Every year we host a easter egg hunt for alumni babies of Red Rock Fertility. Please enjoy the video from the 2012 easter egg hunt below:
How Non-Organic Food Can Affect Fertility
The food we eat on a daily basis can have a high impact on our reproductive cells. Nowadays, the food industry has gone to great lengths to make food available that can last on the shelves for a long time, even produce. In order to do this, they have allowed the use of reproductively toxic substances such as Butylated Hydroxyanisole or (BHA).
The International Agency for Research on Cancer says BHA is possibly carcinogenic to humans and also interacts with nitrates to form chemicals known to cause changes in the DNA of cells.
In other words, it is reproductively toxic, and this is just the beginning of the list. In addition to food additives that are not healthy, it has also been found that non-organic foods retain a higher level of toxic pesticides than organically grown food.
It has been well documented that pesticides can affect spermatogenesis leading to poor sperm quality and male infertility. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine showed that women who undergo chronic pesticide exposure have a 30% decrease in fertility and longer time to conception for those that are able to conceive.
Due to the impact of all of these toxins on fertility, I think it is very important to know what goes into determining organic versus non-organic food.
FAQs About Organic Foods
(Click Here to read how organic food affects fertility, by Dr. Littman)
1. What Is Organic? Does Organic Mean No Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)?
The definition of “organic,” according to the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA), is that animal products sold or labeled as organically produced are not given any kind of antibiotics or growth hormones, are only fed with organic feed and are not administered any type of medication aside from vaccinations or to treat an illness. Fruits and vegetables that are labeled and sold as organic are grown without using most pesticides or fertilizers with synthetic ingredients; there is no irradiation treatment; seeds and transplants are chemical-free; the fertilizer is natural.
Under organic regulations, food can be labeled as “100% organic,” “organic” (contains at least 95 percent organic ingredients) or “made with organic ingredients” (contains at least 70 percent organic ingredients, but cannot have the USDA Organic seal on the package). The USDA Organic seal will not guarantee a product is free of nongenetically modified organisms—only products labeled 100% organic are guaranteed GMO-free.
2. Are Organic Fruits And Vegetables Healthier Than Conventional Produce?
The science is mixed—and the debate continues. Case in point: a 2009 review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that there is no sufficient evidence of a difference in nutrient quality. But a 2007 study by Newcastle University in the United Kingdom found organic produce has 40 percent higher levels of some nutrients (including vitamin C, zinc and iron) and a 2003 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that organically grown berries and corn have 58 percent more polyphenols—antioxidants that help prevent cardiovascular disease—and up to 52 percent higher levels of vitamin C than those conventionally grown. Choosing organic produce also lowers your exposure to pesticides.
3. What Regulations Are In Place To Ensure What I Buy Is Really Organic?
Before a farmer can start selling foods with the organic seal, a government-certified official must inspect and approve the farm to make sure all the organic practices are being followed. The farm is then monitored regularly to make sure it is following regulations.
4. Why Does Organic Produce Cost More Than Conventional Fruits And Vegetables?
Organic produce tends to cost more than its conventional equivalent because organic farming is more labor-intensive—due in part to fewer pesticides used—according to the Food and Agriculture Organization and USDA. Additionally, it’s expensive for farmers to maintain their organic status and organic producers tend to have smaller supplies because they don’t use preservatives and so their products have a shorter shelf life
5. Is It Safe To Buy Organic Produce From Other Countries?
All imported organic produce has to meet the same federal standards as U.S.-grown organic produce. If you’re buying produce from a place where environmental regulations may not be enforced, it’s a good choice to take the organic option.
6. Are The Seeds Organic Or Do They Just Grow It Organically?
According to the National Organic Program (NOP): “Preference will be given to the use of organic seeds and other planting stock, but a farmer may use non-organic seeds and planting stock under specified conditions.” Examples of “specific conditions” include an exception from the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) or if certified organic seed isn’t commercially available
7. Do Produce Washes Remove Pesticides?
Though some commercial cleaning solutions specifically designed for fresh fruits and vegetables may help remove additional dirt and bacteria, the effectiveness of these produce washes is not currently standardized. What’s more, it has yet to be shown that commercial washes clean produce better than water does to an extent that justifies the added expense. If you do purchase a produce wash, steer clear of ones that are chemical-based.
