Today marks the start of National Infertility Awareness Week. It’s a time where we all come together to help reduce the stigma and educate the public about reproductive health. Starting a family can be difficult for so many, and their struggle is often not talked about. Here at Bel Marra, we are committed to bringing you the information that is important to you, so we have compiled our best articles touching on infertility risk factors, fibromyalgia, as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) to aid those in need.
Many men unaware of their infertility risk factors: Study
Many men are unaware of their infertility risk factors, according to research. The findings come from a survey of Canadian men who could identify only about half of the activities and medical conditions that can harm sperm and reduce fertility.
Advertisement
The men had greater knowledge about infertility risk factors like cancer, smoking, and steroid use, but were unfamiliar with the impact of obesity, cycling, and laptop use directly on the lap.
Study leader Phyllis Zelkowitz explained, “Men aren’t as inclined to ask questions about their health, so it stands to reason that they would be less well-informed about their fertility.” Continue reading…
Fibromyalgia may cause pregnancy complications and infertility
Fibromyalgia may cause pregnancy complications and infertility, studies found. A condition characterized by widespread pain, fibromyalgia can make daily tasks difficult to perform. Fibromyalgia is highly associated with stress, which can be worsened when pregnancy is thrown into the mix—not to mention changing hormone levels typical of this period in a woman’s life cycle.
One retrospective cohort study looked at women with and without fibromyalgia. Deliveries of 112 pregnancies in fibromyalgia patients were compared to 487 deliveries in women without fibromyalgia.
Women with fibromyalgia had higher rates of intrauterine growth restriction, recurrent abortions, gestational diabetes, and polyhydramnios. Rates of cesarean delivery were not significantly different between fibromyalgia patients and women without fibromyalgia. Continue reading…
Sperm gene could mean cure for infertility
According to the World Health Organization, infertility affects between 50 and 80 million people worldwide, and half of infertile couples fail to reproduce because of problems with the man’s fertility.
The medical definition of infertility is “the failure to conceive following twelve months of unprotected intercourse.”
Causes of male infertility range from impotence to premature ejaculation to inadequate semen or sperm quality. Approximately one in 1000 men are infertile because of spermatogenic failure.
Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive exercise, stress, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse can account for some of the infertility problems experienced by men. But researchers say the causes of spermatogenetic failure found in most cases of male infertility remain largely unknown. Continue reading…
Research explains why women become infertile with age
There comes a time for every woman when she must decide whether or not she wants to have children, as a women’s fertility declines with age until menopause. This is often seen as a cruel fact of nature, with the most scientific explanation being decreases in female hormones as they age. However, researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM) have discovered a possible new explanation for female infertility.
Advertisement
Research in mice and the use of cutting-edge microscopy techniques have allowed these scientists to observe for the first time a specific defect in the eggs of older mice that has also been found in the eggs of older women. Continue reading…
Women regain fertility loss from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by losing weight
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can lead to infertility in women, but research suggests exercise and weight loss can help women regain fertility. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an endocrine system disorder affecting female fertility and reproduction. Ovaries become enlarged and small collections of fluid buildup. An ultrasound will be able to determine if a woman has PCOS.
When diagnosing PCOS a doctor will look for these signs: irregular periods, excess androgen and polycystic ovaries. PCOS can worsen due to weight gain and obesity, so it’s important to maintain a healthy weight. Other signs of PCOS include abnormal hair growth, infrequent or prolonged periods and acne. Continue reading…
