SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STD’S) AND INFERTILITY

image by: http://www.magazine.ayurvediccure.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/sti.jpg

Many couples who have been diagnosed with infertility will find that their inability to have children is as a result of untreated sexually transmitted diseases.

Every year at least 111 million new cases of curable sexually transmitted diseases  occur among young people, according to recent studies. STDs affect human fertility primarily through infections of the female upper genital tract and, less frequently, through obstructions of the male vas deferens. Too often, kids who have unprotected sex think that the worst that could happen is getting pregnant or contracting some kind of treatable disease. Even more frightening, they often don’t know when they are engaging in risky sexual behaviours. We need to open up our informational initiatives to make everyone aware of what’s at stake and what to do about it.

The top five sexually transmitted diseases that affect infertility are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, (these two are responsible for causing PID - pelvic inflammatory disease), Syphilis, and HPV.

These cases of infertility could certainly be prevented if we adopt proper family planning measures and seek to educate ourselves about the link between infertility and sexually transmitted diseases. Using a condom each time we have sex reduces the cases of STD’s but does not prevent them completely, so it is important that when we suspect that something could be wrong, we visit our doctor so that the necessary diagnosis can be done to ensure early treatment.

PID is the most common cause of infertility and describes an upward travelling infection in the female body resulting from her engaging in sexual intercourse with an infected partner. If untreated, this usually leads to fallopian tube, ovarian and/or pelvic damage. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are also responsible for causing infertility issues in men as well, resulting in scarring and blocked sperm passage.

Treatment

As soon as possible, antibiotics for gonorrhea and chlamydia infection are usually given by mouth or by injection into a muscle. If needed, the antibiotics are changed after test results are available. Most women are treated at home. However, hospitalization is usually necessary in the following situations:

·         The infection does not lessen within 48 hours

·         Symptoms are severe

·         The woman may be pregnant

·         An abscess is detected

In the hospital, antibiotics are given intravenously.

Treatment for PID includes surgery to remove scar tissue that may occur. In severe and rare cases that do not respond to treatment, surgery to remove the infected organs may be necessary. For men, treatment for blocked sperm passage and scarring includes surgery as well. 

Resources:          http://www.theafa.org/library/article/preventable_infertility_the_sti_link/

                         http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/sec22/ch248/ch248a.html

                         http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/pid/a/pidtreatments.htm

                         http://www.std-gov.org/stds/chlamydia.htm

                       http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_tests_used_diagnose_male_infertility_000067_5.htm

OUR CHILDREN AND THE IMPACT THEY HAVE ON US

image by: http://thumbs.dreamstime.com

Recently I heard my doctor said that our children are capable of having us switch between emotions  instantaneously. This minute you can love them with every fibre of your being, literally loving them to pieces and the next minute you can be so upset with them. I was immediately able to identify with what he was saying.

When I was struggling with infertility, on many occasions, I would picture myself being the best mom ever. I would be my children’s friend and confidant and they would be so happy to have me as their mom.  As my son began developing his own identity and personality, I was jolted into reality, however. You certainly cannot be your children’s friend, if it is at the detriment of proper and effective discipline.

It is so warming and overwhelming when you see your children interact with their grandparents, knowing that they love them almost as much as you do and probably even more, if this is at all possible. This was a great frustration of mine when I was struggling to conceive, because I was so eager to be able to see this interaction. The other day a friend and I were having a conversation about our children and she said to me that it is such a pleasure watching her parents interact with her daughter and that they would not allow a day to go by without them spending time with her. My response to her, was, ‘it warms your heart, doesn’t it?. Knowing fully well that this is what happens to me as well.

Our children are capable of bringing out so much in us. A few times, sadly, it could possibly be the worst. Case in point, the other day, we made a trip to the barber so that my husband and son could have a haircut. After our son was finished with his hair, I took him for a walk. To my dismay, there were some toy stores around and I reluctantly went with him inside as he wanted to go in, knowing fully well that things could go downhill from there.  Well, it did, I had to force him to leave the store as he was taking the people's things and they were not amused. He unwillingly came out of the store and on our way back to his Dad's, he began protesting even more, I held him and had to literally drag him along and there were some nos and loud screams in protest and so by this time we had gotten everyone's attention. I made the decision to spank him, which I did, and after that he came willingly with me.  Everyone was still looking on and did I feel embarrassed? Not an ounce, I was just relieved to have him adhere and so I held my head high and continued on to meet with my husband feeling very proud of myself for bringing this situation under control. Was that the worst that was brought out in me? I am still not sure. Most most times though, it is the best that they bring out in you, so do not panic. 


