In all my years of talking to others about having children, I never guessed I might receive an infertility diagnosis.

It’s an odd thing how the mind plays tricks on you, or maybe it simply prevents you from living out a trauma before it happens. Growing a family and becoming a mom is a lifelong dream of mine. 

When it was finally my turn to get pregnant, we did not dwell too much on the fact that something could go wrong.

The larger scientific and reproductive endocrinology community knows little about endometriosis, and what we do know still remains a large and complex maze. Women’s health issues and diseases tend to go under the radar and what we do know is endometriosis exists in approximately 1 in 10 women. 

Endometriosis is a debilitating disease where cells of the endometrium are found outside the uterus in the peritoneal cavity or attached to other organs like the lungs, bowel, and bladder. This is a problem because when these endometrial cells are found outside of where they are supposed to live in the endometrium of the uterus.  Then, we receive an inflammatory reaction which leads to an inflammatory response.  You can often see this response on laparoscopy as a brownish mixture, and it is filled with immune response cells like macrophages, white blood cells, and an increase in cytokines (proteins).

This is an issuefor two reasons:

• Endometriosis covers the eggs, and it can impact the tubes and sperm.
• The inflammatory response can cause the inability for an embryo to implant or grow (early loss or failed transfer cycles).

However, there are symptomsthat are key to identifying the disease:

• Significant pain with menstruation
• Pelvic pain outside of menstruation (often said to feel like a burning sensation)
• Pain or pressure during intercourse
• Pain with ovulation
• Cramping after an orgasm (dysorgasmia)
• Chronic fatigue
• Brain fog
• IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome)
• Infertility and pregnancy loss
• Depression

50% of infertile women are known to have endometriosis and fertility specialists face a great deal of complexity when treating infertility patients with endometriosis due to a lack of compelling and conclusive data.

When it comes to treatment options for women with endometriosis, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be the best treatment option in terms of pregnancy success rates.  The use of medication, Letrozole, for both stimulation and transfer cycles work well for women with endometriosis because it helps with the inflammatory impact of endometriosis on both eggs and the endometrial lining.

Overall, endometriosis does impact fertility and for many patients and we still do not know the primary cause of infertility with endometriosis. Is it an egg quality issue, or is it an issue with the altered environment of the endometrial lining of the uterus?

One thing we do know is fertility specialists have hands-on experience working with women who are battling infertility and endometriosis.  You do not need to fight this alone.  Please call IVF Canada and our friendly staff can guide you through your fertility journey.  Book a consultation today!  

Are you1 in 10?

The post Endometriosis – The Unknown cause of infertility appeared first on IVF Canada.

This is one of the most common questions patients ask when navigating their journey to parenthood.

Let’s start at the beginning. When visiting a fertility specialist, you and the specialist create a customized conception plan and at the end of a visit, patients typically asked about what else they can do. The answer lies in the foundation of the patient’s overall health and wellness.

Initial consultations consist of spending a significant portion of time discussing the patient’s complete medical history.  The impact of fertility in terms of lifestyle habits both positively and negatively can lie with nutrition and lifestyle.  These areas can play a role in fertility and it may be a good idea for someone who’s trying to conceive to work on improving their diet and that of their partner. This process can easily be accomplished by speaking to a registered dietitian who can create a meal plan that suits each individual’s needs.

Evidence suggests that infertility, conception rates, miscarriage rates, and pregnancy complications can be increased in overweight and obese women. Why do patients and their partner sometimes roll their eyes when we suggest that they “eat well” and get some “exercise”? Because it’s hard. A change often requires lifestyle shifts, time commitment, and going outside of your comfort zone. Not exactly an exciting prospect when you are already battling with the stress of infertility in the middle of a pandemic. I get it!

The good news is that many times just small modifications can make a real difference.  Moving in the direction of a healthier self  is possible without overhauling your entire existence.

Here are a few tips to consider;it’s about progress, not perfection.

• Pick one manageable food or beverage goal per week to improve upon.
• Find a way to increase movement – walking, running, biking, stair climbing for 30 minutes, 3 – 4 times per week. You can find ways to move more wherever you are.
• Speak to a dietitian. There is no better time to have someone in your corner to keep you motivated and on track to reach your weight goals.
• Prioritize self-care and stress relief. Take a minimum of 15 minutes every day to read a book, meditate, take a bath – any activity that you enjoy and will help relieve stress.

Just like the fertility journey, the journey to the healthiest version of yourself can be daunting and frustrating at times.   Remember the destination is well worth the trek. Know that through every step of this journey you are not alone. IVF Canada is here to help each, and every patient reach their goal of starting a family.  Start your journey today!

The post Pregnancy – How do I increase my chances? appeared first on IVF Canada.

Anyone who has experienced the “two-week wait” knows the rollercoaster of emotions it brings with it.

In case you are not familiar, this phase refers to the time between ovulation and your expected period. Following the two-week wait, women will be able to determine if they have become pregnant or not. While this can be an incredibly stressful time, eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet consisting of whole foods is a great way to support your body and manage any anxiety you might be feeling.

