First research to show tobacco damages uterine lining, hindering embryo implantation

Heavy smoking may reduce female fertility by directly affecting the uterus – making it less receptive and reducing the chances the embryo will implant, according to research published on line in Europe's leading reproductive medicine journal Human Reproduction[1].

The finding, from a team of fertility experts in Portugal and Spain, comes as a result of comparing the pregnancy rates between non-heavy smokers[2] and heavy smokers, all of whom received donated oocytes.

Smoking has long been known to affect female fertility, but this study is believed to be the first to examine the impact of smoking in women who have received donated oocytes – the situation that allows the most objective assessment of the role of the uterus in the outcome of IVF.

The researchers studied all the first cycles of oocyte-donated IVF treatments carried out at the IVI-Valencia Foundation between the start of 2002 and June 2005 – 741 in non-heavy smokers (under 10 cigarettes a day) and 44 in heavy smokers (over 10 a day). None of the women's partners were smokers and none of the oocyte donors were heavy smokers. The two groups of recipients were comparable and the number of embryos transferred in each cycle (between one and three) was also comparable between the groups.

Lead researcher Dr Sérgio Soares, Director of the IVI Clinic in Lisbon, said: "The non-heavy smokers had a significantly higher pregnancy rate, with over half becoming pregnant (52.2%), compared with just over a third (34.1%) of the heavy smokers.

"This means we have confirmed previous data that show light smoking has no significant impact on IVF cycles, either through affecting the ooctye or the uterus. But, heavy smokers have a much lower chance of achieving pregnancy. The fact that we see this result in a situation in which the oocytes were donated by other women demonstrates that cigarette smoking negatively affects the receptiveness of the uterus independently of its effect on ovarian function, and this is a new finding."

Although the pregnancy rate was much lower in heavy smokers, for those that did become pregnant the multiple pregnancy rate was much higher, with 60% of the heavy smokers expecting twins against 31% of the non-heavy smokers.

"This is counter-intuitive," said Dr Soares, "and although we controlled for all known interfering variables, it is possible this is not a real association. What would confirm it as a real association is to find it still applies in a large number of cases. However, if it is confirmed as a real association it suggests that, paradoxically, tobacco constituents affect the uterus in different ways in different women, impairing implantation in some and having the opposite effect in others.

"It is already known that there is paradoxical dose-dependent effect of nicotine on ovarian tissue. Maybe the same effect is happening in uterine tissue. The effect of a certain molecule depends, not only on its concentration, but also on the concentration of its receptors and all the other molecules present in the cell. It could be that heavy smoking disrupts the stability of cells in the lining of the uterus differently in some women to others or triggers a response in the embryo itself, resulting in a reduced general pregnancy rate overall, but an increased chance of multiple pregnancy in those who do become pregnant."

Dr Soares said, that as well as confirming these findings in higher numbers of heavy smokers who use donated oocytes, it would be worthwhile studying differences in gene expression in the lining of the uterus of heavy smokers who fail to get pregnant and those whose have twins.

But, for now, the clinical implications of the findings were clear. Tobacco makes the uterus less likely to accept an embryo.

"In spite of all the noise generated about the effects of smoking in a series of health areas, its possible effect on uterine receptiveness has never been evaluated until now," he said.

"Our study is just the first step on this path, and certainly not the last, but it means that we should now be telling patients, if they are heavy smokers, that even if fertilisation takes place they have less chance of achieving a successful pregnancy, whether they are trying to conceive naturally, or through IVF, and particularly with donated ooctyes. Furthermore, we should also warn them of the risks of multiple births, as multiple births are less safe for mothers or babies."
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[1] Cigarette smoking affects uterine receptiveness. doi:10.1093/humrep/del394.

[2] Non-smokers and light smokers (under 10 a day) were combined because research has established that smoking fewer than 10 cigarettes is not associated with IVF results inferior to that of non smokers.

