Alternative Medicine and Supplements - TTC

<h2>Acupuncture helps fertility</h2>
<p>Recent studies show that acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medicine treatment that relies on the painless but strategic placement of tiny needles can improve fertility and treat infertility. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine treatment that relies on the painless but strategic placement of tiny needles into a "grid-like" pattern that spans the body, from head to toe.</p>
<p>Acupuncture needles are used to stimulate certain key "energy points" believed to regulate spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical balance. And, for many women, it's often just what the doctor ordered.</p>
<p>In a study by Stener-Victorin et al from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology Fertility Centre, Scandinavia and the University of Gothenburg, women are encouraged to receive acupuncture treatments pre and post embryo transfer.</p>
<p>Clinical observations from the Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness suggest that the most effective fertility treatments involve a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional medical interventions. However, conception does sometimes occur when acupuncture and herbal medicines are used without traditional medical interventions.</p>
<h2>Risks of acupuncture&nbsp;</h2>
<p>There are minimal risks when using acupuncture for fertility treatment and those wishing to include acupuncture in their treatment regimen should only be treated by an acupuncturist who specializes in treating fertility disorders.</p>
<p>Acupuncture is often combined with herbs to treat elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), repeated pregnancy loss, unexplained (idiopathic) infertility, luteal phase defect, hyperprolactinemia (when not caused by a prolactinoma), <a title="Polycystic ovarian syndrom (PCOS)" href="/pcos-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-diagnosis-and-treatment">polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) </a>with anovulatory cycles, and male factor including men affected with sperm-DNA-fragmentation.</p>


Recent sudies show that acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medicine treatment that relies on the  painless but strategic placement of tiny needles can improve fertility and treat infertility.

Acupuncture to Treat Infertility and Improve Fertility

<p>BARCELONA - There is insufficient evidence to say whether acupuncture helps women conceive when undergoing fertility treatments, British researchers told a conference on Tuesday.</p>
<p>A review of 13 studies showed there was not enough evidence to say acupuncture boosts pregnancy rates during in vitro fertilization treatments, said Sesh Sunkara, a researcher at Guy's Hospital in London.</p>
<p>"The current available evidence is not conclusive," she told reporters at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology meeting</p>
<p>Her analysis included nearly 2,500 women who received acupuncture in hopes of boosting their chance of pregnancy after in-vitro fertilization -- the procedure known as test-tube baby treatment.</p>
<p>Sunkara said several studies suggested that women who used acupuncture were less tired and needed fewer painkillers after in vitro fertilization but her review focused only on pregnancy rates.</p>
<p>Acupuncture is based on Chinese theories of energy flow through the body, or qi, and has been scientifically shown to work to help patients with nausea caused by anesthetics during surgery or caused by chemotherapy or to relieve dental pain.</p>

Some studies show that acupuncture may improve fertility, but a recent study shows that there is no clear enough information available whether acupuncture works or not.

 Impact of Acupuncture on Infertility

<h2>What are scented oils used for?</h2>
<p>Scented oils are used for much more than sweet-smelling aromas around the home and on the skin. In alternative medicine, some essential scented oils are used to improve health or treat certain health conditions. When choosing scented oils during pregnancy, it is important to understand which oils are considered safe for use during pregnancy and which should be avoided until after giving birth.</p>
<p>Safe essential scented oils include chamomile, geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli, patchouli, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, frankincense, and rose. Each provides a different source of energy, revitalization, or calming. Ylang-Ylang, for instance, typically calms the body and mind. This essential scented oil could be used to fight off insecurities and anxieties during pregnancy.</p>
<h2>Beware of these scented oils during pregnancy</h2>
<p>Scented oils considered unsafe for use during pregnancy are typically used to evoke some sort of response from the pregnant woman when used as an alternative treatment. Scented oils considered unsafe during pregnancy include:</p>
<ul>
<li><em>Fennel</em> – Believed to increase estrogen levels. Increased estrogen levels can cause preterm labor or miscarriage.</li>
<li><em>Clary Sage</em> – May alter the flow of blood between mother and placenta. May also trigger early contractions.</li>
<li><em>Sage</em> – Has been used in alternative medicine to cause labor. It is believed safe can change hormones levels in the body to mirror changes that occur during the natural labor process.</li>
<li><em>Hyssop</em> – Associated with seizures in pregnant women and disruption of fetal neurological development.</li>
<li><em>Rosemary</em> – Increases heart rate. As a stimulant, this scented oil is especially dangerous for women suffering from high blood pressure during pregnancy.</li>
</ul>
<p>Many pregnant women do not think twice about applying scented oils to the skin or burning them in the home. In certain cultures, scented oils are used to evoke hallucinations and other neurological effects during prayer ceremonies. These same oils may smell fantastic on the skin or in the home, but are not safe for a pregnant woman.</p>

When choosing scented oils during pregnancy, it is important to  understand which oils are considered safe for use during pregnancy and  which should be avoided until after giving birth.

