Now that my friend is a bit more settled with baby (her son is around the same age as my baby - 3 months!) I am pretty sure that its safe to offer the "ask jeni" segment again on this blog.
As you all know (or might not know) my friend Jeni is VERY knowledgeable in the fertility area, shes got allow of knowledge and experience to back her up. Shes suffered her own m/c and able to conceive right after as well with facing her own fertility problems. So with this blog post, you can either post in the comments section your questions about fertility, something you might have heard and want to double check, or ask for advice in regards to your own situation and she will answer you in the same comments section. If your a bit leery about posting your info (this can be done by anon though in the comment section) You can email me cheri22@gmail.com and put in "Ask Jeni" in the subject line and I will forward her your email. She will try to answer as many as she can.
For me, I am heading to the lab today. For the past 10 days now I have had a really bad stomach ache (cramps/gas) and because I am still breastfeeding I can't take anything for it (like pepto!) So headed to the dr yesterday and it "might" be an infection in my stomach. I have never had anything like this last more than a day, and here we are on day 10! Wish me luck that its something "simple" and this test can just prove that. I have to make a dr appt next week as well to get the results!
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Showing posts with label Ask Jeni. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ask Jeni. Show all posts
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Low Sperm Count?
I have had a few people recently, who have mentioned that their husbands (or partners) have been diagnosed with a low sperm count. I think that this is probably one of the "easier" obstacles to overcome when it comes to being diagnosed with infertility issues. My friend Jeni who does "Ask Jeni" was asked this question through email from one of my clients, and the information that Jeni was able to provide I thought might be beneficial to alot of the other readers who read the blog who might have been uncomfortable to ask the question themselves.
I have copied/pasted what was in the email here for everyone to read, its been edited to not include any particulars about who the original email was for. If there are any questions about this post, or need clarification or further questions, please respond in the comments section or even email me cheri22@gmail.com with "ask jeni" in the subject line. Everything will be forwarded to her:)
I am sorry it took a few days to get back to you, but this topic is quite a "questionable" topic as to what really works and what does not. As far as increasing your husband's sperm count, there are a few things he can do to increase the count slightly.
A big one on the boards when i was trying to get pregnant was to avoid overheating his testicles. Basically, stay away from Hot tubs, saunas and hot baths. Shower only.
Below is a few things i got from an ezine article on increasing sperm count: .
Have sex & masturbate less often - the more times you ejaculate, the less dense your semen will be. Maintain a gap of 3 days between two consecutive ejaculations.
2. Refrain from habits like smoking, alcohol consumption etc. - Alcohol affects your liver function, which, in turn, causes a dramatic rise in estrogen levels. Even two drinks a day will have long-term effects on sperm production
3. Exercise regularly.Exercising your PC muscle can help you shoot further than ever before.
4. Eat Nutritious Food - Diet that's low in fat, and high in protein, vegetables, and whole grains is good for your health and for your sperm. Avoid bitter, astringent and spicy foods.Reduce caffeine intake
5. Avoid heating of testicles - Wear loose, cotton boxer shorts, Avoid hot baths and saunas
6. Lose any excess weight, which tends to cause testosterone/oestrogen imbalances.
7. Reduce stress levels by learning relaxation techniques - Keep your mind and body healthy by regular practice of YOGA and MEDITATION.8. Massage body with herbal oil, which improves blood circulation.
Here is also an article from Mayo CLinic that ha a few helpful hints: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fertility/MC00023
As far as the lubricant part, yes it is true. Lubricants do have a tendency when used to decrease motility of sperm---except for ONE!! : ) There is a lubricant on www.early-pregnancy-tests.com called PRESEED. It is the only known sperm friendly lubricant out there that actually HELPS sperm along and does not harm them.
On there are also Ovulation test dipsticks cheap that I swear by! Also, to make it easier for sperm to swim to your tubes to reach an egg, you can take Mucinex (plain, only active ingredient can be guaifenesin) to loosen your mucus and make it more hospitable to sperm around ovulation. What i used was the Equate mucus relief from wal-mart. It is a LOT cheaper!
