Tips for Getting Pregnant at an Older Age

About 100 years ago, the average age of a first time mother was 22. Today, that average is around 28, and many couples are choosing to start their families in their 30s or even later. This makes sense, because lifespans have also dramatically increased, and also because many modern couples are concerned with establishing their careers before having children. Unfortunately, waiting to conceive does bring its own set of challenges. After age 35, fertility declines, making it harder to get pregnant. The good news is that it’s not impossible to conceive in your late 30s or even 40s, and there are things you can do to improve your chances.

What makes conceiving after age 35 difficult? For one thing, women ovulate less frequently. Egg quality and quantity also decline in the 30s and 40s, and pregnancy is riskier. It can take a long time for an older woman to conceive, and she’s more likely to develop conditions like high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. The risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases, and the risk of pregnancy loss is higher. Older moms are also more prone to premature delivery, and may end up needing a C-section. The father’s age plays a role as well. The decline of fertility is less predictable in men than in women, but research shows that men over 40 are 30 percent less likely to conceive than men in their 20s.

What can you do? There are some lifestyle changes you can make to boost your fertility. While it’s not possible to increase the number of eggs, supplements like folic acid, melatonin, and Myo-inositol can improve egg quality and ovarian function. Cutting out smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight can also increase fertility. If you’re having trouble conceiving, take the following steps.

• See your doctor. A pre-conception appointment gives you and your doctor the opportunity to review your medical history and discuss your lifestyle. Your doctor can help you determine if any medications you’re taking could interfere with your fertility and address any concerns you may have about conception.
• Keep a journal of your fertility signs. Record your basal body temperature and cervical fluid so that you can determine the best time to try to conceive. When you carefully observe these signs, you’ll also have a better idea of whether or not you’re ovulating regularly.
• Take an at-home fertility screening test. You can buy these over the counter to help rule out issues with both male and female fertility.
• Consider taking a supplement. Try folic acid or Myo-inositol to help improve egg quality. Some women choose to take a prenatal vitamin throughout the process of trying to conceive, to help with their health as they try to achieve pregnancy.
• Stay positive but don’t hesitate to seek help. It will probably take you longer to conceive than if you were younger, so don’t worry too much if it doesn’t happen right away. However, if six months of trying does not result in pregnancy, talk to your health care provider about fertility testing or contact a fertility specialist. There are many options available to help you start a family.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Foods that Affect Sperm Count

Did you know that the sperm count of the average man has steadily decreased over the past 40 years? Why is this happening? Is it a problem that the quality of sperm is decreasing? It is certainly a problem for a man who is struggling with infertility. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to promote your sperm quality, and it starts with eating the right foods.

How big of a problem is decreasing sperm quality? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that a male factor as well as a female factor is involved in about 35 percent of couples experiencing infertility. Additionally, a recent study estimates that sperm counts have dropped by 59 percent, on average over the past 38 years. What’s causing this decrease? No one really knows. Some blame technology like cell phones and laptops, which produce fertility-threatening heat. Obesity may be a factor. And there’s a body of research to indicate that a man’s diet has an impact on sperm count. Here are the dietary do’s and don’ts for improving your fertility.

First, here are the foods to avoid if you want to boost fertility:

• Processed meats, eaten three or more times a week, can reduce your chance of achieving pregnancy by 28 percent. Red meat is also related to low sperm concentration and sperm count, and processed red meat also alters sperm motility. Eating fish and poultry is better for your fertility.
• Trans fats increase the risk of heart disease and decrease sperm counts. In fact, sperm with the highest trans-fatty acid levels are linked to low sperm concentrations. Trans fatty acids typically come from French fries and commercially baked items, as well as foods like frostings and things cooked with lard.
• Soy products have phytoestrogens, estrogen-like compounds that interfere with fertility. Soy milk, veggie burgers, protein bars, tofu, and tempeh are soy-based foods linked to low sperm count, particularly in overweight men.
• High fat dairy products have been linked to abnormal sperm shape and low motility. Whole milk, cheese, and cream are all on the do-not-eat list, because as few as three slices of cheese a day can endanger fertility. Low-fat dairy, however, is linked to higher sperm concentration and motility.
• Pesticides and bisphenol a (BPA) can make their way into your food and diminish fertility. Pesticides can be on vegetables and fruits as well as meat and fish. BPA is in food packaging and cans and can leech into the foods we eat. These chemicals, which area also found in non-stick cookware act as xenoestrogens and decrease sperm concentration.
• Sometimes what you drink can impact your fertility. Alcohol and beverages with excessive caffeine have been linked to a decrease in male fertility.

Now that you know what to avoid, what should you eat? Certain foods have been shown to increase male fertility and improve sperm health.