Scented Oils During Pregnancy

<p>About 85% of couples get pregnant within one year, but 1 in 7 couples take longer than a year to get pregnant. The good news is that you <span>can improve your fertility in 7 simple steps in less than 4 weeks:</span></p>
<h5><a href="http://www.babymed.com/getting-pregnant/how-to-get-pregnant-babymed-fertility-university-fertility-101">Fertility 101</a> - 12+ lessons for finding out how to get pregnant faster</h5>
<h5>&nbsp;</h5>
<ul>
<li>
<h2><a href="#isitinfertility"><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">Is it infertility?</span></a></h2>
</li>
<li>
<h2><a href="#needfertilitytips"><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">How do you know if you need fertility tips? &nbsp;</span></a></h2>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>&nbsp;<strong>1. Control Your Weight</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-size: 12px;">Being under or overweight decreases your fertility, and maintaining an optimal weight improves your fertility. The best way to find out whether you weigh too much or not is to calculate your body mass index, the BMI. Calculate it </span><a style="font-size: 12px;">HERE</a><span style="font-size: 12px;">.<br></span>Losing some pounds is cheaper than expensive fertility treatments, PLUS with a betterw eight you decrease major pregnancy complications and significantly improve your chances having a healthy baby. So why not try it first?<a id="timingofintercourse" style="font-size: 1.28571em; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;" name="timingofintercourse"></a></p>
<h2><strong>2. SEX: Timing of Intercourse in Relation to Ovulation</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-size: 12px;">First of all do you know your fertile days? Do you ovulate? Do you hav e a regular menstrual cycle?<br></span>Your fertile days are the 5-6 days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation. Many couples don’t seem to realize that you need to make love regularly to improve your fertility. That means making love regularly throughout the menstrual cycles and more frequently, probably every 24-48 hours during your fertile days.&nbsp;<br>The egg can only be fertilized for about 24 hours after ovulation but sperm can live in the lower portion of a woman's reproductive tract up to five days. You can potentially increase your chances of conceiving by making love during the 2-3 days prior to ovulation.</p>
<p>Finding out when you ovulate is the key:</p>
<ul>
<li>Create your own <a>Fertility and Ovulation Calendar</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.babymed.com/fertility-awareness/introduction-fertility-charting">Chart your basal body temperature (BBT)</a></li>
<li>Chart your fertility signs like symptoms and cervical mucus:</li>
<li>Use Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs)<a id="improvehishealth" style="font-size: 1.28571em; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;" name="improvehishealth"></a></li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>3. Improve HIS Health and Get Him Tested</strong></h2>
<p>It takes two to get pregnant. Over 50% of infertile couples have a male issues. Which means that if he doesn't have enough sperms or his sperms are not healthy enough then your chances getting pregnant significantly decline. Do a <a>sperm count</a> and find out if his sperms are healthy and if he has enough of them. &nbsp;<a>Follow these ten tips to improve his sperm count.</a></p>
<ul>
<li>Get him checked for varicocele</li>
<li>Remove all toxins from his diet</li>
<li>Add a vitamin and herbal supplement to his diet</li>
<li>Make him lose weight if he is overweight</li>
<li>Keep the testes cool<a id="testyourfertility" style="font-size: 1.28571em; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;" name="testyourfertility"></a></li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>4. Test Your Fertility at Home</strong></h2>
<p>There are several easy ways to quickly assess major aspects of your fertility at home.</p>
<ul>
<li>Do a Basal Body Temperature Fertility Chart</li>
<li>Check your LH levels</li>
<li>Measure his sperms</li>
<li>Check your vaginal pH<a id="eathealthy" style="font-size: 1.28571em; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;" name="eathealthy"></a></li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>5. &nbsp;Stay Away From These Toxins and Eat A Healthy Diet</strong></h2>
<p>Alcohol and smoking decrease fertility, make it less likely to get pregnant and increase pregnancy complications once you get pregnant.</p>
<ul>
<li>Stop smoking. It is common knowledge that smoking is bad for your health, but studies have also shown that women who smoke are less fertile than those who do not. Also, women whose mothers smoked during their pregnancies are less likely to conceive.</li>
