Circle + Bloom is running a promotion for the month of March that gets you 20% off of your order and we are delighted to be able to offer this to the PregnancyIVF community.

To take advantage of this discount, head over to Circle + Bloom and start shopping now! [...]]]>

Circle + Bloom is running a promotion for the month of March that gets you 20% off of your order and we are delighted to be able to offer this to the PregnancyIVF community.

To take advantage of this discount, head over to Circle + Bloom and start shopping now! At checkout, be sure to enter code: Fertilitypod20 so it’s applied to your order.

Visit Circle + Bloom Now!

Kate was our first successful FET after many failed IUI’s and a failed fresh IVF cycle. Our hopes were definitely down after the failed tries but we got [...]]]>

Kate 1 Year Old

Well, our little girl, Kate, just turned 1 this past week. This year has definitely flown by but with many memories that we will hold tight forever.

Kate was our first successful FET after many failed IUI’s and a failed fresh IVF cycle. Our hopes were definitely down after the failed tries but we got through the tough times and now we have just put the first year of Kate’s life on the books with many more wonderful years ahead of us! What a wonderful year it has been….the best year of Wendi and my life. There have been ups and downs and challenges and tough days but this little girl puts a huge smile on our faces each and every day. We love her with all we have…and couldn’t imagine life without her!

We have a lot of things going on right now as well. We have 1 frozen embryo left that we will be using in an FET after the first of the year. If he or she is as feisty as Kate, we’ll likely be blessed again! That is our hope as we journey back into the life of fertility treatments and the stress it brings!

We will also be launching a new web venture, FertilityPod, which is a social network and expert community aimed to help those struggling with infertility to offer support and hope. It’s something we can use ourselves as we battle infertility and we hope others join us to help get through this stressful and tough part of trying to start a family. Look for the launch shortly after the new year! You can also follow us on Twitter @FertilityPod.

Other than that, we just want to enjoy each and every day with Kate. She is our miracle. We are blessed and we want to soak in each and every moment with her.

Wishing everyone else out there who is struggling to start a family the best of luck. Especially to all of the females who sacrifice so much going through fertility treatments. We know first hand that it’s a very tough thing to go through but there is hope and support. We’re always here as well to chat with anyone who just needs some support or someone to talk to about their own fertility journey.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants (Vitamins C, E, and Beta-carotene, and selenium [...]]]>

A Natural Way To Fertility

While many men and women are turning to medications to treat or enhance their fertility, some feel that proper nutrition can positively affect fertility in many ways. Here is a list of some easy, natural ways that may help both you and your partner.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants (Vitamins C, E, and Beta-carotene, and selenium may aid with the sperm membrane, higher sperm count, and oocyte development. It may reduce female reproductive diseases such as PCOS and endometriosis.

B-Vitamins
Folate – important for all aspects of fertilization and embryo development. Good sources of folate: dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, eggs and milk.

Condiments high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, garlic, maple syrup, molasses, parsley, to name a few.

Manganese – found in vitamins B1 and E, vitamin deficiencies can lead to reproduce issues. Manganese can be found in whole wheat, seeds, leafy vegetables, eggs, nuts, strawberries apples and pineapple.

Zinc is found to aid with sperm quality. Zinc can be found in red meat, yogurt, nuts, seeds, oatmeal, corn, fruits and vegetables.

Fats

DHA, Flaxseed – possible correlation to enhancing sperm quality and quantity

Fresh food

For the best nutritional safety, many people are turning to organically grown vegetables and fruit. When purchasing meats, look for free range and wild.

Low Glycemic Foods

Low Glycemic foods are those that are typically not as processed and will not raise your blood pressure as much as other foods.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds act as building blocks in the female for a balanced hormonal system.

Sunflowers Seeds

Sunflowers seeds have a lot of Vitamin E, which some say in itself helps with fertility. If you are one that suffers from endometriosis, Vitamin E may help you liver break down excess estrogen caused by the endometriosis.

Whole Grain

Grains such as those found in oatmeal are high in inositol, which can help ovarian function.