Notes: A PDF of the research paper is available immediately from Margaret Willson or from Tuesday 7 November at: http://www.oxfordjournals.org/eshre/press-release/freepdf/del394.pdf

Source: Human Reproduction, a monthly journal of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
But I Don't Feel Too Old to Be a Mommy!: The Complete Sourcebook for Starting (and Re-Starting) Motherhood Beyond 35 and After 40
by Doreen Nagle

-- The first and only book to fully address the concerns of the ever-growing but greatly ignored audience of literate, educated women who have delayed motherhood.

In this comprehensive work, women who are considering parenting in their 30s, 40s and later-whether for the first time or starting over-will find all the information they need to make informed choices.

Complete with quotes from medical experts, later-in-life moms and their kids, this one-stop book will calm the doubts and fears of women considering motherhood after 35 and beyond 40 by providing supportive yet realistic information.

Paperback: 275 pages - Click to order/for more info: But I Don't Feel Too Old to Be a Mommy! - US | Canada | UK

-- Start reading But I Don't Feel Too Old to Be a Mommy! (US) on your Kindle in under a minute!
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Improving pregnancy rates by means of polarized maca based phytoterapy and intratubal insemination

The use of Lepidium meyenii in the form of polarized maca, significantly improves pregnancy rates when combined (Group B) with low-dose gonadotrophins. One of the main factors, in our opinion, is the LH-like action performed through the release and control of both gonadotrophins (FSH, LH). Indeed, a good follicle genesis and steroid genesis resulting into the maturation of quality oocytes requires the combined action of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and of the luteinising hormone (LH).

The latter was recently reinstated by the scientific community, which understood its great importance at very low doses ever since last generation recombinant gonadotrophins were totally deprived of it. This small LH quantity secreted by the hypophysis in ideal doses thanks to the hypothalamic action of Lepidium, probably determines the improved quality of oocytes, which are thus more fit for fertilisation and implant.

A study by Delphine P. Levy and colleagues supports the theory of two cells, two gonadotrophins; a minimum LH activity is deemed vital for optimal development of the follicle-oocyte set during induction of ovulation, and she thus concludes that a small LH fraction should be included in each type of stimulation protocol. We finally report the recent conclusions drawn by the Filicori group.

Based on physiological data and test results, they demonstrated that a supplemental LH activity reduces the duration of stimulation, the total quantity of hormone intake and, consequently, the cost of the process. It may further positively influence the quality of oocytes and reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimultion. Our Group had come to similar conclusions in some prior studiesever since 1996.

In summary, the results of this study on the treatment of infertility in couples point out to intratubal insemination, combined with ovary stimulation with low-dose recombinant FSH and polarized maca intake, as an effective method, well tolerated by the couples, and virtually free of side effects when at least one of the tubes has a regular function and the male factor is low to moderate (Swim up test greater than 4 million /ml mobile forms).

In addition, the mineral content of maca, well balanced and significant, is ideal for infertility problems, because manganese, calcium, and zinc are available in the correct proportions. Zinc is also vital to protect the sperm nucleus from premature decondensation. Hence the importance of administering polarised maca to male partners too.

Full article: Fecondazione.org
(Scroll down, top part is in Italian)

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Overcoming Male Infertility
by Leslie R. Schover and Anthony J. Thomas Jr.

-- Hope and strategies for couples dealing with male infertility If you or your partner is suffering from male infertility, you're not alone.

Millions of couples are struggling with this problem. About 40% of these couples have exclusively male infertility problems, while another 20% have both male and female infertility problems.

Now, two leading experts, a urologist specializing in male infertility and a psychologist, team up to write the most complete guide available on male infertility.
From the latest, state-of-the-art treatments to advice on how to handle the emotional aspects of male infertility, you'll find out where to get the help you need.

Overcoming Male Infertility also covers the psychological issues that are unique to men, and gives advice to women on helping their man through the trauma of infertility treatment--including how to get him to see a doctor in the first place.

