Fertility - Some Questions And Answers

What is the concept behind the Basal Body Temperature?

Women have two main hormones that are present during a 28-day menstrual cycle. The hormone that shows up during the first part of the cycle is estrogen, considered to be a "cool" hormone. The second part of the cycle is taken over by progesterone, considered to be a "warm" hormone. The presence of progesterone is when ovulation occurs for a female, usually around day fifteen or sixteen of her menstrual cycle. Because progesterone is warm, the body temperature will spike up, usually around .4 degrees over a 48-hour period. Basal body temperature is your body's temperature at a resting state, usually before getting out of bed in the morning. The Basal body temperature goes up and can be charted by using a basic thermometer and a menstrual cycle chart. All of this together tells a woman when she is more likely to conceive because her ovaries have released an egg to be fertilized.

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, often called PCOS, is a condition that affects about ten percent of women who are in their childbearing years. It's considered to be one of the most common reproductive problems among women. PCOS affects the woman's menstrual cycle, fertility, hormone levels, insulin production, heart and blood vessels. PCOS causes irregularity in the menstrual cycle and can cause small ovarian cysts to form. This is what leads to infertility because women do not ovulate when they are supposed to. Women diagnosed with PCOS usually have high levels of androgens, a male hormone. Doctors are not quite sure what causes PCOS and there isn't a single test to tell if one has the syndrome. Your doctor will need to check medical history, hormone levels and measure sugar levels in the blood.

What is Varicocele?

Varicocele is one of the most common causes of infertility in men, affecting around forty percent of men tested for infertility. It's the abnormal dilation of the internal spermatic veins that drain blood away from the testicle to the abdomen. Defective valves cause the blood flow to go back towards the testicles and scrotum instead of away, causing a dangerous environment for the growth of sperm. Sperm can not grow in overly warm testicular environments, leading to infertility. Tests can be performed to find out if you suffer from the disease and the problem can be remedied through surgery or other medical therapies such as in-vitro fertilization.

Can environment and lifestyle affect fertility?

If you're trying to get pregnant, it's important to think about the environment you live in. Scientists have been studying the affects of environment on fertility for a while and have found some evidence to link the two together. Pesticides can play a part in fertility and women who live near or on a farm may have up to a forty percent chance of infertility. Everyday exposure to certain chemical elements, such as those found in dry cleaners, salons and in pesticides used for farming. Women exposed to these chemicals stand a greater chance at miscarriage while men can suffer from lower sperm counts. What you eat and drink can affect your chances at conceiving because of the chemicals found in water that has been purified and soil. You can eliminate this exposure by eating organic foods and personal products or avoiding the use of chemicals on your lawn.

What is Asherman's syndrome?

Asherman's syndrome is when intrauterine adhesions, commonly known as scar tissue, forms. This can cause serious reproductive function by lessening the chances of conception or causing a miscarriage. Scarring can occur as the result of several situations. Women that have undergone a dilation and curettage (D & C) procedure, where the lining of the uterus is scrapped away, can develop scar tissue. Infections after a D & C procedure can also cause scarring to occur. Miscarriages and abortions are another cause of Asherman's syndrome. Asherman's syndrome can be treated, even when it's diagnosed. A hysteroscopy procedure can be performed where scar tissue is cleaned out of the uterine lining. An IUD can be inserted to help prevent future scarring from occurring.