Ground-breaking Infertility Study Confirms Laser Acupuncture Improves IVF Pregnancy Rates

Norwalk, CT (PRWEB) May 28, 2009 -- Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) announced today the results of a recently conducted survey that showed the use of laser acupuncture performed both before and after embryo transfer during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, improves a women's chances of implantation by up to 15%.

Acupuncture is the traditional Chinese method of using pin-point thin needles placed at strategic "energy points" around the body to improve functioning and promote natural healing. Growing medical evidence indicates that acupuncture may improve a woman's chance of conceiving when performed in conjunction with IVF fertility treatments. Today, acupuncture is frequently used by women with infertility issues to help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce stress and improve blood flow to the pelvic area and uterine lining.

The study, one of the largest clinical trials ever conducted on acupuncture, had 1,000 participants who were randomly assigned to one of five study groups. The first group received traditional acupuncture, the second group received laser acupuncture, while the third or "placebo group" thought (along with the acupuncturist and physician) that they also received laser acupuncture. The fourth, relaxation group lay in a dimly light room with soft music, and the last group received no treatment at all. All treatments were administered for 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer.

"The results of this large prospective study are exciting in that they provide additional support in showing that acupuncture has a direct effect on improving fertility," said Amy Matton, a licensed acupuncturist at RMACT. "Like traditional acupuncture, laser acupuncture uses low level light to regulate qi and help balance the body. Laser acupuncture is a viable alternative form of fertility treatment for people who may have a fear of needles."

"This exciting, first-of-its-kind study offers another tool to help couples achieve pregnancy, with only two painless treatments" said Dr. Mark Leondires, Medical Director at RMACT. "Our customized patient programs, personal attention, and leading research and technology, enable RMACT to provide each of our patients with the latest and most effective fertility treatment possible."

Currently, RMACT is the only fertility center in Connecticut to offer laser acupuncture. All of RMACT's licensed acupuncturists have been trained in the use of laser acupuncture. To make an appointment or to learn more, call (800) 865-5431, or email inquiries(at)rmact(dot)com

RMACT Fertility Clinic and Egg Donation offices specialize in the treatment of infertility. RMACT offers individualized treatment plans in a patient-focused and supportive environment. Fertility treatment support services, such as psychological counseling, acupuncture and yoga are also available. For more information visit http://www.rmact.com/

Source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/ivf-invitro-fertilization/infertility-treatment/prweb2465704.htm

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The importance of folate, zinc and antioxidants

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The importance of folate, zinc and antioxidants in the pathogenesis and prevention of subfertility

UV radiation destroys folic acid, a precursor for folate, the lack of which may result in birth defects.

Current treatments of subfertile couples are usually empiric, as the true cause of subfertility often remains unknown. Therefore, we outline the role of nutritional and biochemical factors in reproduction and subfertility. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Science Direct and bibliographies of published work with both positive and negative results.

The studies showed that folate has a role in spermatogenesis. In female reproduction, folate is also important for oocyte quality and maturation, implantation, placentation, fetal growth and organ development. Zinc has also been implicated in testicular development, sperm maturation and testosterone synthesis.

In females, zinc plays a role in sexual development, ovulation and the menstrual cycle. Both folate and zinc have antioxidant properties that counteract reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thiols, such as glutathione, balance the levels of ROS produced by spermatozoa and influence DNA compaction and the stability and motility of spermatozoa. Oocyte maturation, ovulation, luteolysis and follicle atresia are also affected by ROS.

After fertilization, glutathione is important for sperm nucleus decondensation and pronucleus formation. Folate, zinc, ROS and thiols affect apoptosis, which is important for sperm release, regulation of follicle atresia, degeneration of the corpus luteum and endometrial shedding.

Therefore, the concentrations of these nutrients may have substantial effects on reproduction. In conclusion, nutritional and biochemical factors affect biological processes in male and female reproduction. Further research should identify pathways that may lead to improvements in care and treatment of subfertility.

Read more: http://scienceblogs.com/gnxp/2009/04/folate_fertility_skin_color.php?utm_source=sbhomepage&utm_medium=link&utm_content=channellink

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Time of Implantation of the Conceptus and Loss of Pregnancy

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ABSTRACT

Background Implantation of the conceptus is a key step in pregnancy, but little is known about the time of implantation or the relation between the time of implantation and the outcome of pregnancy.

