|
|
Pregnancy |
|
Lipid abnormalities |
||||
Contents:
|
Nutrition in pregnancy Essential fat abnormalities in pregnancy Dyslipidemia (abnormal lipids) in pregnancy Preeclampsia Diagnosing essential fat abnormalities Treating essential fat abnormalities Ordering the fatty acid profile EFA-SR Infertility. Factors that contribute to infertility in women; factors that contribute to infertility in men. |
pregnutr prgefad prgdysl prgeclam prgdxefa prgtxefa |
Infertility
Many factors may prevent a woman from getting pregnant
Vaginal infection
Common bacterial infections create a hostile environment for
the sperm. Some infections have no symptoms, but they can cause scar tissue and
interfere with fertilization, movement of the sperm, etc. Doctors can take
samples from the vagina and determine if an infection exists. Chronic
infections may require a change in diet (to alter the chemical composition of
the vagina, including its pH) and other steps to prevent recurrence.
Herbs, supplements
Some herbs or supplements contain substances that may damage the sperm or decrease its ability to fertilize the egg. For example, high doses of Vitamin C can change semen’s acidity. High doses of ginseng act like estrogen, reducing male hormones. Other substances may also interfere with cholesterol metabolism which is essential to cell function and may alter both the sperm and the ovum and the hormones that facilitate pregnancy. We suggest you avoid all unusual herbs and supplements and discuss those you take with your doctor. We recommend reduced intake of cocoa, tea, coffee and related substances.
Drugs
Antibiotics like nitrofurantoin (sold as Furadantin or Macrodantin) and ulcer drugs like cimetidine (Tagamet) can impair sperm. Although it is not well known, many other drugs may interfere with the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg.
Stress
Severe stress alters hormones and metabolism in your body.
Channel stress through exercise, good nutrition, good relationships, doing
things that give meaning to your life. It may not be desirable to become
pregnant if you are stressed out, because the stress may interfere with the
healthy development of the baby. Instead, wait until your life is doing better.
Obesity
Being overweight interferes with optimal blood flows and
nutrition to many organs. Women may suffer from irregular periods and hormonal
imbalances. Men may not have the essential nutrients to produce healthy sperm.
It may be risky to start a weight loss diet after getting pregnant because the
body may be deprived of key nutrients. Instead, if you would like to get
pregnant, start a weight loss program before you get pregnant. Get your
life in order and achieve ideal weight and a healthy lifestyle before you try
to get pregnant.
Low body weight or nutrient imbalance
If you are too slim because you do not eat enough nutrients,
or eat an imbalanced mixture of nutrients (common factor = eating too many calories
and not enough essential fats in natural foods), you may suffer from irregular
periods and may stop ovulating. Getting pregnant requires that your body have
enough nutrients in the proper balance for your new baby to grow well. Nutrient
balance is important to trigger the proper developmental sequence (getting
organs to develop the right way). Start a healthy diet and wait to get pregnant
until your body reaches ideal weight and you have no symptoms of nutritional
deficiencies.
Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse
You must stop smoking, alcohol and drug abuse before getting
pregnant. Any of these substances may cause enough brain damage to deprive your
child of a healthy and successful life. We suggest you stop all smoking,
alcohol, and non-essential drugs. Even prescribed medications and antibiotics
could cause undesirable genetic changes. Tell your doctor ALL the medications
you take to determine which ones should be suspended or replaced.
Lubricants, soap, douches, etc.
Avoid taking steps that may kill or interfere with the
movement of sperm. Anything you put in your vagina may kill a few sperm or
hinder their movement. Give sperm their best change to fertilize your egg;
avoid washing or placing anything inside the vagina for several hours before
and after sex.
Hot showers, heat
Some research indicates that men's sperm becomes less active
when heated. Avoid taking hot showers together or doing anything that would
subject the testicles or sperm to high temperatures. Men should avoid doing
anything that would subject the testicles or sperm to high temperatures before
intercourse (wait at least 24 hours), including exercising vigorously, hot
tubs, saunas, tight underwear, and the like. Women should avoid a bath in hot
water before or after intercourse.
Frequency of sex
There is debate whether daily intercourse or intercourse
every 48 hours is the best. Most likely, intercourse between 48 and 72 hours is
the best to allow enough sperm to mature.
|
By
reading this web site, you agree to read & comply with the following
instructions: You agree to pay us $300 for each unsolicited communication to sell us unsolicited products/services (by e-mail, mail, phone, etc.). Read details. |
|
|
© 1998 Edward N.
Siguel. All rights reserved |
modified 1/15/00 |