This minute you are out in the backyard indulging in childhood play with them and the next you have to put on the hat of disciplinarian and still at any minute you could find yourself playing the role of doctor, seamstress, handyman, judge, you name it. To your children, you are the best cook ever and no member of the iron chef team can prepare macaroni and cheese like you. The other day my six year old niece asked me to make pancakes for her and sadly it did not come out tasting  like her mom’s.  She did not hesitate to tell me that I was not as good as her mom as she makes the best pancake ever. My son ate his share and asked for seconds. Thank goodness for my son, as to date I would be feeling like a very bad cook.

Our children are mini versions of us and this is evident as their personality develops and based on what our parents say from time to time about us, when we were growing up, we realize that our children are just like us. This is when we finally get our parents and is forced to appreciate and love them so much more for all that they had to go through in molding us into the persons we are today, and now parents ourselves.

Parenting is a beautiful thing and it is all of the above and more that makes it so noble and honourable, yet difficult and we are such better individuals on account of this. For those who are yearning to become parents, it is a good thing for which you yearn and my hope is that, one day soon your dream will be realized.

All the best and KEEP CLINGING TO HOPE.

LIGHT MOMENT FRIDAYS – Feature 9

image by: http://www.support4change.com

All of us who struggle with infertility can attest to the fact that it robs us of our happiness. It robs us of our ability to truly laugh and this is why I have come up with this new feature on my blog, called ‘Light Moment Fridays.’ I love Fridays, and I guess it is because this is the beginning of a well awaited weekend. I love the casual laid back mood. This is why I have chosen Fridays for this, where I will post short jokes and funny videos. Our son is at the stage now where he says or does things which is so hilarious, so I will share some of those precious moments with you as well.

This is for you all, especially those of us  who struggle to be happy, amidst our hurts and pain.......DO ENJOY!!!!

                   ****************************************************************

This is cute.....one up for all Grandparents!!!!!!!!

GRANDPARENT'S ANSWERING MACHINE

Good morning.  . . . At present we are not at home but, please leave your message after you hear the beep. beeeeeppp ...
If you are one of our children, press 1
If you need us to stay with your children, press  2
If you want to borrow  our car, press 3
If you  want us to wash your clothes and do the ironing, press 4
If you want the grandchildren  to sleep here tonight, press 5
If you want us to pick up the kids at school, press 6
If you want us to prepare a  meal for Sunday or to have it to your home,  press 7
If you want to come to eat here,  press 8
If you need  money, press 9
If you  are going to invite us to dinner, or take us out tonight -
start talking! we are listening !!!!!!!!!!!"

PREMATURE OVARIAN FAILURE (EARLY MENOPAUSE) AND FERTILITY

image by: http://img.ehow.com

I have watched helplessly as my body changedover the last year or so to the point where I became very concerned that I could be entering into early menopause.   I Remember telling a friend of mine that I feel like I am living in someone else’s body as I cannot predict what will happen around ovulation and menstruation for any given month. I also felt at times like my body was literally turning on me. As a result of this, I consulted Dr. Google, but luckily the symptoms associated with early menopause is not really what I have been experiencing.  I have since summed it up to just age taking its natural course, because it is said that a woman’s body changes in function as she ages.

According to an article in Medical News today, my concern was certainly not too far off, because Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) or Early Menopause seem to be on the rise, affecting 1 in 100 women. The good news though is, there is still hope for women who wish to have a baby.

From the article

"For women who wish to have a baby, the options include either adoption or achieving a pregnancy by oocyte or embryo donation. In oocyte donation it is necessary to prepare the endometrium for implantation. This can be successfully achieved by incremental doses of estradiol valerate and then progesterone therapy. This creates an endometrium receptive to embryo implantation.

The cause of POF is still largely unknown. The condition is usually permanent but ovarian activity can resume and fertility has been noted among 5-10% of women with the diagnosis. 

The main symptoms of POF include irregularity of the menstrual cycle, oestrogen deficiency in the form of hot flushes, night sweats and loss of libido.

