Which Infertility Drug is Best for You?

Fertility drugs are widely accepted by physicians and insurance companies as a viable form of treatment for infertility. However, don't go into this type of treatment with a blindfold on and expect the best. Pharmaceuticals are not made from natural products and therefore are foreign to the human body. All pharmaceuticals have side effects. Most side effects are mild and create an inconvenience, however in some cases side effects are more severe. Especially when taken with other medications, which can cause drug interaction. These points are not an attempt to scare you, but merely a warning not to take this type of treatment lightly.

There are three "go to drugs" that most physicians will prescribe for infertility. There are other options available, but these three have been well tested and that is why they have moved to the front of the doctor's prescription pad.

The top three prescribed infertility medications are by class: clomiphene citrate (Clomid), HMG or Human Menotropic Gonadotropins (Repronex), Leuproreline (Prostap SR).

If a woman is experiencing infrequent periods and long cycles most physicians will prescribe clomiphene citrate (Clomid). There are many reasons for the use of this drug not the least of which is that it is lower in cost than most other infertility medications. Clomid increases follicle growth by blocking estrogen and causes the pituitary gland into producing FSH and LH the key hormones needed to improve ovulation.

Treatments with Clomid may last up to six cycles with a daily regiment of 1-2 tablets for five days beginning 2-5 days after the period starts. If the treatment is successful ovulation will occur 7 days after the last day of treatment. Doses usually start low and gradually go up with each cycle attempt and other agents may be added during the different cycles.

Side effects may include: * Reduction in the quality of cervical mucous * Thinning of the uterine lining * Ovarian cysts * Hot flashes * Nausea * Headaches * Weight gain * Fatigue * Increased risk of having twins * Slight increase in risk of miscarriage

HMG or Human Menotropic Gonadotropins (Repronex) is given by subcutaneous injection. This treatment is for both women and men suffering from infertility.

For women it is a step up in treatment for Clomid and used to improve follicle growth and improved ovulation. Women will have a series of shots daily for 5 or more days. The length of treatment depends on the FSH and LH levels achieved during treatment.

In men the HMG is used to treat hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and induce sperm production. Men will require a much longer treatment period. Injections are administered 3 times a week for several months.

Side effects may include: * Injection site pain * Lower abdomen tenderness * Fluid retention * Headache * Emotional irritability * Breast discomfort * Fatigue * Risk of multiple births * Shortness of breath * Severe pain or swelling in lower abdomen or extremities * Vomiting or diarrhea

Leuproreline (Prostap SR) has a wide range of uses. Prostap SR is used in the treatment of prostate and breast cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids and even autism.

Prostap SR is also used to for ovarian stimulation in conjunction with IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). The treatment is a subcutaneous injection once a month.

I have heard of many cases of severe side effects with this treatment. However, it is an outstanding treatment in dealing with endometriosis, which is a common factor in infertility. If you experience extreme side effects consult with you doctor to weigh the pros and cons of continuing treatment.

Side effects may include: * Loss of libido * Hot flashes * Osteoporosis * Breast tenderness or fullness * Weight gain * Fatigue * Nausea * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Headaches * High blood sugar levels

Comparing these forms of treatment is but one step toward your successful efforts in overcoming infertility. Read, read and then read some more before moving forward with any form of treatment. Then consult with your physician on the best treatment option for you. Ask specific questions about risks and side effects. Don't be afraid to seek out a second opinion on your diagnosis and treatment options. You will be able to determine how much your doctor cares for you depending upon their reaction to you suggesting of a second opinion. A confident doctor will even make the suggestion himself or herself. Good luck and God Bless.



About the Author
Randy Beckett is an author, speaker and a consultant with over 30 years of experience. For more great tips on signs of infertility, visit Infertility Concerns.

Teal Ribbon Ring A Reliable Medium For Helping Others

Teal ribbon ring has attained great popularity and this ring has helped in spreading worldwide awareness, regarding giving away more and more donations to different charitable organizations. Nowadays, you will see that people have really become aware of their individual responsibilities and now huge segment of people are generously donating money to a number of charitable organizations. You will see that things have been changed and people want to help others in hard time. Similarly, the charities are doing commendable work. The basic aim of these charities is to help and support people who are deprived of their basic needs and necessities and are also suffering from a number of chronicle and fatal diseases including HIV Aids, cancer, leukemia, lupus and a number of others, as well.

