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I have always known that there was intense suffering and pain in this world. Throughout high school and college, a good part of my time was spent volunteering, which gave me the opportunity to sit and talk to people during their most difficult times. I have done outreach with the homeless population in New York City, assisted women who were dying in Calcutta, played with orphans in Tijuana and even counseled men with addictions who had been incarcerated on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. My whole life, I have felt a real responsibility to hear people’s stories as they navigate the most arduous terrains of their personal journeys. I always felt that listening to their stories made them feel less alone, and that it was the least I could do. Now, reflecting on some of the most painful parts of my own journey, I hope to reach out to people going through similar situations so that they feel less alone.
Sometimes, infertility problems happen because a man has problems with his sperm count, according to both MSNBC and the Baby Center. While basic steps like taking vitamins and not wearing tight underwear can help increase male fertility, sometimes cutting back on processed foods and eating better can go a long way toward making a baby. Men who want to conceive a child should also avoid smoking marijuana or prolonged hot tub soaks, as these practices can also sap sperm motility.
A relaxing afternoon on a boat sounds so relaxing. After all the aching, growing, swelling and cramping you've been doing, a quiet afternoon under the sun may be just what the doctor ordered. Pregnancy brings some complications to your boat trip, so consult a doctor and boat staff member before hopping aboard.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant after you've been having unprotected sex for at least a year, doctors recommend that you and your partner get an assessment for fertility problems, according to the Health Communities website. About half the problems are because of male infertility. Some men have a temporary disorder that affects their sperm. The earlier your partner treats certain disorders, the easier they are to treat.
With influence from popular television shows, songs and music videos that play in heavy rotation, as well as constant pressure from peers, teens are engaging in sex early. As a result, concerns about teenage pregnancy are topics of conversation in many homes across America between teens and their parents.
Professionals and stay-at-home moms alike have tried many methods for generations to determine the sex of their unborn children. Using wedding rings as pendulums, checking out Chinese lunar calendars, experiments with drain cleaner and other liquids, fortune tellers and a few more have been old wives' tales for centuries. But while sometimes expectant moms and dads make a lucky guess, the truth is that only a qualified doctor can accurately determine the sex of an unborn child.
When you are pregnant, the first question everyone seems to ask you is if you are having a girl or a boy. And it does make sense to know. You only have to pick one name, you can start buying clothes and you can decorate the nursery. Old wives' tales aside, you can determine the sex of your baby medically.
Chemotherapy can affect both men and women regarding fertility. If you are of childbearing age, and you or your husband needs to undergo cancer treatment, you should talk with your doctor before starting treatment to learn what changes you may have to your fertility, recommends the National Cancer Institute. Effects of chemotherapy on fertility vary depending on the type of chemotherapy you get, the length of treatment and the type of cancer you have.
As of July 2010, China's population grew to an estimated 1.33 billion, making it the most populated country in the world. China's ever-growing population prompted its government to implement the controversial "one-child" policy in 1979, which imposes a heavy fine to couples if they have a supernumerary child without a permit. Those who follow the law receive rewards and benefits. With no policy overturn in sight, as of 2010, Chinese couples continue to take birth control methods available to them.
If you are trying to conceive, fertility pills may help. Your doctor may write you a prescription for fertility during your check-up. You might not, however, be able to afford to see a doctor regularly or afford the prescription pills. You might not want the harmful side-effects of strong chemicals that are present in prescription pills. You can always opt for over-the-counter fertility drugs to boost your chances of conceiving. Consult with your physician about over-the-counter fertility pills.
MayoClinic.com estimates that about 20 percent of infertility cases are a result of the male partner, while an additional 30 to 40 are a combination of male and female fertility issues. If you are having problems conceiving, you need to take a look at the types of things that may be causing it. Caffeine may be one of the culprits.
Whether you're in a stable relationship or not, it's smart to use birth control methods to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Many different types of birth control are available for you to choose from, but if you want convenience, you should look for birth control methods that last a year or longer.