A physical examination, including height, weight and body mass index, is essential. Once POF is confirmed the main areas of treatment include education, counselling and psychological support, treatment of oestrogen deficiency symptoms and fertility management.” 

Read more about Premature Ovulation Failure (Early Menopause) by following the link below.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/222689.php

SO, WHEN DO YOU BREAK THE NEWS ABOUT YOUR PREGNANCY????

image by: http://www.women-health-info.com

Women are known to be at highest risk of miscarrying up to the first twelve weeks of their pregnancies and as a result of this, many women wait to break the news until they have crossed this timeline.

For women who are struggling with infertility and finally find themselves pregnant, it can be very difficult to hold on to this news for twelve weeks. From experience, you want to shout it from the roof top. You want to tell everyone you meet about this great thing that you have waited for so long, to have happen in your life.

When I first became pregnant, which sadly I lost to a missed abortion, I was so elated, I began telling everyone as soon as I received the positive home pregnancy test. I learned all too soon that this was a terrible mistake because when I lost my pregnancy shortly thereafter, I was not only dealing with pain from this loss, I was dealing with the fact that I had to tell all who I had told, that I had miscarried. Not a pleasant thing to have had to do.

For the pregnancy with my son, having learned so well from my previous experience, I waited until I was four months into my pregnancy before I broke the news.  This was hard and I must confess that I did tell a few persons who were very close to me and knew of my infertility struggles, but I did manage  to hold on to this news, until it was safe to tell all others.

It is therefore recommended that time be allowed to get pass the twelve week  mark in a pregnancy, before you break the news. I know for people struggling with infertility, understandably, that this will be difficult to do, because you want to tell everyone your good news almost immediately. Do bear in mind though, that miscarriages are very high among persons dealing with infertility and so, if nothing else, this should encourage you to wait, before making your announcements. 

LIGHT MOMENT FRIDAYS – Feature 8

image by: http://www.support4change.com

All of us who struggle with infertility can attest to the fact that it robs us of our happiness. It robs us of our ability to truly laugh and this is why I have come up with this new feature on my blog, called ‘Light Moment Fridays.’ I love Fridays, and I guess it is because this is the beginning of a well awaited weekend. I love the casual laid back mood. This is why I have chosen Fridays for this, where I will post short jokes and funny videos. Our son is at the stage now where he says or does things which is so hilarious, so I will share some of those precious moments with you as well.

This is for you all, especially those of us  who struggle to be happy, amidst our hurts and pain.......DO ENJOY!!!!

                   *************************************************************

This is hilarious.  I hope the swear word in the last line wont offend anyone.

Note to self: 'Cancel credit cards prior to  death!    

> Be sure and cancel your credit cards before you die! This is so priceless 
> and so easy to see happening - customer service, being what  it is today! 
> 
> A lady died this  past January, and CBIC bank billed her for February and 
> March for their annual  service charges on her credit card,  and 
> then added late fees and interest  on the monthly charge. The balance  had 
> been $0.00, now is somewhere around  $60.00. 
> 
> A family member placed a call to the CBIC Bank: 
> 
> Family Member: 
> 'I am calling to tell you that she died in January.' 
> 
> CBIC: 
> 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.' 
> 
> Family Member: 
> 'Maybe you should  turn it over to collections.' 
> 
> CBIC: 
> 'Since it is two months past due, it already has  been.' 
> 
> Family Member: 
> So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?' 
> 
CBIC: 
> 'Either report her account to the frauds division or report her to 
> the credit bureau, maybe both!' 
> 
> Family Member: 
> 'Do you think God will be mad at her?' 
> 
> CBIC: 
> 'Excuse  me?' 
> 
> Family Member: 
> 'Did you just get what I was telling you . . . the part about  her 
> being dead?' 
> 
> CBIC: 
> 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.' 
> 
> Supervisor gets on the phone: 
> Family Member: 
> 'I'm calling to tell you, she died in January.' 
> 
CBIC: 
> 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.' 
> 
> Family Member: 
> 'You mean you want to collect from her estate?' 
> 
> CBIC: 
> (Stammer)  'Are you her lawyer?' 
> 
> Family Member: 
> 'No, I'm her great  nephew.' 
> (Lawyer info given) 
> 
CBIC: 
> 'Could you fax us a certificate of death?' 
> 
> Family Member: 
> 'Sure.' 
> ( fax number is given ) 
> 
> After they get the fax: 
> 
> CBIC: 
> 'Our  system just isn't set up for death. I don't know what more I 
> can do to help.' 
> 
> Family Member: 
> 'Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing 
> her. I don't think she will care.' 
> 
> CBIC: 
> 'Well,  the late fees and charges do still apply.' 
> 
> Family Member: 
> 'Would you like her new billing address?' 
> 
> CBIC: 
> 'That might help.' 
> 
> Family Member: 
> '  Rookwood Memorial   Cemetery , 1249 Centenary Rd, Sydney Plot Number 
> 1049.' 
> 
CBIC: 
> 'Sir, that's a cemetery!' 
> 
> Family Member: 
> 'Well, what  the f**k do you do with dead people on your planet?'  