As far as herbal supplements, there are so many out there that claim to increase sperm count and motility, that you really have to choose carefully. A lot of things out there these days are not true. SO as far as that i am going to stick to what Cheri said and leave it at that. (False Unicorn & Horny Goat Weed)
If you take and mix too many herbal/vitamin supplements without the advice of a physician, you run the risk of making yourself sick. As far as diet, I will post a few links for you to check out. Here they are below! http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/pregnancy-articles/503.html http://infertility.health-info.org/male-infertility/male-infertility-improve-sperm-quality.html http://www.urologychannel.com/maleinfertility/treatment_alternative.shtml
Also, see "proxeed" in the end of this article link. You can google it and get info on this supplement, as it is shown to contain things your body NEEDS I think this one may be worth trying. Also, for your husband see if he would try and consider Accupuncture or reflexology for fertility. Some men and women have actually said they have these "alternative methods" to thank as well.
Remember: It takes ONE sperm to fertilize and egg. If you are very serious about conceiving, I would also consider IUI (insemination) with your husband's sperm so they have less distance to travel.
Good Luck to you!! I hope things work out for the best!
~*~*~BABYDUST~*~*~
Jeni
I have copied/pasted what was in the email here for everyone to read, its been edited to not include any particulars about who the original email was for. If there are any questions about this post, or need clarification or further questions, please respond in the comments section or even email me cheri22@gmail.com with "ask jeni" in the subject line. Everything will be forwarded to her:)
I am sorry it took a few days to get back to you, but this topic is quite a "questionable" topic as to what really works and what does not. As far as increasing your husband's sperm count, there are a few things he can do to increase the count slightly.
A big one on the boards when i was trying to get pregnant was to avoid overheating his testicles. Basically, stay away from Hot tubs, saunas and hot baths. Shower only.
Below is a few things i got from an ezine article on increasing sperm count: .
Have sex & masturbate less often - the more times you ejaculate, the less dense your semen will be. Maintain a gap of 3 days between two consecutive ejaculations.
2. Refrain from habits like smoking, alcohol consumption etc. - Alcohol affects your liver function, which, in turn, causes a dramatic rise in estrogen levels. Even two drinks a day will have long-term effects on sperm production
3. Exercise regularly.Exercising your PC muscle can help you shoot further than ever before.
4. Eat Nutritious Food - Diet that's low in fat, and high in protein, vegetables, and whole grains is good for your health and for your sperm. Avoid bitter, astringent and spicy foods.Reduce caffeine intake
5. Avoid heating of testicles - Wear loose, cotton boxer shorts, Avoid hot baths and saunas
6. Lose any excess weight, which tends to cause testosterone/oestrogen imbalances.
7. Reduce stress levels by learning relaxation techniques - Keep your mind and body healthy by regular practice of YOGA and MEDITATION.8. Massage body with herbal oil, which improves blood circulation.
Here is also an article from Mayo CLinic that ha a few helpful hints: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fertility/MC00023
As far as the lubricant part, yes it is true. Lubricants do have a tendency when used to decrease motility of sperm---except for ONE!! : ) There is a lubricant on www.early-pregnancy-tests.com called PRESEED. It is the only known sperm friendly lubricant out there that actually HELPS sperm along and does not harm them.
On there are also Ovulation test dipsticks cheap that I swear by! Also, to make it easier for sperm to swim to your tubes to reach an egg, you can take Mucinex (plain, only active ingredient can be guaifenesin) to loosen your mucus and make it more hospitable to sperm around ovulation. What i used was the Equate mucus relief from wal-mart. It is a LOT cheaper!
As far as herbal supplements, there are so many out there that claim to increase sperm count and motility, that you really have to choose carefully. A lot of things out there these days are not true. SO as far as that i am going to stick to what Cheri said and leave it at that. (False Unicorn & Horny Goat Weed)
If you take and mix too many herbal/vitamin supplements without the advice of a physician, you run the risk of making yourself sick. As far as diet, I will post a few links for you to check out. Here they are below! http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/pregnancy-articles/503.html http://infertility.health-info.org/male-infertility/male-infertility-improve-sperm-quality.html http://www.urologychannel.com/maleinfertility/treatment_alternative.shtml
Also, see "proxeed" in the end of this article link. You can google it and get info on this supplement, as it is shown to contain things your body NEEDS I think this one may be worth trying. Also, for your husband see if he would try and consider Accupuncture or reflexology for fertility. Some men and women have actually said they have these "alternative methods" to thank as well.