<li>Reduce alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol, even in moderation, can decrease fertility. The results of once study show a greater than 50% reduction in the probability of conception when the participants consumed alcohol.</li>
</ul>
<p>You are what you eat and many doctors now believe a healthy diet PLUS supplements like folic acid can improve your fertility.</p>
<h2><strong>So what should you eat?</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>More monounsaturated fats (like olive oil) and less trans fats (like the kind found in many baked goods or fast foods).</li>
<li>Increase intake of vegetable protein (like soy), while reducing animal protein (like red meat).</li>
<li>More high fiber, low-glycemic foods — like whole grains, vegetables, and some fruits, while reducing the intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars.</li>
<li>Consume moderate amounts of high-fat dairy products — like ice cream, whole milk, and cheese.</li>
<li>No more caffeine. Studies have shown that women who drink excessive amounts of caffeine have delayed conception. In one study, women who drank more than one cup of coffee per day had a 50% reduction in fertility compared to those who did not consume coffee.</li>
</ul>
<p>Take your vitamins. Especially vitamin E. Women trying to conceive should take a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin in addition to vitamin E. When couples were given vitamin E in one study, their fertility increased significantly.</p>
<p>Try herbal supplements. Herbs like Vitex (Vitamins AND Vitex are in <strong><a>FertilAid</a></strong>), have been used to successfully increase fertility.</p>
<p>The right diet can made a difference because the majority of women experiencing ovulatory dysfunction were also suffering from undiagnosed or sub clinical PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), a condition related to insulin resistance that also affects ovulation.</p>
<p>Check your current prescriptions. Some medications can interfere with fertility. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to see if your current medications could be hindering your chances of conception.<a id="reducestress" style="font-size: 1.28571em; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;" name="reducestress"></a></p>
<h2><strong>6. Reduce Stress</strong></h2>
<p>It’s rarely healthy to live with a lot of stress and the relationship between stress and infertility is less clear. But there are several studies showing that reducing stress may improve fertility.</p>
<p>What can you do to reduce Stress?</p>
<ul>
<li>Cook</li>
<li>Get regular massages</li>
<li>Exercise</li>
<li>Take long weekends off</li>
<li>Listen to music</li>
<li>Do yoga</li>
<li>Read and write journals</li>
<li>Garden</li>
<li>Pamper yourself</li>
<li>Spend more time with your family and friend</li>
<li>Hold hands with your partner<a id="acupuncture" style="font-size: 1.28571em; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;" name="acupuncture"></a></li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>7. Acupuncture</strong></h2>
<p>There are some studies done in women with fertility treatments which show that acupuncture can improve fertility. If after a a thorough fertility work-up no specific reason for your infertility has been found, why not try acupuncture? There is little harm to use these methods and it can save you money getting pregnant.<a id="isitinfertility" style="font-size: 1.28571em; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;" name="isitinfertility"></a></p>
<h2><strong>Is it Infertility?</strong></h2>
<p>If you are not pregnant after one year (or 6 months if over age 35) of carefully-timed unprotected sex, it is recommended to seek medical advice from an OB/GYN.</p>
<p>Most infertile couples have one or more of these 3 problems:</p>
<ol>
<li>Sperm issues</li>
<li>Ovulation issues</li>
<li>Fallopian tube issues</li>
</ol>
<p>But in many infertile couples no specific reason for their infertility is found, even after having had many tests. What is important is to know exactly when to continue trying to get pregnant and when to <a>see an infertility specialist</a>.</p>
<p>Take our interactive test to find out if you should <strong><a title="Specialist Tool" href="/tools/fertility-specialist">see a specialist </a><a>HERE</a>.</strong></p>
<p>There are a lot of available information aimed at helping women to have a baby. These tips range from choosing the best time and way to conceive to ensure that our developing babies will be at their best. Some of these advices are based on science, while some have its roots on traditional and alternative medicine.<a id="needfertilitytips" style="font-size: 1.28571em; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;" name="needfertilitytips"></a></p>