WHEN YOUR EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS SUDDENLY DISSAPPEARS

image by: http://www.ehealthhut.com

For a couple of my miscarriages, my early pregnancy symptoms just suddenly disappeared and I knew something was wrong.  As a result of this, when I was pregnant with my son and had days when my pregnancy symptoms would be mild or not even present at all, I immediately began to worry.  I remember when I went for my first visit with my OB/GYN, I hardly had any symptoms and I was very terrified that I might have miscarried.

I always wondered why this is so, as this very troubling for those of us who struggle to become pregnant, and then have to worry that we might be miscarrying when our pregnancy symptoms, one day, just disappear.

Upon research I have found out that pregnancy symptoms can in fact be very intense one day and the next you feel like your normal self again. Sadly, there has been no mention in the research material why this is so, but many women who have ever been pregnant can attest to this. Please note though, that you could be miscarrying if your pregnancy symptoms disappear, and especially if there is evidence of spotting. It is therefore advised that you see your doctor immediately if this is happening to you.

Early pregnancy symptoms can be very challenging to cope with, but it is very comforting to have them stick around because they are a sign that your pregnancy is progressing as it should. My doctor told me once that women who experience symptoms like nausea, are very unlikely to miscarry early in their pregnancies.

SUCCESS COMES AT THE POINT OF LETTING GO

image by: http://0.tqn.com/d/healing/1/0/f/L/1/gi-letting-go-butterfly.jpg

I struggled so long to get pregnant and many times along the way, I asked myself why can’t I get pregnant, what is wrong with me, is God punishing me for un-confessed sins. I was miserable.

After more than a decade, my breakthrough came and it was at the point when I had grown completely hopeless. I had gone through terrible conflicts with my family fuelled by my infertility frustrations, had  alienated many of my friends and had now made the decision to accept whatever God had in store for me. I was finally at the point of letting go.

This is the point, according to a fellow blogger, when success usually happens, because we have lowered our resistance , thus making room for success.

What does this really mean? An excerpt from her post:-

“And then, just when I had made peace with my decision to move on to childfree, the "impossible" happened - I was pregnant. Why is life like that? Why did I have to get to the point of hopelessness before I succeeded? Well, my theory boils down to this: When you lower your resistance, you make room for success. So what does that mean? When you want something so bad, and it's not happening, you focus more on what you don't have instead of what you do have or what you want. You try to force things into place. When you finally give up, the flood gates open. Your dream starts chasing you instead of the other way around.” 

Read the entire post along with link to an article about ‘letting Go,’  by visiting the link below.

http://infertility-fertility.blogspot.com/2006/06/if-i-can-get-pregnant-anyone-can.html

Join me for WEGO Health’s Webinar: Navigating Your Health Narrative!

I just registered for WEGO Health’s exciting new webinar and I wanted to share with everyone.  Here are the particulars:

What: Navigating Your Health Narrative Webinar

Who: Health Activist Panel with Lisa E, Erin B, Jenni P, and Amanda D

When: Thursday April 21^st 8pm EST (the webinar will last one hour)

Where: Sign up here (link) and you’ll get all the details

The webinar is for anyone from seasoned bloggers to blog-readers who want to start their own blog. The webinar will cover the basics of blogging and include more advanced tips and tricks for promoting posts, managing your time, and establishing your blog “voice” and how to raise awareness about your condition through blogging. 

