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Low sperm motility, while it is not the most common of the possible causes of male factor infertility, can be one of the most frustrating causes of male factor infertility. Sperm motility refers to a measurement of how the man’s sperm are moving. It measures, as a percentage of the total sperm, how many sperm are moving forward at such a pace that they will reach the fallopian tubes in order to fertilize an egg. There are relatively few treatments for low sperm motility, medically speaking. And, while other treatments, such as nutritional supplements may be helpful for some men, the fact of the matter is that many men with low sperm motility have to rely on some form of reproductive assistance.
IUI, or Intrauterine Insemination, is the most basic of the reproductive treatments available. In this procedure, sperm are “washed” and then placed into the uterus directly. This procedure helps a higher number of sperm to make it to the fallopian tubes, where it can fertilize an egg. IUI is an effective method of reproductive assistance in some cases. IUI is especially effective, in terms of male factor infertility, when a man has a low sperm count, because it allows the health care provider or reproductive fertility specialist to concentrate sperm and place them in a much more beneficial spot. However, low sperm motility and IUI are not a particularly good match.
When you have a problem with sperm motility more aggressive treatments are often necessary. IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is often a better option for a man with low sperm motility than IUI. With IVF, sperm motility becomes less of an issue. Another method of addressing low sperm motility is with a procedure known as ICSI, which stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In this procedure, the sperm are inserted directly into the center of the egg for fertilization. ICSI, rather than IUI, is the preferred treatment when a couple is having fertility issues due to a problem with low sperm motility.
Posted in Trying to Get Pregnant
Having low sperm motility, which is a low percentage of sperm that are moving forward and at a pace fast enough that they can live through the entire journey on the way to fertilize an egg, is a relatively common cause of male fertility problems. While it is not as common to have a problem with sperm motility as it is to have a problem with sperm count, it is also often more difficult to increase your sperm motility than it is to increase your sperm count. In terms of what your health care provider is able to do, there are relatively few medical options that can lead to a way to increase your sperm motility. In some instances, if your low sperm motility is due to a hormonal problem, there may be a variety of medications that can be used to increase your sperm motility. However, many men who have not had any success with medical interventions have found ways to increase there sperm motility naturally.
The first way to increase your sperm motility naturally has to do with some specific nutritional supplements. The two proteins L-Carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine are thought to help improve sperm motility by transferring fatty acids into a place where they can be turned into energy for the sperm to use in their long journey. Taking a carnitine supplement, or a supplement that will increase the amount of these proteins in your system, is one way to increase your sperm motility naturally.
There are herbs that you might try to use to increase your sperm motility naturally, as well. Panax Ginseng, for example, is thought to increase your sperm motility, and to enhance your sperm count as well. Lepidium Meyenii, or Maca, is a traditional Peruvian herb that is used for a variety of purposes. Maca is thought to increase your semen volume, your sperm count, and your sperm motility. Polygonum Cuspidatum, or Resveratrol, is an antioxidant that is thought to help the concentration of your sperm, as well as increase your sperm motility. Pine Bark is another herbal antioxidant that may especially help being able to increase sperm motility.
Ultimately, there is no guarantee that you will find a way to increase your sperm motility naturally. In these cases, there may be other options to conceive, including IVF and ICSI.
Posted in Trying to Get Pregnant
Having a low sperm count can be an extremely frustrating condition. Because of the many factors that can contribute to having a low sperm count, medically trying to address a low sperm count can often be a long and complicated process. In the end, medicine does not always provide a positive answer, either. Fortunately, there are indeed ways that a man may be able to increase his sperm count naturally, without medical intervention or without the aid of a fertility specialist.
The first way to increase your sperm count naturally is to take some dietary measures. Your diet should include whole, unprocessed foods. The best foods to use to help increase your sperm count naturally are thought to be whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. In addition, Raw sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds have been shown to help with male fertility. It is recommended that a man with a low sperm count eat 1/4 cup of raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds each day. Keeping to organic foods and avoiding drugs or alcohol may also be able to help increase your sperm count naturally.
