Infertility can be a shock and heart wrenching to some couples trying to conceive. Often, fertility is not something many people dwell on, until they are attempting to have a child. Infertility can begin to be diagnosed if an older couple has had unprotected sex for a year and have not conceived. If the couple is younger, infertility can be diagnosed earlier since the conception rate is higher for younger people.

Roughly, 1/3 of infertility is caused by male factors, about 1/3 is attributed to female issues and for the remaining 1/3, it can be caused by a combination of problems, including some cases that are just unexplainable. Most cases of infertility can be treated with drug therapies or operating to repair reproductive organs.

The two most common causes of male infertility are azoospermia (no production of sperm cells) and oligospermia (very few cells are produced). Sometimes, sperm cells can be deformed or they will die before ovulation can occur. Rarely, male infertility may be caused by some genetic disease like cystic fibrosis.

Most female infertility is caused by a problem with ovulation. Other causes can include blocked fallopian tubes, or abnormalities in the makeup of the uterus which may lead to miscarriages.

One of the most common treatments for infertility is in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is used if a woman has blocked fallopian tubes or if a man has a low sperm count. In this procedure, a woman’s eggs are removed from her ovary and mixed with sperm in a Petri dish. This mixture stays in the Petri dish for about 40 hours and then it is examined to see if fertilization has occurred. If so, the fertilized eggs, or embryos, are placed directly into the woman’s uterus. You often hear about in vitro fertilization, but it really only occurs in less than 5% of fertility treatments in the US. In addition, it is fairly expensive. The average for one cycle of in vitro fertilization is around $12,400. However, it does have a fairly good success rate. In 2002, about 1 out of every 100 babies born in the US was conceived using IVF.

Another way to treat infertility is artificial insemination or intrauterine insemination. Artificial insemination is a procedure where sperm is injected directly into the woman’s uterus when she is ovulating. A man provides a sample of semen and it is then prepared to be inserted into the uterus. A catheter is used to place the semen directly into the uterus, bypassing the cervix. Drugs may be used to stimulate a woman’s ovulation cycle and increase the likelihood of fertilization. Artificial insemination is less complicated than in vitro fertilization and as a result, will cost less.

There are many more ways to treat infertility and they all depend on the couple’s situation. There are surgical options, drug treatments and even having another woman carry your baby to term if you are unable to do so. As science advances, the options and the success rate will increase.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to

Tags: Heart, makeup

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Tags: Heart, makeup

We’ve all heard of the Zen of “x” or the Zen of “y”, and believe it or not the Zen of men’s grooming actually does exist! As men, we are not taught at any stage of our lives about grooming. Somehow we’re just supposed to magically figure out what to do when it comes to shaving, skin care, body hair trimming, hair maintenance, etc. It’s just fantastic to think that girls at a very early age, are playing with makeup and watching (and learning) how mama cleans her skin every night. All boys are taught to do is wash their hands and brush their teeth before going to bed! When it comes to boys, maybe they see father shaving in the morning, but most likely they’re busy getting dressed and eating breakfast. Suddenly, puberty hits, the facial hair starts coming in, and the pimples start appearing. With no talk about such things from family or friends, and seeing how the media caters to teenage girls clearing their skin, what is a young man to do? Maybe, just maybe, the father will see that his son needs a shaving lesson and some help with clearing his skin. But I ask, are the fathers of the world teaching their sons how to shave, how to take care of their skin, how to look their best? I would like to say YES, but I fear that in most households that is NOT going on. Fathers of the world must start teaching their sons good grooming techniques so it’s not such a mystery. There’s more than throwing the football, playing video games etc., that can be shared between father and son.

Hopefully as an adult you’ve taken the time to find out how to take care of your grooming needs. You’ve learned how to get the perfect shave (whether it be a wet or electric shave); how to keep your skin looking great; in general, how to look your best.

Here comes the Zen part! When it comes to meditation, I like to practice and recommend Vipassana meditation. Vipassana meditation is a way of self-transformation through self-observation. It focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body, which can be experienced directly by disciplined attention to the physical sensations that form the life of the body, and that continuously interconnect and condition the life of the mind. It is this observation-based, self-exploratory journey to the common root of mind and body that dissolves mental impurity (resulting in a balanced mind full of love and compassion). The most standard way of practicing is to simply observe the breath going in and out of your nose. Simply focus on the breath, observing the body sensations. After even just a few minutes you can feel yourself become more focused and calm. You can also practice meditation when you walk by simply observing each step you take - the foot hitting the ground, the movement of the foot in each step, etc. Doing this brings you back to the “now”, calms the mind and focuses you.

