2 Vital Factors of Reproductive Health When Trying to Get Pregnant

If you are a woman who wants to get pregnant, learning how your reproductive health works is very important. You should keep in mind that the reproductive system plays a very important role in your chances of conceiving. It could either increase or decrease your chances having a baby.

In understanding the reproductive system, there are two main areas that should be understood, Menstruation and Ovulation.

Menstruation is the most visible phase of the menstrual cycle. It is a process wherein every month, the woman's body goes through normal and natural alterations which aid the ovaries to release an egg that might get fertilized during the course of the month. The day one of the woman's cycle happens at the very first day of menstruation. A total of 28 days is the average cycle, however it is still normal for a cycle to last anywhere from 24 to 34 days.

The usual menstrual cycle start off at the beginning of the period. At this point, small hormone intensities create a signal to a woman's body to enhance hormone production level. Although the egg follicles start off producing up to 20 eggs, only one egg will mature. And this egg will be delivered into the fallopian tube approximately halfway through the menstrual cycle.

Ovulation is the expression used to illustrate the process wherein the egg is being released by the egg follicles. At this point, the rising levels of estrogen elicit a surge of luteinising hormone (LH), which causes the egg to be discharge all the way through the ovary wall.

More Chemicals, More Reproductive Problems

The exact causes of the increase in reproductive problems are presently unknown. However, in parallel with the increase there has been a rise in the manufacture and use of many chemicals, Greenpeace says in its report.

It has been estimated that every year around 100,000 different types of chemicals are produced and used around the world. The use of chemicals also led to the inevitable contamination of the environment and consequently, also to human exposure. Many chemicals have been found to contaminate human tissues and even the developing fetus in the womb is exposed to a multitude of chemicals which pollute the human body.

Although not proven beyond doubt, there is increasing evidence of possible link between the synonymous rise of the reproductive health problems and the rise of our exposure to many chemicals.

According to the Greenpeace report, the presence of many man-made chemicals at current environment levels may already be negatively impacting the reproductive health of wildlife and humans. The ground for such a hypothesis draw on a number of lines of evidence, including laboratory studies on effects of chemicals in animals, direct measurements of chemical exposure in humans (including presence of chemicals in body tissues) and the finding of correlations between level of exposure to chemicals and incidence of certain disorders.

Doctors Say Ejaculate More For Better Physical and Reproductive Health

Recent survey suggests ejaculating more times per day gives you healthier sperm. It might be time to switch up your schedule and pencil in a date with your partner.

A recent survey reported at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference indicates that making love daily will increase sperm count and overall amount in guys with a history of reproductive troubles, debunking the usual advice doctors were previously suggested to give, which is to copulate 2 or three times per week each week.

Of the 118 guys which were tested in the study, 8 of every 10 exhibited a twelve percent decline in damage to there sperm cells DNA after having sex once every day over a week.

Dr. David Greening, a researcher involved in this study, suggested to delegates at the conference that the longer sperm is kept in the testicles, the more damage to the sperm cells is exhibited. Dr, Greening also theorized that the warm surroundings in a man's testicles may cause the sperm cells to become less mobile.

Genie James, administrator of The Natural Hormone Institute of America and co-author of the new book, "In the Mood Again," is an avid spokesperson for the idea that frequent sex. Her motto is, "If you don't use it, you lose it."

James stated lovemaking daily isn't just good for increasing sperm, but it's also a positive means of keeping healthy and in good physical condition.

"What is good for your heart is also good for the genitals," James said.

Regrettably for horny house wives, recent findings by a British survey concluded that one of three guys under 40 would rather play video games than make love to their wife. Clearly this is a huge problem for many couples. So what can be done?

The Doc said there are often rudimentary elements for example lack of sleep, fatigue and sleeping disorders that sometimes play a role in the decay of the male libido.

5 Tips For Better Male Reproductive Health

Fertility is not a subject that routinely crosses the minds of most males. As a matter of fact, men rarely give a moment's thought to the actual health of their sperm. But if you plan on ever fathering children, you should not only be aware of your reproductive health, you need to take every precaution to protect it.