<h2><strong>Who Needs Fertility Tips?</strong></h2>
<p>The question now becomes, who really needs these getting pregnant fertility help tips? I have identified a number of groups of men and women who need getting pregnant fertility help tips and treatment.</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Women with irregular menses</strong><br>These women include those who have very prolonged periods of bleeding (menorrhagia) and those who have no menses at all (amenorrhea). A regular monthly cycle is a suggestive evidence that a woman is ovulating. Eighty percent of the time, ovulation occurs once each month in these women.<br><br>Hormonal imbalance is the main reason behind a woman's irregular menstruation. The hormones estrogen and progesterone, aided by the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), follow a carefully orchestrated pattern which results in ovulation. If fertilization does not occur, our menses will come 2 weeks after.<br><br>Fertility among women with irregular menses greatly improves when their menses are regularized. A lot of synthetic hormone preparations, especially that of progesterone, are available now. If you do not wish to take these, the herb Vitex or chasteberry has been shown to stimulate hormone production back to its normal levels. Ginkgo biloba, Ladies' mantle, and Siberian ginseng are also believed to exert positive effects on our hormones.</li>
<li><strong>Obese women<br></strong>Obese women often have menstrual problems. Fat cells are an exogenous source of estrogen. Having too much estrogen exerts a negative feedback on the ovaries, which ultimately leads to anovulation. Women who are obese also often have difficult pregnancies. Obesity may be accompanied by hypertension and diabetes, two diseases which can adversely affect pregnancy outcomes.</li>
<li><strong>Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)<br></strong>PCOS is a condition characterized by oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, signs of hyperandrogenism, and infertility. The underlying mechanism behind this syndrome is the presence of too muchandrogenic hormones, which hamper ovulation and disrupts the normal menstrual cycle. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome are usually given ovulation-enhancing drugs, such as clomiphene citrate. Because women with PCOS are oftentimes obese, physicians would also advise these women to lose weight. Metformin, a drug oftentimes used for diabetes, may also be given to these women to boost their chances of getting pregnant. Women with PCOS will find it difficult to conceive naturally. These women are good candidates for getting pregnant fertility help.</li>
<li><strong>Women with endometriosis</strong><br>Most women with endometriosis will have difficulty in getting pregnant. Endometriosis may result in tubes being blocked, preventing fertilization. However, there are a lot of women with this condition who has conceived without any help. The seriousness of endometriosis does not correlate with the chances of getting pregnant. If you have endometriosis and has been endeavoring to get pregnant without success, your doctor may recommend that you undergo hysterosalpingogram or laparoscopy. These two procedures will help your doctor assess the patency of your tubes. If there is a block, you may opt to undergo a procedure called salpingoneostomy (to open up the block) or in vitro fertilization.</li>
<li><strong>Infertile couples</strong><br>Couples who have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive within one year are also candidates for getting pregnant fertility help. In couples older than 35 years old, they should seek fertility advice after 6 months of trying unsuccessfully.These are some people who should be getting pregnant fertility help. If you feel that you need help, consult an obstetrician-gynecologist or a urologist (for males) now. Don't forget that the odds of conceiving and fertility rate decrease with time.</li>
</ol>
<p>When you have been diagnosed with any of these issues, medications or<a title="in-vitro fertilization (IVF)" href="http://www.babymed.com/ivf/in-vitro-fertilization"> in-vitro fertilization (IVF)</a> can often help you get pregnant. For many others however there is no specific diagnosis and the problems are not so clear. In these cases other, less expensive treatments can often help your fertility and improve your chances getting pregnant. Before you try these steps below, we suggest you do our <a title="Interactive Specialist Test" href="http://www.babymed.com/tools/do-we-need-to-see-a-fertility-or-an-infertility-specialist-quiz">interactive specialist test </a>and see if you should see a specialist right away.</p>
<p><br><a title="Tryin to Conceive" href="http://www.babymed.com/getting-pregnant/trying-conceive-ttc"><strong>&lt; Trying to Conceive</strong></a></p>