Wheat Germ

Zinc and selenium are both found in wheat germ and can be beneficial for the fallopian tubes and well as the ducts where the sperm exits the testes. In essence, making the transportation of egg and sperm easier. It is also found to increase sperm count and quality.

Treating fertility naturally means using mild treatments that are a natural and safe way to balance your body. The hopes are that you will be able to assist your body’s own fertility, while at the same time, making you a much healthier and happier person.

One of the first hurdles after determining that IVF is your best option at becoming pregnant is figuring out how to pay for IVF. IVF is very expensive (anywhere from $8-15K without meds.) but there are various ways you can come up with the cash you need in order to pay for an [...]]]>

Different Ways To Pay For IVF

One of the first hurdles after determining that IVF is your best option at becoming pregnant is figuring out how to pay for IVF. IVF is very expensive (anywhere from $8-15K without meds.) but there are various ways you can come up with the cash you need in order to pay for an IVF cycle(s).

Does Your Insurance Cover IVF & Infertility?
Before you look into paying for IVF, you should check your insurance policy to see if it covers IVF and infertility. If so, see what your plan includes and talk with the finance person at the IVF clinic you choose. Some employer plans pay for the entire IVF process, some pay for a little and some pay none. It can’t hurt to check before you begin the entire IVF process.

Just Swipe Your Debit Card
If you have no insurance, another option would be paying for IVF with your checking account. This might be the most far fetched because not many of us have $10-$20 thousand dollars sitting in our checking account. But if you do, this might be your best option. You will pay it up front and then you can put the cost behind you and worry about the important thing at hand…becoming pregnant and having a baby.

Borrow From Family or Friends
Family and friends can be a great source of money. Set up arrangements for borrowing from them and a payment plan that is in writing. Borrowing from family and friends usually has a much lower interest rate, or no interest rate, meaning you will spend less overall.

Get a Gift From A Family Member
Family members or friends can also “gift” you money. This would be money given to you from friends or family and is not expected to be paid back hence the term “gift”.

Credit Card
Do you have a credit card with a high enough limit to pay for IVF? If so, this might be one of your options of financing IVF. Make sure your interest rate is not out of hand or you will be paying MUCH more than you should for the IVF treatment.

Savings Account
Use your hard earned savings. If you’ve been good at tucking away money for the past few years, this might be a great way to pay for your IVF and fertility treatment. Once again, you can pay up front and forget about the money part of infertility.

401K Loan
Some 401K loans allow you to borrow for medical reasons. Check with your 401K provider for more information. Borrowing from your 401K is not the best option but can help if your options are limited.

Shared Risk Programs
Shared risk plans can be a great way to finance IVF while giving you multiple attempts. For example, my wife and I did a shared risk program and it allowed 3 fresh IVF cycles and 3 frozen embryo transfers for one price. If you do not bring a baby home from the hospital, you are guaranteed a large portion of your money back. Not everyone will be approved for a shared risk program. There are age restrictions as well as fertility tests that the woman might have to go through before being approved. The cost of a shared risk program can be up to $30,000 or more but it does offer multiple tries. Our shared risk program did not include the IVF drugs which can cost upwards of $4,000 to $5,000 for a fresh IVF cycle. Ask your IVF clinic if the participate in a shared risk program.

IntegraMed Specialty Healthcare Services has a popular shared risk program you can look into.

Get Second Jobs
This obviously is not the ideal situation since you will already have added stress from infertility but getting a second job might be a good option to save up that extra money for the IVF treatments. If you have a skill, you can also use that to consult and do some side projects for extra money.

Home Equity Loan
You can use some of your home equity if you have some built up. Obviously the housing situation is not at it’s best right now so this might be a tough option but it is none the less, an option.

IVF Trials
Some IVF clinics have trials of IVF treatments. Look around to see if an IVF clinic near you is having a trial. You must still do your due diligence and research the IVF facility to make sure they have a good reputation but an IVF trial can often be free or very inexpensive if you are chosen.

Tax Return Check
See, an you never thought the IRS would help you out. You can use your tax return to pay for IVF or a portion of IVF. You can even plan accordingly have have extra money taken out of your paycheck so you know you will have a larger tax return come next March.