Paperback: 304 pages - Click to order/for more info: Overcoming Male Infertility - US | Canada | UK

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From a Resolve chat - hosted by Renee A Simon, MS, CNS. Renee Simon, MS, CNS, is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, writer, and seminar leader who specializes in nutrition, exercise, and the mind/body connection.

[KristinaV] Is there anything else men can do besides take zinc from a dietary or nutritional perspective?

[Renee Simon] Kristina V, there is some new research on the use of Carnitine for male factor fertility as well as information on using essential fatty acids, selenium and other antioxidants for free radical protection.

[cyndi2000] What are some strategies to overcoming functional amenorrhea?

[Renee Simon] cyndi2000, having the right essential fatty acid balance is very important for all aspects of female reproductive health. Most of us have a poor balance based on consuming the American diet which is high in saturated and trans fats. I usually recommend a balance of EPA and GLA to help with this and many other problems.

[Bee] What are EPA and GLA?

[Renee Simon] Bee, they are essential fatty acids that the body needs. They are responsible for building prostaglandins which are the precursors to hormones.

[MSB] What is Vitex?

[Renee Simon] MSB, Vitex is an herb that has been studied to help egg quality and luteal phase defect problems.

[2bears] What kind of supplements is it that you use to help your PCOS patients?

[Renee Simon] 2bears, I use supplements to help balance insulin naturally like chromium, vanadium, magnesium, and zinc. Not everyone who has PCOS has trouble with insulin balance and weight, however

[Amy MacDonald] What nutrition advice might you provide someone trying to avoid miscarriage?

[Renee Simon] Amy MacDonald, I have worked with many women who have had multiple miscarriages and then a successful pregnancy when enhancing their diet. The diet should be as clean as possible (free of toxins and preservatives). There are also studies that show that vitamins C, E and B12 may prevent miscarriage.

[Guest] What are your feelings on green tea, raspberry tea and wheat grass to enhance fertility? Also what can be done to help lower high Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)?

[Renee Simon] Guest, green tea has high antioxidant value and is very helpful for everything. To avoid the caffeine take the bag out after two minutes. Raspberry tea is okay but in my mind less conclusive. Wheat grass helps to alkalinize the body. Most of us have very acidic body's based on the average American diet so what ever we can do to get in better balance is good. Regarding lowering FSH, I have helped many patients with this with all of the things I am discussing. By following a healthy diet and practicing regular exercise and stress management techniques, FSH is often lowered.

[Bonnie] I've heard a lot recently about soy having a negative impact on fertility. Is this true?

[Renee Simon] Bonnie, soy is very controversial. I would recommend that you don't over load on soy while it is being further researched, however if you have low estrogen or egg quality it could be helpful as it has natural estrogenetic qualities.

[Jill] Do you have any recommendations for a thin uterine lining?

[Renee Simon] Jill, with a thin uterine lining I have to say consumption of healthy fats in fish, fish oils and nuts and building up healthy cells with the right amounts of vitamins, minerals and protein.

[Emadde] Are there any known supplements/vitamins/foods that promote egg quality/quantity?

[Renee Simon] Emadde, pretty much everything I have said will help with egg quality. I often use Vitex and antioxidants as well when this is a problem.

Full chat transcript: Online Chat Transcript - April 20th, 2005

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Zita West's Guide to Fertility and Assisted Conception: Essential Advice on Preparing Your Body for IVF and Other Fertility Treatments
by Zita West

-- Embarking on IVF—or any assisted fertility treatment—can be a very demanding and stressful experience, but the right physical, nutritional, and emotional support can lessen these stresses and strains and increase the chances of success.

Here a leading fertility and pregnancy expert offers an in-depth explanation of all aspects of fertility and, uniquely, addresses the issues involved in using assisted conception.

She explains fertility from preconception and trying naturally to assisted conception, what is involved in the IVF process, how to prepare your body to increase the chances of conceiving successfully, the importance of a proactive approach to diet and nutrition, and how complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, can increase the chances of success.

