conceiving

Chicago, IL (PRWeb) February 1, 2007 -- It is certainly a FACT, myths
abound when it comes to the topic of fertility and conception. Some myths
may be harmless, but others may actually work against couples as they try
to conceive. It helps to be knowledgeable. Dr. Randy Morris, the Medical
Director of IVF1 and a board certified Chicago IVF specialist and reproductive endocrinologist, sheds some light on some outrageous misconceptions and gives us some important facts all   
couples should know.

Birth Control Pills Reduce Fertility (Fiction)
No evidence shows that the use of birth control pills affects future fertility. In fact, birth control pills are very
short acting. Therefore, birth control pills never make much of an impact on the body's ability to reproduce. If anything, using the pill or one of its hormonal counterparts such as the patch or the ring may actually help
fertility in some women. Birth control pills have been used to treat and reduce symptoms of disorders such as
endometriosis and ovarian cysts.

Stress Causes Infertility (Fiction)
The fact is, that while it is possible, although rare, for stress to cause
infertility, it is far more common for infertility to cause stress. The role stress plays in a person's fertility
is complicated. Evidence indicating stress as a cause of infertility is minimal. There are rare occasions when
extreme stress can interfere with normal ovulation in women and may reduce sperm production in men.
Stress can also affect a relationship by keeping a couple from the intimacy of intercourse.

IVF is associated with the greatest risk for multiple pregnancies.  Use of fertility medications, especially
injectable medications, with intercourse or intrauterine insemination carries the greatest risks of multiple
pregnancy. Neither the physician nor patient has control over how many developing eggs will become
fertilized and implant. With in-vitro fertilization, the risk for multiple pregnancy is determined by how
many embryos are placed in the uterus and therefore is much more easily controlled. Younger women can
maximize pregnancy rates with transfer of one or two embryos. Older women, over 40, may use as many
as three or four embryos but still have a very low risk for a multiple pregnancy.

Taking sugar or anything "white" out of your diet can improve ovulation (Fiction)
Obese women or those with polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS, may have bodies that are resistant to
the hormone insulin. Insulin resistance has been linked to ovulation problems. Weight loss is associated
with a reduction in insulin resistance and has been successful at inducing ovulation. There is no data to
indicate that one type of diet, whether low fat or low carb is better than another at reducing insulin
resistance. The key is a reduction in calories and an increase in calories burned through exercise.