Thursday, September 30, 2010

Lose weight with Fat Binders

If you too – like so many of us - are looking for a natural way to lose those excess lbs and achieve a healthier, happier body, then fat binders could be the answer you are looking for.

100% natural and traditionally derived from plant extracts, fat binders can provide you with the perfect stepping stone to achieving an easy healthy weight loss, with none of the risk that can come with some chemically induced weight loss supplements.

So what are fat binders exactly?

In simple terms a fat binder is a component that binds and gathers fat molecules.

So let's just say for this example you eat a double cheese burger.

Once your burger has been broken down by your stomach, it will move into your intestine where it will meet the fat binder you ingested earlier. From this point your fat binder will begin binding the fat molecules making them too big to be absorbed back into your body.

But this is not all fat binders can do.

Alongside their natural ability to reduce your daily fat consumption, fat binders are also known for being effective appetite suppressants, enabling users to reduce their meal portions and lose weight without having to starve themselves.

And the great thing is, as soon as you have taken the fat binder it will begin to work to bind your fat and offer you results on its very first day.

How are fat binders better appetite suppressants than most appetite suppressants?

When you traditionally take an appetite suppressant, they help you to cut your appetite by making your brain believe your body is full, when it is not. They essentially directly affect your central nervous system, altering your hunger signals and the timing in which they are released.

Fat binders on the other hand work within your digestive tract to help bind your fat molecules and lose weight. Other than that, fat binders have no other affect within your body.

Why choose a fat binder?

Compared to most weight loss supplements, fat binders can offer you a healthy weight loss, with none of the risk.

You see one of the most recurrent problems you'll find in even the most popular weight loss supplements is their side effects. Chemically altered/made, some may be able to offer consumers a steady weight loss over time, but alongside these weight loss benefits consumers will also be able to find an array of uncomfortable side effects, that are not only just unpleasant but dangerous to your health too.

For example how many weight loss supplements have you seen in the media that have been recommended as a means to losing weight alongside other dietary changes and exercises?

The answer is not many. But add a natural fat binder to the equation, and you'll experience a different media outcome altogether.

Take for example natural fat binder Proactol. Medically backed and clinically proven to work, Proactol for 2 years running has been voted by both slimmers and dieticians alike as one of the top 5 ways to naturally lose weight in 2008.

Combined within their top 5 tips of: eating 6 times a day; having a healthy breakfast; surrounding yourself with support and setting yourself a realistic exercise plan, the Telegraph has placed natural fat binder, Proactol, as their second top tip.

Yet compared to most fat binders Proactol can offer consumers a range of other natural health benefits too:

• Lower blood cholesterol
• Increased joint flexibility and energy levels
• A reduction in food cravings
• A 450 daily calorie reduction
• No known side effects

And with medical backing from the Medical Device Directive 93/42 EEC, consumers can take Proactol confident in the knowledge that with its natural fat binder benefits on hand they can begin to lose a steady 1-2lbs a week with minimal exercise.

So offer your body a natural solution to healthy weight loss and the experience the joys of a healthier happier body.

Need to offer your body a natural solution to weight loss,Click here

Monday, September 27, 2010

How to Stop Snacking at Work

We have all been there, you turn up to work full of good intentions for the day. You promise yourself you will not give in to temptation and not a single sugary treat will pass through your lips. Snacking at work is not even an option today.

It’s all going well so far you think to yourself, however, no sooner does that thought enter your head, your stomach rumbles. You feel the hunger and assume it’s nearly lunch time. Then you check the time and its only 10:30am – the mid-morning munchies have arrived!!

You can last until lunch you tell yourself but your stomach has other ideas. You try and think of something else but the only thing your mind is thinking about is chocolate and cakes. You cannot last any longer and rush to the vending machine – not a single healthy snack is on show. You give in and tell yourself tomorrow will be different, tomorrow you will avoid snacking at work.

We have all been there; snacking at work is a big problem day in, day out for the vast majority of us. The average person spends $45 on snacks every month. However, it doesn’t have to be like this.

There are ways you can stop snacking at work. The office does not need to be the place you surrender all willpower. Here are my top 5 tips to help you cut out those sweet treats at your desk:

1. Remain Calm
Stress is one of the biggest reasons why snacking at work is so hard to control. If you can stay relaxed by planning your workload efficiently then it will be easier to say no to those unhealthy snacks.