You can improve your fertility in 7 simple steps in less than 4 weeks.

Seven Easy Steps to Improve Your Fertility and Get Pregnant

<p>When a woman is pregnant with multiples, like twins, she may be asked to eat more food or increase calorie intake to accommodate the extra fetus(es). By the time the last trimester rolls around, there is so little room in the stomach that eating a small meal, let alone 2,500 to 3,000 calories or more may seem impossible. A twin pregnancy diet requires very small, protein-rich meals eaten every two hours throughout the day.</p>
<p><strong>Upon Waking</strong><br>Before getting out of bed in the morning, the pregnancy diet starts with a healthy, protein-rich breakfast bar. Try to limit sugar intake in the twin pregnancy diet as sugar provides only empty calories with little nutritional value. Calories per bar should be around 200.</p>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>Breakfast</strong><br>On the twin pregnancy diet, it is important to consume as many calories as possible in the smallest package. Zero-carbohydrate protein powders are available from vitamin shops. These provide a healthy source of protein and calories. Mix sugar free orange juice with one scoop or 25 grams of protein. Calories per drink should be around100.</p>
<p>Scrambled eggs are another fantastic food on a twin pregnancy diet. Beat two eggs together and cook in one tablespoon of olive oil. The eggs provide protein and the olive oil is a healthy source of omega 3 fatty acids. Calories per serving should be around 275.</p>
<p><strong>Morning Snack</strong><br>With reduced stomach size, fruits and vegetables are difficult to add to a twin pregnancy diet. They contain lots of water that tend to fill up the stomach quickly. For a morning snack, try to drink a meal replacement shake and eat one cup of grapes. Calories per serving should be around 265.</p>
<p><strong>Lunch</strong><br>On a twin pregnancy diet you will consume many of your calories in liquid form. Liquid meal replacement shakes contain all the calories you need and keep the body hydrated. For lunch, consume one meal replacement shake and one meal replacement bar. The serving size is smaller, but the caloric impact is substantial. Calories per serving should be around 400.</p>
<p><strong>Afternoon Snack</strong><br>By the time afternoon rolls around the twin pregnancy diet focuses on healthy fruit and vegetable intake for the day. Have one meal replacement shake and one cup of baby carrots with two tablespoons of full-fat ranch dressing. Calories per serving should be around 470.</p>
<p><strong>Before Dinner Snack</strong><br>Before dinner rolls around, try to consume another cup of fruit or vegetables. You can choose one extra-large banana for a healthy snack. Calories per serving should be around 135.</p>
<p><strong>Dinner</strong><br>You have consumed more than enough protein for the day, so dinner can consist of soup with a healthy dose of vegetables. Try to consume two cans of vegetable soup during dinner. Chunky vegetable soups are the best. Calories in dinner should be around 550.</p>
<p><strong>After Dinner Snack</strong><br>After dinner, it is time to give you a treat for eating so well during the day. Serve yourself a slice of angel food cake with fresh strawberries and three tablespoons of full-fat whipped topping. Calories per serving should be around 200.</p>
<p>This twin pregnancy diet contains 2,595 calories per day. That is just enough calories to keep mom and baby healthy during the final trimester of pregnancy when fetal growth is accelerated and the pregnant woman has a smaller stomach.</p>

A twin pregnancy diet requires very small, protein-rich meals eaten every two hours throughout the day.