Including interviews with leading experts in the field, case histories from patients, and the author's own holistic principles, this is an invaluable guide for the growing number of people who are considering, or have already embarked on, medical intervention to enable them to conceive.

Paperback: 500 pages - Click to order/for more info: Zita West's Guide to Fertility and Assisted Conception - US | Canada | UK

-- Start reading Zita West's Guide to Fertility and Assisted Conception on your Kindle in under a minute! US/Canada | UK
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Vitamin C and Sperm
Smoking generates massive amounts of free radicals, so smokers are especially vulnerable to sperm damage. They need at least twice as much dietary vitamin C as non-smokers.

Men who smoke 20 or more cigarettes per day have blood vitamin C levels that are up to 40 per cent lower than non-smokers. They also have sperm counts that are 17 per cent lower, reduced sperm motility and a greater percentage of abnormal sperm.

Vitamin E and Sperm
High-dose vitamin E has been tested as a treatment for subfertility in men. By mopping up superoxide free radicals, doses as high as 600 mg vitamin E per day have shown a significant benefit on sperm numbers.

This leaves vitamin E in an inactive form which is rapidly reactivated by vitamin C. It is therefore important for men to obtain adequate dietary supplies of both vitamins.

Betacarotene and Sperm
Vitamin A is thought to be important for sperm maturation as they pass through the epididymis. Vitamin A can bind to sperm at special receptor sites and seems to enter the egg at fertilization. Sperm vitamin A may be important during the early stages of foetal development.

Zinc and Sperm
Zinc is an antioxidant mineral that is also important in protecting sperm against free radical attack. Semen is rich in zinc, with each ejaculate containing 5 mg ­ one third of the recommended daily nutrient intake.

This would imply that it plays an important role in sperm health. Three additional functions of zinc have been discovered apart from its important antioxidant one.

Alcohol and Sperm
As much as 40 per cent of male subfertility has been blamed on moderate alcohol intake. Alcohol damps down testosterone secretion and also hastens its conversion to oestrogen in the liver. This can lead to lowered sperm counts and a decreased sex drive.

Research shows that refraining from alcohol brings sperm counts up to normal within three months in 50 per cent of men with subfertility. Sperm motility also improves.

Exercise and Sperm
It is well known that excessive exercise can affect the fertility of female athletes by stopping the normal menstrual cycle (a condition known as 'runners' amenorrhoea'). New research shows that overtraining can damp down fertility in males, too.

Immediately after overtraining, their sperm counts fell by as much as 43 per cent. After three months, sperm counts had dropped to 52 per cent lower than before they overtrained. The number of immature and non-viable sperm increased. All semen samples stayed within the accepted fertile range, however, and this would not be expected to interfere with fertility except where sperm counts were already low.

Photo Credit: Lorien's Man Pills, by GoldenEel / Robin DeGrassi James
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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Pregnancy Success Program
by Diana Farrell

How To Get Pregnant Quickly And Naturally, Regardless of Your Affliction, Even At The Age of 40 - Or More!

I suffered from infertility for years. Like most people, I went to my doctors and asked them to "fix it". The doctors tried their best, and I tried everything they told me to do. Months became years.

But nothing was working. I wasn't getting pregnant!

Not until I spent years doing my own research and investigated fertility techniques from all four corners of the world did I finally break free of my infertility.

I tried everything I was told would work for years before finally discovering the extraordinary method that reversed my infertility and realized my dream to give birth to a child.

Since then, I have taken my story and my book around the world, and women from every walk of life have put these techniques to the test and proven their effectiveness again, and again.

And I stand behind this program with a no-questions asked, 100% money-back guarantee.

Click to read more / or place an order: Pregnancy Success Program

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Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition affecting, to some degree at least, up to 75% of all women at some time in their menstruating years.

It usually occurs from 2 - 14 days prior to menstruation, and is thought to be primarily a problem of inappropriate hormone secretion or inappropriate bodily response to hormones (receptor site defects or enzyme defects at cell surfaces).

Symptoms are many and varied, often inconsistent from month to month and affected by many different factors.

