Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reproductive endocrine disorders across the globe. Depending on which population was studied it was estimated that anywhere from 6-21% of the population had a diagnosis of PCOS. This is a dramatic percentage of the population, and considering how PCOS can affect various health parameters, its optimal management is absolutely crucial to simultaneously improve overall health and quality of life for patients and reducing costs/burden to the healthcare system. Read more here.

There is a well documented negative impact that poor sperm health appears to have on the chances of conceiving. It is estimated that up to 50% of infertility cases involve poor sperm health. However, patients are rarely provided any counselling or treatment to help improve their sperm parameters. Many cases of couples dealing with infertility involve little to no treatment for low sperm-factors, and instead assume that no changes can be made. The World Health Organization (WHO) itself encourages the use of medicinal plants and encourages researchers to help find rational uses of medicinal plants as a source for new medial therapies [1]. As such, interest in the use of medicinal herbs for the treatment of sperm-factor infertility is growing. Read more here.

Over the last few years we have seen a greater interest in research now evaluating the role of the microbiome on various reproductive disorders, fertility, and non-fertility related health conditions. In particular, there has been research published evaluating how the microbiome may be related to conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and sperm health. Read more here.

Thyroid disease is estimated to be the second most common endocrinological disease that affects Women of reproductive age. In fact, it might be more common among patients that experience infertility. There is research suggesting that patients with other reproductive conditions, like PCOS for example, are actually at a higher risk of developing auto-immune thyroid disease. It may also be present in patients that have been diagnosed with Unexplained Infertility. Read more here.

Over the last few years there has been more research looking in to the impact of the reproductive microbiome and its impact on fertility and reproductive function. There has been research finding that certain reproductive disorders are correlated with an increased risk of imbalance in the vaginal/uterine microbiome (or reproductive microbiome), such as, in patients affected by endometriosis.

Over the years it has become more and more clear how oxidative stress may be a significant contributor to infertility. Particularly when it comes to Sperm health. Oxidative stress can be significantly impacted from our lifestyle, dietary choices, preexisting health conditions, radiation exposure, exposure to certain heavy metals, weight, and much more. One of the negative impacts of increased oxidative stress on the body is the harmful impact it has on sperm health. Increased oxidative stress can cause damage to the DNA content of sperm cells, particularly because antioxidants (our body’s way to neutralizing oxidative stress) are largely removed from the sperm cells along with cytoplasm to help reduce the size of the sperm head. This leaves sperm cells very vulnerable to damage from oxidative stress. One of the main methods to assess damage to the sperm DNA is the DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI). In most cases, a sperm DNA fragmentation rate above 15% is considered elevated. Read the rest here.

Infertility is continuing to come to the forefront of health issues as a surprising percent of the population is expected to experience infertility. It is estimated that in more than half of the cases of infertility, poor sperm health is the sole or one of the various causative factors. Yet, there is very little that is shared about how to support sperm health and fertility. Patients are in many cases left to their own research using online forums or speaking with additional licensed healthcare providers to help determine what, if anything, can be done to help improve sperm health. Click here to read more.

Join us to learn more about diminished ovarian reserve and important considerations for the optimal treatment to support Egg reserve and Egg quality. Click here to read the full article.

The research behind progesterone and its impact during fertility treatments and early pregnancy has been growing over the last decade. We continue to see more studies evaluating for the efficacy of different types of progesterone supplementation: oral pills, vaginal suppositories, or intramuscular injections. What we are seeing is a clearer comparison where some forms of progesterone may be more beneficial over others. And we are still learning if and how progesterone might help support pregnancy. Tune in as we discuss some of the most important information to know about how progesterone can be of benefit!

A quick Google search will warn patients about the consumption of Green Peas and how they can prevent you from getting pregnant? Is there actual validity to this claim? Listen to our latest podcast episode to learn if this is fact or fiction!