Examples of a Twin Pregnancy Diet

<html><head></head><body><h2>Planning for pregnancy</h2>
<p>We do so much planning and preparation before we cook our favorite holiday meals. Just consider how much we plan our Thanksgiving dinner. We often have an extensive list and purchase just the right ingredients, the perfect cut of meat, the ideal spices, and the best cookware. Once we get started, we measure carefully and stir consistently to cook that meal to absolute perfection. While the dinner might last a few hours, the preparation can take weeks in advance. Ironically, we follow dinner recipes to a tee, yet most pregnancies follow the "<em>just do it</em>" principle.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Many people think of just 3 trimesters when it comes to pregnancy, but in reality, there are actually 6 trimesters! The time before, during, and after pregnancy. The <a href="https://babymed.com/pretrimester-pregnancy-guide">pre-trimester is one of the most important trimesters</a>, and it can help determine the remaining 5, and also help ensure a healthy pregnancy.<strong><br></strong></p>
<p>babyMed wants to change the "just do it" principle by getting you ready for pregnancy in advance. We will help you learn all the right "ingredients" to whip up a healthy and happy pregnancy.</p>
<p>Read on!</p>
<p></p>
<h2>Pre-trimester basics</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/pretrimester-checklist-before-you-get-pregnant">The Six Trimesters Of Pregnancy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/preconception/what-is-pre-trimester">What Is the Pre-trimester?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/pretrimester-checklist-before-you-get-pregnant">Pre-Trimester Checklist: Before You Get Pregnant</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/preconception/what-preconception-care">What Is Preconception Care?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/preconception/preconception-do-list">The Preconception To-Do List</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>12 steps for preconception care</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/getting-pregnant/periconception-tip-1-see-your-doctor">See your doctor first</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/getting-pregnant/periconception-tip-2-learn-everything">Get educated and learn about fertility and getting pregnant</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/getting-pregnant/periconception-tip-3-improve-your-and-his-health">Improve the health of you and your partner</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/getting-pregnant/periconception-tip-4-review-all-medication">Review your medications and supplements</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/getting-pregnant-periconception-fertility/periconception-tip-5-no-smoking-or-drinking-alcohol">Stop smoking, stop alcohol</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://babymed.com/guide-to-fertility-diet-and-lifestyle-for-women-and-men">eat the right food</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/getting-pregnant/periconception-tip-6-be-your-optimal-weight">Be at your optimal weight</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/fertility/periconception-tip-7-relax">Try and relax</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/fertility/periconception-tip-8-see-your-dentist">See your dentist</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/getting-pregnant/periconception-tip-9-its-all-about-healthy-food-and-preventing-problems">Check your health insurance</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/node/3932">Getting pregnant after stopping birth control</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/when-should-you-see-the-doctor-or-infertility-specialist" target="_self">See an infertility specialist if necessary</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/pre-trimester-for-men-preconception-period-vital">His pre-trimester of the pregnancy is important, too!</a></li>
</ol>
<h2>Preconception testing</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/preconception/what-preconception-tests-can-you-get">What Preconception Tests Should You Get?</a></li>
<li><a title="Pap smear" href="https://babymed.com/womens-health/all-about-pap-smear">Pap Smear</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/thyroid-and-pregnancy">TSH</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/male-infertility/male-fertility-testing-spermanalysis-semenanalysis-and-sperm-count">Sperm Analysis</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/complications/pregnancy-and-hiv">HIV</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/infections/herpes-pregnancy">Herpes</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/love/hepatitis-and-pregnancy">Hepatitis A</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/love/hepatitis-b-and-pregnancy">Hepatitis</a></li>
<li><a title="Chlamydia during pregnancy" href="https://babymed.com/infections/chlamydia-during-pregnancy">Chlamydia</a></li>
<li><a title="Cytomegalovirus" href="https://babymed.com/infections/cytomegalovirus-cmv-infection">Cytomegalovirus</a></li>
<li><a title="Toxoplasmosis" href="https://babymed.com/love/toxoplasmosis-what-it">Toxoplasmosis</a></li>
<li><a title="Blood type and Rh status" href="https://babymed.com/pregnancy-test/blood-test-blood-type-and-rh-status-and-antibody-screen">Type and Rh both partner's blood</a></li>
<li><a title="Sickle Cell Disease" href="https://babymed.com/medical-issues/sickle-cell-disease-fertility-and-pregnancy">Sickle Cell&nbsp;</a></li>
<li><a title="Jewish Genetic Diseases" href="https://babymed.com/genetics/jewish-genetic-diseases">Jewish Genetic Disease</a></li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<h2>Nutrition and diet</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/preconception/pre-trimester-diet-and-lifestyle-tips">Pre-Trimester Diet and Lifestyle Tips</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/tools/pregnancy-weight-gain-calculator-by-week">Optimal Pregnancy Weight Gain</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/fetal-malformations/preventing-birth-defects">Preventing Birth Defects</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/getting-pregnant/benefits-of-folic-acid-during-preconception-and-pregnancy">Benefits of Folic Acid During Preconception</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/health-news/dad-s-folic-acid-consumption-may-be-vital-baby-s-health">Dad’s Folic Acid Consumption May Be Vital To Baby’s Health</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Getting pregnant</h2>
<ul>
<li><a title="Implantation Bleeding and Spotting" href="https://babymed.com/implantation-bleeding-or-menstrual-period-bleeding-cycle">All About Implantation Bleeding</a></li>
<li><a title="Getting Pregnant After Birth Control" href="https://babymed.com/how-to-get-pregnant-after-the-birth-control-pill">Getting Pregnant After Birth Control</a></li>
<li><a title="Shettles Method" href="https://babymed.com/getting-pregnant-conception-implantation/how-conceive-boy-or-girl-shettles-method">Boy or Girl: You Choose</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/love/how-often-sex-during-fertile-days-when-ttc" target="_self">How Often Should You Have Sex?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/pre-trimester-for-men-preconception-period-vital">What Men Should Do in the Pre-Trimester</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Fertility awareness</h2>
<ul>
<li><a title="Introduction To Fertility Charting" href="https://babymed.com/fertility-charting">Fertility Charting</a></li>
<li><a title="Implantation Bleeding and Spotting Symptoms" href="https://babymed.com/implantation-bleeding-or-menstrual-period-bleeding-cycle">Implantation Symptoms</a></li>
<li><a title="Cervical Mucus and Fertility" href="https://babymed.com/cervical-mucus-changes-egg-white-ewcm-and-fertility">Cervical Mucus and Fertility</a></li>
<li><a title="Basal Body Temperature Introduction" href="https://babymed.com/fertility-awareness/basal-body-temperature-bbt-charting-introduction">Basal Body Temperature</a></li>
<li><a title="Mittelschmerz - Pain In The Middle" href="https://babymed.com/ovulation-fertility-awareness-gynecology/ovulation-pain-mittelschmerz">Mittelschmerz (Ovulation Pain)</a></li>
<li><a title="Ovulation Prediction Calculator" href="https://babymed.com/fertility-tools/opk-calculator">Ovulation Prediction Calculator</a></li>
</ul></body></html>