There are also varieties of vitamin supplements that may be able to assist you with increasing your sperm count naturally. They include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, Selenium, Zinc Arginine, and Carnitine. A variety of herbal remedies, from Maca to Goshkura to Extracts Vriddadaru may also be ways to help increase your sperm count naturally. There are a variety of herbal and vitamin supplements available over the counter that may contain some of these sorts of ingredients.
Ultimately, in some cases, a low sperm count cannot be increased, whether medically or naturally. In some cases, the cause of a low sperm count may not even be known. However, it is often worth the effort for you to try to find some ways to increase your sperm count naturally, in addition to seeking medical assistance with a low sperm count.
Posted in Trying to Get Pregnant
Low sperm motility can be one of the most frustrating fertility problems that a man can experience. While other problems, such as a variciole, may be address through surgical or medical means, there just are not yet many, effective and proven medical answers to low sperm motility. The bad news is, of course, taht there are not treatments for low sperm motility that are guaranteed to work for every man. Having said that, the good news is that there may be some medical treatments that work for some men, and there may be other treatments available that a man with low sperm motility might try.
In some cases, low sperm motility may be caused by a hormone deficiency. If low sperm motility is caused by a deficiency in a hormone, there may be medications that can be used to treat the hormone deficiency. Once the hormone levels are where they are supposed to be, it is possible that sperm motility will improve. Unfortunately, it is rather rare for low sperm motility to be caused by a hormone issue. Even if there is a hormonal cause for low sperm motility, there is not guarantee that treating the hormone problem will help with low sperm motility.
There may be other treatments for low sperm motility, however. Some studies suggest that low sperm motility can be caused by a lack of having the two proteins L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine. These two proteins act as a catalyst by which the sperm can utilize the natural sugars surrounding it in the semen, and use that energy to move forward. Supplementing these carnitine proteins may be, for some men, an effective treatment for low sperm motility.
Again, not all men will respond to a treatment for low sperm motility. In cases where supplements or medications aren’t helping to treat the low sperm motility, more aggressive fertility treatments, such as ICSI, may be necessary. For some couples, only IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) may be effective at treating low sperm motility.
Posted in Trying to Get Pregnant
Homeopathic medicines are one way that many people have found to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. In a very basic sense, homeopathic medicine relies on using small doses of the cause of a problem to actually solve the problem itself. This is loosely based on the same idea that is behind vaccinations, where a person is exposed to a low dose of a virus so as to prevent infection by that virus. Homeopathic medicines have been used for many different purposes, from the simple common cold to cancer. There are even homeopathic medicines that can be used for fertility problems, such as for low sperm motility.
Finding a homeopathic medicine to use for low sperm motility relies, at least partially, on being able to identify the cause of the low sperm motility. In many cases this really may not be possible. Still, there are some common types of homeopathic medications that are used for infertility in men that could be used when the exact cause of the low sperm motility can not be identified. These might include homeopathic medicines such as sepia or even cannabis sativa.
There are a variety of other natural remedies that you can use for a low sperm motility as well. A proper diet, for example, which includes whole unprocessed foods can help with sperm motility as well as your general health and well being. You can also use certain foods, such as whole grains, seeds, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and nuts to help with sperm count as well as sperm motility. IN particular, raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds are thought to be especially helpful.
In addition to homeopathic medicines and natural remedies, you may use supplements to help with low sperm motility. These might include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, vitamin B12, Selenium, Zinc, and Carnitine. Each of these vitamins or minerals is thought to help with sperm production and, in many cases, sperm motility.
