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.

How the Body Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of enormous changes to the body. Some of the physical effects of pregnancy are well known, like weight gain and nausea. Many, however, come as a surprise to women experiencing pregnancy for the first time. If your partner is pregnant, here are some changes you may want to know about, so you’ll understand what to expect.

Trying to get pregnant can be extremely thrilling, but also full of anxiety. The first sign of pregnancy may be a missed period, but you may experience other symptoms right around the same time. For many women, overwhelming fatigue may be the first clue that they’re going to have a baby. It makes sense that the body would be tired, since it’s having to adjust to a lot of physical changes. A pregnant woman should sleep whenever possible, whether that means sleeping longer at night or squeezing in naps during the day. Fortunately, she’ll have more energy in the second trimester.

Morning sickness may be the most well-known symptom of early pregnancy, and it involves nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy hormones. It doesn’t really confine itself to morning, though, and can happen any time of day or night. A pregnant woman might find that certain foods or smells make her feel sick, and many people feel sicker on an empty stomach. There are tons of remedies for morning sickness, from taking vitamin B6 to using over the counter ginger supplements and other herbal remedies, to wearing sea-sickness bands on the wrists.

Other symptoms that women experience at the beginning of pregnancy include frequent urination, lightheadedness, heartburn, constipation, skin changes from increased circulation, visible veins because of the extra blood being pumped through the body, swollen, tender breasts, vaginal changes, emotional swings, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Some of these symptoms go away as the pregnancy progresses, but others stick around until after the baby is born. As a woman gets further into her pregnancy, her ligaments loosen, she’ll gain weight, and she’s likely to retain fluid. It’s important for pregnant women to eat a nutritious diet, stay hydrated, get enough rest, and be careful to follow the doctor’s instructions to avoid pregnancy complications.

Some of the changes women experience during pregnancy come as a surprise. For instance, many people don’t know that nearsightedness and blurred vision often occur during pregnancy. There may also be an increase of intraocular pressure. Most pregnant women tend to prefer saltier or sweeter foods than they did before pregnancy. The sense of smell may also increase, making the woman more sensitive to odor. Many women find that it’s harder to exercise when pregnant, and most find that their hair and nails grow very quickly. Once the baby is born, though, the body will shed most of that hair, with shedding happening for up to a year postpartum. Hyperpigmentation can occur during pregnancy, with skin tone darkening on various parts of the body, and sometimes on the face. It’s important to wear sunscreen during pregnancy to help keep this to a minimum, but this darkening typically goes away after the baby is born.

Pregnancy is an extremely exciting time for both parents, and full of change. The best thing to do is embrace it and support your partner as she experiences physical and emotional changes. 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.

How to Help Relieve Morning Sickness

Some women experience it, some don’t, and it’s over-dramatized in the movies and on TV. We could be referring to a number of things, but in this case, we’re talking about morning sickness. Here are some facts you should know about this unpleasant side effect of pregnancy and how to help if your partner is experiencing it.

First, the facts. Morning sickness can happen at any and all times of day, and it doesn’t always involve vomiting, but the nausea can be extremely uncomfortable. It usually starts around the sixth week of pregnancy, and passes by week 12, though it’s different for every woman. Morning sickness happens to about half of all women who become pregnant, and only requires medical treatment if there is excessive vomiting that leads to dehydration and weight loss. Otherwise, it’s fine to treat it through measures like acupressure and home remedies. Here are some ways you can help your partner get some relief from morning sickness:

• Encourage her to rest. Whether it’s a good, long night of sleep or naps during the day, rest can help alleviate morning sickness. If you have kids already, arrange for a babysitter to give their mom a break so she can catch some z’s.
• Offer to cook. When a woman has morning sickness, her sense of smell is typically heightened. This may make her reluctant to cook, but it’s important for her to keep something in her stomach to help with the queasiness.
• Help her to eat the right foods. Women with morning sickness should steer clear of fatty and spicy foods, as well as caffeine. Carbs, protein, and fruit with potassium can help, and small portion sizes are best. For many women, a snack of salty crackers and protein before getting out of bed in the morning can be a great remedy for morning sickness. A high-protein snack before bed is good for regulating blood glucose levels during the night.
• Make her some tea. Ginger and peppermint teas are known to help settle the stomach and ease feelings of nausea. Ginger in any form can be helpful, so your partner might want to try a few different types of ginger products to see which works for her. Ginger snaps, gingerbread, and crystallized ginger are all good options.
• Help her stay physically and mentally active. Offer to take a walk with her, play cards, or do a puzzle together. Encourage her to talk to you about how she’s feeling so that you can have a better idea of how to help.
• Suggest some other remedies. Some women find that wearing sea-sickness bands alleviates morning sickness. Others find relief from sipping on a coke or brushing their teeth with children’s toothpaste, which doesn’t have such a strong, minty flavor.