The FDA recommends washing all produce (including produce you plan to peel) under running water and drying it with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria. Be sure to also wash even produce that has a tough skin—such as cantaloupe, avocado and cucumbers—as the bacteria on the outside can transfer via your knife to the flesh. The FDA suggests you scrub these and other firm fruits and vegetables with a clean produce brush
Does Diet & Weight Impact Fertility??
The short answer is YES.
A lot of research has been done on the impact of diet and weight on just about every health issue that exist and the findings for the most part have been that higher weight and poorer diet are associated with a number of health problems. Why should fertility be any different? After all, the fertility status of an individual is a reflection of that individual’s overall health.
I tell all my patients, to think of your body as a fruit tree. If that tree is unable to produce fruit or if the fruit that it produces is not good quality then this is a reflection of the amount of water, nutrients, and the environment that the tree is trying to thrive in. Humans are really no different. We depend on vitamins, minerals, proteins, and a certain environment in order to keep our bodies in a healthy reproducing state. Therefore, we have to be very careful about what we put in and on our bodies and also how much weight we subject our bodies to carrying.
Especially in women, body fat can have a definite impact on menstrual regularity and fertility. Even though the accumulation of body fat was initially meant as a survival mechanism for periods of starvation, in the present time where food is quite plentiful, this excess tissue can cause problems with metabolism, hormone secretion mechanisms, and subsequently with fertility.
Estrogen is held in adipocytes or the fat cells of the body. These cells randomly release estrogen especially when it is in excess. Estrogen is a hormone that can suppress the secretion of hormones from the brain which are responsible for generating monthly egg development. Local release of estrogen from the fat cells causes the ovaries and uterus to become confused as to which signals to follow. Therefore, ovulation does not occur and subsequently progesterone does not get secreted. This is a big problem because it is the secretion and withdrawal of progesterone that causes menses to occur. Also, unopposed estrogen exposure can lead to diseases such as endometrial cancer.
Consuming a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates and performing aerobic exercise three to four times a week for at least an hour, may result in about 10% of total body weight loss which for some women, is enough to return them to regular menstrual cycles, allowing ovulation to occur and possibly pregnancy.
Some women are unable to lose the weight due to having a slow metabolism. For these women, they may need to take a tablet called clomiphene citrate in order to induce ovulation. Sometimes, these women also need to be on insulin regulating drugs such as metformin, or rosiglitazone. In a small number of cases, women who are not getting pregnant or who don’t respond to clomiphene citrate, may need more aggressive therapy such as injectable gonadotropins or in-vitro fertilization.
When a woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome is not trying to conceive, the best therapy is for her to take oral contraceptive tablets or birth control pills. These tablets release a steady amount of estrogen and progesterone which helps to regulate menstrual cycles and increase sex hormone binding globulin which will bind excess androgens.
Can having a low body weight affect fertility? The answer again is YES. If your body feels that it is in a state of starvation then it will secrete a hormone called corticotropin releasing hormone which is a stress hormone. This hormone can block crucial reproductive hormone receptors in the body and cause anovulation which is the absence of ovulation and subsequent amenorrhea or the absence of menstrual periods.
Without development of a dominant egg and ovulation, natural reproduction cannot occur. So, the pendulum swings both ways when it comes to weight and fertility.
Can obesity in men affect fertility? It turns out that there is a direct correlation between male obesity and decreased fertility as well. As mentioned above, estrogen is stored in adipocytes or fat cells. This means that obese men have elevated estrogen levels.
Obese men also have reduced male hormone levels and reduced sex hormone binding globulin levels. Therefore, men who suffer from obesity also have an altered reproductive hormonal profile which has been associated with abnormal semen parameters and subsequent infertility.
Other factors that may contribute to increased fertility issues in obese men are mainly due to having a larger size. Men with increased body mass index, have altered retention and metabolism of environmental toxins and the excess tissue surrounding the testicles can increase the basal temperature in which the testicles are surrounded causing modifications in sperm morphology or shape.
Unfortunately, there have not been many studies done to date on the reversibility of obesity–associated male infertility with weight loss. The recommended treatment for men with male fertility issues depends on the degree of abnormality in the semen parameters and can range from intrauterine insemination to intracytoplasmic sperm injection which requires retrieval of the female partner’s eggs and manually injecting an individual sperm into the egg to promote fertilization.
