US researchers from Harvard University recruited 189 young men aged between 18 to 22, questioned them about their exercise, diet and TV habits and asked them to provide a sperm sample.

Men in the top quarter of TV-watchers — those who watched for 20 hours or more — had a 44-percent lower sperm count than those who watched least, meaning they said they watched ‘none or almost none’.
Another big factor was exercise, according to the study. Men who exercised for 15 or more hours weekly at a ‘moderate to vigorous’ rate had a 73-percent higher sperm count than those who exercised less than five hours per week.
Though none of the sperm levels were so low that the man would have been unable to father a child.

Semen quality appears to have declined over several decades, according to studies conducted in several countries.

It is unclear why this has happened, but scientists suspect that sedentary lifestyles may warm the scrotum and affect semen concentrations.
Physical inactivity has also been linked to increased levels of oxidative stress, in which rogue oxygen compounds degrade cells.

Previous studies into physical activity and semen quality have focussed on elite athletes, such as professional marathon runners and cyclists.
“We were able to examine a range of physical activity that is more relevant to men in the general population,” said Jorge Charravo, assistant professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard School of Public Health, Massachusetts.

The study was limited by the relatively small number of volunteers and the fact that only a single sperm sample was provided, the authors acknowledged.

If you or your partner have any concerns about male infertilty, you should see your GP for a referral to see Dr Stokes at Coastal IVF.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-21326810

Most couples want to plan when they have children and, most of the time, fertility control is about preventing pregnancy. But what if you want a child, and conception doesn’t happen?

Most people think they will conceive almost immediately when they cease contraception. In reality, 10-15% of couples experience infertility. (Infertility is defined as an inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse). Few couples are prepared when the problem happens to them.

In a couple with normal fertility, there’s a 20% chance of falling pregnant each month. After 2 years, 94% will be pregnant and the average time to pregnancy is 4 months.

Conception is a very complicated process and many things can make it difficult without it being impossible.

• If a mild factor is present that decreases the chance of conception by only 20%, and 60% will be pregnant in one year with a mean time to pregnancy of 2 years.
• Should there be two mild factors, the pregnancy rate falls to 1% per month, 17% will be pregnant in 2 years and the mean time to pregnancy is 7 years.
• If we take three mild factors, not an uncommon situation for a woman in her mid-30’s, then there is a pregnancy rate of 0.15% per month with 3.7% being pregnant in 2 years and a mean time to pregnancy of 40 years!
• Another crucial factor is the duration of the infertility. If a couple have not conceived in 3 years, then their chance of conceiving falls from the original rate of 20% per month to only 4.6% per month.

If you suspect you may have an infertility problem, it is much better to seek advice sooner rather than later, it could be something very simple, for example is intercourse being appropriately timed? Do work commitments mean your partner is away during the fertile time?

The Oocyte (egg) is only viable for 24 to 48 hours, so it is important to understand when you are most fertile. If all good advice has been followed with no result in 6 to 12 months then seek help sooner rather than later; call us at Coastal IVF and make an appointment to discuss your concerns.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/science/slab/fertilty/story.htm

Investigation and Treatment Options

The investigation of infertility usually involves both partners and both should attend the interview. In the history of the infertile couple, questions relating to general health, medications, lifestyle and reproductive health are asked.

In females the menstrual history is important. Investigations may include evaluating the hormonal profile and testing to identify if cycling is occurring, to assist in this a tracking cycle may be carried out. Another way to identify a cause of infertility may include an ultrasound being performed. However a diagnostic laparoscopy is considered the gold standard for tubal function and pelvic health assessment. This is where the surgeon looks into the pelvis with a camera and make sure no adhesions, endometriosis, or other abnormality is present.

The male investigations may involve blood tests for things such as hormonal levels and other possible causes. A semen analysis may be performed in addition to counting and visualising the sperm. Other tests of sperm function may be done – such as determining the presence or absence of anti-sperm anti-bodies and trying to ascertain their fertilising potential.

Assisted Reproductive Techniques

Causes for the infertility can be found in a high proportion of couples. If there is a cervical problem or an ovulatory problem, or if the sperm are not mobile, an intra-uterine insemination can be performed. If ovulation is a problem, tablets or injections to induce ovulation may accompany this. Stimulation of the ovaries may also be combined simply with timed intercourse. If this is not successful after a variable number of tries the couple may proceed to more sophisticated techniques.

