
Mark Perloe, M.D. - Wendy Brown - Mark Schwartz, L.Ac. 

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Hope for men with nonobstructive infertility

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It has been thought that men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), a lack of sperm in the semen not caused by an obstruction within the reproductive system, are poor candidates for IVF. Now, researchers writing in the open access journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology have shown that sperm from men with NOA and obstructive azoospermia (OA) are equally capable of producing embryos.

Nina Desai led a team of researchers from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation who carried out an in-depth analysis of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using frozen sperm taken from the testes of 44 men with OA and 17 men with NOA. They found that, although fertilization rates were slightly improved in the OA group, there were no significant differences in implantation rates or clinical pregnancy rates. According to Desai, "The high implantation rate per embryo transferred and the resultant live births attest to the quality of embryos being produced with both types of surgically retrieved sperm".

In addition to evaluating the feasibility of NOA sperm, the researchers were also able to study paternal effect on genomic activation. One of the earliest morphologic indicators of embryonic genome activation is increased cell-to-cell adherence at the 8-cell stage, leading to compaction. Desai said, "Interestingly, we found that embryonic compaction was similar in all three groups. These results suggest that zygotic activation is independent of sperm origin and type of azoospermia".

1. Paternal effect on genomic activation, clinical pregnancy and live birth rate after ICSI with cryopreserved epididymal versus testicular spermatozoa
Nina Desai, Faten AbdelHafez, Edmund Sabanegh and James Goldfarb
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology (in press)
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Tackling the male fertility taboo

A conference at Queen's University in Belfast is to discuss the growing problem of male infertility. BBC Northern Ireland health correspondent Marie-Louise Connolly explores a sensitive problem.

"It becomes a very, very dark place that you go into - you think it must be your wife that has the problem - never do you think it could be you the man," William Steenson told me.

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