They include tension and irritability, headaches, decreased or increased energy, insomnia, fatigue, breast swelling and pain, bloating, bowel disturbance, acne, sweet or salt cravings and depression. There is a wide spectrum of symptoms in PMS but some common underlying hormonal states include:

Unusually high estrogen and low progesterone levels 5-10 days before menses (common)
Low estrogen and high progesterone levels 5 - 10 days before menses (less common)

• Elevated Prolactin levels.

• Elevated FSH levels 6 - 9 days before the period.

• Elevated Aldosterone levels 2 - 8 days before the period.

• Hypothyroidism

• Hormone Imbalances

The imbalance of estrogen and progesterone may be due to a disruption of the normal feedback systems that control the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis or to a dysfunction of any one of these glands (most commonly the ovaries).

This is commonly considered to indicate a deficiency or failure of the corpus luteum and points to the use of ovarian tonic herbs (Anemone pulsatilla, Chamaelirium luteum) for treatment.

It may also be that the ovaries are functioning fine, but hepatic metabolism and excretion of estrogens is impaired.

Dr Morton Biskind in the 1940s showed that B vitamin deficiencies caused liver impairment and accumulation of estrogens that contribute to PMS, fibro-cystic breast disease and menorrhagia.

B vitamins, in particular B6, are required for the hepatic metabolism of estrogens prior to excretion and it is reasonable to extrapolate that B vitamin deficiency contributes to estrogen loading and PMS in a significant way. Estrogen therapy and the birth control pill are known to contribute to cholestasis (the so-called sluggish liver) and so there may be a vicious cycle where B vitamin deficiency causes diminished estrogen clearance and elevated estrogen impairs liver function.

Bitter hepatic stimulants and cholagogues are called for here (Taraxacum off., Berberis vulgaris, Fumaria off., Arctium lappa, Curcuma longa), along with nutritional co-factors such as B vitamins, methionine, phosphatidyl choline, inositol, N-acetyl-cysteine and glutathione.

Source: Medherb.com

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
The Fertility Diet: Groundbreaking Research Reveals Natural Ways to Boost Ovulation and Improve Your Chances of Getting Pregnant
by Jorge Chavarro, Walter Willett, Patrick Skerrett

-- Reveals startling new research from the landmark Nurses' Health Study, which shows that the food you eat can boost your fertility.

The book prescribes ten simple changes in diet and activity that can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Groundbreaking findings into changes you can put into practice today, setting the stage for a healthy pregnancy and forming the foundation for an eating strategy that will serve you well for the rest of your life.

The Fertility Diet also offers a week's worth of meal plans and delicious recipes that will make following the guidelines easy and tasty.

Paperback: 288 pages - Click to order/for more info: The Fertility Diet - US | Canada | UK

Hardcover: 304 pages - Click to order/for more info: The Fertility Diet - US | Canada | UK

-- Start reading The Fertility Diet (US/Canada) on your Kindle in under a minute!
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Infertility often is a complicated medical problem that can trigger many emotions.

The experience can spark reminders of unresolved emotional issues, and may launch a major assault on a person's self esteem.

When should you seek emotional support?

According to the National Infertility Association, if you are experiencing any of the following, you should see an infertility counselor or therapist:

• You have felt sad, depressed or hopeless for longer than two weeks.
• You have noticed significant changes in your appetite.
• You are having trouble sleeping or are sleeping more than usual. You awaken not feeling rested.
• You feel anxious, agitated and worried much of the time.
• You have panic attacks -- particularly related to infertility situations or issues. You have lost interest in activities that once were enjoyable.
• You have trouble concentrating, are easily distracted, or have difficulty making decisions.
• You have persistent feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
• You feel easily irritated, angry and frustrated.
• You have thoughts of death or dying. You have lost interest in sex.
• Relationships with friends and family are no longer rewarding, and you prefer being alone.

