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Your Guide to Emotional Recovery after Abortion

Losing a child, especially through abortion, is not an easy thing to deal with. Women who go through abortion, for whatever reason, often suffer from bouts of guilt, depression, and sadness with the feeling of having lost something. There are a lot of things that might go on in the mind of someone who has had an abortion, and if these things go unresolved, it may cause that person to do certain things they wouldn’t normally do. Some of these things may include turning to substance abuse, like alcohol or drugs or even hurting oneself to help release the feelings of guilt, depression, and anger that may be coursing through their mind. Recovering emotionally as well as mentally from an abortion requires more than just trying to come to terms with what happened, it also requires a little help from people around you and from deep within yourself.

Getting Started

When you are faced with the fact that you had an abortion, you may sometimes want to hide from that reality by turning to things that might make you forget about your feelings like drugs or alcohol. These are just temporary reprieves from reality and after your “fix”, you find yourself faced with the fact that it did happen and the bad feelings you have about it are still there. There are others who, instead of trying to forget, want to remember and continuously punish themselves for what happened by constantly remembering. These actions do not work towards your healing and do not help you recuperate from the bad feelings you have about the abortion.

The first thing you need to do is to face the reality that it did happen and you have to learn to move on. One of the ways for you to come to terms with the pain of the loss or the feeling of sadness and guilt you might have over it is to find someone you can trust and share these feelings with. This should be a person you feel won’t judge you for what you have done and would be open to helping you get over these emotions you have about having an abortion.

Finding Someone to Share it With

Finding the right person to share this burden with is never easy. You might think that you can share this emotional burden you have over the abortion with your partner, your sister, your mom, or someone else close to you but then you might think that they will judge you harshly for what you did. If your partner was part of the decision to have the child aborted, is he the right person to talk to about these feelings? You need to ask yourself a few questions about your partner and your relationship before you can decide that he can share the emotional burden with you. Are members of your family close to you? Did they influence you to have the abortion in any way? You may need to find a person you know who will understand why you did what you did and not judge you for it and whether it is a friend, a neighbor or a professional, talking about it and facing it are the first steps to getting yourself to heal emotionally from the abortion.

Information about the Author:

Florida Abortion Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Abortion Clinics Orlando in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including Florida abortion clinic, physical examinations, family planning, counseling, laboratory services and sexually transmitted disease screening and counseling.

Getting Help With Pregnancy By Way Of Home Insemination

When most couples get married one of the things that most of them hope to have in the future is a family. It's not always possible for this to happen entirely naturally and so a growing number of women request IVF treatment so that they can become pregnant. Not many people know that it is now possible to have IVF treatment at home in the form of home insemination.

Some couples who really want a family may not be able to afford the usual form of IVF treatment, while others spend a small fortune. Home insemination is a much cheaper form of IVF treatment, which means that more people can afford to have it.

The fact of the matter is that the number of people who are completely infertile is actually quite small, for many other couples IVF treatment may mean that they can have the child or children they so desperately want.

If a couple is not able to have a child through the normal means of sexual intercourse, for a variety of reasons, then artificial insemination is a way of dealing with this. Artificial insemination takes the semen from the man and inserts it into the wife's genital tract in order for her to become pregnant.

This method is not always successful at first and so couples may have to have the treatment a number of times before it results in a pregnancy. In some cases the sperm has to be placed either in the neck of the womb, which is known as intravaginal insemination or it is sometimes placed inside the womb, known as intrauterine insemination. The method that is used for home insemination is the intravaginal method.

Some men have a problem with their sperm and then a sperm donor might be used, this may also happen if a lesbian couple want to have a child. Home insemination, like all artificial insemination methods should be carried out at the time of the woman's ovulation, which is during the menstrual cycle when the eggs are released as this is normally a woman's most fertile time.

Ovulation usually occurs fourteen days before the onset of a period, if a woman's periods are irregular then artificial insemination is more difficult. There are tests that can be done to find out when the most fertile period is likely to be.