Decrease Your Standard of living
Lower your standard of living can help save the money you need over time. Make coffee at home. Pack your lunch. Don’t eat out so much. Skip vacation this year. Don’t buy the new car. All of these things add up over time and can help you put a nice chunk of money away to pay for your IVF treatment(s).

I’m sure there are more options to pay for IVF and fertility treatments but this list will get you started. Make sure you check with your insurance administrator to see if you have benefits that cover IVF and fertility treatments first. This will be your best option for paying for IVF if it’s available to you. Always speak with the finance specialist at the IVF clinic to weigh out all of your possibilities.

What is an HSG?

An HSG (hystosalpingogram) is often one of the first tests conducted for a female that may be experiencing a difficult time becoming pregnant. The HSG test is an X-ray that looks in the uterus and fallopian tubes and the areas around them.

Who needs to get an HSG?

An [...]]]>

HSG Test & Infertility

What is an HSG?

An HSG (hystosalpingogram) is often one of the first tests conducted for a female that may be experiencing a difficult time becoming pregnant. The HSG test is an X-ray that looks in the uterus and fallopian tubes and the areas around them.

Who needs to get an HSG?

An HSG test is regularly offered to any woman going through or seeking fertility treatment. An HSG test can determine a lot of fertility issues including overall uterine health.

The HSG Procedure

The HSG procedure is usually performed at the office of your reproductive endocrinologist. If your RE doesn’t have the proper equipment they may send you to the radiology department at a nearby hospital. The HSG is typically performed at least a week after your period, but before time of ovulation.

The procedure itself is relatively quick – it only takes about five to ten minutes to actually perform. Be sure to ask your doctor if they would like you to take any medications prior to the HSG procedure. It isn’t uncommon for your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic or muscle relaxant.

The HSG procedure is performed as follows:

You will lie on an examination similar to a routine pelvic exam with the speculum placed in your vagina. Some physicians will use a “block” or medication that will numb your cervix and help you to relax so that the catheter can easily be inserted through the cervix into your uterus. The doctor will slowly inject dye into the catheter so that it fills the uterine cavity. X-rays are taken as the dye streams into the fallopian tubes and flows into the abdominal cavity.

Once sufficient images are attained, the doctor or radiologist will remove the speculum and you will be asked to rest of the examination table for 20-30 minutes. It isn’t uncommon to experience abdominal cramping or even slight spotting after the procedure.

The physician may speak with you at that time about your results or they may send the information back to the referring physician.

The HSG Results

Your health care provider will sit down with you to explain the results of your HSG test. Normal results will show no blockages in your fallopian tubes and and a uterus that is of natural size and shape. Abnormal results could show one or more blockages in your fallopian tubes, uterine adhesions, or an unusual uterine shape.

What can an HSG identify?

• Damages or blockages in the fallopian tubes
• Shape of uterus
• Uterine fibroids and/or polyps
• Adhesions / scar tissue
• Endometriosis

Complications of an HSG

As with any medical or fertility procedure, there can be some complications that arise from the HSG test. These complications are fairly rare but are still risks however.

• spotting
• fainting or nausea
• uterine infection
• allergy from the iodine dye

What happens after the HSG is over?

Once the HSG is over and your results come back, the doctor can determine your next steps. If your results come back normal, this means that there were no issues detected with your fallopian tubes or uterus. If you are still experiencing difficulties getting pregnant, further testing may be needed to help diagnose your fertility problems.

Clomid is most commonly associated with female fertility treatments but it can also be used in cases of male infertility. When men have a low sperm count or poor motility, Clomid can stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more quality sperm. A study by WHO (World Health Organization) done in the 90′s shows that [...]]]>

Clomid and Male Infertility

Clomid is most commonly associated with female fertility treatments but it can also be used in cases of male infertility. When men have a low sperm count or poor motility, Clomid can stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more quality sperm. A study by WHO (World Health Organization) done in the 90′s shows that Clomid can increase the production of sperm.

There is still very limited research on men using Clomid for infertility issues such as low sperm count and poor motility. It’s also thought that if a male has severe sperm issues, such as extremely low sperm count, Clomid will not help.