The reason of the success of the work of charitable organizations is the support they are getting from government and private sector. These charities are actively involved in fundraising activities and have introduced a unique and reliable way of collecting donations from common people. These organizations are selling fundraising merchandises over Internet, which are being sold with the ribbons of different colors, attached with them. Each ribbon is the symbol of a specific cause. Similarly teal ribbon symbolizes the cause of raising funds for the patients of ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers, food allergies, panic or stress disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, polycystic ovarian syndrome and to help the victims of tsunami. Similarly, teal ribbon ring is also being sold for the same purpose. This ring has attained the attention of huge segment of people. Now, when people see this ring, they instantly buy it in bulk quantity, as they are confident about the fact that the money, which they will be paying, in return of purchasing this ring, will be definitely utilized for one of the most generous and noble causes.

The purpose of selling teal ribbon ring is to arouse the feeling of love, care, help and concern in the hearts of common people, which would definitely help in curing and healing the pains and wounds of millions of people, who will also get a chance to live a happy life. If you are going to donate money by purchasing this ring, then you will get to buy a beautiful gift box, which will contain around 27 rings.

Teal ribbon ring is very delicate and beautiful and this ring is manufactured with good quality material. The charitable organizations feels that this is the best way to show their thanksgiving gesture to all those people, who have contributed in this kind and noble cause. This ring is available, at highly reasonable price, which is also one of the reasons of its increased demand.

When people purchase this ring in bulk quantity, then it helps a lot in spreading the awareness in the lives of other people and in this way more and more people will be inclined towards this activity. If you also have a soft corner for the needy people and you also feel the pains of other people, then you should definitely buy teal ribbon ring.



About the Author
http://www.fundraisingforacause.com is a fundraising organization for different causes, help us to spread awareness in the world with teal ribbon ring. We hope you have enjoyed this article.

INFERTILITY - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is infertility?
A: Most experts define infertility as not being able to get pregnant after at least one year of trying. Women who are by: able to get pregnant but then have repeat miscarriages are also said to be infertile. Pregnancy is the result of a complex chain of events. In order to get pregnant:

. A woman must release an egg from one of her ovaries (ovulation) . The egg must go through a fallopian tube toward the uterus (womb) . A man's sperm must join with (fertilize) the egg along the way . The fertilized egg must attach to the inside of the uterus (implantation)

Infertility can result from problems that interfere with any of these steps.

Q: Is infertility a common problem?

A: About 12 percent of women (7.3 million) in the United States aged 15-44 had difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term in 2002, according to the National Center Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Q: Is infertility just a woman's problem?

A: No, infertility is not always a woman's problem. In only about one-third of cases is infertility due to the woman (female factors). In another one third of cases, infertility is due to the man (male Infertility factors). The remaining cases are caused by a mixture of male and female factors or by unknown factors.

Q: What causes infertility in men?

A: Infertility in men is most often caused . Problems making sperm-producing too few sperm or none at all . Problems with the sperm's ability to reach the egg and fertilize it-abnormal sperm shape or structure prevent it from moving correctly.

Sometimes a man is born with the problems that affect his sperm. Other times problems start later in life due to illness or injury. For example, cystic fibrosis often causes infertility in men.

Q: What increases a man's risk of infertility?

A: The number and quality of a man's sperm can be affected by his overall health and lifestyle. Some things that may reduce sperm number and/or quality include:

. Alcohol . Drugs . Environmental toxins including pesticides and lead . Smoking cigarettes . Health problems . Medicines . Radiation treatment and chemotherapy for cancer . Age

Q: What causes infertility in women?

A: Problems with ovulation account for most cases of infertility in women. Without ovulation, there are no eggs to be fertilized. Some signs that a woman is not ovulating normally include irregular or absent menstrual periods. Less common causes of fertility in women include: . Blocked fallopian tubes due to pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or surgery for an ectopic pregnancy . Physical problems with the uterus . Uterine fibroids

Q: What things increase a woman's risk of infertility?

A: Many things can affect a woman's ability to have a baby. These include: . Age . Stress . Poor diet . Athletic training . Being overweight or underweight . Tobacco smoking . Alcohol . Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) . Health problems that cause hormonal changes

Q: How does age affect a woman's ability to have children?

A: More and more women are waiting until their 30s and 40s to have children. Actually, about 20 percent of women in the United States now have their first child after age 35. So age is an increasingly common cause of fertility problems. About one third of couples in which the woman is over 35 have fertility problems. Aging decreases a woman's chances of having a baby in the following ways:

. The ability of a woman's ovaries to declines with age . The health of a woman's eggs release eggs ready for fertilization declines with age . As a woman ages she is more likely to have health problems that can interfere with fertility . As a woman ages, her risk of having a miscarriage increases

Q: How long should women try to get pregnant before calling their doctors?"