Morning sickness is uncomfortable, but it can be a normal part of a perfectly healthy pregnancy. 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.

How Common is it for Babies to Have Jaundice

If the doctor tells you that your baby has jaundice, that news may alarm you. However, it’s fairly common and usually harmless. Here are some facts you may need to know about newborn jaundice.

• The symptoms of jaundice include yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It can also cause dark, yellow urine, instead of colorless, or pale-colored stools, rather than yellow or orange. The characteristic yellowing can be difficult to see on darker skin tones and may be easier to see on the palms or soles of the feet.
• Your doctor will examine your baby for jaundice before you leave the hospital. As part of the newborn physical examination, the doctor will check for jaundice within 72 hours of birth. That’s because the symptoms usually develop about two days after the baby is born. If you believe your baby has jaundice after you’ve gone home, you can check by gently pressing on your baby’s forehead or nose, in good lighting. If the skin looks yellow where you’ve pressed it, it could be jaundice. In that case, speak to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• What causes jaundice? Jaundice occurs because bilirubin, a yellow substance produced by the breakdown of red blood cells, builds up in the blood. It’s common in newborns because they have a high number of red blood cells, and those cells are broken down and replaced frequently. Further, the liver is responsible for removing bilirubin in the blood, and a baby’s liver is not fully developed so it doesn’t do it as effectively. Sometimes, jaundice is caused by infection, internal bleeding, liver or bile duct malfunction, abnormal red blood cells, or enzyme deficiency. Jaundice affects about six out of every 10 babies.
• There are risk factors that can increase your baby’s likelihood of developing jaundice. Being born before 37 weeks increases a baby’s risk of jaundice, and eight in 10 babies born prematurely will develop this condition. Breastfeeding raises the risk of jaundice, though it is believed that the substantial benefits of breastfeeding outweigh this risk. Bruising during birth can increase the risk of jaundice, as can a difference between the mother’s blood type and the baby’s. Babies of East Asian ancestry are at increased risk of jaundice.
• How is jaundice treated? Typically, jaundice resolves on its own, without treatment, by the time the baby is about two weeks old. For one in 20 babies, though, the blood bilirubin level gets high enough to warrant treatment. There are two treatments typically used to bring bilirubin levels down quickly:
  • Phototherapy uses light shining on the skin.
  • Exchange transfusion is a procedure in which the baby’s blood is removed and replaced with blood from a matching donor.
• Left untreated, jaundice can lead to serious complications. Acute bilirubin encephalopathy occurs when bilirubin, which is toxic to brain cells, passes into the brain. This can cause listlessness, difficulty waking, high-pitched crying, poor sucking or feeding, backward arching, and fever. Acute bilirubin encephalopathy can lead to a syndrome called kernicterus, which is permanent damage to the brain. Fortunately, kernicterus is rare.

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.

Things You Should Do Before Your Partner Goes into Labor

Waiting for the arrival of a new baby is very exciting! It may seem like it’s a long way away but trust us, if your partner is pregnant, that baby is right around the corner. Are you ready? Here are some things you and your partner need to do before labor begins.