2. Stock up on Fruit
Keeping a supply of fruit on your desk will give you an alternative option to chocolate, cakes and potato chips. Better still, you won’t even have to leave your desk to get them!

3. Don’t Carry Loose Change
This is particularly useful if you have a vending machine at work. No spare change in your pocket means you cannot use the vending machine and no matter how much you want that chocolate bar you cannot have it.

4. Keep Yourself Busy
No doubt you often snack because you are bored. If you can keep yourself busy then you will not even think about snacking. Always ensure you have tasks to do to keep your mind off sweet treats.

5. Invest in an Appetite Suppressant
This is one of the tricks I swear by. Appetite suppressants are small pills you take each day which gives signals to the brain that you are full and do not require more food. They are perfectly safe and help you to get your willpower back and control those snacking at work cravings.

By far the best appetite suppressant I have used is a product called UniqueHoodia. They use only the purest Hoodia Gordonii from South Africa which has been clinically proven to suppress your appetite.

Results have also shown that UniqueHoodia can help cut your calorie intake by as much as 2,000 calories a day meaning weight loss is much faster and easier than by dieting alone.

If you want to cut out snacking at work then look no further – UniqueHoodia is your key to controlling those cravings.

Find out more about how to stop snacking at
work with UniqueHoodia by clicking here

Friday, September 24, 2010

CERVICAL CANCER-Prevention Is The Watchword

British reality television star Jade Goody, who won the nation's heart with her rags-to-riches success and her very public battle with cervical cancer, died Sunday aged 27.
My heartfelt sympathy goes to the family and the entire nation as they mourn.It is quite very obvious that CANCER has struck again and this time it is CERVICAL.The saying that PREVENTION is better than cure,is not only expedient but very timely as well.

The key to preventing invasive cervical cancer is to detect any cell changes early, before they become cancerous. Regular pelvic examinations and Pap smears are the best way to do this. How often you should have a pelvic exam and Pap smear depends on your individual situation.

You should have your first Pap smear when you become sexually active, no matter how old you are.

If you are not sexually active, you should have your first Pap smear at age 18 years or earlier.

In both cases, you should have a Pap smear every year for at least 3 years.

If these Pap smears reveal no abnormal cells and you have few risk factors for cervical cancer, the US Guide to Clinical Preventive Services recommends a repeat Pap smear at least every 3 years.

Because a woman's risk factors may change with her lifestyle, many medical professionals prefer that you have a Pap smear yearly through age 65 years and older, regardless of the number of negative tests you have had in the past.

If you have had precancerous changes or cancer of the cervix, your gynecologist will recommend a schedule of follow-up examinations and tests.
Avoidance of human papillomavirus infection is becoming increasingly important in the prevention of precancerous and cancerous changes of the cervix.

Early age at first intercourse is associated with increased risk. Abstinence is recommended as one way to prevent the transmission of HPV.

Likewise, barrier protection, such as condom use, may prevent HPV infection, although this has not yet been fully studied.

A vaccine to protect women from cervical cancer may be available in 5 years. Early tests found an experimental vaccine to be effective against the virus responsible for half of all cases of cervical cancer. The vaccine targets a strain of HPV. The vaccine would not be effective for women who already have HPV.
Cigarette smoking is another risk factor for cervical cancer that can be prevented. Quitting smoking may decrease your chances of developing cervical cancer.

A Stich in time saves nine.
May the beautiful soul of Jade Goody rest in perfect peace

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

How To Get Pregnant Despite Medical Problems

To fall pregnant faster you need to identify the exact day of ovulation. This is important especially when you are getting older or having medical problems.

Why is this?

Well, it is because a young woman is fertile only a few days in a month. When you get older or have any health problems ovulation (egg release) becomes rarer. It may happen once in 2-3 month or even more rarely.
So, when a woman is fertile for only 1-2 days in 2-3-4 months it gets very complicated to pinpoint their fertile days. And often this is only the reason why a pregnancy does not occur.

The best way to identify your ovulation day is by using a natural method. Identifying ovulation time with special devises can lead to mistakes, especially devises that check the level of hormones in the urine. The level of hormones in urine increases later then it happens in the blood. So, when you see your ovulation time on a urine analysis devise it could be too late, especially in older women as the egg has already been released.

Secondly, when you identify you ovulation time it is important to deliver the highest amount of sperm possible. To achieve this, your partner should abstain from any sexual activity for at least 3 days before your ovulation time occurs to build up the amount of sperm. No ejaculation at all for 3 days.