Before Clomid is prescribed by a fertility specialist, a semen analysis and blood work will be done. Speaking from first hand experience, my urologist advised me to give a few semen samples over the course of a couple of months before prescribing Clomid. He wanted to get a few reading before making any decisions to make sure my counts were accurate. All of my semen analysis came in with a low count and very abnormal morphology as well. You will likely have blood work done at the same time to check your hormone levels. Clomid can help regulate your hormone levels which in turn can improve sperm production.

Side Effects of Clomid on Men

On another personal note, my urologist prescribed Clomid for my diagnosis of low sperm count. I had a sperm count of around 15-19 million per ml which is a little under average. Average sperm count is considered 20 million sperm per ml. Anything below 20 million is considered below average so that’s where I was categoriezed. My urologist prescribed me Clomid for low sperm count once a day for 6 months. Sperm changes and changes in sperm production take around 90 days to happen so he wanted to monitor me for 6 months to see if the Clomid would help improve my sperm count. Each month he would do blood work to check if my hormones were in balance. If there were not, he would adjust my dosage. After a few weeks of taking Clomid, I started to notice the side effects. I was having regular hot flashes, mood swings and blurred vision. I was basically having a geriod (guy period!). Okay…that was my attempt at humor! Don’t laugh too hard.

I stuck with Clomid for about 2 months and had to stop taking it. The side effects weren’t worth it and my wife and I were already going through the IUI process. So, I stopped taking Clomid and the side effects stopped almost immediately. I was finally back to a state of manhood!

A few weeks later we went through our second IUI cycle. After they took my semen sample for the IUI, I was stunned that my sperm count went down to under 10 million per ml. The first IUI it was 19 million. It decreased by almost half of what it was originally! I can’t say for sure if it was or was not the Clomid but it all happened at the same time. I’m also not saying that Clomid is horrible and you should never use it if you’re advised by your doctor to do so. It just wasn’t for me. Everyone reacts differently. I happened to not react well to Clomid.

The Conclusion: Clomid For Male Infertility

There’s still not much evidence behind Clomid working for male infertility. The jury is still out. Although sperm production can be increased by use of Clomid in cases of male infertility, men that took Clomid were no more likely to get their partner pregnant than men who were taking a placebo.

As with anything else fertility related, please see a specialist who can help advise the best path for your individual fertility situation.

Are There Fertility Drugs For Men?

There are not too many similarities between men and woman. That is, until you talk about fertility drugs. Just like woman need the right amount of hormones to ovulate regularly, men also need the right [...]]]> Guys – Increase Your Sperm Count, Improve Morphology & Motility – Naturally

Fertility Drugs For Men

Are There Fertility Drugs For Men?

There are not too many similarities between men and woman. That is, until you talk about fertility drugs. Just like woman need the right amount of hormones to ovulate regularly, men also need the right hormones and amount of hormones for optimal fertility and healthy sperm production. Fertility drugs that help women stimulate ovulation also help stimulate sperm production for men. See, we do have something in common!

One thing to keep in mind is that although there are fertility drugs for men, they don’t work as well for men as they do for women. On top them not working as well, the FDA has not approved most fertility drugs for men. This is not to say that a fertility specialist or urologist cannot prescribe fertility drugs for men. They can and do.

There is still not much information on the effects of fertility drugs on men. What has been researched and tested is that fertility drugs in men can help regulate certain hormone imbalances. If your hormones are not producing the correct amounts, this can lead to issues with sperm production. So, fertility specialists treat men for hormonal imbalances with fertility drugs.

Common Fertility Drugs For Men

Clomiphene Citrate
Clomiphene citrate tells the pituitary gland to make luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. These two hormones tell the testicles to produce testosterone and promote healthy sperm production. The common brand name for clomiphene citrate is Clomid.

HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
HCG alerts the testes to produce testosterone and sperm. In women, HCG is the hormone produced during pregnancy. This is what is detected in most pregnancy tests.

Should You Be Taking Clomid or HCG?