Remember: It takes ONE sperm to fertilize and egg. If you are very serious about conceiving, I would also consider IUI (insemination) with your husband's sperm so they have less distance to travel.
Good Luck to you!! I hope things work out for the best!
~*~*~BABYDUST~*~*~
Jeni
Friday, May 2, 2008
Its time to ASK JENI!
as most of you know from previous blog posts, my friend Jeni is extremely wise when it comes to fertility. She knows the ins, the outs and can pretty much help you find the answers that you seek. Could be a problem that your already experiencing, symptoms that your not sure of, or just a question related to cervical mucous or even position, if its about trying to conceive, chances are she can either answer your question or point you in the right direction!
Shes not a fertility expert in the form of many years of schooling, but in her own trying to conceive adventure has come across ALOT of information and knows what shes talking about.
Shes not a fertility expert in the form of many years of schooling, but in her own trying to conceive adventure has come across ALOT of information and knows what shes talking about.
So I am offering those of you with questions, to either ask them in the comments section below (you can post as anon if you like! lol) or perhaps you would feel more comfortable with emailing? You can send any question to cheri22@gmail.com and the email will be forwarded directly to Jeni.
Hoping you all have a wonderful weekend!
Monday, March 3, 2008
a little late... but ASK JENI
I was meaning to post this on Friday as it was the last friday of the month, but our family ended up going on a family vacation from Friday till today (got home around 4pm) so posting tonight!
As most of you will remember, my friend Jeni is very knowledgeable about women and fertility and is willing to answer some questions for some people. Please note, she is NOT a fertility expert and does not have any degrees in this field, just extremely knowledgeable about this subject and willing to help answer questions, point people in the right direction and offer her advice/opinion.
She will answer up to three peoples questions. So if your interested in having your question answered, please respond in the comments section with your question. If its too personal, just leave your email address that you can be contacted at. If your one of the top three people to respond you will receive an email to find out your question and it can be done that way.
As for an update for me, I am now 28 weeks as of today. I had my dr appt on Thursday before we left, and found out I had a bladder infection, so taking some anti-biotics for that. Spent a nice weekend away with just my husband and my daughter about a 6 hour drive from where we live. Was right by the ocean. My daughter kept referring to it as our "home" and didn't really want to leave.
Tomorrow is open blog night, so was wondering if anyone had any specific questions they were hoping to get covered, or even an area that they would like to know more about?
As most of you will remember, my friend Jeni is very knowledgeable about women and fertility and is willing to answer some questions for some people. Please note, she is NOT a fertility expert and does not have any degrees in this field, just extremely knowledgeable about this subject and willing to help answer questions, point people in the right direction and offer her advice/opinion.
She will answer up to three peoples questions. So if your interested in having your question answered, please respond in the comments section with your question. If its too personal, just leave your email address that you can be contacted at. If your one of the top three people to respond you will receive an email to find out your question and it can be done that way.
As for an update for me, I am now 28 weeks as of today. I had my dr appt on Thursday before we left, and found out I had a bladder infection, so taking some anti-biotics for that. Spent a nice weekend away with just my husband and my daughter about a 6 hour drive from where we live. Was right by the ocean. My daughter kept referring to it as our "home" and didn't really want to leave.
Tomorrow is open blog night, so was wondering if anyone had any specific questions they were hoping to get covered, or even an area that they would like to know more about?
Friday, January 25, 2008
"Ask Jeni"
As mentioned previously, my friend Jeni is very good with knowing things about fertility. Not only about herself, but just seems to be well knowledged on this subject and has agreed to do "ask jeni" once a month.
She is NOT a fertility expert nor should you take her own opinion/advice she gives over that of your doctors. She is doing this to provide insight, hope and to perhaps give you another direction to look into when trying to conceive.
In the comments section, the first three people who post questions for Jeni will be answered. I am not sure if Jeni will have time to answer any otheres, but will do her best, and will answer at least the first three. She will either have the comment/reply posted in the comment section, or if you prefer it can be done through email (leave your email address)
I will announce the winner for yesterdays blog contest later tonight!
She is NOT a fertility expert nor should you take her own opinion/advice she gives over that of your doctors. She is doing this to provide insight, hope and to perhaps give you another direction to look into when trying to conceive.