Results There were 199 conceptions, for 95 percent of which (189) we had sufficient data for analysis. Of these 189 pregnancies, 141 (75 percent) lasted at least six weeks past the last menstrual period, and the remaining 48 pregnancies (25 percent) ended in early loss. Among the pregnancies that lasted 6 weeks or more, the first appearance of chorionic gonadotropin occurred 6 to 12 days after ovulation; 118 women (84 percent) had implantation on day 8, 9, or 10. The risk of early pregnancy loss increased with later implantation (P<0.001).>

Among the 102 conceptuses that implanted by the ninth day, 13 percent ended in early loss. This proportion rose to 26 percent with implantation on day 10, to 52 percent on day 11, and to 82 percent after day 11.

Conclusions In most successful human pregnancies, the conceptus implants 8 to 10 days after ovulation. The risk of early pregnancy loss increases with later implantation.

Full Text: http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/340/23/1796

Source: http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/340/23/1796

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Vaginal Progesterone Equally Effective in Achieving Pregnancy Outcomes as Injectable in DE Cycles

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Vaginal Progesterone is Equally Effective in Achieving Pregnancy Outcomes as Injectable Progesterone in Donor Egg Cycles

A retrospective analysis conducted at a large infertility center evaluated pregnancy outcomes for 225 donor egg recipients

A retrospective analysis of anonymous oocyte (egg) donation cycles, comparing the pregnancy outcomes between vaginally-administered progesterone versus intramuscular (IM) progesterone injections, demonstrates that vaginally-administered progesterone and IM progesterone achieve equal pregnancy outcomes, according to data presented by Brian Berger, MD, Boston IVF, at the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society annual meeting in Rancho Mirage, CA. The retrospective study was supported by a grant from Columbia Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:CBRX).

“We found no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes between patients treated with vaginal progesterone versus progesterone administered intramuscularly,” said Dr. Berger. “Further, vaginal progesterone has the added advantage of avoiding painful intramuscular injections.”

In 225 egg donor cycles, 105 patients received vaginally-administered progesterone (CRINONE® 8% (a bioadhesive progesterone gel)) and 120 received IM progesterone. The implantation rate was 43.8% for vaginal progesterone versus 37.1% for IM progesterone (p=0.175). Recipients treated with vaginal progesterone achieved a 58.1% pregnancy rate and a 51.4% delivery rate, versus a 53.3% pregnancy rate (p=0.503) and a 48.3% delivery rate (p=0.689) for patients receiving IM progesterone. The pregnancy loss rate was 10.5% for patients using vaginal progesterone and 10.8% for IM progesterone users (p=1.00).

“This study clearly demonstrates that vaginal progesterone gel achieves the same pregnancy outcomes as progesterone administered via an intramuscular injection. This is important confirmation that CRINONE® 8% offers patients an efficacious and more convenient option for providing progesterone support in infertility treatment,” Berger added.

Boston IVF is one of America’s most successful fertility centers, providing patients with unparalleled medical care and the best experience with the expertise of premier doctors and professional staff, who are affiliated with Harvard Medical School. It is world renowned for its highly successful and innovative infertility treatments, highest quality service, state-of-the-art methods, ongoing scientific research, and on-site complementary healthcare at its Domar Center.

About Progesterone and Luteal Phase Support

Progesterone is the pregnancy hormone that creates a healthy environment in a woman’s uterus where a fertilized egg can implant and grow into a healthy baby. Most women undergoing infertility treatment need additional progesterone to help prepare the uterus for implantation and development of a fertilized egg.

Before ovulation, progesterone levels in a woman’s body remain relatively low, but rise after ovulation during the latter part of a woman’s menstrual cycle which is called the luteal phase. The luteal phase begins with the production of progesterone and ends with either pregnancy or menstruation, when the uterus sheds its lining. During pregnancy, progesterone helps to maintain the lining of the uterus, providing necessary nutrients to support and nurture a fertilized egg.

Source: http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080414005254&newsLang=en

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Pineapple Pregnancy

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They say it's actually the core of the pineapple that works best, not the pineapple itself. It's an enzyme called Bromelain, you can also take tablets from the health food store, but I don't know if it would work as well. Some say it needs to be fresh pineapple, because it is an enzyme.

However, some say that fresh pineapple, if eaten in excess could cause a miscarriage, as it can cause uterine cramping. So if you are going to try it, it might be better to stick to the following routine:

Quote:
Using Pineapple to Assist Implantation: Pineapple contains bromelain. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme that breaks up proteins that inhibit embryo implantation. Consuming a whole pineapple (focusing on the core as it has the highest concentration of Bromelain) during a fertility cycle can be beneficial.

For IVF [in vitro fertilization] cycle: one pineapple, divided into 5 portions - consume one portion each day, over five days, beginning on the day of your embryo transfer.

IUI [intra-uterine insemination] cycle: one pineapple, divided into 5 portions - consume one portion each day, over five days, beginning on the day of your IUI.