It all depends. After a careful examination by your fertility specialist or urologist, he or she will determine the best treatment for your situation. If your blood test comes back showing a hormonal imbalance, your doctor might prescribe a fertility drug depending on your diagnosis.

How Long Do I Take Fertility Drugs?

It all depends on your individual cases and diagnosis but a common time frame is anywhere from 3-6 months and sometimes up to a year. For Clomid, one pill is usually taken per day for 3-6 months. In my case, my doctor wanted me on Clomid for 6 months to one year. I had to stop after a month due to the side effects which I’ll talk about in another blog post. If you are on a cycle of HCG, you might have 2-3 injections per week for six months or so.

What Are The Success Rates For Fertility Drugs For Men?

There is no guarantee that fertility drugs will work for men. It’s on a case by case basis. What works for one guy might not work for another. Getting checked out by a fertility specialist is your first step in the process to see if fertility drugs are right for you.

Side Effects of Fertility Drugs For Men

In men, Clomid can cause temporary blurred vision, breast enlargement and tenderness, mood swings, hot flashes and weight gain.

Cost of Fertility Drugs For Men

Prices can vary depending if your insurance covers any portion of the medicine. You should first check your insurance provider. If you have to pay out of pocket expect to pay $100-$200 for a month’s worth of Clomid.

Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after already successfully conceiving one or more children naturally. Couples assume that if they could do it the first time without any fertility issues, why would it happen the second time around. Unfortunately, infertility can happen the the [...]]]>

Secondary Infertility: Why Now?

What is secondary infertility?

Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after already successfully conceiving one or more children naturally. Couples assume that if they could do it the first time without any fertility issues, why would it happen the second time around. Unfortunately, infertility can happen the the second time around or the third, or forth, etc… It’s actually pretty common. Secondary infertility can account for up to 60% of infertility cases making it a real issue when trying to conceive again after already conceiving naturally.

One of the major issues with secondary infertility is that couples are less likely to seek help from a fertility specialist…most likely because they think nothing is wrong and it’s just taking more time to get pregnant this time around. Without help, they could be spinning their wheels and using precious time, especially if age is a factor. Often, couples are told to “keep trying” and if secondary infertility is the issue at hand, this can cause stress, heartache and can prolong the entire process of getting pregnant. According to a survey by the National Center for Health Statistics, 3.3 million American women were experiencing secondary infertility. This is a large enough number to show that it is an issue and should be treated as such.

Why do I have secondary infertility?

There are many reasons why you can have secondary infertility. These reasons are often the same reasons why couples experience primary infertility. See a fertility specialist to try and help diagnose your secondary infertility but some common reasons for secondary infertility include:

• you or your husband/partner got an infection since your last pregnancy
• you or your husband/partner gained weight
• you or your husband/partner changed your diet
• egg or embryo quality has changed
• sperm issues are now present – sperm count, morphology, motility, etc…
• ovulation problems
• uterine fibroids
• endometriosis

There are many reasons you can have secondary infertility. Your lifestyle can be a huge factor in your fertility so check first to see if you have made any lifestyle changes that might be affection your fertility.

What can I do for secondary infertility?

It’s always good to see a fertility specialist if you have concerns regarding your fertility. It also goes back to the general rule that if you have been trying to conceive for one year by having regular, unprotected intercourse and have been unsuccessful, you should make an appointment with a fertility specialist.

Other reasons to see a fertility specialist include miscarrying, irregular periods, painful ejaculations and a loss of sex drive. These could be signs of infertility and should be checked out by a specialist.

Secondary infertility causing stress?

Since secondary infertility is not diagnosed as quickly as primary infertility and is often in the back seat, couples can experience increased stress. This can be harmful to your relationship and should be handled just as seriously as the infertility treatments you might need. Keeping a strong relationship between you and your partner will keep your stress levels down so you can focus on the primary task at hand…and that’s trying to get pregnant. You are both in this together so use this life experience to grow your relationship stronger. Your child will also see the stress so maintaining control of the situation is essential.

The good news is that secondary infertility can be treated just like primary infertility. If you suspect you have a fertility problem, get checked out. The sooner you find out the problem, the sooner you can get back on track to having your second, third or forth child.