This can also be practiced while you groom yourself. Yes, believe it or not you can meditate while you’re doing your grooming routine morning or night. Here’s an example of how you can bring zen into your shaving routine. The main point of this type of meditation is to observe your body during an activity. One way to do this is to slow down your movements. Be 100% aware of your arm as it picks up the razor. If you practice doing a wet shave, observe the movement of the arm soaking the razor in the warm water. Simply follow each step of your routine paying attention to the various movements of your body. Keep your attention as much as possible to the present moment. If your mind starts wandering about what you’re doing for dinner or what meeting you have to get to, simply return your attention to the present moment. Follow the sensations of the blade as it glides across your face. Observe how your body is standing, what your hand is doing. Don’t judge anything. There’s no “right” way to do this. The key is to just observe the experience. You may even get a better shave since you’ll be more aware of what you’re doing! You can also do this when taking a shower, and even at night when your cleansing your skin. When cleansing your skin observe the sensation of the cleanser in your hand, the swirling sensation as you swirl it over your face, etc. It’s a wonderful habit to get into. The more you do it, the more focused and calmer you will be. The point of most meditation is to bring you to the present moment, keep you in the “now”. This is a wonderful way to stay in the present and give yourself the gift of a calmer life.

Author David Scott Bartky helps men all over the world look their best with the techniques and advice offered in his book “Grooming Secrets For Men” which can be found at thestylishman.com thestylishman.com

Tags: Hair, makeup, sensations

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How often, as adults, have we regretted we didn’t take better care of our skin when we were younger?

If your face is full of “craters” from youthful acne, or if you just have too many “frown” lines and if you think it’s too late to do anything about it, think again, it’s never too late. A skin regimen can’t get rid of past acne scars, but it might be able to help the signs of aging or those “frown” lines.

If you are looking for instant results, then yes, you may need to see a specialist.

But remember, you still have to take care of your face/body after your procedure is over. You should start as soon as your procedure(s) allows you.

Your skin is the body’s largest organ and needs to be nourished constantly. Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, improper diet, will show up as dry or paper thin skin, puffy eyes, and or dark circles under the eye, making you seem older than you really are.

Cleansing, toning and moisturizing are three of the most important things you can do to keep your skin fresh, moisturized and wrinkle resistant.

Knowing your skin type is the first step to your skin regiment. The most common skin types are:

§ Normal
§ Dry
§ Mature
§ Combination
§ Acne/oily/problem skin

Believe it or not you can develop acne at any age. Excessive dieting is another reason many women suffer from what is known as “paper thin” skin. Although too much fat is unhealthy, not enough fat in our diet is equally unhealthy. The fat was Mother’s Nature way of helping early man survive harsh winters and food shortages. My Grandchildren call it the “Grandma’s soft cushion.”

Proper skin care should start when we are young children. Proper diet is the most helpful, but taking care of our skin is the second most important, and this goes for boys as well as girls.

Proper cleansing of your face at least twice a day is essential, washing hands often and keeping them away from your face is equally important. Quite often, young girls wearing makeup is another major cause. Since makeup can clog pores, the skin can’t breath properly. A good morning and nighttime regimen of facial/neck cleaning becomes extremely important.

Some health conditions are caused by underlying problems and will need a medical specialists to be treated correctly:

§ Eczema, causes dry, flaky patches on the skin,
§ Rosacea – characterized by redness, pimples, and broken blood vessels
§ Scarring – from acne, insect bites, and accidents.
§ Intertrigo - an inflammation of the top layers of skin caused by moisture, bacteria, or fungi in the folds of the skin

But, for the majority of us, daily carefully cleansing will do the trick.

Cleansing:

§ One of the most important factors of skin care is skin cleansing. Because dirt, pollution, residual makeup, etc. can cause havoc to the skin leading to skin ailments and even hastening of the aging process.

§ Facial scrubs are another method to help clean the surface of the skin by removing the dead skins and the dirt mechanically.

Toning & Astringents
§ Toning is necessary for all skin types and should be a part of your daily skin care routine. Toning is refreshing, improves blood circulation and adds a healthy glow to the skin.
§ Toners, fresheners, and astringents restore the pH balance of the acid mantle; remove any remaining makeup that was not cleaned up, oily cleanser, or soap film.

Moisturizing

§ Water is the secret ingredient for fresh dewy looking, soft and supple skin. Your face will reflect a healthy glow and will also prevent premature aging by keeping the skin from chapping and drying out.
§ Moisturize around your eyes. If your face is excessively dry, mist or splash with water, blot then lightly cover with moisturizer

Masks:

§ Facial masks are some of the oldest known beauty treatments, ancient Egyptians used mud and clay to remove dead skin cells and heal blemishes.
§ Once a week you should cleanse, tone and exfoliate your skin then apply a clay mask to give your face an extra deep-cleansing weekly. Finish off with a liberal amount of your night cream. This will help to maintain a balanced clear complexion without over drying oily skin.

Last but least, don’t forget the one thing most of us pass over…..the eyes. The skin under your eyes may be a reflection of your health. Puffiness and dark circles may occur due to any and/or all of the following reasons:

§ Liquid retention - This may be caused by allergy, irritation, illness, lack of sleep or tiredness.
§ Redistribution of fat caused by aging - (surgical measures may be necessary).
§ Genetics - Puffy eyes are inherited and are caused by improper lymph circulation or peculiarities of one’s body.