If a couple is successful with IVF, in 90% of cases this is in the first five or six cycles, much beyond that and IVF may not be suitable. The home insemination method of intravaginal insemination is useful for couples who have problems in getting the sperm to the correct place.

Home insemination is quite cheap and you can get a kit for around $30. There are also basic kits that you can get for around $15. When you buy a home insemination kit you will find that it comes with all the instructions that you need. Women who are using the sperm of a donor need to ensure that the donor is first tested for HIV and other diseases before going ahead with it.

If you have problems with ovulation then it's possible to get products that help with this when they are used in conjunction with a home insemination kit. If you cannot afford the cost of IVF at a fertility clinic then this kit might be just the product that you need so that you can have the child or children you want.

Information about the Author:

Want to learn more about us and how you can get help with pregnancy, then come and check us out at www.insemination-help.com.

IVM CYCLE AND IVF CYCLE

Dominant Follicle Diameter Helps Select Optimal Day for Oocyte Retrieval in IVM Cycles
In vitro maturation (IVM), a novel assisted reproduction technique, reduces risks associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) as the eggs are retrieved, matured and fertilized in vitro prior to implantation, thereby eliminating ovarian stimulation. However, the factors predisposing the success or failure of IVM cycles are unclear. Now, a recent study published in the December issue of the journal, Human Reproduction suggests that dominant follicle (DF) size of =14mm at oocyte retrieval following human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) priming improves pregnancy outcomes in cycles programmed for IVM treatment.
Weon-Young Son from the McGill University, Montreal, and coworkers conducted a study on 160 women with polycystic ovaries (171 cycles) to compare the DF size at oocyte retrieval after hCG priming with IVM outcome. When the endometrial thickness reached a minimal of 6 mm, the researchers subcutaneously administered 10,000 IU hCG, 35 to 38 hours prior to oocyte collection. The retrospective analysis was performed in 3 study groups based on the DF diameter: group 1, with a diameter of =10 mm; group 2, between 10 and 14 mm; and group 3 of >14mm. In the corresponding 3 groups, 6.9%, 10.6%, and 15.1% of the in vivo matured oocytes were collected, suggesting a positive correlation between the size and number of oocytes.
Results showed that among the sibling immature oocytes extracted in the 3 groups, the rates of IVM, fertilization and embryo development were similar. It was found that group 3 exhibited a lower clinical pregnancy rate (17.1%) compared to group 2 (40.3%). Furthermore, groups 1 (13.6%) and 2 (14.3%) had higher implantation rates than group 3 (4.9%). Based on the study findings, the researchers proposed DF =14mm as the optimal oocyte retrieval time for IVM cycles, as DF >14 mm may detrimentally affect the sibling immature oocytes.
Earlier, the same group of researchers conducted a retrospective study (Human Reproduction, 2008) to investigate if an extension in the time interval between hCG priming and immature oocyte retrieval enhances the oocyte maturation rate after IVM. The assisted reproduction technique was performed on 113 polycystic ovary syndrome patients (120 cycles) and the oocytes were collected at either 35 hours (group 1=76) or 38 hours (group 2 = 44) following 10,000 IU of hCG priming. The oocyte maturity was analyzed after the retrieval and the culture of the immature oocytes was performed till day 2 using IVM medium. It was found that the number of in vivo matured oocytes was considerably lower in group 1 (13.6%) compared to group 2 (7.3%). Also, group 2 exhibited a higher oocyte maturation rate after day 1 (46.3 vs. 36.0%), clinical pregnancy (40.9 vs. 25%) and implantation rates (15.6 vs. 9.6%) than group 1. Based on the findings, the scientists suggested that extending the time of hCG priming from 35 hours to 38 hours for oocyte retrieval could improve the pregnancy outcome of IVM cycles.
In vitro maturation of immature oocytes collected from unstimulated ovaries is an assisted reproduction technology that is extensively being studied. Some of the advantages of IVM over IVF are that it is less expensive, has shorter treatment regimen, and does not require the use of hormonal fertility drugs for ovarian stimulation. It may thereby eliminate the risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancies.
Several previous studies have indicated that controlled ovarian stimulation in combination with in vitro fertilization cycles provide better results compared to in vitro maturation techniques. Now, the identification of the optimal hCG priming time and dominant follicle size for oocyte retrieval may help in enhancing the success rates of the novel IVM technique with fewer adverse effects compared to IVF.