So to summarize this article points out that a person’s weight whether high or low can directly impact their fertility. The optimal body mass index for a female of reproductive age is between 19-24 and for men is between 20-26.
Editorial supplied by:
Eva Littman, M.D.
Medical Director
Red Rock Fertility Center
702-262-0079
The Link between Infertility and Endometriosis
An estimated 10 percent of women in their childbearing years suffer from endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which uterine endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus and can cause inflammation and adhesions in areas around the uterus such as the ovaries, bladder, and bowels. Because not all women experience common symptoms related to endometriosis, such as severe cramps or heavy monthly cycles, patients may not realize they have this condition. Another side effect of endometriosis can be difficulty conceiving.
Diagnosing and Treating Endometriosis
March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month. Dr. Eva Littman and the team at Red Rock Fertility want to help patients understand endometriosis and the treatment options available to help infertile couples achieve healthy pregnancies. Providing information and support to our patients is a critical element of delivering superior treatment and care.
As part of your complete fertility evaluation, Dr. Littman will review your medical history, including a discussion of your menstrual cycles. If she suspects endometriosis, she may start with an ultrasound, which can detect the problem if the growths are large enough to be visualized on-screen. Often, laparoscopic surgery is the best way to confirm endometriosis.
Depending on the severity of the endometriosis, Dr. Littman may try to remove the toxic tissue, eliminating the obstacles to conception. If the fallopian tubes are blocked or scarring has caused damage, you may need to consider other fertility treatments to achieve pregnancy. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) may offer the best chances of success.
Struggling to conceive and not understanding the problem can create stress in your life. In our Las Vegas fertility clinic, Dr. Littman provides the expertise and skills to identify barriers to pregnancy, including conditions like endometriosis.
Please visit www.lasvegasfertility.com for more information. Contact us to schedule a consultation appointment in our Las Vegas fertility clinic.
How do you get rid of VOC’s in the IVF lab?
I have helped set up other IVF labs and have been asked, “Can’t we just build our lab with materials that do not contain VOC’s?” My answer is that it is impossible. Modern construction materials and furniture all have VOC containing material. The stuffing in chairs can off-gas VOCs. Cabinets and furniture all have particle board in them that is held together with glue that off-gasses VOC’s for years. All IVF labs have blood testing machines. These machines all use reagents that contain VOC’s. All IVF centers use ultrasound probes that have to be sterilized and the sterilization solutions give off VOC’s. Computers in the lab give off VOCs. VOC’s are everywhere.
How can you control the air quality in the IVF lab to protect embryos?
I do tell them to at least minimize VOC containing materials in their building, but that the only way to reduce VOC’s is to filter the air, maintain at least 15% fresh air flow into the building, and constantly test for VOC’s,. Their are numerous devices on the market to test for VOC’s and many different types of filters to remove VOC’s. Most office buildings have zero percent fresh air entering the building, which makes “sick building syndrome” even worse. By having at least 15% fresh air coming into the building, VOCs that build up in the building are diluted.
At Red Rock Fertility Center, we have taken all the steps necessary to reduce our VOC levels to zero. We have a VOC meter that measures down to Parts per Billion. Most centers use detectors that only go down to parts per million. Due to the fact that Dr. Littman treats many patients who have failed at other centers and have high FSH levels, I felt it was necessary to go the extra mile and reduce our levels to zero parts per billion. In addition, we have a $50,000 air handling system that contains over 150 pounds of VOC filtering material. The air is changed in our IVF lab 50 times an hour and we have 15% fresh air entering the lab. We check VOC levels every day to ensure that our system is working at peak performance. Embryologists that have joined our center have noticed much better embryo development in our lab due to the better conditions.
Please Visit http://www.redrockfertility.com/ for more information about IVF, our IVF lab and fertility success rates.
Hello world!
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!
Test Your Fertility IQ
Often, women take their fertility for granted until they start trying to have a baby and nothing happens. In many cases, couples don’t understand the truth about fertility and what can affect conception. Dr. Eva Littman and the team at Red Rock Fertility Center can provide the expertise and care you need to determine the causes of infertility and then find the appropriate treatment so that you can achieve your goal of parenthood.
Separating Fact from Fiction: The Facts about Infertility
Having a basic understanding of fertility and when to seek help can stop you from feeling frustrated or losing precious fertile time.
Myth: I can put off having kids until I am ready, no matter my age.
