Fertility News

Obesity may have a detrimental effect in the fertility of the next generation

Ghrelin, the so-called "hunger hormone," is produced in the stomach and brain. It induces food intake, and operates through a brain region that controls cravings for food and other energy sources. Ghrelin levels are lower in adult obese women, and it has been associated with infertility. However, research of the last few years suggests that ghrelin level of the mother influences the fertility of her female children as well. Low ghrelin levels during pregnancy could program the development of the uterus of their female children to be less fertile as adults.

Emotional support and stress management more than doubled IVF pregnancy rates

Whether the woman's emotional state influences IVF pregnancy rates have been a controversial area of research. History clearly shows that during high level of stress, such as famine, war, political unrest etc. women were less likely become pregnant as opposed to periods of abundance and peace which usually resulted in population growth. The last and most obvious such period was the "baby boomers" after the second world war. Literature of hundreds of years also showed that women who were in love, appreciated and cared for were more likely to become pregnant than those who were not been treated well,

However, few research in the past decade seem to have found the opposite. They used various tests and procedures to measure the participants' stress, depression and anxiety levels. Contrary to historical data they concluded that women's stress and emotional state made no difference in the pregnancy rate. Science seemed to contradict history.

The break through happened just yesterday, In a new research, instead of trying to measure women's stress levels, researchers designed a 10 weeks program of emotional support which included stress management and lifestyle adjustments before IVF. The women were assigned randomly into two groups: those who participated in the program and those who did not. The result was overwhelming. It showed that the emotional and stress management program more than doubled the success rates for IVF.

It was a particularly important research for us in IVF Support, because in the last five years in spite of the negative research results, we have been putting an ever increasing emphasis on emotional support. We have been experimenting to find the simplest and easiest method for our women without having them to undergo a rigorous 10 weeks program. As a result we have been experiencing significant increase in pregnancy rates every year.   (Emotional support in our program.)

Antioxidants may hinder ovulation

Male subfertility affects one in 20 men. It has been proven in numerous clinical trials, that oxidative damage of sperm cells may result in lowered sperm counts and interfere with their ability to fertilise eggs. Inflammatory processes are also major suspects for sub-optimal sperm parameters. Antioxidants, therefore, may be beneficial to reduce oxidative damage on sperm cells and reduce inflammatory processes.

Antioxidants are often prescribed to women too, when suspecting oxidative damage and inflammatory processes hindering fertility. Inflammation in deed one significant problem in female reproductive health. However, a recent research has shown that excessive oral antioxidants may in fact hinder ovulation. The research showed that ovulation, signalled by the surge of LH (Lutenizing Hormone), triggers processes similar to oxidation and inflammation. Antioxidants may prevent these essential processes to take place, therefore, hindering ovulation. Women taking oral antioxidants and antiinflammatories are advised to discontinue the supplements and drugs few days before ovulation.