What type ofcarbs to eat?

Implantation and early embryo development are energy and nutrient-hungry processes, so now is not the time to reduce carbohydrates. However, that being said, it’s important to pick the right type of carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates (highly processed and white carbohydrates) can cause spikes in blood sugar, which are detrimental to fertility, complex carbohydrates such as root vegetables, brown varieties of pasta, rice and bread, or grains like buckwheat and quinoa can help support blood sugar.

Complex carbohydrates are a fantastic source of fiber, which feeds your friendly gut bacteria and helps to eliminate toxins and keeps things regular. Many complex carbohydrates are packed full of nutrients, magnesium, and B vitamins which can help to keep you feeling calm in what can be an anxious couple of weeks for many women.

GoodFats

One thing we may want to avoid during the two-week wait is inflammation. Not only is getting healthy fat sources into every meal going to be helpful for conception and implantation, but it’s also beneficial for managing symptoms. Try incorporating foods like nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, and eggs into your diet.

Since omega-3 is a type of fat that is particularly important for fetal development, include a few portions of oily fish or grass-fed meat each week if you can. Not interested in these types of foods? Many women opt to take an omega-3 supplement during preconception and pregnancy.

Protein,which one?

Protein is made up of amino acids, which I like to think of as little building blocks. If you have a successful implantation, you’re going to need plenty of protein to start growing your baby! A small amount of animal protein and plant protein can be useful, so try distracting yourself from the two-week wait by getting inventive in the kitchen with some new recipes.

Beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, and nuts and seeds are great sources of plant protein. Protein helps to slow the release of energy from food into the bloodstream, which supports healthy blood sugar balance. One amino acid in particular, ‘L-tryptophan’, can be changed to serotonin in the brain. Serotonin helps to regulate sleep, which we need plenty of during the two week wait, and also helps to boost your mood. It’s time to pack on the protein!

A rainbowof vegetables

Never underestimate the power of vegetables! Different colours provide antioxidants and phytonutrients (plant chemicals) with a host of health benefits, so eating a variety of veggies everyday is a fantastic way to support fertility. Yellow and orange vegetables are particularly good for supporting the hormone progesterone, which is the queen of the luteal phase and a crucial part of the two-week wait.

Dark leafy greens are especially good with an evening meal because most are good sources of magnesium and can help calm some of the anxiety that often accompanies this period of time. If you’re still unsure which veggies to mix into your diet, just try to include as many colours as possible!

Our fertility specialists are on hand to help you through this waiting period. Please call IVF Canada and our friendly staff can assist with any questions you may have.

The post The “Two Week Wait” appeared first on IVF Canada.

It is also one of the leading causes and these number are big for a condition that has such a profound impact on a woman’s fertility; and yet, the support for it is lacking.

The symptoms of PCOS can impact a woman’s life and can include the prevalence of acne, irregular cycles, , mood swings, weight gain, and excess hair growth, to name a few. Having difficulties becoming pregnant is often what prompts an investigation leading to a PCOS diagnosis.

Receiving a PCOS diagnosis can be a lot to take in, and research has shown that many women with PCOS may suffer from anxiety and depression, on top of other health concerns. While there is currently no cure for PCOS, there are several options to help manage the symptoms of this condition, including nutrition and exercise.

So, what exactly is PCOS?

PCOS is a disorder of the endocrine system. Your endocrine system is like your internal communication network. It is composed of organs that produce hormones (called glands) that help regulate things like metabolism, reproduction, sleep, mental state, and growth. Your ovaries are glands that produce estrogen and progesterone, and these hormones play an important role in your menstrual cycle, fertility, and ability to support a pregnancy.

Common Impacts of PCOS

High androgen levels

A blood test to check androgen levels, or the levels of male sex hormones, can help diagnose PCOS. Women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of testosterone, and this can profoundly impact ovulation and menstruation.

Normally, each month a woman’s body matures one egg during ovulation. A follicle is then prompted to grow and mature with the help of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).  Then, luteinizing hormone (LH) surges, and the mature follicle ovulates. If you are tracking ovulation at home with a kit, the test strips you are using are testing for an LH surge. This surge occurs just prior to ovulation.

It is often found that women with PCOS have multiple follicles (fluid-filled sacs, which are the “cysts” in polycystic ovaries). These follicles do not mature enough to be released. The lack of ovulation has a cascade effect, with estrogen, progesterone, LH, and FSH levels all impacted. The female sex hormones–estrogen and progesterone–are depressed, while the male androgens–which include testosterone–become elevated.

Insulin Resistance

In some women, PCOS is suspected if insulin levels are elevated. If this is the case, you require higher levels of insulin to keep your blood sugar levels normal. However, high levels of insulin are one of the drivers of ovulation disturbances, causing the ovaries to produce more testosterone, as described above. Insulin resistance and higher levels of body fat can contribute to worsening insulin resistance and additional PCOS symptoms.