Thirdly, it is important to have sexual intercourse not just randomly around ovulation time but on the exact day when a fresh egg has just been released.

The last research shows that an old egg (which has been released 2-3 days ago) is unlikely to end up in a healthy pregnancy. And even when an old egg meets sperm and fertilization does occur the fetus will not survive long and pregnancy will finish with an early stage miscarriage. A woman in this case may not even realize she is having a miscarriage. It normally looks like an overdue period that happens to be heavier than normal.

Old sperm that has been released for more then 24 hours can also be potentially defective. This can give the same result like the old egg, ending up with an early stages miscarriage.

That means that having intercourse before the exact ovulation time is not very beneficial to falling pregnant and achieving a healthy pregnancy.

To sum up, many older women or women with different medical problems may have only 1-2 days in a few or many months when they can fall pregnant. They often miss this time so to them it looks like they are infertile.

This problem can be solved by knowing the exact ovulation day and the best way is to pinpoint the time using natural methods. It also important to avoid old egg and old sperm which are normally potentially defective and don't end up in a viable pregnancy.

And finally, building up sperm for the exact ovulation day can be an indispensable tip to falling pregnant successfully.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Benefits of Maternity Pillows

Most all pregnant women have one thing in common and that is finding it hard to fall asleep. The further along you get the harder it is for you to find a comfortable position where you can relax. Even if you do fall asleep fast, most women wake up often searching for a new position that can help them fall back to sleep. Just because this is a natural part of being pregnant doesn’t mean that you have to accept it. There is a way to make this part of your pregnancy a little more relaxing. The key is finding a product that can help you to get comfortable. One of these would be something called a pregnancy pillow. Pregnancy pillows do make a difference in how well you can rest and sleep at night.

These pillows are designed to cradle your body and provide you with the ultimate in comfort. They give the parts of your body support that needs it the most. This is usually the neck, back legs and belly. They help to relieve the aches and pains that you experience from being pregnant. It makes it easy to find a position that is comfortable, which in turn makes it possible for you to relax and get a peaceful sleep. There are several different styles that you can choose from that come in a variety of shapes. You can find one pillow that suites your needs or use different ones depending on how you feel. Pregnancy pillows can help you to get the rest that you have been missing.

Getting enough sleep is important even when you are not pregnant, but when you are pregnant you need enough rest and sleep to make sure you and your baby stay healthy. Pregnancy pillows will help you to get this much needed rest. You will have more energy and feel less stressed when you are able to sleep. It will also make it much easier when it comes time for the delivery of your baby because you will be rested and ready. They also have a wedge shape design that is made for traveling to make this even more comfortable when it is necessary for you to go someplace.

Some of the benefits that you will experience when using pregnancy pillows include the support that they provide, which helps to relieve the pain that is accompanied with being pregnant. They are so comfortable because they adjust to the shape of your body which makes finding a comfortable position easy. Even if you switch your position while you sleep, they will simple adjust with you. They can be used no matter what stage of the pregnancy you are in. They can be beneficial from the moment you first begin to show until its time for your baby to be born. You can even continue using the pillows after you deliver your baby.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Treating Insomnia during Pregnancy

It is estimated that almost three quarters of all pregnant women suffer from some sort of insomnia. While the insomnia itself may not be a serious problem, it could lead to drowsiness or lack of concentration during the day, and so should definitely be treated under medical supervision.


Pregnancy is one of the most important, magic, and exciting periods in a woman’s life. It is not surprising, then, that a lot of women may experience sensations that they have never experienced in any other period of their lives. While most of these sensations are pleasant, there can also be some problems, and one of these problems may be insomnia.

In fact, it has been estimated that as many as 75% of all pregnant women suffer some kind of insomnia. The main cause of this is hormonal imbalance, although this is not the only cause. Other reasons for insomnia in pregnant women might be the anxiety, or even panic, of realizing that they are moving into a different world in which they are about to take on the responsibilities of parenthood. Or it might simply be that sleep takes longer to come because they feel uncomfortable in bed due to their new body shape.

In all cases, if insomnia is a consequence of the pregnancy, it is always a good idea to visit your doctor and explain your problem. Most doctors are very reluctant to prescribe medications for insomnia during pregnancy, for obvious reasons. Moreover, it is not a good idea to begin taking strong medications – some of them with serious side effects, and others which may be habit inducing, like sleeping pills – for a disorder that will disappear as soon your baby is born.