§ Internal disorders - Kidney, stomach or nervous system disorders often manifest themselves with puffy eyes.

The best way to prevent wrinkles, premature aging and possible surgery is to:

§ Follow a regular skin care routine,
§ Always protect your face from the harmful effects of the sun.
§ Know your skin type and use the products made specifically

So, if you regret not taking better care of your skin when you were younger it is never too late, no matter how old or young you are.

You have permission to use this article as long as the links, material and authors name remain intact.

2006 Michele Winslow, Gaia’s Breowan, Inc.
mailto:mwinslow@ladyoftheherbs.com mwinslow@ladyoftheherbs.com
ladyoftheherbs.com ladyoftheherbs.com

Tags: acne, cialis, diet, makeup, scars, sleep

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Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a skin disorder often associated with celiac disease. (DH) is an intensely itchy skin eruption. Dermatitis herpetiformis usually begins in persons age 20 and older, although children may sometimes be affected. It is seen in both men and women. It usually shows up in young adults, and is more common in men and people originally from some areas of northern Europe. It has been hypothesized that DH is the result of an immunologic response to chronic stimulation of the gut mucosa by dietary gluten with subsequent activation of cutaneous endothelial cells and circulating inflammatory cells, including neutrophils. DH was formerly described in the literature as Duhring’s Disease. Several chemicals have been associated with induction of DH, including potassium iodide and cleaning solutions. It has a typical onset in the teens or in the third or fourth decades of life. In the U.S., the presence of diagnosed cases is estimated to be about 1 in 10,000 with a male/female ratio of 2:1. It is more common in whites and rare in people of African or Asian descent. If you have DH, you always have gluten intolerance. With DH, the primary lesion is on the skin, whereas with celiac disease the lesions are in the small intestine.

Symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis are intense burning, stinging and itching around the elbows, knees, scalp, buttocks and back. More locations can also be affected and the severity can vary. Scratching will further irritate the eruptions. Eruptions commonly occur on pressure points, such as around the elbows, the front of the knees, the buttocks, back face, and scalp but can appear anywhere on the body. Eruptions are usually bilateral - occurring on both sides of the body. Ingestion of gluten plays a role in the exacerbation of skin lesions. Small blisters usually develop gradually, mostly on the elbows, knees, buttocks, lower back, and back of the head. Sometimes blisters break out on the face and neck. The rash may be small lumps, like insect bites (papules), some with tiny fluid filled blisters on top. These small blisters are called vesicles. However it can also appear hive-like, persisting in one area, or it may look like a pink and scaly dermatitis. The fact that the rash is most prevalent at pressure points (where clothing rubs the most) may be why the symptoms sometimes appear to be symmetrical. Typically, the onset of DH is in the second to fourth decade; however, persons of any age may be affected.

Dermatitis herpetiformis is frequently associated with gluten (a protein found in cereals) sensitivity in the small bowel. This means that instead of being highly convoluted, the lining of the intestines is smooth and flattened. Gluten is a protein present in grasses of the species Triticeae, which includes barley, rye, and wheat. Rice and oats belong to different species and are generally well tolerated. Hormonal factors may also play a role in the pathogenesis of DH. Androgens have a suppressive effect on immune activity, including decreased autoimmunity, and androgen deficient states may be a potential trigger for DH exacerbation. IgA circulating immune complexes are present in 25-35% of patients with DH, although no association with disease severity has been noted. These immune complexes also have been noted in patients with isolated GSE and are believed to be related to the presence of the gut disease. Associated autoimmune diseases include dermatomyositis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and thyroid abnormalities. Thyroid abnormalities are present in as many as 50% of DH patients and include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.Gastric manipulation (surgery) may induce DH.

There is a very effective treatment available for dermatitis herpetiformis. A gluten-free diet is very difficult to achieve; however, limiting intake of wheat, barley, or rye products can lessen the symptoms. Dapsone can be associated with severe hematologic (blood) disturbances and must be closely monitored. However, strict long-term avoidance of dietary gluten has been shown to reduce the dose of dapsone required to control the disease and may even eliminate the need for medication. In addition, a gluten-free diet may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal lymphoma. Other, less effective treatments for DH include colchicine, cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisone. UV light may provide some symptomatic relief. Cyclosporine should be used with caution in patients with DH because of a potential increase in the risk of developing intestinal lymphomas. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may exacerbate DH; however, ibuprofen appears to be safe. Gulphapyridine or sulphamethoxypyridazine have been used to suppress the skin manifestation. It takes several months for the skin to improve on these drugs and they do not protect against the serious complication of gluten hypersensitivity.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for medical-diseases.info/ medical diseases and free-food-recipes.com/Home-Remedies/home-remedies.htm home remedies. She also writes articles on beauty-makeup-tips.info/ beauty tips.

Tags: diet, makeup

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