If there are problems such as tubal obstruction and poor sperm numbers, this treatment may be the first line. Injectable drugs stimulate multiple ovulation and the Oocytes (eggs) are collected through the vaginal wall by aspiration. The embryologist assesses the egg quality and then the sperm is added (IVF). If fertilisation occurs, embryos are grown and then one embryo is transferred to the uterus. Excess embryos can then be frozen and then thawed and used for future frozen embryo transfer cycles, (FET) as required. The number of embryos to be transferred will vary according to the clinic and the age of the patient. The success rates of each treatment option will vary with the age of the woman, the clinic and the reason for the infertility.

In Summary…

Infertility is a surprisingly common condition, that can cause varying degrees of stress and heartache. Treatment for infertility can be simple and easily managed with the correct diagnosis and treatment. Give Dr Paul Stokes and his specialist team a call, and they will put you at ease and assist you in achieving your desired outcome.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/science/slab/fertilty/story.htm

Whilst a viable egg can only be fertilized for around 24-hours, sperm can survive for days inside a woman’s body. Learning when you are most likely to conceive can prevent many of the common frustrations around trying to get pregnant. Most couples trying to conceive move through one or more of these three basic phases:

1. “We’re having a baby!!!!” We’re ready to get pregnant. Toss out the birth control and let’s see what happens…
2. Hmmm. After a few periods, the woman decides, “Well – that didn’t work, why aren’t I pregnant? Let’s start taking my basal body temperature, charting and planning around my cycle….”
3. Yikes! The couple begins to become disheartened. Nothing seems to be working and the calendar watching and charting is in over drive! You are propping your legs up against the wall after sex, and perhaps you have “lost that loving feeling”. It is probably time to start looking into the idea of assisted reproduction via IVF clinics to see if you are candidates.

If you’re trying to conceive, keep in mind that the “normal” period of time for most couples to conceive naturally is between 12-24 months. However, women under the age of 35 may want to speak with their fertility doctor after 12-months, and women 35 and older should discuss potential fertility issues with their doctor after 6-months, to schedule routine checkups and ensure that all is well before proceeding naturally.

When is my Most Fertile Time?

Most women have approximately a 28-day menstrual cycle. This cycle is counted from the first day of your period through the day before your next period begins. For an accurate average, it’s a good idea to track the days you’re on your period for 3 – 4 months. Many women have shorter or longer cycles, which shifts their “fertility window” by a few days.

1. Ovulation.

The first step to figuring out your fertility window is knowing when you ovulate. Once you’ve tracked your period for a few months, count backwards 12 days from the day you suspect your next period will begin. Mark this date on your calendar. Then count backwards another four days. This five day range is when your chances for conception are the highest.

2. Timing.

Keep in mind that sperm can live in a woman’s body for five to six days! That means you and your partner should begin having sex several days before you anticipate being fertile. The more viable sperm that are around when your egg comes cruising by, the more likely the chances are that a sperm will make contact with an egg. In order to maximize your chances of conception, Dr Stokes recommends having sex every other day (which means he should avoid ejaculation in the meantime) during this period.

3. Additional Signs.

If you’ve already narrowed down your fertility window, you can use a little extra effort to pinpoint additional signs.

1 – Ovulation Predictor Kit (OPK).

These kits are available at local pharmacies and are relatively accurate. They predict your ovulation based on the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. OPKs can predict ovulation within 12-36 hours. Follow the kits’s exact instructions for optimal results.

2 – Discharge.

During ovulation, your body secretes a different kind of discharge. It’s clear, slippery, and likened to the consistency of egg whites. It helps to form a web which guides sperm to the bull’s eye. When you notice this discharge, it’s a good sign that you are ovulating.

3 – Physical Signs.

By following their body’s physiological signs and cues, most women are able to figure out when they are most fertile, and can use this information to conceive. Remember that it takes a few months to really learn your cycle so remaining positive will make the process as enjoyable as it should be.

Coastal IVF has been helping couples on the Sunshine Coast have babies for 26 years. With over 60 years of combined experience specialising in infertility between Dr Paul Stokes, the Clinical Director and Peter Jackson, the Director of Embryology of Coastal IVF, you will be in good hands.