A: Most healthy women under the age of 30 shouldn't worry about infertility unless they've been trying to get pregnant for at least a year. At this point, women should talk to their doctors about a fertility evaluation. Men should also talk to their doctors if this much time has passed. In some cases, women should talk to their doctors sooner. Women in their 30s who've been trying to get pregnant for six months should speak to their doctors as soon as possible. A woman's chances of having a baby decrease rapidly every year after the age of 30.

So getting a complete and timely fertility evaluation is especially important. Some health issues also increase the risk of fertility problems. So women with the following issues should speak to their doctors as soon as possible:

. Irregular periods or no menstrual . Endometriosis . Pelvic inflammatory disease . More than one miscarriage

No matter how old you are, it's always a good idea to talk to a doctor before you start trying to get pregnant. Doctors can help you prepare your body for a healthy baby. They can also give tips on conceiving.

Q: How will doctors find out if a woman and her partner have fertility problems?

A: Sometimes doctors can find the cause of a couple's infertility by doing a complete fertility evaluation. This process usually begins with physical exams and health and sexual histories. If there are no obvious problems, like poorly timed intercourse or absence of ovulation, tests will be needed. Finding the cause of infertility is often a long, complex and emotional process. It can take months for you and your doctor to complete all the needed exams and tests. So don't be alarmed if the problem is not found right away. For a man, doctors usually begin by testing his semen. They look at the number, shape, and movement of the sperm.

Sometimes doctors also suggest testing the level of a man's hormones. For a woman, the first step in testing is to find out if she is ovulating each month. There are several ways to do this. A woman can track her ovulation at home by:

. Recording changes in her morning periods body temperature (basal body temperature) for several months . Recording the texture of her cervical mucus for several months . Using a home ovulation test kit (available at drug or grocery stores) Doctors can also check if a woman is ovulating by doing blood tests and an ultrasound of the ovaries. If the woman is ovulating normally, more tests are needed. Some common tests of fertility in women include:

. Hysterosalpingography: In this test, doctors use x-rays to check for physical problems of the uterus and fallopian tubes. They start by injecting a special dye through the vagina into the uterus. This dye shows up on the x-ray. This allows the doctor to see if the dye moves rmally through the uterus into the fallopian tubes. With these x-rays doctors can find blockages that may be causing infertility. Blockages can prevent the egg from moving from the fallopian tube to the uterus. Blockages can also keep the sperm from reaching the egg.

. Laparoscopy: During this surgery doctors use a tool called a laparoscope to see inside the abdomen. The doctor makes a small cut in the lower abdomen and inserts the laparoscope. Using the laparoscope, doctors check the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus for disease and physical problems. Doctors can usually find scarring and endometriosis by laparoscopy. Q: How do doctors treat infertility?

A: Infertility can be treated with medicine, surgery, artificial insemination or assisted reproductive technology. Many times these treatments are combined. About two-thirds of couples who are treated for infertility are able to have a baby. In most cases infertility is treated with drugs or surgery. Doctors recommend specific treatments for infertility based on:

. Test results . How long the couple has been trying to get pregnant . The age of both the man and woman . The overall health of the partners . Preference of the partners

Doctors often treat infertility in men in the following ways: . Sexual problems: If the man is impotent or has problems with premature ejaculation, doctors can help him address these issues. Behavioural therapy and/or medicines can be used in these cases. . Too few sperm: If the man produces too few sperm, sometimes surgery can correct this problem. In other cases, doctors can surgically remove sperm from the male reproductive tract. Antibiotics can also be used to clear up infections affecting sperm count.

Various fertility medicines are often used to treat women with ovulation problems. It is important to talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of these medicines. You should understand the risks, benefits, and side effects. Doctors also use surgery to treat some causes of infertility. Problems with a woman's ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus can sometimes be corrected with surgery. . Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is another type of treatment for infertility. IUI is known by most people as artificial insemination. In this procedure, the woman is injected with specially prepared sperm. Sometimes the woman is also treated with medicines that stimulate ovulation before IUI. IUI is often used to treat:

. Mild male factor infertility . Women who have problems with their cervical mucus . Couples with unexplained infertility

Q: What medicines are used to treat infertility in women?