The birth of a child is expensive. Without insurance, an uncomplicated birth can cost between $9,000 and $25,000, as of 2008. If there are additional complications, the costs can rise much higher. If you're pregnant, health insurance is a must--it will take care of the bulk of these costs in most cases. However, you still have options if you are pregnant without health insurance.
Like many individuals, you may experience back pain at some point in your life. While some cases of back pain may resolve on their own, others can continue to present problems, flaring up during pregnancy. Becoming pregnant causes your body to undergo many changes, often creating additional strain on your aching back. Determining the cause of your existing back pain can help you decide if you want to get pregnant, as well as help you to identify any potential problems that may increase your pain or threaten your pregnancy.
The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common sexually transmitted disease. As many as three-fourths of women will get the virus sometime in their life, though there may be no signs. You may know that you had the virus before you got pregnant, or you may learn about it when you get an abnormal pap smear at your first prenatal appointment.
A diagnosis of premature menopause, also referred to as premature ovarian failure, is usually unexpected and takes young women by surprise. The effects on the woman's body and emotions can be devastating as this condition is life changing. This is especially true for those hoping for a future pregnancy.
“I think there should be a worldwide law...that mothers should breastfeed their babies for six months…some people here think they don’t have to breastfeed and I think, ‘Are you going to give chemical food to your child when they are so little?’” These words were quoted from supermodel Gisele Bundchen in a recent article from the UK’s version of Harper’s Bazaar. Even though this statement has been stirring up controversy ever since, does it carry some merit?
So, it is much easier to give advice on what NOT to say to people who are struggling to conceive. But, the truth is, there isn’t really a lot you CAN say to someone who is struggling with this difficult journey. Like with many hard things in life, there are no words to capture the sorrow, the pain, the loss and the heartache that this path brings. A caring supporter’s words can seem trite or meaningless, even with the best intentions. I have had many words of comfort said to me over the years and there is one note I received that stands out above the rest. I received the following note back in 2007 from a close family member. I saved it and have continued to read it during the more difficult times. I share it now because it continues to bring me comfort and strength.
Remember that “I Love Lucy” episode when Lucy made Ricky get her food in the middle of the night to satisfy her pickles and ice cream craving? Well, until you’re pregnant, you’ll never experience weird, uncontrollable cravings like this! Some studies show that up to 68% of women experience cravings while they’re pregnant. We asked moms what their weirdest pregnancy craving was and you wouldn’t believe some of the responses we received!
When you were a teenager, you hoped your acne would go away the minute you turned 20. Unfortunately, acne remains a problem for some women into adulthood. You may have severe acne constantly, or you may break out around your period. If acne remains a problem to you, several methods of treating it exist, including taking birth control pills or for severe cases, taking acne pills. Acne pills can present serious risks to women who wish to become pregnant, though.
As soon as you know you are pregnant, schedule your first pregnancy appointment with your family physician, obstetrician or with a midwife. You will want to start your prenatal care as soon as possible. Most doctors schedule the first appointment at around the eighth week of pregnancy, according to the Baby Center website.
When the time is right to have a baby, most couples assume they will be able to get pregnant naturally. For some, it might not be as easy as a romantic rendezvous. Up to 15 percent of couples have fertility problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fertility drugs are one of the first treatments for women who have fertility difficulties due to ovulation problems. Fertility drugs may also be used with other types of fertility treatments. Success rates using fertility drugs vary, depending on various factors, especially the age of the women, according to the American Fertility Association.
Diaper games are a must when choosing what shower games to play. After all, the new parent's world will soon center on diapers and poop. Diaper games can bring humor to the party, bring back memories for experienced moms and make people reflect on diapers and poop much more than they expected--or wanted--to.
About 10 percent of women in the United States have trouble getting pregnant, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One of the first things that your doctor will do if you have fertility problems is prescribe drugs that increase your chances of fertility. By using fertility drugs, many couples are able to conceive the child they've been longing for.
No method of birth control is 100 percent effective, so there may be a chance that you're pregnant even though you've been using a birth control method. As you get ready to take a pregnancy test, you may wonder whether the hormones in your birth control can affect the results of your pregnancy test.