Rotunda-The Center for Human Reproduction ,best Surrogacy Center in India provide a high-quality low-cost alternative to patients who in their home country cannot afford the surrogacy procedure because of the high cost or long waiting lines.

For more information related to fertility infertility treatments, male infertility, female infertility, infertility clinic, ivf clinic, ivf treatment,ivf center,surrogacy options in India,surrogate mother in India and infertility specialists please contact

Rotunda-The Center for Human Reproduction
http://www.iwannagetpregnant.com
iwannagetpregnant9@gmail.com
Telephone :+91 22 2655 2000

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Pregnancy Articles: http://www.article-buzz.com

Your Eggs and Sperm Can't Live Without This Wonder Oil

Imagine building a house without some of the essential materials. Well it simply wouldnt work, it would be leaky, drafty, insufficiently insulated, and would probably collapse during the first storm.

Our cells are no different to a house. They all have a blueprint (DNA) and are meant to be constructed according to the plan. However when the body makes a request for a particular nutrient to complete the cell construction, it gets a message that the reserves are empty or being held only for the key organs, needed to keep you alive.

One of those essential nutrients are Essential Fatty Acids: Essential because our body cant make them, so we need to get them from food. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are necessary for;

- Normal brain and nervous system function
- Visual acuity and cognition
- Hormone and prostaglandin regulation
- Healthy placental growth
- Brain and liver development in the foetus

The central nervous system starts to develop 21 days after conception; because of this it is essential that the mothers reserves are optimal before conception.

EFAs are also very important for;

- The health of breasts and mammary glands
- Growth of the uterus in the mother

EFAs can protect against SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and post natal depression and have been found to be effective in the treatment of endometriosis, heavy periods, cramping and mild depression. Deficiency has been linked to male infertility and can lead to congenital malformations and spontaneous abortions.

Omega 3 and 6 are known as EFAs. Omega 6 is readily available in food (nuts and seeds and vegetable oils) but Omega 3 is harder to come by and the need for Omega 3 increases during pregnancy and lactation.

Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), are the building blocks of membranes of all cells in the body, and precursors of eciosanoids, hormones important in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, especially in women.

For example period cramps a.k.a. dysmenorrhea, stem from disturbed balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory hormones. By increasing the intake of omega 3 fatty acids your period cramps can vanish.

I speak here from first hand experience. As a teenager, I couldnt leave the house without a Ponstan (a painkiller) on the first day of my period.
When I learned at college about omega 3s I started taking the supplement every day and within 2 cycles I never had to use Ponstan again, my cramps were gone.

Studies have shown that omega 3 fatty acids;

- Facilitate pregnancy in women with infertility problems by increasing uterine blood flow.

- Promote fetal growth by improving placental blood flow.

- Lower the risk of premature birth, by increasing the length of pregnancy and birth weight.

- Facilitate the childs brain development.

- Prevent preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy).

- Prevent postpartum depression.

- Prevent menopausal problems.

- Prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.

- Prevent breast cancer.

- Lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). This is especially
important for women receiving hormone therapy, which can increase bad cholesterol.

Buyer Beware

When buying Omega 3 Fish oils, you need to make sure the product;

1. Contains antioxidants to prevent the oil from oxidizing and going rancid
(a.k.a. lipid peroxidation).
2. Has been tested for mercury, dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls (PBCs), and
meets the established safety limits.

Fish that live a long time (e.g. swordfish, shark and tuna) have a longer time to accumulate environmental toxins. Try to make sure your fish oil comes from wild sardines or wild salmon.