Here are five simple tips for every man to consider. These guidelines may seem simple or obvious, but they could very well prove instrumental in safeguarding and enhancing your overall reproductive health. They may even ensure the well-being of your future children.

1. Quit Smoking. While lighting up a butt these days is deemed "politically incorrect" by the masses, old habits are still very hard to break for longtime smokers. But here are some facts for you to consider. Cigarette smoking is linked to low sperm counts, and research shows a 64% increase in miscarriages when both partners smoke or when only the man smokes.

2. Cut Down on Your Alcohol. Not only does chronic alcohol abuse increase estrogen levels within the body, it can also seriously damage the reproductive system. Once this occurs, your ability to produce normally-formed sperm cells is radically reduced.

Men's Reproductive Health - Homeopathy Has a Place

Such a delicate subject requires superior medicine. Homeopathy treats the whole person using safe, natural substances in a potentized form. Instead of medicating the problem, homeopathy addresses the entire person. This means that digestion, skin and sinuses are all connected. So, when a man has a problem that is experienced in one area, the entire person must be considered.

Homeopathic philosophy believes that the human body has the ability to heal itself when given the matching stimulus found in nature. The stimulus is in the form of a homeopathic remedy that is taken in pill form. The correct homeopathic remedy will bring about the action that will put the sufferer's pathology to rest. It will also relieve other maladies that accompany the main problem.

Let's consider three of the most valuable homeopathic remedies for this important issue that may occur in a man's life.

Caladiura is a remedy of repute that has been used for the inability to perform in relation to a man's mental state. The key to determining the choice of this remedy is the sufferer's demeanor. He is often one who experiences mental depression along with impotence and the new problem is met with a deepening of this depression.

The remedy Selenium has been shown to be of greatest value when the man experiences weakness after coition. This may not happen every time, but more commonly occurs after excesses. Accompanying the exhaustion, there may also be prostate problems such as urine and seminal loss.

Agnus castus is reputed to be of value for men as they age and is noteworthy when the desire has been lost or impotence is a problem. Premature old age, where the genitalia are cold, is a characteristic that historically points to the need for this remedy. Often, there is a history of an excessive sexual appetite earlier in life, but, in later years, is missing. There may be accompanying anxiety and despair, particularly about health issues and especially his ability. Memory and mental dullness may also be present. A collapsed or broken down state that occurs after overindulgence in alcohol, drugs or in sexual matters may also be present in men who will benefit from this remedy.

Reproductive Health Issues of Women

Women are prone to many problems and experience more health issues because of the menstrual troubles or troubles related to reproductive systems. Depression and women issues during menses require careful analysis.

Menstrual Problems

o Dysmenorrhoea is related to extreme pain during and around the time of their periods. The pain can be debilitating, and in some circumstances it is accompanied by nausea, dizziness, exhaustion, fainting, head aches and even constipation or diarrhoea. Constant low back ache is a congestive dysmenorrhoea where as cramping constricting pains is spasmodic dysmenorrhoea.

o Menstrual cycles can vary from 23 days to 35 days. It is regular if your periods occur at regular intervals. Minor irregularities like a the period for a menstrual cycle varying from 25 days to 35 days the next cycle occurs are common. Large gaps and no periods, spotting as well as continuous bleeding for a few weeks when periods occur, warrant a visit to the doctor. This can find out if you have other complication like polycystic ovary syndrome.

o Menorrhagia is excessive flow during periods. The average amount is usually around 35 ml over the course of the entire period. The easiest way to gauge for excessive flow is if you need to change your tampon or pad more frequently during the day.

o Periods do not occur during pregnancy and breast feeding this is a natural reason. If the absence of periods for more than six months without natural causes then it is diagnosed as Amenorrhoea. Missed periods also occur at the beginning of puberty or toward menopause. Drugs too can be the cause of missed periods. Consult a doctor as amenorrhoea increases the risk of osteoporosis.

o PMS or Premenstrual symptoms describe the symptoms that occur after ovulation and are absent during menses. There is an enormous list of symptoms nearly over 150 that cause confusion in its diagnosis. Depression, mood swings, food cravings, weight gain, headaches, constipation, bloating etc. are a few common symptoms. To make it easier PMS is categorized under types (type A, Type C etc.)