So your doctor will almost certainly recommend simple changes in your lifestyle, or other, natural, remedies. However, beware of thinking that you can seek out natural remedies yourself, on the understanding that natural remedies are always mild and harmless. What may be mild and harmless for women under normal circumstances, may not be so harmless for your baby! Always consult your doctor before beginning any treatment – natural or otherwise.

If you’re having trouble falling asleep when you go to bed, some of the following tricks might work just before you go to bed: you can try having a warm (not hot) shower; you could light some scented candles; get your husband to give you a relaxing foot massage; or you could try listening to some soothing music that reminds you of pleasant memories or beautiful places you know and have visited.

The changes in your lifestyle that a doctor might suggest will be related above all to your eating and exercise habits. Obviously, you’ll be recommended not to eat much at night – it’s not a good idea to go to bed feeling hungry, but you should definitely have finished your digestion. And your doctor will probably recommend you to continue exercising: a good walk each day may be just what you – and your baby – need to get that good night’s sleep that you both deserve!

While insomnia during pregnancy is not so serious in itself, and in almost all cases will go away when your pregnancy is over, it should, however, be controlled. Insomnia – in everyone, not just in pregnant women – can lead to irritability and lack of concentration, which can be dangerous. Thus, any disorder that leads to drowsiness and lack of concentration should be treated, in order to avoid unwanted accidents, and this is especially important in the case of pregnant women.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Preserving Health And Beauty In Pregnancy

Most women think that it's okay to stop exerting effort in looking beautiful during pregnancy but it's not. Pregnancy is a time when your hormones are in a rage. It is easy to be overwhelmed by new feelings, sensations, and changes in your body that make you feel not in control. Taking care of your pregnant self lets you be in control and preserve your health and beauty. It's not easy to look in a mirror with disheveled hair and dry, blotchy skin. It's also frustrating to try and fit yourself in your pre-pregnant outfits. Get rid of the idea that this is normal. What's normal is a pregnant woman embracing and enjoying her pregnancy by taking care of her body, her health and beauty.

Studies by the MRC/US Anxiety and Stress Disorders Research Unit show that babies born of happy mothers are healthier -- they are heavier, more active, and agreeable. They also absorb more nutrients from their first feedings which are essential for their nourishment. Happy mothers are also found to produce better-quality milk for their babies. Negative emotions increase the risk of developing post-pregnancy depression. This affects how a mother bonds and cares for her newborn. The best way to ward off this negativity is to preserve your health and beauty.

First, follow a healthy diet under the specifications of your doctor. Do not assume that the diet your other pregnant friend follows is right for you. Your health and beauty needs are unique. You may have deficiencies or skin care needs, which your friend's diet cannot address. Second, take supplements and vitamins according to your doctor's instructions. Never take drugs or any form of medicine without your doctor's approval. It may have adverse effects on your baby. Third, exercise lightly to avoid gaining excess weight. Expectant mothers normally gain 15-20 pounds; anything higher than that can give you a difficult delivery. Fourth, get adequate sleep and rest. Nothing is more stressful than sleepless nights because of hormones and restlessness. Make up for lost sleep during the day; your body tells you when it needs some shut-eye.

Of course, a pregnant woman's health and beauty are not limited to her physical needs. Her emotional and psychological well-being are just as important. You know that nothing boosts your confidence than being thought of and complimented as beautiful. You can easily get that goddess feeling again through modern maternity fashion. Take all those loose, tent-like dresses your mother-in-law lent you. Contemporary maternity designers are coming out with new designs that showcase your pregnant body rather than hiding it. Take advantage of your fuller cleavage and wear lower necklines. Show off your pregnant belly in stretch tops that hug your curves in solid colors. Avoid hiding in busy prints and opt for simple, understated accents and accessories. Change your hairstyle -- pregnancy is a perfect excuse to try the new pixie cut. Keep your posture straight and your feet pretty in fun flats and funky mules.

Health and beauty are essentials for a pregnant woman. Take care of yours to be better-equipped in caring for your baby. Treat your pregnancy as your time to shine with natural health and beauty. Staying healthy and beautiful during pregnancy is not only easy; it is the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Harmful Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

Birth Control Pills are used by many women to prevent unwanted pregnancies. But are they really a safe choice of birth control. Here is some information about the harmful side effects of birth control pills.