What we all need to be mindful of, is, the ever increasing demand for the ocean fish reserves. Studies have shown, worldwide, the demand for wild fish is now greater than the ocean can supply and projections suggest complete reliance on aquaculture (farmed fish) by 2050.

A solution to this problem is oil from Krill, an abundant zooplankton found in the Antarctic waters. Krill is eaten by whales and other fish. It possesses a fatty acid profile comparable with fish oils. It is a more sustainable solution comparable to fish oils.

How much do you need?

The recommended therapeutic dose of Omega 3 (RTD) is 1000mg three times per day, with food. Never have them on an empty stomach, as they wont absorb properly.

How do you store it?

In the fridge.

If you get fishy burps, you can put it in the freezer and have the capsules frozen, this way they will thaw out in your small intestines instead of your stomach.

Food Sources

Deep sea fish, wild salmon, red snapper, wild trout, herring, halibut, sardines, walnuts, almonds, nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil (only 20% gets converted into the active form), grass fed meat, hemp seed oil.

References

1. Arthur, R.Omega-3 Sources. The Journal of Complementary Medicine, May/June 2009 Vol 8 No 3.
2. Saldeen P, Saldeen T. Women and omega-3 Fatty acids. Obstet Gynecol Surv.2004 Oct;59(10):722-30; quiz 745-6.
3. Keene, I. 2008. Natural Fertility Prescription, Australian Natural Therapeutics,Switzerland.

Information about the Author:

Leading Fertility Naturopath Iva Keene publishes the Ultimate Fertility ezine with tips to get you pregnant ASAP. Get your free Fertility advice at www.natural-fertility-prescription.com

What You Need To Know About Sperm Antibodies

20% of all cases of infertility are due to mutual infertility, and 20% due to unexplained infertility. Combined, that's nearly half of all the cases of infertility!

If the woman is ovulating, doesn't have blocked tubes, hormonal imbalances or other reproductive system conditions, and, the man has normal sperm parameters, what's the problem?

Why can't they get pregnant?

1. Presence of sperm antibodies
2. Toxic mucus
3. Food intolerances

The first test you should consider is a post-coital test. This test will show how many sperm are still alive after intercourse in the woman's reproductive system.

If the woman has sperm antibodies in her mucus, or has overly acidic mucus due to toxin overload in the body then the sperm will not fare well and their minutes (not days) will be numbered.

Channels of elimination

You see, your body will rely on all possible channels of elimination when it comes to getting rid of toxins. They are mostly mucus and discharge producing organs such as the nose, lungs, skin, kidneys, gut, vagina and penis.

This is where detoxing comes into the picture. Each couple, regardless of whether you are infertile or not should consider detoxing before conception.

Heavy metals exposure has a detrimental impact on the immune system, especially on autoantibody production which can lead to infertility in susceptible individuals. One study found that patients with mercury allergy had more antisperm antibodies than patients without the mercury allergy. (Neuro. Endicronol. Lett. 2005)

Food intolerances and sperm antibodies

If the immune system is in overdrive (due to constant exposure to food you are intolerant to) it can adversely react to your partner's sperm and /or fertilized egg and destroy it. This can lead to creation of antibodies to your partner's sperm and can predispose you to miscarriages and still births.

In the case of food intolerances you will not necessarily know you've got one until you do a proper blood test or you simply eliminate the food from your diet and wait to see if the symptoms go away. It can take up to 3 months for the immunocomplexes (antibody and antigen sticking together) to clear from your system.

Our body is one closed circuit. Everything that enters your body: through air that you breathe, food and drinks you consume or lotions and potions you rub on your skin will affect every single cell in your body! It all ends up in your blood. Your blood carries it though kilometers of blood vessels from the biggest aorta to the tiniest capillaries barely visible to the eye. Just think about that, for a second.

And the next time you want to consume something you know is not healthy just remember the closed circuit and know that it won't just come out without leaving any damage behind.

