Nicole Kidman's Baby And The "Fertility Waters" of Australia
According to E! online, Nicole Kidman’s baby may be a miracle baby, the result of swimming in the “fertility waters” of Australia. No, really.
Kidman is quoted in the article as saying that she never thought she’d have a child on her own. She has two adopted children, and she suffered a miscarriage several years back. She also happens to be in her early 40s, which is a time when getting pregnant is more difficult. (Read more about getting pregnant after age 35 here.) Yet, just this past July, her "fertility water" daughter, named Sunday Rose, was born.
While filming the upcoming movie Australia, Kidman and several other females from the film swam in the Kununurra waters of the Australian outback. Kidman plus six other women all got pregnant after swimming in what they now call the “fertility waters”.
I had three reactions to this news article.
- How many days will it take for a friend or family member to (seriously) suggest that I get myself a ticket to Australia?
- This is the silliest thing I have ever heard.
- I wonder how much a ticket to Australia costs?
What do you think? Think there just might be something in the water? Think it’s crazy? (But would you try it anyway, if you could?)
Vote in the poll, or leave a comment below to share your thoughts.
Cell Phones and Sperm Counts - Cell Phones May Harm Male Fertility
You may have heard about the potential link between cell phone use and lowered sperm counts. In a research study published in Fertility and Sterility in January 2008, researchers found a link between the number of hours a man reported using a cell phone and the quality of his sperm.
In that study, those who reported using their cell phones for several hours a day had an increased risk of poorer sperm quality, including lower sperm counts, lower sperm viability (percentage of living sperm), and poorer morphology (the shape of the sperm.)
Why cell phone use might be connected to poorer sperm quality was a question, though. Could it be the heat from the cell phone? Could it be from the stress in the lives of those who happen to use their cell phone more?
Well, those same researchers decided to look further into the matter. What they discovered was quite surprising.
In this new pilot study, they took semen from men with fertility problems, and from men without fertility problems. They took these samples and separated them into two groups. For the test group, they placed the semen in close proximity to a cell phone in talk mode for one hour. The semen in the control group was not exposed to the cell phone, but otherwise was under the same conditions (ie, same room temperature, etc.).
The idea was to recreate in the lab a situation where a man’s cell phone is in his pocket in talk mode, while he uses an ear piece for conversation. They used 850 MHz frequency cell phones, to be consistent with the average frequency used in most cell phones.
They discovered that the sperm that was exposed to the cell phone in talk mode had decreased motility (sperm movement) and decreased viability (percentage of living sperm.) The exposed semen samples also contained higher levels of damaging free radicals.
More research is needed to see if placing the phone further away will make a difference (in this study, the cell phone was 2 centimeters away, about the distance a cell phone might be when inside a man’s pocket.) Also, the study didn’t look at whether a cell phone that is not in active talk mode makes a difference or not.
Still, the results are surprising, and in my opinion, concerning. What do you think? Will this study affect how you or your partner use a cell phone? Take the poll above and let us know your thoughts!
Sources:
Agarwal A, Deepinder F, Sharma RK, Ranga G, Li J. Effect of cell phone usage on semen analysis in men attending infertility clinic: an observational study. Fertility and Sterility. 2008 Jan;89(1):124-8. Epub 2007 May 4. Agarwal A, Desai NR, Makker K, Varghese A, Mourad R, Sabanegh E, Sharma R. Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves (RF-EMW) from cellular phones on human ejaculated semen: an in vitro pilot study. Fertility and Sterility. 22 September 2008 (10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.08.022)
Passing On Infertility To The Next Generation
A recent article on MSNBC.com brought up a controversial topic on male fertility and infertility treatments – what if the fertility treatments we use today create a new generation of infertile adults?
In the article, Pass it On: Sons of Infertile May Be Next, scientists and researchers are quoted saying that certain fertility treatments, in particular ICSI treatment used during IVF, may increase the risk of a father passing on his infertility to his son.