In the comments section, the first three people who post questions for Jeni will be answered. I am not sure if Jeni will have time to answer any otheres, but will do her best, and will answer at least the first three. She will either have the comment/reply posted in the comment section, or if you prefer it can be done through email (leave your email address)
I will announce the winner for yesterdays blog contest later tonight!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Shhhh......I've got a secret......
okay, its not really just a secret that I know, but I am sure that there are countless others that already know "the secret", and just felt compelled to share it with all of you, for those who have not really understood what the hype was all about, or even bothered to look more into it.
I have been doing "the secret" even before I ever even heard of its existence. Its basically using the laws of attraction, and having things come your way. Does it work? Yes, it does. Positive thinking is a very powerful thing as is mind over matter. I know some people might think, well if I want a car, and i see the car, and I envision the car, where is it? Well, as you know, we can't always have what the want, but there are always things that will try to happen for you in order for you to get it.
I really believe that things like this can also help with conceiving as well. I use positive affirmations with most things in my life. From getting a particular job I really wanted, to having money come in when I need it. I even posted some positive thinking excesses to be used after having intercourse for conceiving purposes. It really does work! I conceived BOTH TIMES using this method. I know other things are factored into this, but if you could just turn the tables in your favor even slightly, wouldn't you give yourself all the help you can get?
I think that thinking negative also does the same thing, so ask that while ttc, dont think about "oh I can't conceive' because its taking you longer than you expected. The more negative wording and thinking you use, the more your body responds to your messages.
I know along time ago, when I didn't want to work, I would get myself feeling "sick", headaches, feeling nauseous, and was able to tell my boss I wasn't feeling well and wanting to go home. It was to the point that I really was feeling sick and just needed out of there. When I left, started home, I felt fine. All symptoms gone! Mind over matter.
Our lessons in life will always remain the same, what is not set in stone, is how we get there.
What I have done is put a youtube clip on the lower right of this page, where you can click on it, and view the youtube videos of some of the secret. The biggest suggestion is to either rent the video (libraries have this) or read the book!
If you have any questions about this at all, post in the comments section and I will try my best to answer them with what I know and understand about this:)
And dont forget!!! Thursday is the day to give away another reading from Brooke777 (2 questions done by tarrot reading) and Friday is "ask jeni" where the first three people to post their questions in the comment section, will be able to expect an answer from Jeni. Shes not a fertility expert, but is someone who is VERY knowledgeable in this field and will answer your questions to the best of her ability, or point you in the direction you need to go to find the answers.
I have been doing "the secret" even before I ever even heard of its existence. Its basically using the laws of attraction, and having things come your way. Does it work? Yes, it does. Positive thinking is a very powerful thing as is mind over matter. I know some people might think, well if I want a car, and i see the car, and I envision the car, where is it? Well, as you know, we can't always have what the want, but there are always things that will try to happen for you in order for you to get it.
I really believe that things like this can also help with conceiving as well. I use positive affirmations with most things in my life. From getting a particular job I really wanted, to having money come in when I need it. I even posted some positive thinking excesses to be used after having intercourse for conceiving purposes. It really does work! I conceived BOTH TIMES using this method. I know other things are factored into this, but if you could just turn the tables in your favor even slightly, wouldn't you give yourself all the help you can get?
I think that thinking negative also does the same thing, so ask that while ttc, dont think about "oh I can't conceive' because its taking you longer than you expected. The more negative wording and thinking you use, the more your body responds to your messages.
I know along time ago, when I didn't want to work, I would get myself feeling "sick", headaches, feeling nauseous, and was able to tell my boss I wasn't feeling well and wanting to go home. It was to the point that I really was feeling sick and just needed out of there. When I left, started home, I felt fine. All symptoms gone! Mind over matter.
Our lessons in life will always remain the same, what is not set in stone, is how we get there.
What I have done is put a youtube clip on the lower right of this page, where you can click on it, and view the youtube videos of some of the secret. The biggest suggestion is to either rent the video (libraries have this) or read the book!
If you have any questions about this at all, post in the comments section and I will try my best to answer them with what I know and understand about this:)
And dont forget!!! Thursday is the day to give away another reading from Brooke777 (2 questions done by tarrot reading) and Friday is "ask jeni" where the first three people to post their questions in the comment section, will be able to expect an answer from Jeni. Shes not a fertility expert, but is someone who is VERY knowledgeable in this field and will answer your questions to the best of her ability, or point you in the direction you need to go to find the answers.