Harmful Side Effects of Birth Control Pills
Birth Control Pills are used by many women to prevent unwanted pregnancies. But are they really a safe choice of birth control. Here is some information about the harmful side effects of birth control pills.
Birth control pills have come a long way from their discovery in the 60s to their present form and are a preferred choice of birth control for as many as 18 million women. There are different brands of pills available and these contain progestin and estrogen in differing dosages. There are many benefits to the use of birth control pills. The most important benefit of the birth control pill is that it helps in prevention of ovarian cancer and also cancer of endometrium which is the lining of the uterus. Other benefits of these pills include reduction in cramps during the menstrual cycle. Over the years there have also been many reports about the side effects of these birth control pills. Following these reports authorities have had to keep a close watch on these oral contraceptives. Since women tend to take these pills for a long period of time this medicine has been subjected to comprehensive studies in order to determine serious side effects if any.

Currently studies indicate that healthy and non smoking women can continue using the pills without any harmful side effects. Some possible side effects of the birth control pills that have been observed include irregularity in menstrual bleeding and headaches, dizziness and also breast tenderness. Other side effects of these pills include nausea and hand weight gain.
Some women have reported unusual changes in mood including depression following the use of the birth control pills. In the past there have been reports of the relation between these pills and cancer. Some studies have reported that certain women tend to have a greater risk of cancer with the use of birth control pills. These studies however have not been completely conclusive.

Following are some other serious and harmful side effects of the birth control pills.

Smokers who take birth control pills have a greater chance of getting cancer.


If the individual who is taking birth control pills is too young then she might experience an acne yeast infection and it is difficult to completely cure this infection.


Weight gain of around 12 pounds can be observed in women who take birth control pills.


Birth control pills may cause the formation of cysts in the breasts and these may feel painful and tender to touch.


Birth control pills can also cause blood clots. The possibility of this is rare particularly if the woman is over 35 years of age and does not smoke. A blood clot can occur in an artery or vein and have varying symptoms depending on the location of the clot. These clots can form in abdomen or legs and even in heart or lungs. A clot could in turn cause a stroke. With other factors such as a history of heart disease, blood pressure problems and clotting tendency the use of birth control pill could be dangerous.


Birth control pills can cause severe shortness of breath and chest pain in some cases.


These pills can cause problems of blurred vision or even loss of vision in some cases and severe leg pain in some other cases.


It has also been noted that there can be increased risk of women suffering with breast cancer following extensive use of birth control pills.


Some studies have also indicated that use of birth control pills can also result in development of blood pressure problems.


Women using birth control pills may also develop cancer of the liver (development of benign tumors in the liver) and gall bladder disease.


Some other effects of use of birth control pills include reduced satisfaction in sex, heart problems and possibilities of experiencing cervical dysplasia

A decision to choose the pill as a way of birth control should be taken by the concerned woman only after carefully weighing the benefits and considering the risks involved in the same. It is best for the concerned woman to consult a medical professional or a trusted health professional so that all the benefits and the risks can be thoroughly discussed before any decision is taken. It is also in the best interest of the woman to get all her queries and issues answered by the right people.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

10 Possible Reasons Why You're Not Getting Pregnant

So you want to get pregnant? You may be wondering what's taking so long. "Why does it seem so difficult?" you may ask. "Why can't I seem to get pregnant?"

I had all these questions and more. I wanted to know how to get pregnant fast.

First, let's talk about the odds of getting pregnant in any given monthly cycle. One study cited a couple's chance of getting pregnant within the first month of trying at about 25%, while 60% will get pregnant within 6 months, 75% within 9 months, 80% within 1 year, and 90% of couples get pregnant within 18 months of trying.

Now let's talk about the factors that may be affecting your fertility and your partner's fertility. In other words, what's hindering your chances of getting pregnant fast?

Here are the 10 most likely causes of infertility issues followed by some conception tips to help increase your odds of getting pregnant faster.

1. Smoking. If you or your partner smoke cigarettes, this will greatly hinder your trying-to-conceive efforts. Women who smoke are 60% more likely than non-smokers to be infertile. Medical research indicates that egg depletion and sperm damage caused by smoking is the cause for this decrease in fertility. Smoking is very bad for your health anyway, so this should give you a worthwhile incentive to quit for your own health and those around you. An unborn baby is at a high risk for many complications if the mother is a smoker. Also, if your partner smokes around you, you are affected by the second-hand smoke, which is very harmful as well. Remember that with over 2,000 different chemicals in tobacco smoke, not one of them is nutritious or enriching for you or your baby.