In the treatment ICSI, men who normally could not fertilize an egg because of low sperm count, or malformed sperm, are given a chance at fatherhood. The procedure ICSI (pronounced ick-see) involves taking a single sperm and injecting it into an egg by using a small, specialized needle. The fertilized egg is then placed into the woman’s womb during an embryo transfer, as part of an IVF treatment cycle.
The article mentions that couples should be educated about the risk, and be encouraged to consider the use of a sperm donor, if they’d rather not take a chance of passing on the infertility.
For now, the question or whether or not men could pass on their infertility to their sons by using fertility treatments is questionable. ICSI treatment was only invented in the 1990s, and the children that were born using this treatment for male infertility aren’t old enough to see if infertility will be passed on, or not.
Of course, I think couples should be told that the risk may be there. But personally, I don’t see what the big deal is about passing on the infertility. If the child will be otherwise healthy and normal, and we now have the treatments available to help them father children when they grow up, why not do the treatment?
The article refers to a “science fiction” like generation of men who can’t father their children. But how is this different than any number of other medical problems that once killed millions of people, but are now treatable with medications?
Take diabetes, or asthma, as examples. At one time, a severely asthmatic child would not grow up to have kids. A child with juvenile diabetes would not grow up to have children, either. But now, because we have treatments for these diseases, these kids grow up, have kids, and potentially pass on their illnesses to their kids.
For further reading, check out these articles:
What do you think? Should fertility treatments be avoided if they might pass on infertility to the child? Take the poll above and let us know what you think. Also, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below, or in the forums.
"Rethinking Infertility" Feature Offers Hope and Inspiration
There is a really great special this week at MSNBC.com, together with the Today Show, on infertility. The special is called Rethinking Infertility, and you can watch the videos from the Today Show at the link.
I've enjoyed what I've watched so far, and what I really think is great is the wide view they’re offering to people. They have stories of conception after IVF, adoption after infertility, alternative treatments, parenthood via egg donor, and so on. They have not finished the week, but I’m hoping they will include a story on those who decide to stop seeking treatment and live a child-free life.
Some of the videos were inspirational, and some made me cry. One story, about a 39 year old woman who was told she would never conceive, really got me crying. She was so honest about her emotions during the diagnosis and treatment phase that I couldn’t help but tear up. (By the way, she did conceive with IVF and have that baby they said she could never have.)
Another story that had me crying was about male infertility. In this video piece, there is an amazing story about a male cancer survivor who was able to have a child using IVF treatment, along with ICSIS technology. What’s really amazing about this story is they used sperm that was banked 21 years prior, a world record. According to the interview, they went through four IVF cycles, 8 surgeries, 200+ injections, and it cost them around $90,000 when all was said and done. Unbelievable.
You can see these videos about infertility at this link. If you go and watch some, I'd really like to hear your thoughts. Did you find anything surprising? Did any particular account tug at your heart strings?
Please share your thoughts about them in our fertility forums, or below in the comments. I'll be sharing more of my personal feelings about the videos in this forum thread, so if you'd like to read more, please do come in, grab a cup of cocoa, grab some tissues, read -- and share!
Fertility Drugs – What Are Fertility Drugs?
Fertility drugs are the most commonly used infertility treatment when female factor infertility is the cause behind a couple’s inability to get pregnant. The most commonly used fertility drug is Clomid, but there are many more fertility medications available.
Which fertility drug your doctor prescribes will depend on what has worked or hasn’t worked in the past, as well as your particular diagnosis.
What are fertility drugs? And how do they work? In this article, I give you a basic definition, along with a detailed list of the most commonly prescribed fertility drugs. You’ll also find information on twins and fertility drugs, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a potential side effect of some fertility drugs.
And here are some more articles of interest on infertility treatments:
Have you taken fertility drugs? Take our poll and let us know!