• Get the baby gear ready. You may already be preparing the nursery, but now is also the time to unbox and assemble all the things you got at the baby shower! Install your car seat, assemble your changing table, swing, bouncer, and other equipment you’ll use in the first few months. In fact, if you have room for it all, you can go ahead and put together things your baby won’t use for quite a while. Trust us, you won’t feel like assembling that exersaucer while holding a baby.
• Load up on essentials. Stockpile things like cleaning products, paper products, and toiletries, so that you don’t have to think about shopping while you’re sleep-deprived and caring for a newborn. While you’re at it, stock your medicine chest with over the counter medicines and first-aid supplies, as well as any prescriptions you might forget to refill once you’re preoccupied with a baby.
• Fill your freezer. You may have meals lined up through your friends and family members, but it never hurts to stick some casseroles in the freezer. It’s good to have healthy meals available so you won’t be tempted to order out.
• Make arrangements for your furry babies. If you’ve got pets, anticipate that they’re going to need some care when the baby comes. Arrange not only for someone to take care of them while you’re in the hospital, but also for someone to come play with them and give them attention after you’re home. Expect them to be a little jealous when you’re giving all of your attention to this new little stranger.
• Plan some nights out. Have a last hoorah with your friends or plan a babymoon for the two of you. The mom-to-be might also want to take a day all to herself to be self-indulgent and pampered. It will be a while before you get another chance to hit the town, so you might as well do it before the baby arrives.
• Schedule some preventive care. Go to the optometrist, the dentist, and any other doctor you might need to see for routine care before your calendar fills up with baby care.
• Make plans for the birth announcement. Are you planning to hire a photographer to take newborn photos? Get an appointment in the books! If you’re planning to mail out birth announcements, design them ahead of time, so that when the baby comes you can just fill in the details and get them done.
• Get ready for the hospital trip. This means taking a hospital tour, packing a bag, and driving the route you’ll take when the baby comes so that it will be familiar when it’s go time. As the due date approaches, make sure to keep your gas tank full.

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.

Everything You Need to Know About Couvade Syndrome

Have you ever heard of Couvade syndrome? If you haven’t, you may know it by its more familiar moniker, sympathetic pregnancy. First noted in 1865 by anthropologist Edward Burnett Tylor, this condition is actually much more common than you might think.

Couvade syndrome comes from the French “couvee”, which means “to hatch.” It happens when fathers-to-be who are otherwise healthy begin experiencing pregnancy-related symptoms. The symptoms of Couvade are vague and varied, and can include nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain or bloating, leg cramps, backaches, breathing issues, weight gain or loss, and urinary or genital irritation. About 40 percent of men with Couvade syndrome can even experience tooth pain. Dads with Couvade may experience psychological symptoms like reduced libido, restlessness, anxiety, or depression as well. Sometimes, men with Couvade syndrome can experience such a high level of stress that they may even risk a mini-stroke.

Interestingly, even though it’s been around a long time and affects a large number of people, Couvade syndrome is not an official diagnosis. It’s not considered a disease or even a psychological condition. So, why does it happen to so many men? And how many men does it actually affect?

Estimates of how many men are affected are imprecise. Part of the reason for this is that this syndrome has been studied more by anthropologists and sociologists than the medical community. What we do know is that your likelihood of developing Couvade syndrome varies depending on your culture, how involved you are with your partner’s pregnancy, and how stressful the entire situation is for you. It’s also more likely to happen when a couple has experienced infertility or pregnancy loss. When it occurs, Couvade syndrome typically kicks in during the first trimester, eases during the second, and reoccurs during the third, much like a woman’s pregnancy symptoms. It doesn’t necessarily go away after childbirth, however. Many men with this syndrome experience postpartum depression, probably because they’re living through similar stressors to their partners, including lack of sleep, a massive sense of responsibility, and overall disruption to their lives.

If you or your partner are experiencing Couvade syndrome, what can you do? The most important thing is to keep the communication flowing. While this syndrome is ill-defined, it is fairly common, and knowing that can alleviate some of the stress. If the symptoms are particularly concerning, seek medical care. Otherwise, just do your best to take care of each other and make sure both partners are getting plenty of rest, eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress.

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.

Signs of Pregnancy

Are you wondering if you might be pregnant? Whether you’ve been trying to get pregnant or would rather not, it can be a tense time while you wait for the answer. Here are some signs you might notice in the early stages of pregnancy.

