Choosing Between IUI and IVF

When initial fertility treatments do not lead to a successful pregnancy, it is time to ask, "What's next?" For many couples, this comes down to a choice between intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Many couples find this to be a difficult and sometimes confusing decision, often due to a lack of clear information from their doctors. Gynecologists who perform IUI but not IVF are not usually quick to refer a patient to an IVF specialist, whereas an IVF specialist may be likely to suggest that the patient try IVF right away.

Ultimately, in most cases, the decision comes down to a trade-off between time and money. IVF is more likely to result in a successful pregnancy, but IUI is less expensive. The advantage of in vitro fertilization is that it eliminates many of the unknowns. In IUI, only the quality of the sperm is known. The eggs are not examined, and there is no guarantee that any of the eggs will even be fertilized. With IVF, the quality of the eggs can be assessed, and the healthiest embryos can be selected to be implanted in the womb. IUI is also more likely to result in triplets or higher multiple births.

In general, IVF allows the patient more control, and a higher chance of success. However, this does not mean that all couples should immediately bypass IUI in favor of IVF. Because it is less expensive and less time-consuming, IUI is still an option worth considering for many couples. When making this choice, be sure to carefully research all of your options and consult with your doctor.

Magdalena Cogbill is the founder of My IVF Alternative, providing couples struggling with the cost of in vitro fertilization with a less costly, more personal IVF vacation treatment. My IVF Alternative was created out of the personal struggle of its founders, who were seeking better, more affordable medical care for their own vitro fertilization treatment. Since starting My IVF Alternative, Mag has helped hundreds of couples conceive through IVF abroad in the Czech Republic. For more information, visit http://www.myivfalternative.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Magdalena_Cogbill

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Article Submitted On: October 12, 2010

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Foods That Can Affect Your Fertility - Choosing the Right Foods for Higher Chances of Conceiving

Having a child can be the best thing that could ever happen to you. Looking at your own flesh and blood smiling back at you with his/her tiny and delicate lips and cute little eyes is enough to melt your heart. This can be the most rewarding experience and truly one of a kind.

However, not everyone can say "hey, I wanna have a baby, let's make one!" and be successful with it in the first try. Experts say that 1 out of 7 couples may be having problems conceiving a child. This can be very frustrating especially to older couples since the longer they wait, the slimmer their chances get.

According to medical providers, nutrition is an indispensable factor in fertility. These experts say that there are foods that can affect your fertility, either increasing it or otherwise. Of course, it is best to look at both sides of the circle instead of just one to cover your bases better.

Foods that can affect your fertility in a bad way include those that contain xenoestrogens or additives that act like it. Certain processed foods contain high levels of additives that act as xenoestrogens, if not the chemical itself. These should be avoided if trying to get pregnant due to their ability to mimic the pregnancy hormone estrogen.

Alcohol must also be avoided to prevent lowering your fertility. Consuming alcoholic beverages can decrease your fertility by up to 50%. Tea, coffee, cola and chocolate, all of which being good sources of caffeine, have also shown to decrease fertility levels in both men and women. If you consume a cup of coffee a day, chances are you have just cut your fertility to half.

On the other hand, some of the foods that can affect your fertility in a good way include organ meats, green leafy vegetables, yeast grains, olive oils, milk and other dairy products, brown rice, whole grain bread, lean meat, beans and many more. The nutrients included in these foods that have been found to increase fertility are folic acid, iron, monounsaturated fat, dairy fat, low glycemic carbohydrate and other vitamins.

Do you want to naturally and safely conceive within 3 weeks from now? If yes, then I suggest you use the methods recommended in this infertility cure manual: The Pregnancy Miracle, to greatly increase your probability of quickly conceiving and giving birth to a healthy child.

Click here ==> Pregnancy Miracle Guide, to read more about this Natural Infertility Cure System, and discover how it has helped 1000s of women allover the world with infertility related troubles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Knopf

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Tips on Choosing Maternity Clothes

Maternity clothes these days don't have to be unflattering and uncomfortable. You can now find a beautiful array of maternity clothes on the market featuring the latest fashions from maternity basics and sleepwear to executive and evening wear. When choosing your maternity wardrobe, consider the seasons that you will be entering your second and third trimesters as these will be the months that you will have to leave your normal wardrobe behind. During the early stages of pregnancy there are lots of products such as belly bands and belts that can help extend the life of your pre pregnancy clothes which may be a good investment to make in the early days.

Most maternity brands will combine clever design with beautifully soft and accommodating fabrics that will grow with you throughout your pregnancy. Maternity clothes you will need throughout your pregnancy will depend on your individual situation however our biggest tip for any mum to be is to always start with the basics. Items such as maternity leggings. basics tees, black pants, skirts and shorts can all be dressed up or down with different tops to create many different looks. This approach will also work really well for dressing for the office and will make a few items in your wardrobe go a long way. To get more value for your money, look for maternity clothes that will double as breastfeeding wear afterwards or you can also wear as transition wear to get you through the postpartum period as a lot of new mums find it takes time to fit back into their pre pregnancy clothes.

So our best tips are

1. Start with the basics such as leggings, tees, belly bands, or a couple of basic skirts and pants.
2. Save money by choosing clothes that can double as transition wear after pregnancy and for breastfeeding
3. Remember, you can always add to your wardrobe as your needs change throughout your pregnancy.
4. As a general rule, maternity clothes are designed to fit your pre pregnancy size and are cleverly designed to fit throughout your pregnancy.

Soul Mothers stock a range of beautiful maternity and breastfeeding clothes to see you throughout your pregnancy and beyond. We also have a wonderful array of breastfeeding products and accessories such as breast pumps, breastfeeding pillows, breastfeeding aids and accessories, nappy bags and more to keep you looking and feeling special throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirsty_Staff

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Article Submitted On: October 10, 2010

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