Infertility Message Boards: Share, Connect, and Ask Questions In Our Infertility Forums
Our infertility message boards are a great place to meet other women and couples who are going through infertility. Finding support from people who get it isn’t always easy. In our fertility forums, you’ll find people who have been there, done that, and can lend an understanding ear when you need to vent, ask questions, or just share your experiences.
Here are a few recent topics on the message boards:
A new poster, wishinghope, wants to know if anyone has had experience with IVF treatment. She writes, “I have been trying to get pregnant for almost 4 years now. We have finally decided to do IVF treatment which we will be starting next week. I guess I am just really scared, it is constantly on my mind. I was wondering if anyone has been successful with the treatment the first time around? I am also afraid since I have been doing research and have read the side effects as well.”
Come share your experiences with IVF, or just lend some support.
Just Passed The One Year Mark For Trying
Another new’ish poster, MLE_, is feeling overwhelmed. She writes, “All of my friends have children, or at least have had miscarriages, not that I would wish for that. But I’m afraid I can’t even CONCEIVE a bambini. Lined up an appointment with a fertility specialist. Is it too soon? Am I worried for nothing?”
Do you ever feel overwhelmed about trying to get pregnant? Come offer your support.
New member holliled is going through her fourth miscarriage. She writes, “I had 2 miscarriages at 6 weeks and 1 was a chemical pregnancy. This 4th miscarriage may be ectopic. The doc put me on Methotrexate. Anyone hear of this drug? I have been through blood work, testing hormone levels, HSG... Doc is still not sure what's wrong. No problem conceiving, just keeping the pregnancy. Anyone having similar problems?”
Offer your sympathies for the miscarriage and share your thoughts here.
Related Articles:
Join one of the discussions, or come start a new thread on our infertility message boards here. Look forward to meeting you!
How Do You Cope With Infertility?
I received a really nice letter from a reader, which brought up a topic that’s important to speak about. She wrote that while she is pregnant now (yeah!), she “always felt so isolated” regarding her infertility. She also mentioned that she was open about the subject, sharing and talking about her experiences with others, which hopefully meant that she got lots of support.
Still, support for people who have not gone through infertility isn’t the same as connecting with those that really understand. I often feel isolated with regard to my infertility. I have some great friends that lend support, but there is a difference between those that sympathize and those that “get it” because they’ve been there.
I was wondering how you cope with the infertility. Do you share with others about your experiences? Or do you mainly keep it to yourself? Do you have any friends who have gone through similar experiences? While I know many people on-line who have dealt with infertility, I only know one person "in real life". And she never talks about it. Ever. (I wish she would, though I do understand wanting to not revisit the topic.)
Please share your experiences in the comments below, or even better, post in our forums your thoughts. Our infertility message boards are a great place to meet people who have been there, done that. They get what you’re going through.
Here are some articles on coping with infertility:
- Answering When People Ask “When Are You Going To Have Kids?”
- How To Start An Infertility Blog
- Who Should You Talk To About Infertility?
- What To Expect At A RESOLVE Support Group
PS. Do you know about our free weekly newsletter? Sign up for our free fertility newsletter here.
Twins and Triplets: Fertility Treatment Risk Factor or Ultimate Goal?
Trying for twins? Many couples, especially those going through IVF treatment, hope to get pregnant with twins, even asking their doctor to transfer more embryos than needed to increase the chances of a multiple pregnancy. Those taking fertility drugs may ask their doctors to increase the dosage, also wishing to get pregnant with twins.
I understand the emotions behind these choices. Fertility treatment is extremely stressful, and expensive. If you could complete your family in one, or just two, treatment cycles, you might save money, and perhaps even some sanity.
That’s the emotional logic – but is it really so?
The reality is that a multiple pregnancy comes with its own stresses and expenses. When you’re pregnant with twins or triplets, your risks for miscarriage, preterm labor, and gestational diabetes is higher. Your babies also risk being born prematurely, having developmental delays down the road, and other problems.
You can read more about the risks of multiples here:
It’s not all dark clouds, though. Twin pregnancies can turn out ok. Things don’t also have to go wrong.