Sperm Antibodies in the mucus

If the woman's mucus contains sperm antibodies, more than just a detox is required. Studies have shown that women can develop antisperm antibodies if sperm has come into contact with the mucosal or systemic immune system. This can happen if there are minor wounds in the vagina, rectum or the oral cavity. Sperm antibodies in cervical mucus cause the heads of the sperm to stick to the cervical mucus.

To treat sperm antibodies in the mucus you'll need to use condoms for 3-6 months while the woman's immune system is addressed with diet, nutritional supplements, herbs and other complementary medicine treatments as required.

During the 3-6 month period, because the woman didn't come into contact with the sperm, the present antibodies to sperm will be broken down and no new ones will be produced.

This is also a very beneficial time to learn about timing your most fertile days!

Then you remove the condom and have intercourse at the most fertile time to conceive. This will not allow enough time for your body to produce new antibodies. Also after having your immune system treated and retrained during those 3-6 months it is likely that your immune system would not react again.

If the woman has sperm antibodies in her blood and not just the mucus, than just relying on the condom will not be enough and a longer immune system treatment may be required.

Men can have sperm auto antibodies

Autoimmunity results from the abnormal immune response against the body's own tissue. Men can develop antibodies against their own sperm. This can cause the sperm to agglutinate (or stick together) or cause the tails of the sperm to stick to the cervical mucus.

Autoimmunity of any kind often derives from childhood or even earlier development in the womb. If the mother was consuming foods she was intolerant to during her pregnancy, then her antibodies influenced what type of immune system dominance the child will have.

The immune system is fascinating in that it needs to learn the ropes. Unlike the other cells in the body it intimately interacts with our environment everyday.

If you have an inflamed gut, due to a bacterial or parasitic infection or as a result of food intolerance, large molecules from food will enter the sterile environment behind the gut, through the gaps between the cells. Once they are in the area of the body they are not meant to be in, the immune system will pick them up and treat them as invading pathogens. Now that the immune system has been exposed to this substance once, it'll produce a whole army of antibodies against this food. So now each time you eat this food, they'll attack. Overtime this will exhaust the immune reserve, making it less robust when it comes to bacteria, viruses and cancers and more hypersensitive to its own tissue and innocuous substances such as pollen and food.

This starts a viscous cycle if the food intolerance is not picked up upon and treated naturopathically.

If as a child you were not breastfed, than you may have missed out on your mother's antibodies and this may have predisposed you to an immune system that is overly reactive. If, on the other hand you mother has many allergies, then you can consider yourself lucky for not having been breastfed.

Also if you grew up in a super clean and sterile environment, your immune system didn't have any bugs to learn from. Some childhood diseases and contact with dirt as a kid are very beneficial for the immune system. They teach your immune system what sort of antibodies it should be producing, so it's less likely to attack food molecules or your own tissue.

The good news is that the immune system can be retrained in three easy steps;

1. Remove the triggers for 3-6 months or longer, depending on the severity.
2. Heal the inflammation and the mucosal surfaces, with the right nutrients and diet.
3. Treat the immune system with adequate protein intake, a clean and pure diet, nutritional supplements, probiotics and herbs. Key nutrients to consider are vitamin C, zinc, selenium, vitamins E and A (or betacarotene), omega 3, and herbs such as Panax ginseng, Echinacea, Hemidesmus, Astragalus, Withania and Saw palmetto.

In this article we looked the causes of sperm antibodies and touched on unexplained infertility as it relates to food intolerances. There are plenty of other environmental influences that can contribute to unexplained infertility. Natural fertility treatment for sperm antibodies consists of abstinence from the triggers, dietary and lifestyle adjustments and nutritional and herbal support for the immune system. Once you truly grasp the interconnectedness of all body systems you'll understand why and how what you eat, drink and breathe can make all the difference to your fertility.

Information about the Author:

Leading Fertility Naturopath Iva Keene publishes the Ultimate Fertility ezine with tips to get you pregnant ASAP. Get your free Fertility advice at www.natural-fertility-prescription.com