By signing up you’ll also have a chance to ask specific questions for the Health Activist panel that will be answered during the live Q&A portion of the webinar. You’ll get access to the archived version of the webinar!

LIGHT MOMENT FRIDAYS – Feature 7 - WHAT IS A GRANDPARENT

image by: http://www.support4change.com

All of us who struggle with infertility can attest to the fact that it robs us of our happiness. It robs us of our ability to truly laugh and this is why I have come up with this new feature on my blog, called ‘Light Moment Fridays.’ I love Fridays, and I guess it is because this is the beginning of a well awaited weekend. I love the casual laid back mood. This is why I have chosen Fridays for this, where I will post short jokes and funny videos. Our son is at the stage now where he says or does things which is so hilarious, so I will share some of those precious moments with you as well.

This is for you all, especially those of us  who struggle to be happy, amidst our hurts and pain.......DO 

ENJOY!!!!

                             ***************************************************************

This is just the cutest!!!!!!!

WHAT  IS A GRANDPARENT?

 Taken from papers written by a class of 8-year-olds.

Grandparents are a lady and a man who have
no little children of their own.  They like other people's.

A grandfather is a man, & a grandmother is
a lady!

Grandparents don't have to do anything
except be there when we come to see them.

They are so old they shouldn't play hard
or run.

It is good if they drive us to the shops and give us money.

When they take us for walks, they slow
down past things like pretty leaves and
caterpillars.

They show us and talk to us about the
colours of the flowers and also why we
shouldn't step on 'cracks.'

They don't say, 'Hurry up.'

Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes.

They wear glasses and funny underwear.

They can take their teeth and gums out.

Grandparents don't have to be smart.

They have to answer questions like 'Why isn't God married?' and 'How come dogs chase cats?'

When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for the same
story over again.

Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't have
television because they are the only grownups who like to spend time with us.

They know we should have snack time before bed time, and they say prayers with us and kiss us even when we've acted bad.

A 6-yr. old was asked "Where does your Grandmother live?

"Oh", He said, "She lives at the airport, and when we want her, we just go get her. Then when were done having her visit, we take her back to the airport."

Grandpapa is the smartest man on earth!!! He teaches me good things, but I don't get to see him enough to get as smart as him......

It's funny when they bend over; you hear gas leaks, and they blame their dog.

D and Cs AND INFERTILITY

image by: http://static.howstuffworks.com

During my struggles with infertility, I had one D&C (Dilation and Curettage) and I had fears that this could further add to my infertility issues. Fortunately, it did not. When I had my last miscarriage two years ago, I was so relieved  when my doctor opted that I allow my body to expel the pregnancy naturally, as this same fear was once again present.

Turns out my fear is justified as D&C’s can lead to infertility or if you are already suffering with infertility, could further compromise your chances to get pregnant, due to scarring in the womb following such surgery.

A fellow blogger is kind enough to do a post on this subject.  Why not check it out.

http://infertility-fertility.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-d-and-cs-may-leave-you-infertile.html

YES, MEN DO SUFFER FROM POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AS WELL

image by: http://iamatrapstar.com/

I really did not know that men suffer from postpartum depression, in almost the same way as women do. Sadly, this is not common knowledge, not even among health professionals and as a result, many men, are forced to suffer alone.

Below is a website (PostpartumMen) which explains exactly what postpartum depression in men is and offers more information on this subject along with much needed advice and encouragement to men suffering in this regard.

http://www.postpartummen.com/

From the site:

What Is Men’s Postpartum Depression or PPND?

“Remember seeing your baby for the first time? You were probably filled with pride and excitement. That’s what you always heard it was like having a child – pure joy. Baby bliss.

Then, reality sets in. Sleepless nights. A screaming infant needing nearly constant care. Fights with your partner. Going to work exhausted.

Then, over time, you’ve noticed things have gotten worse.

Now, you’ve lost your sense of humor, and there’s not much to look forward to. You’ve started getting more anxious or panicky. You’ve had trouble sleeping. And you’re miserable a lot of the time.

Or perhaps you’ve been irritable. You’re getting more stressed at work and getting angry with your wife. Maybe you’ve noticed you’re drinking more – or withdrawing from people.

These are all signs of men’s depression. You may think you should just “get over it” – and that you must be the only guy who can’t. But you’re not the only one.”