Source: Yahoo!News (HealthDay)

Stock Photo credit: kamuelaboy, on MorgueFile
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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Inconceivable: Winning the Fertility Game
by Julia Indichova

-- One in six couples in America will experience reproductive problems. Julia Indichova and her husband were part of that statistic.

According to several fertility specialists Julia's high FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) level was an indication that her body was no longer producing fertilizable eggs.

Her only chance of conceiving, they said, was in-vitro-fertilization with a donor egg.
After a futile quest for a more hopeful prognosis, Julia searched through a variety of holistic alternatives and finally decided upon a personal healing regimen.

She followed it as single-mindedly , as one would follow a doctor's prescription of antibiotics. Her daughter Adira was conceived naturally, eight months later, and was born on April 29, 1994.

Hardcover: 201 pages - Click to order/for more info: Inconceivable - US | Canada | UK

-- Start reading Inconceivable (US/Canada) on your Kindle in under a minute!
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• Born to Love: All your cloth diapering needs, and much more - naturally! We are strong advocates of the personal, social and environmental benefits of natural parenting.
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A simple way of establishing on which days in a woman’s menstrual cycle she is fertile has been identified by US and Italian fertility experts, according to research published in Europe’s leading reproductive medicine journal, Human Reproduction,* today.

Analyzing cervical secretion and time to pregnancy data obtained from a large multinational European database – the European Study of Daily Fecund-ability - they were able to demonstrate that intercourse is unlikely to result in a conception if vaginal dampness is not noticeable on that day or the day before.

All a woman has to do is to notice when she has any vaginal dampness, not associated with menstruation, intercourse or disease. Women wishing to avoid pregnancy should avoid unprotected intercourse unless they have not had vaginal dampness for 2 days.

This algorithm, which was developed by the Institute for Reproductive Health at Georgetown University, is called the TwoDay method. The research teams used their data to analyze the relationship between the presence of noticeable secretions and the daily probabilities of pregnancy in cycles when intercourse was on a given day relative to the identified ovulation day.

The TwoDay method differs from other symptom-based natural family planning methods in that it is not necessary to keep detailed records of cervical mucus characteristics and basal body temperature. This simple algorithm may outperform expensive urinary kits, which can miss the majority of the fertile interval that occurs one or more days prior to ovulation.

Dr David Dunson of the Biostatistics Branch of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in North Carolina said: "This method is effective, both in identifying the fertile days of the cycle and in predicting days within that fertile interval that have a high pregnancy rate. It’s the first direct evidence that cervical secretions are associated with higher fecund-ability within the fertile window. 

For couples of normal fertility having intercourse two days prior to ovulation on the most fertile day of the cycle, the probability of pregnancy is essentially doubled from 0.18 (18%) if secretions have not been noticed in the last two days to 0.33 (one third) if secretions have been noticed. A normal couple who abstains from intercourse during the days classified as fertile by our system would have around an 8% chance of becoming pregnant within a year of frequent intercourse – compared with a 97% chance for a couple not following our system."

*The relationship between cervical secretions and the daily probabilities of pregnancy: effectiveness of the TwoDay Algorithm. Human Reproduction Vol. 16. No. 11. pp 2278-2282. D.B. Dunson, I.Sinai, B Columbo. Biostatistics Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, North Carolina; Institute for Reproductive Health, Georgetown University, Washington DC, Department of Statistics, University of Padua.

This story has been adapted from a news release issued by European Society For Human Reproduction And Embryology.

Source: Institute of Reproductive Health

Photo Credit: Baby holding hands by beeki / Dirk Schumacher
Public Domain photo: Creative Commons Deed CC0

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
What Every Woman Should Know About Fertility and Her Biological Clock
by Cara Birrittieri

-- Until now, there has been little practical advice on what women can do about ticking biological clocks.

What Every Woman Should Know About Her Biological Clock is the first book to explore a woman's reproductive life span completely, from beginning to end.

Based on Cara Birrittieri's own experience of running up against a slowing biological clock, she shows women for the first time how to "tell what time it is" with a simple blood test that gives them a peek at the state of their ovaries.