Posted in Trying to Get Pregnant
Low sperm motility can severely impact a couple’s ability to conceive. Sperm motility refers to the rate and which sperm move “forward” after conception, up through the fallopian tubes where they can fertilize an egg. If sperm motility is low, especially if sperm motility is extremely low, a couple will not be able to conceive. In fact, low sperm motility can even affect a procedure like artificial insemination. Fortunately, there are other fertility procedures, such as ICSI, that a man can undergo that will have a much higher rate of success in terms of being able to conceive.
It is important first to understand what exactly ICSI is. ICSI stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. ICSI is one of the most revolutionary fertility treatments for male factor infertility. ICSI has been around for around 15 years, and is performed by most fertility centers in the United States. ICSI was derived from In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) research that took place in the late 1970s. ICSI is much less invasive than IVF, and much less costly as well.
ICSI is a process by which a single sperm is injected directly into the center of an egg, where it will, hopefully, fertilize the egg. By injecting the sperm directly into the egg, low sperm motility becomes much less of a factor. The sperm no longer have to be able to travel up the vaginal canal. The sperm no longer have to travel up the fallopian tubes. The sperm don’t even need to penetrate the egg; they are already inside. The sperm just needs to fertilize the egg.
ICSI is also able to help address a variety of other male-factor fertility problems, beyond sperm motility. A man with a very low sperm count, for example, can benefit from ICSI. As long as the man is producing some sperm and as long as the fertility specialist can isolate that sperm for use in ICSI, sperm count is not an issue at all. In addition, if a man has abnormal sperm shape, ICSI can still be used to isolate a healthy and normal sperm for use in ICSI.
Posted in Fertility Issues
Making up for a low sperm count requires, first of all, that you rule out some specific sorts of causes for your low sperm count. It would be foolish to start the artificial insemination procedure, for example, if the low sperm count is caused by an infection, or by prescription drugs that the man might be taking. If the low sperm count is due to a varicocele, a simple surgery should very likely resolve the problem. If the sperm count is extremely low, there are procedures like Testicular Sperm Extraction or Microepididymal Sperm Aspiration, that may be able to procure a usable amount of sperm. Still, for men who have a very low sperm count and who cannot address the issue another way, artificial insemination or other fertility treatments may make up for their low sperm count.
The preferred fertility treatment when a man has a very low sperm count that cannot be addressed through less invasive measures is ICSI or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. This treatment does more than deliver the sperm to the uterus, which is what artificial insemination does. ICSI actually takes the sperm and delivers it into the middle of an egg, making it much more likely that the sperm will be able to fertilize the egg. Both artificial insemination and ICSI should also includes “washing” or spinning the sperm, to make sure that the most motile and the healthiest sperm are able to make it to the egg. There are other ancillary procedures, as well, that may be used to help concentrate the viable sperm to be used for insemination.
Ultimately, a medical evaluation is necessary to try to determine what exactly the cause of a low sperm count might be. A urologist or a fertility specialist can generally help to evaluate a man with fertility problems, and should be able to help develop an appropriate plan to try to make up for the low sperm count, whether it is through artificial insemination, ICSI, or whether it is with some other method altogether.
Posted in Trying to Get Pregnant
Having a low sperm count can be an extremely frustrating thing for a man. So much of a man’s identity is tied up in his virility, not to mention the natural disappointment and feelings of failure that come with being unable to conceive. However, having a low sperm count does not have to mean that a man will not be able to conceive. It also doesn’t mean, necessarily, that a couple will have to undergo complex and expensive fertility treatments. There are things that a man can do to try to address the low sperm count, apart from fertility treatments. Many men, for example, have had success with using nutritional supplements that can help with a low sperm count.
Several vitamin and mineral supplements are thought to help with a low sperm count. Vitamin C, for example, helps sperm count by helping to keep the urinary tract clear. Vitamins E and B12 may also help you with a low sperm count. Some research suggests that a zinc deficiency may contribute to a low sperm count, so taking Zinc supplements may be able to help as well. Be careful with Zinc, however, because there is some research that also suggests that too much zinc can lead to a problem with sperm motility.
