The Link Between Zinc and Male Fertility
March 18, 2010 by Sarah Shepard
Filed under Pregnancy, Remedies & Natural Medicines
New Father and Son
Pregnancy: Remedies & Natural Medicines: The Link Between Zinc & Male Fertility
Couples wondering how to get pregnant faster will be amazed at the role good nutrition can play in increasing fertility. Why overlook infertility remedies and natural medicines if they can naturally boost male fertility? This article looks at the research [1] on the role played by zinc in increasing male fertility.
Statistics show that the male partner is responsible for about 40% of infertility in couples unable to conceive after at least one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. Some typical causes of male infertility are low sperm count, poor sperm motility, antisperm antibodies and poor sperm quality. Adequate zinc levels have been positively linked to improved sperm quality, quantity and motility.
Aphrodisiacs, Oysters and Zinc:
Throughout history oysters have been attributed magical powers in male potency, sexual endurance and fecundity. Research confirms that link between male fertility and eating oysters is no myth, in fact oysters provide more zinc per serving than any other food. By consuming just six medium sized oysters, you ingest 76.7 milligrams of zinc - that's an efficient and natural source of zinc. Bear in mind the daily recommended intake for a male aged 19 and over of zinc is 11 mg (or 8 mg for adult women).
The Role of Zinc in Fertility:
Zinc is vital to sperm quality and quantity and blood testosterone levels. Furthermore the prostate gland produces a high-zinc secretion which contributes to sperm motility and viability. Semen is very rich in zinc, so bear in mind that men who ejaculate frequently may be depleting their zinc reserves and and thereby inadvertently compromise fertility.
Research into Zinc and Male Fertility:
Research shows zinc levels correlate positively with fertility, while zinc deficiency results in infertility, and a statistically significant percentage of infertile males can improve their sperm count and motility (the ability to swim forwards) by taking oral supplements of zinc.
The evidence linking adequate zinc and male fertility is well documented in numerous research studies. To highlight the correlation between zinc and male fertility I am going to focus on the findings of one very convincing study [1] into the effects of oral zinc supplementation. 100 males who were infertile due to defective sperm quality were divided into two groups. One group received 250 mg zinc sulphate [2] twice daily for 3 months, the others received no therapy. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in sperm quality, sperm count, progressive motility, fertilizing capacity and a reduction in antisperm antibodies.
How to increase your Zinc intake:
As zinc levels correlate positively with fertility, it makes sense to consider ways of sensibly increasing your zinc intake. Please be sure to read the disclaimer below carefully. In the interests of optimum health and safety always get the advice of a health specialist before beginning any course of treatment.
A good daily multivitamin and mineral supplement may be an effective remedy to ensure adequate intake of zinc. Off the shelf one-a-day multivitamins contain between 5mg and 11mg zinc per tablet. Remember it takes about 70 days to produce mature sperm, so you need to raise your zinc intake for at least three months before expecting increases in sperm potency.
Best of all is the natural approach: eat foods that are naturally rich in zinc every day. Besides oysters which are the best natural source of zinc (6 oysters contain 76.7mg zinc), try eating 85g lean beef (5.8 mg), 85g dark chicken meat (2.4 mg), 85g pork (2.2 mg), 30g cheddar cheese (1.2 mg), 30g brazil nuts (1.4mg) or 20g pumpkin seeds (1.3mg).
My aim is to provide practical information on how to get pregnant and fertility issues. Zinc's role in increasing male fertility is undisputed. Articles on other infertility remedies and natural medicines will follow shortly. Feedback and comments are always welcome - so share your views and experiences. I wish you a very speedy conception and a blissful pregnancy!
[1] Treatment of asthenozoospermia with zinc sulphate: andrological, immunological and obstretric outcome. European Journal of Obstetric & Gynecological and Reproductive Biology (1998) Aug. 79(2): 179-84; authors Omu, E; Dashti. H; Al-Othman, S.
[2] How to get Pregnant Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for information only and are intended to assist readers in learning more about how to get pregnant and related fertility issues. This site is not intended to be a substitute for taking proper medical advice and should not be relied upon in this way. Always consult a qualified doctor or health practitioner, especially if you are trying for a baby, pregnant, or on any medication. Your situation will need specialized attention and you should not attempt to self treat. The author cannot accept responsibility for illness arising out of the failure to seek medical advice from a doctor.
How to Conduct a Home Pregnancy Test
August 8, 2009 by Sarah Shepard
Filed under How to do a Home Pregnancy Test
How Do Home Pregnancy Tests Work?