• Missing your period is an early sign of pregnancy. If you’re more than a week late, you may be pregnant. This may not be a reliable sign, however, especially if your cycles are typically irregular. Missed periods can also happen because of weight fluctuations, exhaustion, a new exercise regimen, stress, a change in birth control, or hormonal imbalance. Delayed menstruation sometimes occurs when you’re breastfeeding, or because of an illness. If the cause is a mystery, talk to your doctor.
• Changes in your breasts can indicate pregnancy. Soon after conception, many women experience swelling, soreness, or tingling in the breasts due to hormonal changes. Your breasts may feel heavier or tender to the touch. It’s important to remember, though, that these things can also be a sign of impending menstruation, new birth control, or another hormonal shift.
• Morning sickness can cause nausea with or without vomiting. Don’t be deceived by the name- it can happen at all times of the day and night. This varies from woman to woman, and some never experience it. Nausea during pregnancy is probably due to hormones, but nausea can also occur if you’re not pregnant, because of stress, anxiety, changes in birth control, or simply a stomach bug.
• If you’re making frequent trips to the bathroom, you may be pregnant. Your blood volume increases when you’re pregnant, leading to excess fluid in your body, which results in more frequent urination. If you’re urinating frequently and you’re not pregnant, ask your doctor to check your kidney function.
• Most women who are pregnant experience fatigue. This is because of a rise in progesterone during the first trimester, and typically goes away by the second. Of course, you may also be fatigued because of stress, illness, lack of sleep, change in exercise routine, or another cause.
• Some pregnancy symptoms are less common, but that doesn’t make them any less real. Some women experience spotting during implantation of the embryo. You might be constantly hungry and crave certain foods, or you might dislike foods you previously liked. Pregnancy can bring all kinds of symptoms, like headaches, dizziness, cramping, mood swings, and even a metallic taste in your mouth.

Because there are so many factors that can cause the same symptoms as pregnancy, the most accurate way to know if you’re pregnant is to take a test. You can take a home test as soon as you’ve missed your period or make an appointment for a blood test with your doctor. Whether you find out at home or in the office, make sure to schedule prenatal care as soon as possible to get your baby off to the best possible start.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. 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.

What is Lightning Crotch Pain?

It’s got a cringey name, but that doesn’t make lightning crotch pain any less serious for the women who experience it. What is it and why does it happen? More importantly, what should you do about it if it happens to you?

A sudden, shooting pain that’s felt in the pelvis, rectum, or vagina, lightning crotch is often felt in the third trimester of pregnancy. In addition to the shooting pain, it can include symptoms like a pins and needles sensation, as well as pain that radiates down the legs. Sometimes the pain is so intense that it causes the woman to double over in response, but the pain typically comes on suddenly and dissipates quickly.

Doctors aren’t completely sure why this happens, but there are a variety of possible causes. First, as the growing fetus moves, pressure on the nerves can cause sharp pain. Then, too, as the baby’s head drops lower into the pelvis in preparation for labor, the new position can also cause pressure on sensitive parts of the body. Finally, as the body prepares for birth, the pelvic bones can pull away and separate. Sometimes, the ligaments supporting the uterus can stretch and cause pain when you move in a certain way.

Sometimes, staying in one position too long can trigger lighting crotch pain. You can alleviate this pain, then, by shifting your position. In general, remaining active and changing positions frequently can help prevent this pain from occurring. Other home treatments include using side-lying positions, placing a pillow between your legs while sleeping, wearing a pregnancy support belt, and doing Kegel exercises. A warm bath or prenatal massage can also be helpful. If it’s extremely problematic, this pain can also be treated using chiropractic adjustments or a pelvic block, an injection of pain medication into the affected region.

Sometimes, lightning crotch pain can be an early sign of labor. If you’re experiencing other symptoms, like period-like cramps, pelvic pressure, diarrhea, a burst of energy, or loss of the mucus plug, pay attention. If you start having consistent contractions, it’s time to call the doctor. Symptoms that mean you should call the doctor right away include vaginal bleeding, a temperature above 100 degrees, abdominal pain, a severe headache, sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet, new problems with your vision, or a sudden rush of fluid, also known as your water breaking.

The good news is that for most women, this pain usually passes quickly. Even better, it will go away entirely once the baby is born. While it may be uncomfortable, it’s actually a normal part of a healthy pregnancy.

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.