2. Illicit Drug Use or Alcohol Use. This may seem like a "no brainer" for most of us, but some women and men need to be reminded that illicit drug use is a no-no for those trying to conceive. Marijuana use specifically suppresses hormone production, which can cause decreased sperm count and possible erectile dysfunction in men and irregular periods in women. Alcohol in moderation may not significantly affect fertility, but if you want to definitely increase your chances of getting pregnant sooner rather than later, it's best to avoid alcohol completely (both the woman and the man).

3. Caffeine Intake. Caffeine is believed to reduce fertility. It also is believed to be risky during pregnancy with an increased risk of miscarriage with more than very mild use. Caffeine's effect on fertility and pregnancy is controversial - some believe it to be harmful in even small
quantities and others believe it is fine with moderate use (up to three cups of coffee per day). But why take a chance, especially if you want to conceive quickly and avoid a potential miscarriage? Caffeine is in chocolate, coffee, tea, and most sodas. Even decaffeinated coffee and tea (black and green) has a small amount of caffeine, so be aware of this when drinking. If you truly want to get pregnant more quickly, you should give up caffeine altogether for a better chance of increasing fertility. If it's too hard and you have a caffeine addiction, then wean down gradually in order to make it easier on yourself.

4. Poor Diet. What you eat or don't eat is crucial to your overall well-being and reproductive health. Getting pregnant is a complex process, one that requires many different body organs and glands to function properly to have proper hormonal balance and functioning. Most people don't get the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables and water per day. This is very basic, but it's crucial to pay attention to in order to help increase your fertility and your chances of getting pregnant more quickly. Eat lots of green leafy vegetables (leaf lettuce, kale, collard greens, etc.), whole grains (oatmeal, whole grain breads, brown rice, etc.), raw nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, cashews, etc.), and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Organic is best, and fresh is better than canned or processed. (Note that Brazil nuts are especially good for sperm health).

5. Lack of Exercise. If you're sedentary, get moving. It will help you feel better, lose weight if needed, and will improve your fertility and chance of getting pregnant. Walking, swimming, biking, or aerobics are great forms of exercise. Do something that you enjoy, and it will be easier to keep up. Exercise at least 3 times a week for 20-30 minutes at a time.

6. Obesity or Being Overweight. If your BMI is greater than 25, you are considered overweight and are prone to health risks. A BMI of 30 or more is considered obese. Avoid fad diets or skipping meals. It has been proven that starving yourself only makes things worse. Do eat, but eat smaller portions more often, and cut out the junk food. Start slowly if you need to, but definitely start.

7. Stressful Lifestyle. If you have a stressful work environment, consider changing jobs. Stress will not only affect your fertility, it will affect your overall health and place you at greater risk for heart disease and many other health problems. Also, do what you can to relax often (at least once a day). Practice deep breathing to help relieve stress. What I do is inhale as deeply as I can with my mouth closed. Then I exhale slowly through my mouth. This is an instant stress reliever for me. Try it and see what it does for you! Another stress reliever can be a leisurely walk, especially if it's something you enjoy and is in a beautiful environment. Go with your mate and use it to catch up on events of the day or just to dream of your future together. A warm bath can also be a great stress reliever, just don't make it too warm, especially for the males, as it could affect sperm quality and quantity.

8. Advanced Age. Advanced age is widely considered to be age 35 and older. Women who are 35 years old and older do have somewhat of a disadvantage when trying to conceive. It is said that a female is born with the total amount of eggs she will have her entire life. Thus, at age 35 and beyond, her eggs are considerably "older" than they were in her 20's, making it more difficult to conceive. That said, those of us who are older need to be even more diligent to be optimally
healthy in order to increase our changes of getting pregnant faster. Men can be affected by age as well, especially as libido tends to decrease with age. I have found maca to be a wonderful libido enhancer and also fertility promoter. It is said to improve the quality of a woman's eggs as well. I believe it helped me to get pregnant at 39 and carry my beautiful, perfectly health baby boy to full term.

9. Poor Intercourse Timing. In order to conceive, a couple needs to have intercourse near the woman's ovulation time - the closer the better. If a couple just has intercourse "whenever", their chances of getting pregnant are not as good. Especially for the older couples in their late 30's to 40's, timing is crucial to getting pregnant faster. To get the timing right, you need to determine your ovulation date.