medium_TTC.png

small_TTC.png

thumbnail_TTC.png

TTC.png

Understanding your fertility is an important step when you're trying to get pregnant. Knowing how your body works, from ovulation to timing, can make all the difference. By being aware of your fertile windows and the signs your body gives, you can increase your chances of conception. You'll also learn how lifestyle choices impact fertility and what to expect during the journey of trying to conceive. Being in tune with your body gives you the knowledge and confidence to take the next steps toward pregnancy.

Getting Pregnant: Pre-Pregnancy and Fertility Guide

<p><strong>Q: </strong>Can low sperm count be improved? One study says yes!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>A: </strong>A new study published in the March 2002 issue of "Fertility and Sterility" found that a combination of folic acid and zinc supplements increased sperm count by 74% in men with fertility problems. Researchers say the findings may open up new avenues for male fertility research and treatments. The Dutch study looked at the effects of the supplements in men with low sperm counts and men with normal counts. Folic acid and zinc supplements were studied because both elements are essential to the formation of DNA and creation of sperm. Researchers found that men with fertility problems who took <strong>5 mg of folic acid a day and 66 mg of zinc sulfate a day for 26 weeks </strong>had a 74% increase in total normal sperm count and a minor (4%) increase in abnormal sperm count. No significant increases were found among the healthy men's sperm counts. When either zinc or folic acid was taken alone, there was no significant effect on sperm production. Researchers say more study is needed to understand how these two micronutrients work together to affect male fertility before widespread use of the supplements can be recommended as a fertility treatment.</p>

Can low sperm count be improved? One study says yes!

Anecdotally, some women say that as soon as they ate a spicy dish, within several hours they went into labor. Some people swear that it was that extra-hot enchilada from their favorite Mexican restaurant 

Low Sperm Count

<p><strong>Q: </strong>Will the Fertility Blend help me get pregnant?</p>
<p><strong>A: </strong>The major ingredient of fertility blend is Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus). Other ingredients include green tea, L-Arginine, Vitamin E (as D-alpha tocopherol), Vitamin B-6 (as pyrdoxine hydrochloride), B 12, Folate, Iron (as gluconate), Magnesium, Zinc, and Selenium. None of these have been found to affect fertility. Chasteberry Vitex (Chasteberry, agnus castus) has been advocated to improve a woman's fertility. But there are no studies on what it does to a woman's fertility and whether it effects ovulation. <br><br>Up to 80% of couples have one or more of three problems: Ovulation problems, sperm problems, and problems with the fallopian tubes. There are no herbs or vitamins which will open up your tubes if they are closed. And if you are one of the 40-50% of infertile couples where there is a male problem, taking of herbs or vitamins by the woman will not improve his sperms and will not make her more likely to get pregnant.</p>