A: Some common medicines used to treat infertility in women include:

. Clomiphene citrate (Clomid): This medicine causes ovulation by acting on the pituitary gland. It is often used in women who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or other problems with ovulation. This medicine is taken by mouth. . Human menopausal gonadotropin or hMG (Repronex, Pergonal): This medicine is often used for women who don't ovulate due to problems with their pituitary gland. hMG acts directly on the ovaries to stimulate ovulation. It is an injected medicine.

. Follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH (Gonal-F, Follistim): FSH works much like hMG. It causes the ovaries to begin the process of ovulation. These medicines are usually injected.

. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) analog: These medicines are often used for women who don't ovulate regularly each month. Women who ovulate before the egg is ready can also use these medicines. Gn-RH analogs act on the pituitary gland to change when the body ovulates. These medicines are usually injected or given with a nasal spray.

. Metformin (Glucophage): Doctors use this medicine for women who have insulin resistance and/or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This drug helps lower the high levels of male hormones in women with these conditions. This helps the body to ovulate. Sometimes clomiphene citrate or FSH is combined with metformin. This medicine is usually taken by mouth. . Bromocriptine (Parlodel): This medicine is used for women with ovulation problems due to high levels of prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that causes milk production. Many fertility drugs increase a woman's chance of having twins, triplets or other multiples. Women who are pregnant with multiple foetuses have more problems during pregnancy. Multiple foetuses have a high risk of being born too early (prematurely). Premature babies are at a higher risk of health and developmental problems.

Q: What is assisted reproductive technology (ART)?

A: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a term that describes several different methods used to help infertile couples. ART involves removing eggs from a woman's body, mixing them with sperm in the laboratory and putting the embryos back into a woman's body.

Q: How often is assisted reproductive technology (ART) successful?

A: Success rates vary and depend on many factors. Some things that affect the success rate of ART include: . Age of the partners . Reason for infertility . Clinic . Type of ART . If the egg is fresh or frozen . If the embryo is fresh or frozen

The U.S. Centers for Disease (CDC) collects success rates on ART for some fertility clinics. According to the 2003 CDC report on ART, the average percentage of ART cycles that led to a healthy baby were as follows:

. 37.3% in women under the age of 35 . 30.2% in women aged 35-37 . 20.2% in women aged 37-40 . 11.0% in women aged 41-42

ART can be expensive and time consuming. But it has allowed many couples to have children that otherwise would not have been conceived. The most common complication of ART is multiple foetuses. But this is a problem that can be prevented or minimized in several different ways.

Q: What are the different types of assisted reproductive technology (ART)?

A: Common methods of ART include:

. In vitro fertilization (IVF) means fertilization outside of the body. IVF is the most effective ART. It is often used when a woman's fallopian tubes are blocked or when a man produces too few sperm. Doctors treat the woman with a drug that causes the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Once mature, the eggs are removed from the woman. They are put in a dish in the lab along with the man's sperm for fertilization. After 3 to 5 days, healthy embryos are implanted in the woman's uterus. . Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) or Tubal Embryo Transfer is similar to IVF. Fertilization occurs in the laboratory. Then the very young embryo is transferred to the fallopian tube instead of the uterus.

. Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) involves transferring eggs and sperm into the woman's fallopian tube. So fertilization occurs in the woman's body. Few practices offer GIFT as an option. . Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is often used for couples in which there are serious problems with the sperm. Sometimes it is also used for older couples or for those with failed IVF attempts. In ICSI, a single sperm is injected into a mature egg. Then the embryo is transferred to the uterus or fallopian tube.

ART procedures sometimes involve the use of donor eggs (eggs from another woman), donor sperm, or previously frozen embryos. Donor eggs are sometimes used for women who can not produce eggs. Also, donor eggs or donor sperm is sometimes used when the woman or man has a genetic disease that can be passed on to the baby.


SOURCE:- NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH INFORMATION CENTER U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health

All material contained in the FAQs is free of copyright restrictions.





About the Author
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The Top 5 Cancers of the Female Reproductive System

All of the parts of the female reproductive system like the vagina, the cervix, the vulva, the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and the uterus have the tendency to acquire cancers. These are classified as the gynecologic cancers. This type of cancers could directly affect the nearby organs and tissues. They are also known to metastasize or spread through the lymphatic system and the bloodstream, thus affecting other distant parts of the body as well.

How Are These Cancers Diagnosed?

