Researchers in Southampton have found new insight into why some women have difficulty in becoming pregnant.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting around 10 per cent of women and is associated with chronic abdominal pain, irregular periods, and lowered fertility.

In order to become pregnant a woman must produce a mature egg. Maturation occurs in fluid-filled structures called follicles in the ovary. The mature eggs are then released to become fertilised however eggs in women who have endometriosis are affected by a very hostile uterine environment that lowers fertility. It is assumed that the egg itself, before it is released, is not affected by the endometriosis.

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Research recently published in the journal Reproduction investigates the effects of various exercise regimens on overall sperm quality. The results show that just a few months of activity can make a significant difference. An estimated 1 in 3 couples find conceiving difficult because of poor semen quality.

Often, these couples only have in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a treatment option; however, poor sperm quality is known to increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and childhood cancer.

Because of this, ways to naturally increase sperm quality are important for the health and well-being of current and future generations.

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Many claims made by UK fertility clinics about the benefits of treatments beyond standard IVF procedures are not backed up by evidence, according to a study published in the online journal BMJ Open.

These can range from £50 for a single screening blood test to as much as £8000 for egg freezing packages. The researchers, led by Professor Carl Heneghan at Oxford University’s Centre for Evidence Based Medicine (CEBM), say “there is a need for more information on interventions to be made available by fertility centres, to support well informed treatment decisions.”

Infertility is a significant problem, affecting about 1 in 7 UK couples, many of whom seek medical help to have a child.

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The isolating and painful experience of infertility can turn Christmas into a time of sadness. The season itself is founded on the celebration of a special birth in history. It is traditionally a time focused on families and children. For infertile people, it becomes yet another reminder of the longing for child, or of a child lost.

For many, it is the thought of facing all the relatives that makes Christmas so trying. How can you best handle the people with all the intrusive questions and the ones with all the children around them? Who needs to know of your difficulties in conceiving? Who will give you appropriate support? How do you say it anyway?

Some people tell no one, others carefully select some close friends and relatives who they trust, and yet others tell almost anyone who is interested. When (or if) you do decide to tell others, it helps to be clear about what support you would like them to give you. You may prefer to be the one who makes the contact when you feel in need of support, rather than cope with well-meaning concern from others at a time that is not right for you.
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National Fertility Awareness Week 2016 runs from Monday October 31 to Sunday November 6, and to mark the event, Pillar Healthcare’s founder and Managing Director Mark Whitney is available to expertly answer any fertility-related questions you may have.

Questions can be sent privately via our contact form, by e-mail to info@pillarhealtcare.ie, or as a private message on our Facebook page or through our Twitter feed.

Answers will be posted here each day.

Today’s Questions and Answers are

I am overweight and trying to do more exercise. Will this extra weight have an impact on my fertility?

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National Fertility Awareness Week 2016 runs from Monday October 31 to Sunday November 6, and to mark the event, Pillar Healthcare’s founder and Managing Director Mark Whitney is available to expertly answer any fertility-related questions you may have.

Questions can be sent privately via our contact form, by e-mail to info@pillarhealtcare.ie, or as a private message on our Facebook page or through our Twitter feed.

Answers will be posted here each day.

Today’s Questions and Answers are

What are the symptoms of Endometriosis?

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National Fertility Awareness Week 2016 runs from Monday October 31 to Sunday November 6, and to mark the event, Pillar Healthcare’s founder and Managing Director Mark Whitney is available to expertly answer any fertility-related questions you may have.

Questions can be sent privately via our contact form, by e-mail to info@pillarhealtcare.ie, or as a private message on our Facebook page or through our Twitter feed.

Answers will be posted here each day.

Today’s Questions and Answers are

How common are fertility issues?

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It has been a busy few weeks here in Pillar Healthcare. We’re just back from The Pharmacy Show at the NEC in the UK, where we won the award for Best Product in the ‘Best Supplement and Herbal’ category. We were delighted to receive this honour.

Meanwhile, I recently had an inquiry from a couple. It was all about nuts and seeds and the confusion that surrounds them. Are they healthy, are they fatty? This is an issue that I have been dealing with for more than ten years now. I hope this blog can help clear up the debate around nuts and seeds as they are a very healthy and nutritious food source.

Nuts and seeds are some of the most nutrient-dense and delicious foods on earth. They are an important part of fertility nutrition, pregnancy nutrition and beyond, because they supply the body with ample fibre, protein, minerals and essential fatty acids.

When we are discussing nuts and seeds, I think it is important to remember that they are the seed for new plant life – thus they are packed full of the essentials to make that plant grow and flourish. They are a good source of protein that can be used to balance blood sugar. They are very high in Omega 3 (a good fat, unlike unhealthy saturated fats) and essential minerals like Zinc and vitamins like Vitamin E – to name but a few benefits.
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