Womb and Uterine troubles

o Fibroids are non cancerous growths in or on the walls of the uterus. They are also called myomas. These vary in size from a small pea to the size of a seven month old foetus. Depending on where they grow (inside or outside the womb or within the uterine wall) they are classified as submucosal, intramural, subserol and penduculated fibroids. These are the cause of heavy periods and intense pain in some cases. Many menstrual troubles are related to growth of fibroids.

Reproductive Health Issues of Women

Women are prone to many problems and experience more health issues because of the menstrual troubles or troubles related to reproductive systems. Depression and women issues during menses require careful analysis.

Menstrual Problems

o Dysmenorrhoea is related to extreme pain during and around the time of their periods. The pain can be debilitating, and in some circumstances it is accompanied by nausea, dizziness, exhaustion, fainting, head aches and even constipation or diarrhoea. Constant low back ache is a congestive dysmenorrhoea where as cramping constricting pains is spasmodic dysmenorrhoea.

o Menstrual cycles can vary from 23 days to 35 days. It is regular if your periods occur at regular intervals. Minor irregularities like a the period for a menstrual cycle varying from 25 days to 35 days the next cycle occurs are common. Large gaps and no periods, spotting as well as continuous bleeding for a few weeks when periods occur, warrant a visit to the doctor. This can find out if you have other complication like polycystic ovary syndrome.

o Menorrhagia is excessive flow during periods. The average amount is usually around 35 ml over the course of the entire period. The easiest way to gauge for excessive flow is if you need to change your tampon or pad more frequently during the day.

o Periods do not occur during pregnancy and breast feeding this is a natural reason. If the absence of periods for more than six months without natural causes then it is diagnosed as Amenorrhoea. Missed periods also occur at the beginning of puberty or toward menopause. Drugs too can be the cause of missed periods. Consult a doctor as amenorrhoea increases the risk of osteoporosis.

o PMS or Premenstrual symptoms describe the symptoms that occur after ovulation and are absent during menses. There is an enormous list of symptoms nearly over 150 that cause confusion in its diagnosis. Depression, mood swings, food cravings, weight gain, headaches, constipation, bloating etc. are a few common symptoms. To make it easier PMS is categorized under types (type A, Type C etc.)

Womb and Uterine troubles

o Fibroids are non cancerous growths in or on the walls of the uterus. They are also called myomas. These vary in size from a small pea to the size of a seven month old foetus. Depending on where they grow (inside or outside the womb or within the uterine wall) they are classified as submucosal, intramural, subserol and penduculated fibroids. These are the cause of heavy periods and intense pain in some cases. Many menstrual troubles are related to growth of fibroids.

Growing a Tea Herb Garden For Women's General & Reproductive Health

For centuries women have been natural healers and caretakers. Healing secrets were traditionally passed from mother to daughter with herbs being the most common remedy for treatment.

My grandmother always had a special tea herb garden that was used in just about every situation imaginable. In particular, during menstrual cycles, nursing, pregnancy, menopause, for scrapes, bruises, headaches, toothaches you name it; there was a herbal tea remedy for it. My experience over the years and use of herbs has without a shadow of a doubt gained my everlasting trust in the health and healing benefits stored in herbs.

I have found that the most common problems that most women encounter are due to our forever changing hormones. The hormones of a woman can help to maintain a healthy overall well being as long as it remains balanced. Once your hormones become out of sync an imbalance occurs which causes you to go through emotional turmoil. The great news is that herbs can assist you in maintaining a healthy balance that is needed for your overall well being as a woman.

In this article we will discuss common problems that are specific to women, and herbal teas traditionally used to treat those conditions. Please note that for any herbs that you are considering or have interested in taking you should consult with your primary care provider before you consume them.