Many of the additional health concerns linked to PCOS are, in fact, linked to insulin resistance, including Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, Metabolic Syndrome, and even certain types of Cancer.

Step 1: Let’s Look at Nutrition

Nutrition and lifestyle changes can greatly help to improve insulin resistance, high androgen levels, mental outlook, and body composition, all of which can help reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms.

Foods that have a low glycemic index (GI) are beneficial for those with PCOS. These foods help control insulin levels, as they are digested more slowly. This helps to reduce insulin spikes, which can happen with high GI foods.

Inflammation is also associated with PCOS, so consuming items with anti-inflammatory properties, such as dark, leafy greens, blackberries, blueberries, and “good fats” like avocado and olive oil can be hugely beneficial.

Step 2: Let’s Get Moving

Regular, moderate exercise is great for everyone. But it is particularly helpful for PCOS patients in supporting a healthy body composition. Many women with PCOS find their weight to be a huge struggle. Trying to find ways to fit in a little bit of extra exercise can go a long way to helping manage weight and the related PCOS symptoms associated with it.

Exercise guidelines tell you to aim for 150 minutes a week. If you aren’t working out at all that can seem incredibly daunting. Even adding in a few 10-minute workouts a week to start can have an amazing impact, not only on your physical health but also on your mental health. From there, you could aim to increase that 10 minutes to 15 minutes and go from two times a week to three times a week. Keep adding on a little at a time. And if you miss a workout, do not let that derail you. Just pick back up the next time you have a spare 10-15 minutes!

Try to find a balance between some cardio cardiovascular activities (like running, brisk walking, biking, and aerobics classes) and exercise in general can help reduce insulin resistance and cardiovascular health, improve mood, achieve a healthy body composition, and support overall fertility health and ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) success rates. Resistance training benefits can help reduce insulin resistance, increase metabolic rate, support a healthy body composition, reduce injury rates, and prepare your body for a more comfortable pregnancy (if that is your goal).

PCOS sucks. There, we said it.

We know your diagnosis may feel overwhelming; therefore, start with a few small lifestyle changes at first. Get used to them, and then try adding another one in. You’ve got this!

The post PCOS & Fertility appeared first on IVF Canada.

What is it like to experience fertility preservation before undergoing cancer treatment?

Ovarian cancer is most frequent in post-menopausal women; however, it can also occur in young premenopausal women. Chemotherapy is frequently used when treating ovarian cancer and may cause extensive ovarian damage; therefore, preserving your fertility can be an easy step to prepare for a family one day.  After diagnosis and cancer staging, IVF Canada fertility specialists address the possibility of infertility and offer fertility preservation options.

Fertility loss or infertility in women or men can be devastating. In female cancer treatments may damage or remove reproductive organs like your ovaries or uterus, damage nerves, or block hormones that are involved in fertility or conception.

Before you start ovarian cancer treatments, you can meet with your IVF Canada team and discuss your fertility preservation options. Our fertility specialists can go over treatment options to reduce the risk of fertility loss or to preserve your fertility.

Though there are several techniques available for fertility preservation in cancer patients, when dealing with ovarian cancer patients, oocyte and embryo cryopreservation are suitable

Fertility preservation options for women include:

Freezing eggs, or cryopreservation, where eggs are removed from your ovaries, frozen, and preserved for fertilization later Embryo freezing or banking, where eggs are removed and fertilized in a lab with sperm to produce embryos that are frozen. There is a good possibility you may be able to get pregnant with these preserved eggs or embryos through procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or with a surrogate mother.

Hear how two cancer patients felt once they preserved their fertility and could see a future family ahead.

“Being able to retrieve and freeze eggs before chemotherapy gave me back a little bit of the control, I felt I was lacking. I had a sense of solace knowing I did everything I could to diminish at least that one long-term, damaging side effect.”  Patient L.

When Patient L was diagnosed with uterine sarcoma, she felt that a lot of things were out of her control, including the fact that her cancer diagnosis meant she could not have more children. She took back control by taking steps to preserve her fertility.

“Despite being diagnosed with cancer my husband is still keen to have a baby”.  Patient A

ONCOFERTILITY

Oncofertility is a subfield that bridges oncology and reproductive research and explores options for the reproductive future of cancer patients. This newly interdisciplinary approach addresses the fertility future of women and men facing a specific diagnosis.

The field of oncofertility is still in its infancy and has made remarkable progress to support family-building in patients that have undergone or are currently undergoing cancer treatment.

PROUD PARTNERS OF THE CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY

IVF Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society have partnered to assist patients with their fertility preservation and their ultimate dream of building a family.  We are here to guide and support you through this special journey in your life and our knowledgeable health team will assist you every step of the way; you are never alone.

Even if you haven’t thought about fertility loss or family planning before your cancer diagnosis, ask IVF Canada fertility specialists to go over your options now.

Contact us today! Click here.

The post Diagnosed with ovarian cancer? Preserve your fertility now. appeared first on IVF Canada.