I like to track my cycles by using a basal thermometer. This thermometer is different from the regular thermometer used to determine a fever. A basal thermometer is an ultra-sensitive thermometer that tracks your body's most minute temperature shift and helps you calculate ovulation. Another means I like for determining ovulation date is an ovulation predictor kit (OPK) . There are two kinds - the urine strips and also the fertility monitors. The strips are like a pregnancy test stick, only they measure LH (or luteinizing hormone) instead of HCG (the pregnancy hormone). The fertility monitors use saliva to determine your most fertile period by showing a ferning pattern when you're most likely to conceive.

10. Physical Issues. There are many physical issues that can hinder your chances of getting pregnant. Eating right, exercising, losing weight, and quitting bad habits can greatly help to heal many of these conditions. Sometimes medical intervention is necessary, though. These conditions can include irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation (lack of ovulation), PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), endometriosis, low sperm motility or mobility, low sperm count, or luteal phase defect, among others.

I suggest that you get some prenatal tests done for you and your partner. If you've been trying to get pregnant for six months or more, especially if you're 35 or older, see a reproductive endocrinologist. He or she will help you to decide which testing is best for you and your partner. Semen analysis will most likely be helpful to determine sperm health. And the woman's symptoms will help to determine what tests are performed for her. Prenatal testing is very beneficial even if you want to get pregnant naturally. If you know what your condition is, you're more likely to be able to overcome it.

If this article has helped you, please consider sharing it with someone you know who would benefit also.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Dealing With Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy can turn an otherwise healthy pregnancy into a nightmare. Read on to see why pregnant women get hemorrhoids and what you can do to prevent or relieve hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

As a certified nurse midwife I have treated many cases of pregnancy and hemorrhoids. It was not until I personally experienced hemorrhoids during pregnancy that I understood how painful these little monsters can be.

What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen varicose veins on or around the anus. The veins within the anal canal become swollen because of weakened vein walls allowing blood to pool. This causes the walls of the vein to expand creating the visible ball on the outside of the anus called a hemorrhoid.

What causes pregnancy hemorrhoids?
Pregnancy requires a woman to increase her total blood volume by 40% to accommodate her growing baby nutrition and circulatory needs. This increase in blood volume requires that the pregnant woman¡¦s blood vessels relax and expand to hold the extra blood. This is one of the major reasons why pregnant women are prone to blood clots, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Pregnant women are also prone to constipation due to extra fluid absorption and relaxation of the bowels.
Constipation combined with the increased pressure on the rectum and perineum due to the growing baby is another reason for hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

Types of pregnancy hemorrhoids:
Internal hemorrhoids during pregnancy: You can't see or feel these hemorrhoids, but straining or irritation from a passing stool can injure a hemorrhoid's delicate surface and cause it to bleed. You may notice small amounts of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet bowl water. Because internal anal membranes lack pain-sensitive nerve fibers, these hemorrhoids usually don't cause discomfort. Occasionally, straining can push an internal hemorrhoid through the anal opening. If a hemorrhoid remains displaced (prolapsed), it can cause pain and irritation.

External hemorrhoids during pregnancy: These hemorrhoids tend to be painful. Sometimes blood may pool in an external hemorrhoid and form a clot (thrombus) causing severe pain, swelling and inflammation. When irritated, external hemorrhoids can itch or bleed. The pain of hemorrhoids may be comparable to being stabbed in the rectum by a knife or hot poker.

What can you do to treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
The good news is that hemorrhoids usually improve after the baby is born. In the meantime, there are a number of things you can do to treat hemorrhoids. Any one or more of the following may help relieve hemorrhoids during pregnancy:
Take a warm bath with baking soda or place baking soda (wet or dry) on the area to reduce itching.
Use witch hazel to reduce swelling or bleeding.
Use Tucks Medicated Pads.
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Drink prune juice.
Do not delay going to the bathroom.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
If you are suffering very badly from pregnancy hemorrhoids please consult with your obstetric provider for hemorrhoid medication.
Mangosteen and minerals, 2 ounces twice a day has helped many pregnant women relieve inflammation and pain from hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Mangosteen is a fruit that has been used for hundreds of years as an all natural, pregnancy safe anti-inflammatory and a pain blocker. Mangosteen also supports you body to the demands of pregnancy.