There are some other things that may help with a low sperm count. There are two specific proteins, sometimes called Carnitine, that help to not only produce sperm, but help sperm to move forward the way that they are supposed to, that may taken. In addition, there is some research to suggest that fish oils may also help with a low sperm count.
Some lifestyle choices, in addition to supplements, may help you with a low sperm count. You should eliminate alcohol, which can not only contribute to a low sperm count but can cause sexual problems. The same goes for smoking tobacco. Dietary changes, such as eating a balanced diet rich in fiber and drinking at least 48 ounces of water every day may also help with a low sperm count.
Posted in Trying to Get Pregnant
PMS is short for Premenstrual Syndrome? Premenstrual syndrome refers to the physical and emotional symptoms that occur during the one or two weeks before the beginning of menstruation, or a woman’s monthly period. PMS symptoms may last a few days after menstrual bleeding starts.
PMS is diagnosed when her premenstrual symptoms:
- cause significant discomfort,
- interfere with her daily life,
- occur primarily during the last two weeks of her menstrual cycle, and
- cannot be attributed to other conditions.
Some studies suggest that around 80% of menstruating women have some premenstrual symptoms. About half of those women have PMS. About 10% of women have what is called PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Research has not yet been able to determine the definitive causes of PMS. However, many experts suspect that women are sensitive to the hormonal changes that happen during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progesterone cause changes in the brain’s neurotransmitters, such as Seratonin, Endorphins, and Norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are known to affect a variety of things, including depression, food cravings, pain and pleasure, heart rate, blood pressure and mood.
Other researchers think that certain imbalances in calcium and magnesium levels may trigger PMS symptoms. These are two minerals that affect nerve cell communication and blood vessel opening and closing.
Some researchers believe that the answer has to do with heredity. Women whose mothers and sisters have PMS are more likely to have it themselves, although studies have yet to prove the genetic link.
No. PMS is not caused by stress. Women may experience more stress prior to menstruation, and they may handle stress differently during this time, but it is not the cause of PMS. Excessive stress can, however, make PMS symptoms worse.
Before attributing symptoms to PMS, a woman should rule out a variety of other causes, such as:
- Anemia
- Eating disorders
- Diabetes
- Alcohol abuse
- Hypothyroidism
- Oral contraceptive side effects
- Perimenopause
- Dysmenorrhea
- Personality disorders
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Autoimmune disorders.
Posted in Health and Well-Being
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that includes over 100 different strains or types. Many of these are transmitted sexually, and can lead to a genital HPV infection. Genital HPV infections are spread through skin-to-skin contact, rather than through the exchange of bodily fluids as is the case with many STDs.
HPV infections can infect both men and women. They may infect the vulva, the lining of the vagina, the cervix, the rectum, or the skin of the penis. Most people that are infected with HPV will not have any symptoms.
Some people with an HPV infection may experience visible genital warts. These are single or multiple bumps that may appear in the genital area. These are usually soft, moist, and pink- or flesh-colored.
Some HPV viruses are considered to be high risk. They can lead to cervical or other genital cancers. They may cause abnormal Pap tests. Although only a small proportion of women have persistent infection, persistent infection with “high-risk” types of HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer.
A Pap test can often detect abnormalities that can indicate the presence of HPV. A Pap test can also screen for cervical cancer. For men, there are currently no tests that can indicate HPV.
Rarely, a pregnant woman can pass HPV to her baby during vaginal delivery. In these instances, a baby that is exposed to HPV can experience certain complications, including the development of warts in the throat or voice box.
There is no known cure for an HPV infection. For most women, the infection will go away on its own. For someone who is experiencing genital warts, a health care provider may be able to prescribe medications that will cause the warts to disappear. The surest way to eliminate risk for genital HPV infection is to refrain from any genital contact with another individual. HPV infection can occur in areas that are not covered or protected by a latex condom, so their effectiveness in reducing the risk for HPV is not currently known.
Posted in Health and Well-Being
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