It's also true that anyone who uses fertility drugs accepts the risk that they may get pregnant with multiples. But with all the risks, why try for twins or triplets on purpose? Personally, I’d rather try for one healthy baby, than put my health and my baby’s health at risk just to save time or money.
But that’s just me.
What do you think? Take the poll and let me know. Also, feel free to leave a comment below, or post on our infertility message boards.
More About Fertility Drugs:
Fertility Treatment On Trial: Does Clomid Work?
Clomid is the most prescribed fertility drug on the market. But is Clomid right for everyone?
You might have read on the news that the fertility drug Clomid doesn’t statistically improve the chances of pregnancy in women with infertility. The news reports also stated that the fertility treatment IUI was shown to be ineffective. (IUI is a fertility treatment that involves taking semen, putting it through a specialized washing process, and then injecting the sperm directly into the uterus, via the woman’s cervix.)
If you’re currently taking, or planning to take, Clomid as part of your fertility treatments, these news reports may have you worried. Are you wasting your time and money? Is this really going to work?
Rest assured -- unless you have been diagnosed with "unexplained infertility", this new study doesn’t apply to you.
I saw many news reports leaving out or only briefly mentioning a key component to this study – it looked at couples with unexplained infertility. This is opposed to couples with a diagnosis of female or male factor infertility issues, for which Clomid and IUI are proven as effective treatments.
Unexplained infertility may be one of the most frustrating of fertility diagnoses (if you can call it a diagnosis.) A diagnosis of unexplained infertility is typically given when fertility testing fails to find a problem in the woman or man, and age cannot explain a couple’s infertility problems. (You can find articles on age and fertility here.)
When the problem can’t be found, it’s much more difficult to find a solution. How can you fix what isn't understood?
This is why Clomid and IUI are often the first treatments tried when unexplained infertility is diagnosed. They are easy, low-tech treatments, with fewer side effects and risks than IVF.
Also important to note, the study has been criticized in the fertility community. Some doctors are saying that moving directly to higher power treatments for couples with unexplained infertility isn’t the right way to go. They’ve seen results in their patients with Clomid and IUI, despite the findings. This is a subject that needs further research.
Personally, I hope that this study will push doctors to further investigate what these “unexplained infertility” cases really are. Couples shouldn’t be left without answers, and this study goes to show that trying to find solutions in the dark isn’t the best of options.
You can read more about Clomid and IUI success rates, along with additional information, in these articles:
Have you had success with Clomid or IUI? Share your stories in the comment section below.
On The Infertility Message Boards: Work and Fertility Treatments, Embryo Transfers, and Self-Injections
You should not go through infertility alone, and you don’t need to. We have a group of excellent women, all waiting to meet you, on our infertility message boards. Whether you just want to browse and read other’s posts, or you’re ready to jump in and say hello, we’d love to have you.
Just some of the posts on the infertility message boards this week:
- Work and Fertility Treatments
Fertility treatments sometimes require time off work, either for ultrasounds, blood work, or medication administration. Two of our forum members are talking about making your work schedule and your treatment plans work together, and they are looking for tips. Come read their wisdom, and share your own ideas.
- Feeling Tired After Embryo Transfer
A new member, colleencrymble, is feeling tired after an IVF embryo transfer (when they take the embryo and place it inside the uterus.) She wants to know if anyone else has had the same experience. Share your stories, and offer her some support.
- Giving Yourself Shots
Some fertility treatments require you to give yourself injections. Giving the medication may not be so difficult, but emotionally, it’s stressful! How can you get over the fear of sticking a needle into yourself? Come share your own fears, along with any tips and stories if you have them.
Feel free to drop by on any of these threads, whether you have personal experience or not. Just letting a member know you’re listening can help.
While you’re there, start a post of your own. Introduce yourself, ask a question, or share a story, or vent. Whatever it is that’s on your mind, chances are someone else is feeling and thinking the same thing.
See you in the forums!