Early detection of particular gynecologic cancers, especially cervical cancer, can be done through regular examinations of the pelvic area, Pap smears, and other tests of the same kind. These examinations are even known to sometimes aid in preventing cancer because they are responsible for detecting dysplasia or precancerous changes before they develop into cancer. Periodic pelvic examinations could also identify early cancer signs in the vulva and the vagina. However, the cancers that develop in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus are difficult to detect during this type of examination.

If a doctor suspects that you have a certain kind of cancer in one of your reproductive organs, then he will have a biopsy done so that his diagnosis could be ruled out or confirmed. Once you are diagnosed, a procedure or two will be performed so the cancer stage will be determined.

The staging of a gynecologic cancer or any other type of cancer for that matter will be based on the size of the cancer and the breadth by which it has already spread. Some of the procedures that you might be subjected to may include computed tomography or CT, ultrasonography, chest X-rays, bone scans utilizing a radioactive substance, and magnetic resonance imaging or MRI.

What Are the Top 5 Cancers Concerning the Female Reproductive System?

1.The most prevalent cancer experienced by women when it comes to their reproductive system is the uterine cancer. This develops on the uterine lining, which is known as the endometrium, thus it is also known as the endometrial cancer. This is known to be the fourth most common cancer among women in the U.S. Studies show that uterine cancer occurs in one of every five women.

2.The second gynecologic cancer that is most common among women is ovarian cancer. This is known to be fatal because it is generally advanced already upon diagnosis. This is because early stages of this type of cancer do not show any symptoms and even advanced stages show nonspecific symptoms as well.

3.Cervical cancer is known to be number three among all the gynecologic cancers among women. By its name alone, it can be seen that this cancer develops right in the cervix, which can be found at the lower area of the uterus. Usually affecting women aged 35 to 55, this type of cancer can also affect younger women, even those in their twenties.

4.Meanwhile, the vulvar cancer is known as the fourth most common cancer that occurs in the female reproductive system. Occurring on the vulva, which is the external part of the vagina, the vulvar cancer makes up for three to four percent of all gynecologic cancers.

5.The fifth most common gynecologic cancer is the vaginal cancer. This makes up one percent of the cancers of the female reproductive system and normally affects older women, usually aged 60 to 65 years old upon diagnosis.



About the Author
Medical Abortion, was established by Dr. James Pendergraft. Our Legal Abortion Offering the latest, safest and most advanced techniques.

Ways to Naturally Lighten Pain Caused by Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian Cyst is one of the scariest problems women have to face every month. However, there is a need to face this fright in a lighter way because cysts on ovaries are actually part of the natural menstrual cycle of every woman. If you are a woman, you do not need to worry because the ovarian cyst is a component of the monthly period wherein the eggs are not discharged well. It can be removed during the menstrual flow. The major agony is that if a woman has a complex ovarian cyst, the pain that goes with it is really unbearable. That is why; it is really significant to stay out of these predicaments if you know the proper ovarian cysts treatments.

Ovarian cysts are part of the menstrual cycle. It exists when there is a less egg discharge during the menstrual period. The eggs will then be filled with liquid thus being formed as cysts. If the woman doesn't experience ovulation, she has the propensity of having cysts.

A woman who suffers from the pains of the ovarian cysts should first of all take advantage of the different treatments presented in the different internet sites. For example, she can become an agent of preventive measures by applying hot compress to the lower stomach when she is experiencing pains caused by the cysts in the ovaries. The hot compress will automatically result to abdomen relief.

If you are really desperate in your ovarian cysts removal, you could try ovarian attachment. This will lessen the egg discharge but may cause you of not being able to bear a child. Yet, it is important to remember first that you still hold the chances of your ovary cysts removal during the menstrual flow. But if this doesn't happen at all, or in any case, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

You can also have these natural treatments when you are afflicted by the pain. The acupuncture is recommended because it has an effective blood circulation effect therefore alleviating your stomach from feeling the pain. It is also advisable that you drink herbal tea like the chamomile in order to relax the tensed muscles in the abdomen. You can also add Vitamin B to your daily diet. Avoid too much intake of red meat and dairy products as they have the tendency to cause more pain.

Lucas Mattioneli is also a freelance writer who like to share holistic and natural ways get relief from common health problems. To learn more about all-natural ways to get relief from ovarian cysts, check out my blog Ovarian Cyst Treatment. Also check out Natural Ovarian Cyst Cures, where you can find a comprehensive guide on permanently and safely eliminate ovarian cysts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucas_Mattioneli