We have an update on a family featured in “The Fertility Chase” which aired on weTV (Women’s Entertainment) cable network in May. Guy Walter Costello was born on Father’s Day, June 20, at 7:48 a.m., weighing seven pounds, four ounces. The proud parents, Amy and Walter Costello, tell us, “Guy is amazing and this whole experience has been so very special.” Click here to read more about the Costello family’s journey and their experience on “The Fertility Chase.” Congratulations to the proud new parents!
Thoughts on “The Switch”?
Did you see the new Jennifer Anniston movie, “The Switch” this weekend? What did you think about how it portrays the subject of infertility? Did you appreciate its humor or just find it way off base? If you didn’t see it, do you plan to? Share your thoughts!
FAQs answered!
You ask, we answer! Read some of our most frequently asked questions, along with some common truths and myths about fertility in this issue of Sweet Concepts. Sign up to receive our free e-newsletter!
Give the gift of family through surrogacy
Surrogacy is a wonderful choice for many women. At Specialists in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery we are continually looking for women to volunteer as surrogates and assume the responsibility of the pregnancy and delivery. What are the types of surrogates? Do you get paid or reimbursed for surrogacy? What does the process involve? Learn more at http://www.dreamababy.com/surrogacy-become.htm or call 239-275-8118.
Sorting out fertility fact from fertility fiction
How many times have your friends and family told you to “just relax and you’ll get pregnant,” “don’t let him ride a bike,” “point your head to the North during sex to have a boy,” “don’t exercise,” “wear boxers instead briefs,” just to name a few? The list goes on and on. Some may have a touch of fact while others are total fiction. Ever want to ask your doctor but afraid you would be thought of as silly? I guarantee that if you have the question, others will also want to hear the answer!
I’ll be sorting out fertility fact from fertility fiction! Privately e-mail the question to fertility@dreamABaby.com. Please indicate if you want us to use your name or e-mail address. Or list the question on Facebook or our Blog. You can be entirely anonymous or we can include your name and/or e-mail address so others can share their experiences directly with you. We will then place the questions in order and explain away. I promise that I will sprinkle a touch of humor, a pinch of history and gallons of information in answering these questions.
Trying to get pregnant? More answers to your questions
Couples trying the “old-fashioned way” of conceiving often ask, “How often should we have sex to become pregnant?”
Our response is that having sex every 36-48 hours in the middle part of the women’s menstrual cycle is ideal. Couples that have sex five times a week get pregnant faster than those who have sex less often. Throw away the daily temperature charts and just have fun! Taking a temperature every morning is also a lousy way to start the day. Have fun, go on dates, keep it as spontaneous as possible, remember why the two of you are together and don’t make creating a baby a second job!
Do you have a question about fertility? Submit it below or email me directly at fertility@dreamABaby.com.
Keeping you informed
We are updating our e-mail list so that we can quickly and conveniently update our patients and the physician community on changes to our practice. Please be sure to send your email to fertility@dreamababy.com. In addition, you can sign-up to receive our online newsletter, Sweet Concepts at http://www.dreamababy.com/e-mail-list.htm. Thank you and stay tuned!
Your FAQs Answered
Earlier this week, I asked readers to submit their questions about fertility care. To recap, I was asked about whether pineapple helps make the embryos stick during IVF and about whether Pre seed helps with producing cervical fluid during ovulation.
Regarding pineapple – that is a new one for me. I checked the National Library of Medicine database and found curious information.
First, pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which supposedly breaks down enzymes that inhibit implantation. I found an old study from the 1970′s that examined if this enzyme could induce an abortion in rats. It was not found to be useful.
There hasn’t been any reproductive research on this enzyme over the past 10 years. I did find a 25-year-old study wherein the enzyme was used to breakdown cervical mucous in the laboratory. This worked but further study has never been done and I certainly do not recommend that pineapple be placed in the vagina!
This enzyme is apparently used to tenderize meats.
So, to summarize, this enzyme breaks down proteins (meat), has been studied to potentially cause an abortion (doubtful) and can be useful in the laboratory to break down cervical mucous (Please do not try this in the vagina!). It doesn’t seem to have any specificity so the breakdown of yet-to-be-discovered proteins that inhibit implantation is a real stretch of the imagination.
I like the idea of fruits and vegetables added to a sensible diet but I will have to place the “pineapple pregnancy” supplement into old wives’ tales probably propagated by the pineapple industry itself!
Happy eating!
In our next issue of our e-newsletter, “Sweet Concepts,” I’ll sort “Fact from ‘Phallicy?’” A little humor and play on words! Don’t be shy! Ask any question! Submit it below or email me directly at fertility@dreamABaby.com. Please indicate if you want us to use your name or e-mail. If you’re not already signed up for our newsletter you can subscribe at http://dreamababy.com/e-mail-list.htm
Question of the week: Is it true that eating pineapple during IVF helps the embryos stick?!
If you are trying to conceive, then you are likely familiar with some of the common myths of achieving pregnancy. For example, the “hips up theory” – is it the best position for achieving pregnancy? Send in your questions and I’ll sort out fertility fact from fertility fiction.
What to expect, when you’re trying to expect
What can you expect when going through fertility testing and treatment? Visit our website at www.dreamababy.com for answers to your frequently asked questions and information to help guide you through the process. And of course, our compassionate staff is always willing to answer your questions by calling 239-275-8118.