Premenstrual Syndrome-

Herbs for premenstrual syndrome have been used for years to assist women who were suffering from these symptoms. Some of the most common herbs used are as follows:

Dandelion- This herb has been used to reduce heightened levels of estrogen and bloating.

Valerian- Eliminates menstrual cramps.

St.Johns Wort- Treats mood swings that are commonly associated with premenstrual syndrome.

Stinging Nettle- Used to treat chronic fatigue.

Menopause

Women going through menopause experience many changes within the body like hot flashes, mood swings, dizziness, depression, change in body order and loss of libido to name a few. For centuries the following herbs has been used as an herbal tea remedy to treat the symptoms of menopause and bring women a sense of relief in an organic way.

Endocrine-Hormone Disrupting Chemicals and Reproductive Health

A large number of widely used substances (pesticides, common household items and chemicals, industrial chemicals, metals) have been shown to have estrogen-mimicking and other endocrine-hormone disrupting effects, including;

2,4-D is applied to grassy crops such as wheat, home and public lawns and gardens, and on roadsides, golf courses, forests and waterways.

Permethrin is an insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It has multiple uses, including head lice and scabies treatments, insect repellents, household insect foggers and sprays, tick and flea sprays for yards and pets, termite treatments, agricultural and livestock products, mosquito abatement, forestry and treatment of timber.

Dioxins are byproducts of manufacture involving chlorine. They are formed during combustion and during the production of chemical compounds containing chlorine, such as pesticides and PCBs. The production and use of some chlorinated chemicals, bleaching of paper, and waste incineration, including the uncontrolled burning of residential waste, are the major sources of dioxins. Reproductive effects, including decreased sperm production, decreased testis weight, decreased testosterone levels, delayed puberty, and endometriosis have been observed in laboratory animals.

How to Capitalize on Women's Biggest Health Worries

Women and their health concerns loom large in public awareness these days. With the growing awareness that the sexes respond differently to traditional medicine comes an increased interest in natural health products for women--the group most often harmed by prescription drugs.

Because of that, women represent a lucrative opportunity for any marketer interested in natural health. A quick survey of online forums reveals some of the most popular health topics for women (listed here in alphabetic order). This list is by no means exhaustive:

Beauty

Birth control

Body image

Breast health and diseases

Cancer

Fitness

Heart health

Menopause

Menstruation

Mental health

Pregnancy and reproductive health

Sexual health

Weight control

Within this list are further breakdowns--by age (teen, young adult, middle age, postmenopause), ethnicity (to address the special health needs and concerns of different ethnic groups), education and income (because different socioeconomic groups respond differently to health-related messages), and so on.

The products and services a marketer can provide to fill these needs are virtually unlimited. Here's a short list to get you started:

--Dietary supplements

--Information products (e-books, print books, DVDs, educational courses, etc.)

--Beauty products

--Spa products

--Exercise clothing and equipment

Herbal Remedies For Women's Reproductive Health

Women indeed have to contend with a lot of health care issues that likely emanates from their biological make-up and function. From menstruation to pregnancy and then menopause-these reproductive processes that arise from a woman's physiology never fail to trigger medical conditions such as PMS, mood swings and also fertility issues. Whatever the issue may be, there is always a solution that comes packaged with the therapeutic extracts of herbs.

Herbal remedies have been used for many centuries to support the reproductive health of women. Isn't it about time that women take these alternative solutions into consideration to resolve pertinent medical conditions?

If it's an issue of menstrual cramps, the herb Water Elder (Viburnum opulus) commonly called 'Cramp Bark' is known to ease premenstrual symptoms. Herbalists revealed that a tincture produced from the herb's bark would serve as an effective alternative to the usual anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic medications administered to relieve menstrual cramps and other discomforts that come about with pregnancy. In fact, the herb is recognized for its remarkable support to female organs as it helps prevent miscarriages to this end. Moreover, the herb's extracts can be applied as uterine sedative to prevent internal bleeding.