A home pregnancy test kit is used to detect a specific hormone called hCG (human Chronic Gonadotropin), which is also called the “pregnancy hormone," because it normally only exists in elevated levels during the period of pregnancy. This hormone is found in the urine or blood of a pregnant woman, usually within 6 days after conception. The amount of HCG increases in the body rapidly and in the early stages of pregnancy, it doubles every two days. To get the most accurate results, it is best to perform the test a week after your first missed period.
Instructions For Pregnancy Test
The following tips will help you get the best and most accurate results:
• Use an FDA approved Kit: Before buying a testing kit, check to make sure it is FDA approved. This will insure the kit you are using is safe and effective.
• Read and follow all instructions carefully. These precautions explain the correct way to use the test and will help to insure accurate results.
• Use the test at normal room temperature. Many people store the test kit in the refrigerator till they use it. But it has to be brought to the room temperature before using it to insure accurate results.
• Contact your doctor: In some cases there may be false results due to improper use of the test or due to unusual body chemistry issues. If you have any question at all about the accuracy of the test, it is best to contact your doctor to confirm the test results.
Home Pregnancy Tests
June 24, 2009 by Sarah Shepard
Filed under Pregnancy Tests
How to Get Pregnant - Home Pregnancy Tests
Home pregnancy tests look for the presence, in your urine, of a natural hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is produced by cells in the placenta and first enters your bloodstream when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This happens on average about eight to ten days after fertilization. After the egg implants in your uterus, the amount of hCG in your body then starts to increase rapidly for the next few weeks, doubling in quantity every two days.
Bood Tests vs. Urine Tests
Because blood tests are quantitative (they measure the exact amount of hCG in your bloodstream), they can also be used to detect how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Home pregnancy tests are usually about 97% accurate, but this varies from brand to brand. Some urine tests can be used on the first day that your period is due, however, it is unlikely that you will achieve that 97% accuracy rate if you test so early.
They don't. They really only claim to be "greater than 99 percent accurate" in general, and then separately, they suggest that you can use them as early as the day you miss your period. According to the current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, in order to claim that a home pregnancy test is "greater than 99 percent accurate," the manufacturer only needs to demonstrate that the test performs as well in the lab as an existing test more than 99 percent of the time.
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Pregnancy Natural Medicines
June 24, 2009 by Sarah Shepard
Filed under Remedies & Natural Medicines
People have been using herbs to improve fertility for a very long time. Traditional medical knowledge recognized and made good use of effective herbal remedies to cure infertility.
By using all-natural herbs, you eliminate the need to expose your body to risky chemicals and man-made hormones. Herbal fertility tonics work by helping your body regain its natural energy balance and restore your natural hormone regulation.
Herbs That Treat Infertility
Black Cohosh: A herb that is widely used by the native Americans and the Chinese. It has a phytoestrogenic effect on the female body, naturally stimulating the ovulation process without the harmful effects of estrogen shots.
Chasteberry: A natural hormonal balancer that helps the pituitary gland to function optimally. The pituitary gland regulates the ovulation process and maintains a healthy hormonal level within the body.
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium grandiflorum): Vastly used in both eastern and western medicines, this herb improves male potency and acts as an sexual stimulant. It also improves a man's sperm quantity and quality.
Siberian Ginseng: This herb is known as a powerful sexual stimulant. It stimulates sexual performance and improves overall health. It has been used for thousands of years by the Chinese for it's regulatory effect on the menstrual cycle.
Centella Asiatica (Gotu Cola): This herb is used to enhance male fertility, it helps maintaining healthy bloods vessels, as well as connective tissue, including the sperm-producing seminiferous tubules. Herbal fertility tonics that contain this herb enable men to maintain better, more powerful erections and increasing their sexual desire.
How To Spot Scams and Dangerous Ingredients
There are a lot of infertility treatments but unfortunately many of them are straight out frauds designed to take advantage of your desire to get pregnant. Many products do work, but have excessively harmful side effects that may damage your health. The key is to select products that contain only natural ingredients that are not mixed with artificial components like preservatives, colorings or other synthetic ingredients.
How to Select a Suitable Infertility Herbal Tonic For You
A natural herbal fertility tonic should not contain any animal by-products as they decrease the effectiveness of the herbs and add harmful animal substances into your body. Additionally, the company behind the product should be reputable one with a good track record of developing effective herbal treatments. When in doubt, take a sample of the herbal tonic to your doctor to verify if it is appropriate for your body.
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