Timed intercourse cycle: one pineapple, divided into 5 portions - consume one portion each day, over five days, beginning on the day after ovulation.

Note: Be careful not to start consuming pineapple too early in the cycle. Beginning to consume pineapple BEFORE the recommended days above can actually affect your vaginal and cervical mucus PH, making it more acidic.

Source: http://dearreilly.blogspot.com/2007/08/pineapple-pregnancies.html

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The Best Pregnancy Tests

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(CBS) "Is it possible that I'm pregnant?" can be one of the most nerve-wracking questions for a woman to deal with. But with so many pregnancy tests on the market today, how can you tell which is relaiable?

Consumer Reports senior editor Nancy Metcalf talks about the best pregnancy tests available. Get the recommendations on Tuesday’s The Early Show.

Method:
All home pregnancy test kits use monoclonal antibodies to detect a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the developing placenta beginning on the day on which the embryo implants in the uterine wall. Concentrations of this pregnancy hormone vary widely from woman to woman, but the more sensitive tests can measure lower levels of hCG.

All 18 brands tested by "Consumer Reports" (CR) employ similar technology - most use sticks with absorbent wicks that are held directly in the urine stream, and most allow women to collect urine in a cup and then dip the stick. Regardless of collection method, reading the results is the same for every kit: if a line appears in the window after a specified number of minutes, the test is positive.

Working with an independent laboratory that specializes in hCG studies, CR spiked hCG-free urine with varying concentrations of the hormone "to mimic the range found in normal early pregnancies."

They tested each product at increasing levels of hCG concentration until a positive result was attained.

"We conducted the tests as instructed on each product's package insert," CR says. "Technicians read the results after the specified minimum wait - anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes, depending on the product - and then again at the maximum time allowed (10 minutes in all the products we tested)." Kits were rated on efficacy, ease of use, and ease of result readings.

Performance:
One kit, the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test, emerged as the most reliable and sensitive test. "It detected hCG at concentrations as low as 6.5 mIU/ml (thousandths of an International Unit per milliliter) - that's almost sensitive enough to detect any pregnancy soon after implantation," CR wrote. "Most other kits were far less sensitive - the five least sensitive tests couldn't detect hCG below concentrations of about 100 MIU/ml at their specified reading times. However, when we waited a full 10 minutes before reading the results, seven of the test kits performed much better than they did at the manufacturer's suggested waiting time."

Although all the kits were "easy to use," First Response and two other tests (Answer Quick & Simple and ClearBlue Easy) produced result lines that were more intense than others at lower concentrations of hCG, making them easiest to read.

In the end, First Response's Early Result Pregnancy test ($18.09/2 tests) came out on top, with an "Excellent" rating (winning an "excellent" score in hCG sensitivity, "good" in ease of reading, and "excellent" in 10-minute hCG sensitivity, with an overall recommendation of "best combination of sensitivity and reliability). Confirm's Pregnancy Test ($11.19/2 tests) scored lowest, with a final score of "Poor" ("fair," hCG sensitivity; "poor," ease of reading; and "fair," 10-minute hCG sensitivity, with some samples failing to work properly).

Ratings

First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test
($18.09 for two)
Consumer Reports Rating: Excellent

Confirm Pregnancy Test
($11.19 for two)
Consumer Reports Rating: Poor

Recommendations:
Although CR calls the First Response test "a superior choice," it warns, "Women need to use home pregnancy test kits with a clear understanding of their limitations."

It explains that testing for hCG is not the same in all women. In 10 percent of pregnant women, the embryo does not implant until after the first day of a missed period (and again, hCG is not produced until the embryo implants in the uterine wall).

"Until implantation, it doesn't matter how sensitive the test is," CR says, "You can't detect the pregnancy before it's producing the stuff that you're measuring, which is hCG."

Even pregnancies that have implanted may produce too little hCG for many at-home tests to detect, especially only a day or two after a missed period and when read after the manufacturer suggested waiting period specified in test packaging.

"Some kits improve in detection when read after a wait of 10 minutes, but waiting longer than that may produce a negative result that looks faintly, misleadingly positive," CR reports.

Moreover, about one-third to one-quarter of pregnancies implant for a short time, then fail. "That leads to a transient rise in hCG, which can extend for as long as two days after the day of the missed menstrual period."

Consumer Reports advises, "If you're comfortable waiting, a sensitive test taken a week after your period is overdue will almost certainly give you accurate results. If you elect to take the test as early as the day after you've missed your period, remember that a negative result isn't 100 percent certain. And a positive result may mean either a viable pregnancy or a pregnancy destined to end shortly after it began. With either of those results, you should plan on testing again a week later, just to be sure."

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/01/27/earlyshow/health/main538075.shtml

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