Another herb administered to ease muscular cramps is Chinese Yam (Dioscorea Villosa). The herb has been regarded for its medicinal benefits, particularly in easing pain with the uterus, ovaries and abdomen that transpire during hormonal changes. Previously, the herb was commonly used as a primary ingredient in hormone and contraceptive pills.

The herb Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum) meanwhile offers a portfolio of therapeutic benefits relevant to pregnant and lactating women. Enriched with the antioxidant silymarin, the herb operates as an excellent detoxifier that remarkably benefits liver functions. Know that optimum liver health is vital to lactating mothers.

The practice of traditional Chinese medicine also encompasses female reproductive health with the introduction of Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis) in alternative circles. Dong Quai is renowned in gynecological studies for its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. Women can count on the herb's medicinal constituents to relieve PMS conditions, menstrual irregularities, and even with menopause.

Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health

Health is the foremost priority of each and every human being. But when it comes to sexual health people get careless and do not give it much importance especially in developing countries. According to World Health Organization sexual health is influenced by a complex web of factors ranging from sexual behavior and attitudes and societal factors, to biological risk and genetic predisposition. It encompasses the problems of HIV and STIs/RTIs, unintended pregnancy and abortion, infertility and cancer resulting from STIs, and sexual dysfunction.

Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being and is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health needs great concern as it in not a matter of physical health but also has a psychological aspect. Sexual activity requires a positive and respectful approach as it involves relations as well as pleasure. Sexual violence is a terrible experience that causes both physical and psychological problems. When women face sexual assault it is causes great pain and anguish. Sexual assault as rape causes them to get pregnant and as they are not prepared for it face health problems mostly due to mental strain.

A person's individual health also affects the sexual health of that person. If a person is suffering from some chronic illness or mental health it affects the sexual life and further reproductive health. It is always better to take consultation from health providers about a person's sexual health, as it is not only the individual's health but an individual's family health that affects his or her sexual life.

It is necessary to be aware of ones sexual health as it can lead to serious problems especially when there is a risk factor of sexual infection. In developed countries although the sexually transmitted diseases are less among adults the number is increasing with the teenagers. So it becomes necessary to come up with sexual health programs to create awareness among the adolescence. The number unplanned pregnancies are more in teenager as they are not completely educated about the use of contraceptives.

7 Dietary Principles for Reproductive Health

Over the years working in the reproductive health field I have seen many diets come and go. What is effective is a diet that is simple & sustainable, meaning one that people can actually stick to for the long term. There is much truth to the adage 'you are what you eat', so I believe diet is the best place to start no matter what health condition you are faced with. It is something you have almost complete control over. The only hurdle is the commitment to being accountable for your actions, and identifying the ways you may sabotage your own success.

In a nutshell, the few principles that should be implemented are the following:

1. avoid or completely eliminate gluten, sugar, and dairy (with the possible exception of organic plain yogurt).
2. reduce or eliminate processed and deep fried foods.
3. control portion sizes.
4. increase the amount of colorful foods you consume.
5. half your diet should be raw food.
6. reduce the glycemic load of your food intake.
7. choose organic whenever possible.

Gluten sugar and dairy are over-consumed. I have seen conditions like endometriosis and other inflammatory and allergic conditions improve drastically with the elimination of these foods. These are foods that people are very commonly sensitive or allergic to, which results in fatigue, headaches, bloating, bowel problems, sleep issues, poor concentration, and the list goes on. So bread and pasta should go, as well as treats and dairy. That said, life is about enjoying yourself and balance, so depending on your current and long term health goals, you may allow yourself that wine and cheesecake at your best friends birthday celebration!

Processed foods are full of chemicals we are only beginning to understand. The fact is, that the plastic that many processed foods are packaged in have a chemical within that is a known endocrine disruptor, that means it messes with your hormones.

Deep fried foods are something we all know a lot about already, so this is not news. But, evidence shows, when men's reproductive or sexual health is concerned, a good rule of thumb to remember is; 'what is bad for your heart is bad for your penis!'.