• Eat your veggies. Fruits and vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables and legumes, have been shown to improve sperm concentration and motility. It’s believed that this is due to the high level of antioxidants and nutrients like co-enzyme Q10, vitamin C, and lycopene, micronutrients linked to higher sperm concentration.
• Have some fish or chicken. Research indicates that eating chicken and fish can actually improve fertility. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, raise sperm count significantly. On the other hand, taking omega 3 supplements does not have the same effect.
• Walnuts can give your fertility a boost. In a small 2012 study, significant improvements in sperm vitality were seen with the consumption of only 18 walnuts a day.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Healthy Foods Moms Should Consider Eating While Breastfeeding

Will your baby be breastfed? It’s a very healthy option, with benefits for both mom and baby. Breast milk is packed with nutrients that are important for a baby’s development, and can help reduce a woman’s risk of medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes. It also promotes bonding with the baby, and can reduce stress. It takes a lot of energy to produce breast milk, though, and it’s important for a nursing mother to eat the right foods to keep up not only her energy, but also the supply and quality of her milk.

When a woman is breastfeeding, her energy needs increase by about 500 calories. Adding these calories to the diet should involve consuming nutrient dense foods, including those that contain protein, vitamins D, A, E, C, and B12, selenium, and zinc. In addition to reducing fast food and processed food in the diet, a woman who is nursing should take care to stay hydrated and prioritize whole foods like:

• Fish and seafood
• Meat and poultry, including organ meats
• Fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, coconut eggs, and full-fat yogurt
• Fiber rich starches like whole grains, quinoa butternut squash, sweet potatoes, lentils, and oats
• Probiotics like tofu, dark chocolate, kimchi, and sauerkraut

There’s no need to be limited to this list, but there are a few things that are advisable to avoid or reduce when breastfeeding. Caffeine can disrupt your baby’s sleep, so consume it in moderation. Alcohol should be strictly limited because it can make its way into breast milk. It’s ok to have a glass of wine, as long as it’s at least two hours before breastfeeding. Nursing moms should not smoke at all, and should not diet, because additional calories are needed for adequate milk supply. And while fish and seafood can be a healthy part of a breastfeeding woman’s diet, it’s wise to avoid fish that are high in mercury, like swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. It’s not necessary to limit spicy foods or anything else the mom enjoys, but if the baby is fussy, consider keeping a food journal to determine if there’s a connection between eating certain things and the baby’s mood. Ask your doctor about supplements; in some cases, a multivitamin may be advisable.

Eating well while breastfeeding is important for the health of both mom and baby. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people by assisting with the healthy pregnancies that are the start of healthy families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Everything you Need to Know About Colic

Everyone knows that babies cry, and it’s something you expect when you have a newborn. But what happens when your baby seems to cry constantly, without ceasing, even when fed, dry, and healthy? If your baby cries for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for more than three weeks, seemingly for no reason, it’s probably colic.

Colic typically starts around two weeks of age. If your baby was premature, it may start a little bit later. It usually goes away on its own by about three or four months, but it can feel like it goes on forever! The baby’s sex, birth order, and breast or bottle-feeding status don’t seem to have anything to do with colic, and colic doesn’t affect kids as they grow up.  If a baby has colic, he or she may cry with no clear reason, seem to be in pain, clench fists, stiffen arms, arch the back and curl the legs.

What causes colic? There’s no clear answer, but doctors have several different theories. It could have to do with gas or the spasms of a growing digestive system, or it could be due to hormones that cause belly pain. Too much stimulation may lead to colic, especially if the baby is sensitive to light or noise. The developing nervous system could contribute to colic, or it could be an early form of childhood migraines. It may also be the result of fear, frustration, or excitement. Your little one may turn bright red and swallow so much air that the belly becomes tight and swollen. Often, colic starts at the same time every day, typically in the evening.

If you think your baby has colic, see the pediatrician to rule out other problems, including a sensitivity to formula or breast milk, acid reflux, stomach issues, or trouble with eating too much or too little. You also want to make sure that it’s not an infection, inflammation of the brain and nervous system, or an uneven heartbeat. Sometimes, what people think is colic is actually an injury to bones, muscles, or fingers, or eye trouble.

What can you do if your baby has colic? Because there’s no clear cause, there’s also no clear cure. Ask your doctor for advice, and take heart in knowing that colic is only temporary. When your baby is fussy, make sure he or she is not hungry. If you’re breastfeeding, pay attention to your diet and ask your doctor whether medications you’re taking could be contributing to the problem. You might want to avoid caffeine and chocolate so that you don’t overstimulate the baby, and steer clear of potential allergens like dairy products and nuts.

You can also try to sooth your infant by trying things like:

• Change your baby’s position, walk around holding her, rock or massage his back.
• Try a pacifier.
• Swaddle the baby.
• Hold your infant, skin to skin.
• Try white noise or the sound of a heartbeat.
• Go for a car ride.
• Use a swing or vibrating seat.

While you’re trying to calm your little one, make sure you and your partner are taking care of yourselves. Colic can be overwhelming for a parent, and healthy parents are at the heart of a healthy family. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start healthy, happy families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.