Paperback: 224 pages - Click to order/for more info: What Every Woman Should Know About Fertility and Her Biological Clock - US | Canada | UK

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• Born to Love: All your cloth diapering needs, and much more - naturally! We are strong advocates of the personal, social and environmental benefits of natural parenting.
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NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Taking carnitine supplements seems to improve sperm mobility in men with poorly active sperm, a problem known as asthenozoospermia, Italian researchers report.

However, for carnitine to work, tiny structures within the cell called mitochondria must function properly.

Mitochondria are important because they provide the energy needed for sperm to move their tail and "swim."

Senior investigator Dr. Carlo Foresta told Reuters Health that "it is well known that in some asthenozoospermic subjects an improvement of sperm (motion occurs) after carnitine administration...However in other asthenozoospermic patients this effect is not present."

To investigate further, Foresta of the University of Padua and colleagues studied 30 asthenozoospermic men divided into two groups depending on whether they had normal or abnormal mitochondria function.

The researchers' findings appear in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility.

In patients with normal mitochondria function, movement rose from 29.3 percent before treatment to 41.1 percent after 3 months of carnitine.

However, in those with abnormal function, movement held steady at about 24 percent.

Thus, Foresta concluded that carnitine treatment is useful "in ameliorating sperm motility only when optimal...mitochondrial function ... is conserved."

SOURCE: Fertility and Sterility 2005.

Photo credit: egg + sperm = eraserhead, by M Anina / Marioanima, on Flickr
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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Acupuncture and IVF: Increase IVF Success by 40-60%
by Lifang Liang

-- The information in this book can increase your success rate with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) by as much as 60%.

Research has shown that acupuncture alone can increase the success rate of IVF by 35%. By also adding Chinese herbal medicine, it is Dr. Lifang Liangs experience that you can almost double that increase.

In this book, Dr. Liang describes her extremely successful step-by-step protocols for combining acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine with IVF.

Whether you are a Western MD specializing in infertility, a Chinese medical practitioner, or a couple experiencing difficulties in conceiving, this book is sure to give you new hope and a new approach to dealing with this all too common and difficult condition.

Paperback: 224 pages - Click to order/for more info: Acupuncture and IVF - US | Canada | UK

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Japanese researchers say they have identified a vital protein which enables a sperm to fuse with an egg, a discovery that could one day lead to new treatment for infertile men as well as new forms of contraception.

The protein, on the sperm's surface, is synthesized by a gene that the scientists have dubbed Izumo, after a Japanese shrine dedicated to marriage, they report in a study published on Thursday.

Fusion problems have long been recognized as one of the big hurdles in pregnancy.

Recent research has discovered that a protein called CD9, on the egg membrane, is essential for amalgamating with sperm, and the discovery of Izumo is the first time that an equivalent has been found for the male gamete.

Masaru Okabe and colleague at Osaka University's Genome Information Research Centre, started by looking at a monoclonal antibody that was already known to block egg-sperm fusion.

They then searched for the protein on sperm to which this antibody adheres.

The next step was to test the theory by producing mice that were genetically-engineered to lack the new-found Izumo gene.

The knockout mice were all healthy, but males turned out to be sterile.

A close look under a microscope found that their sperm, while appearing quite normal, were unable to penetrate beyond the egg's thick outer membrane, the zona pellucida.

The finding "promises benefits in the clinical treatment of fertility and the potential development of new contraceptive strategies," Okabe's team write in the British weekly science journal Nature.

Source: News24.com

Photo credit: Infertility, by evelynized / evelina zachariou, on Flickr
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More Frugal Blogs and Websites:
• Born to Love: All your cloth diapering needs, and much more - naturally! We are strong advocates of the personal, social and environmental benefits of natural parenting.
• Frugal Freebies: Keep up with the latest free stuff, deals, coupons, and other ways to save money!
• My Frugal Baby Tips: Taking care of baby and mom needs naturally, does not have to cost a whole lot of money!