Success Story

Amanda and Mark Stravers first visited RHS in August 2007. After undergoing an initial series of diagnostic tests, the couple learned that their reproductive systems were completely healthy. The Stravers struggled with both the relief and grief experienced by couples whose infertility cannot be explained.

After three unsuccessful intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatments and two failed series of in vitro fertilization (IVF), Amanda received a sign — ok, saw a sign — on a bulletin board at RHS advertising a one-hour introduction to acupuncture. After attending the class and doing a great deal of research, the couple began sessions with an acupuncturist. Their interest in Eastern therapies also led them to healthier eating habits, yoga and massage. Says Amanda, "We felt the best we'd felt in a long while, considering all the stress."

With the combined support of RHS doctors and their acupuncturist, the Stravers underwent a final IVF transfer this past June, and baby Stravers will debut in March!

News & Events

New RHS Employee: RHS has hired a new Director of Nursing, Renea Jordan, to oversee the clinical aspects of the center. Welcome to the team, Renea!

IVF Giveaway Winner: In July, the winner of the 2nd IVF Giveaway was selected. RHS is excited to help this couple have a baby!

Ask the Doctors

What is a luteal phase deficiency?

The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle is the time between ovulation and the next menstrual period. During this phase, the body secretes progesterone, a hormone that creates a fertile environment for conception. This phase should last 12 — 14 days, but if it is shorter, the luteal phase is deficient and can contribute to infertility.

At RHS, the luteal phase is evaluated by using blood work and an ultrasound to confirm ovulation and then calculating the number of days until the next menstrual period. A short luteal phase is diagnosed as one that lasts fewer than 12 days. With this method of testing, fewer than 5% of women are found to have a luteal phase deficiency. If diagnosed, there are several medications and treatment options available, including progesterone supplements.

Myth of the Season

Is it true that a woman's body can kill her husband's sperm?

For women having difficulty conceiving, this is one less thing to worry about — your body can't "kill" sperm.

A woman's cervix undergoes natural fluctuations over the course of her menstrual cycle. Several days prior to ovulation, excess cervical mucus is produced to hold sperm and form a passage through the cervical opening, enhancing the forward motion of the sperm. Within 24 hours, the mucus thickens and forms a barrier to the sperm.

Damage to the cervical glands, usually a result of surgery, can alter these natural fluctuations, but this rarely causes infertility, and it certainly doesn't "kill" sperm. However, if abnormal cervical mucus does affect conception, fertility specialists can recommend intrauterine insemination (IUI) as a way to increase the chance of pregnancy.

Back to School:
A Fertility Education

Since we started this newsletter in the spring of 2008, our subscriber list has tripled — and, during this time, a lot has happened in the study of reproductive health.

For those of you just joining our mailing list, and for those who have been busy wave-riding and beach-walking this summer, here's a brief education on the latest fertility studies — just in time for "back to school."

• Researchers working jointly in Belgium, the UK and the US have discovered a genetic mutation responsible for a type of male infertility.¹ The mutation is located in the protein that is transferred from the sperm to the egg at fertilization and "activates" embryonic development. Researchers observed that when the properly-functioning gene was absent, eggs failed to activate. They now hope to synthesize the protein to activate human eggs for successful conception.

• News from Spain: men with healthier diets may have healthier sperm.² A research team looked at the nutritional content of the diets of men visiting fertility clinics — 30 men with poor-quality sperm and 31 with normal sperm. The study showed that men with normal sperm consumed less fat and ate more carbohydrates, protein, fiber, folate, vitamin C and lycopene than their counterparts.

• A recent study in Australia found that men with a history of infertility can reduce DNA-damaged sperm by ejaculating for seven consecutive days.³ In June 2009, research was presented on 118 men with histories of infertility, recurrent miscarriage or repeated IVF failure, who also had DNA damage in 15% of their sperm samples. After the seven-day trial, 81% of the men had a reduction in DNA damage, leading researchers to conclude that shortening the time in the male reproductive system lessened the damage to the sperm. Frequent ejaculation was also linked to a slight increase in motility.

While further study may be needed to confirm these findings, two things are clear: research is constantly bringing new information about fertility to light, and the results of recent studies show that improving your fertility doesn't have to be strictly a scientific process. Staying up on the latest news can provide tips for improving your fertility on your own. Just like in school, studying and success can go hand in hand!

¹University Of Oxford (July 27 2009). Mutation Causing One Type Of Male Infertility Found: Contraceptive Pill For Men Next? ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 8, 2009

²Fertility and Sterility (May 2009). Reuters Health

³Hitti, Miranda: WebMD Health News

Silence is Not Golden

Most of what we know about the emotional pain of infertility is from the female perspective because — no surprise here — women are more likely to share their feelings. A new study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine by noted researcher Dr. Paul Turek gives a voice to the silent males struggling with infertility. Dr. Turek's conclusion: men diagnosed with infertility experience the same intense negative sexual, personal and social strains as men with other serious illnesses, including cancer.

Approximately one in eight American couples has trouble conceiving, and male infertility is a factor in half of these instances. Writes Dr. Turek, "Since male infertility is such a common problem, it is important to understand the real impact it has on male health and relationships."

Working with researchers at the University of California San Francisco, Dr. Turek studied 357 men who with their mates were identified as infertile couples. Participants completed written surveys and took part in face-to-face and telephone interviews. Survey results found that in couples with isolated male factor infertility, the male partners reported a lower sexual and personal quality of life compared to male partners in couples without this factor.

The good news is that male infertility is treatable in many cases. For men with this diagnosis, Dr. Turek recommends taking control of the situation via self-education. Visit the websites of organizations such as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction for more information. Make an appointment with a specialist to learn about your treatment options. And, most importantly, share your feelings with your partner and/or other support persons — friends, relatives, healthcare professionals, etc. Adds Dr. Turek, "A good response to male infertility is to be the best man you can be and take great care of yourself."