Fact: Your fertility decreases as you get older. A woman’s fertility peaks in her twenties and then begins to steadily decline. After age 35, the odds for getting pregnant without assistance are dramatically reduced.
Myth: Infertility is a female problem.
Fact: Up to 40 percent of the time male factor infertility is the issue. A complete fertility evaluation will allow Dr. Littman to determine whether you are experiencing female infertility, male factor infertility, or a combination of the two.
Myth: If we just relax, we will get pregnant.
Fact: Infertility is a medical issue that needs treatment. Romantic weekends, meditation, and the power of positive thinking won’t correct physical problems that are keeping you from having a healthy pregnancy.
Myth: We should just keep trying and hope we get pregnant.
Fact: After 12 months of attempting to conceive without success, you should consult a fertility specialist. Women over age 35 should consider seeing a reproductive endocrinologist after six months of trying without conceiving.
Myth: My obgyn can help us get pregnant.
Fact: Fertility specialists, or reproductive endocrinologists, receive specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. If you had a heart problem, you would seek the care of a cardiologist because of his or her expertise. Reproductive endocrinologists specialize in identifying fertility problems and finding the right solutions for their patients.
Having the right knowledge about your fertility can help you make informed decisions about when to seek treatment so that you can begin or expand your family. In our Las Vegas Fertility Center, patients will receive the compassionate, thorough care they need to address infertility.
Please visit www.lasvegasfertility.com for more information. Contact us to schedule a consultation appointment in our Las Vegas fertility clinic.
Fertility and Cellphones
There have been a number of recent articles in the news about cellphones and the radiation they release. If you have time, please read this article. http://www.emfnews.org/fertility-and-cell-phone-radiation.html
Basically, cellphones receive and send their signals via an electro-magnetic field (EMF.) This EMF is a form of radiation. During the past year, scientific data has started to come out linking cellphone use to a variety of problems ranging from brain cancer to hip fractures. One of the areas that has come up is fertility.
Men and women that carry cell phones in their pockets can have Decreased Fertility
Many people carry their cellphone in their pocket and it has been seen that men who do this have lower sperm counts and women have lower egg quality. I will post more on this subject as time goes by, but it may be a good idea to keep your phone in your purse and if you are at home or the office, keep it a few feet away from you. I am sure we will learn more about the effects of cellphone EMF as time goes by, but fertility is fragile and I can easily see how radiation can make things more difficult for a person who is already dealing with infertility.
For More Information on Fertility Please Visit www.redrockfertility.com
Answering Common Questions about Infertility
Navigating the world of infertility can sometimes feel overwhelming. From evaluations to diagnosis to treatment, you will need to absorb a great deal of information. In our Las Vegas fertility clinic, we want our patients to know that we are here to offer support and guidance. Dr. Littman and our team focus on each patient as an individual, working to identify the causes of infertility and then developing a detailed treatment plan.
What You Should Know about Infertility
To help patients feel more comfortable about the process, we have provided the answers to some frequently asked questions. This information will give you a good foundation as you embark on the journey towards parenthood.
What is the definition of infertility?
Generally, doctors characterize infertility as the inability to get pregnant after 12 months of timed intercourse, six months for women 35 and older.
I feel so alone. Does infertility impact many people?
Though it may seem like you are the only one struggling to have a baby, one in eight couples experiences infertility. Statistics show that:
- 35 percent of the time, the issue is female-related
- 35 percent of the time the cause relates to male factor infertility
- 20 percent of the time the problem is a combination of both partners
- 10 percent of the time, the diagnosis is unexplained, which means the testing yielded no conclusive explanation
How long should I try to conceive before seeking help?
If you haven’t had success after a year of trying, you should make plans to see a fertility specialist. Individuals and couples with known issues such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, male factor infertility or irregular cycles may want to consider seeing a fertility specialist right away.
Explain the difference between primary and secondary fertility?
Primary infertility is the term used for individuals who have never conceived or successfully carried a pregnancy to term. Secondary infertility refers to the inability to conceive and complete a pregnancy after at least one successful pregnancy.
Though dealing with infertility can lead to stressful situations in your life, Red Rock Fertility can offer resources to help you achieve a successful pregnancy. Developing a basic understanding of infertility and potential treatments can empower you and your partner as you take action to become parents.
Please visit www.lasvegasfertility.com for more information. Contact us to schedule a consultation appointment in our Las Vegas fertility clinic.