Category Archives: Progesterone

How To Test For Male Infertility

September 19, 2014

Male Fertility Testing

microdeletion-analysisIn many couples, getting a baby is a dream come true. Getting pregnant is not always effortless and may require medical assistance. Finding the causes of infertility is the first step. In about half the cases of couple infertility, the man may have reproductive issues. It is not that serious usually with very few cases being diagnosed as sterile. That said, man can expect to go through one of the following tests with tests getting more serious with each one: sperm and semem analysis, hormone assessment or genetic testing. It is pretty invasive both physically and emotionally.  To whether the storm it is recommended you actually share past history with your partner before it is pried out into the open.

Physical examination

A physician will do a full physical examination. They will be looking at the testes, penis and other connecting organs for wholeness and good health. All body systems will be observed for general health and signs of disease. After a physical examination, one gets a chance to give a detailed medical history.

  • Non-medical diagnosis

A detailed and frank discussion on sexual history will need to be taken. Whether alone or as a couple, there needs to be a complete itinerary on sexual partners and experiences. Any incidents and accidents for example venereal diseases, late adolescence, premature ejaculation are up for discussion. This will help the doctor identify sexual history and risk factors.

In this discussion, there will be a section on lifestyle issues. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, illicit drug use, smoking, stress etc. need to be revealed to appropriately diagnose the cause of infertility. Any lifestyle issues stressing the body’s reproductive systems can be identified from this simple test. It might be a bright idea to have your partner complete a similar questionnaire on the man’s lifestyle as sometimes there is a bias towards underestimating the damage we do to our bodies.

Next up will be discussion on medical and reproductive health.  All major diseases like cancers, polio, surgeries, untreated illness and long term symptoms (e.g. migraines) will have to be revealed. Next up will be a revelation of any long term medications and any hereditary diseases.

  • Sperm and semen analysis

To conduct a thorough sperm and semen analysis, a fresh sample should be given to the testers. Ideally the subject should have a full load with no sexual interaction 72 hours before the test but no longer than a week as it can alter the results of the test. The sample should also not get to the lab as soon as possible, ideally no longer than 4 hours after ejaculation.

The test will be done to determine the quality and amount of semen a man produces in one ejaculate. Normal semen comes out as a thick gel becoming less viscous and finally turning liquid after 20 minutes. The pH also needs to be optimal for sperm survival. Fructose feeds sperm during their journey. High fructose levels are therefore needed for successful conception. Examination of the number of sperm per mililitre will be conducted. Sperm needs to be normally shaped with complete genetic information for successful conception. The sperm also need to have motility – that is, in most of the sperm need to be moving forward. There also needs to be an adequate number of sperm in the ejaculate.

In the most direct way possible, a sperm and semen analysis is the most direct of the fertility tests as it analyses the  viability of conception.

Men’s fertility is mainly stimulated by the hormone testosterone. The androgen is mainly produced in the testicles with adrenal glands creating a supplementary role. Testersterone causes the body to make sperm. When it is low, the pituitary glands create a luteinizing hormone signaling the testicles to compensate. This feedback loop is very important for the balance of hormones and continued fertility. When testing for fertility, one may find that there is either a predominance of testosterone or luteinizing hormone

Hormonal testing is important to find out if there are any background issues in suspected infertility and whether it is temporary, or has existed for a while. It will find reveal whether other organs in the endocrine systems are functioning optimally. The woman would benefit from a similar test for the same reasons.

Fertility_Score

Genetic testing

This is often the last test if other tests and investigations have not revealed a cause of infertility. Approximately 15% of couples who experience infertility have genetic issues. It is especially recommended for older couples and people with hereditary conditions. A family history with Down ’s syndrome, sickle cell disease, Alzheimer’s disease may choose to have more information on their genes. Any children borne to the couple stand a chance of exhibiting any of the hereditary diseases.

A blood sample is taken to analyze chromosomal material. The chromosomes in DNA determine sex characteristics and in an indirect way fertility. They come in pairs for example XX or XY. On occasion, there are abnormalities in the set-up and structure of the sequence causing trouble. The individual may be missing or have extra copies of the ‘sex’ chromosomes. A malfunctioning Y chromosome could affect the normal production of sperm. There might also be a problem with the internal structure of the chromosomes themselves, resulting in an untenable pregnancy. Some mutations of cystic fibrosis have been known to affect the reproductive capability of the carrier. It is therefore necessary to have that test done as well to rule it out.

In conclusion, diagnosing male infertility requires a detective work and elimination of possible factors. It can also take a long time, straining the stamina and resolve in a couple. Counselling throughout the process may do much good in strengthening the couple and preparing them in the eventuality of sterility.

Male Fertility Testing

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Treating Cancer – Related Thrombosis

September 18, 2014

Assessing and Treating Cancer – Related Thrombosis

Cancer – related thrombosis has been one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients. Its significance has been underscored by the fact that the condition can actually affect patients regardless of the stage at which the disease is. In this essay, we shall discuss an integrative approach that can be used to inhibit this condition in cancer patients. Basically, the approach that is used seeks to do two important things: make the tumor host terrain conducive to optimal health while being non – conducive to the growth and development of cancer cells through metastasis. Our focus shall be on different ways by which this objective can be achieved.

How cancer cells use angiogenesis to grow

The growth and development of cancer takes place through a series of complex and interrelated steps. An important thing to understand, though, is that for cancer cells to successfully grow, they have to be provided by a regular supply of oxygenated blood. This calls for a rich supply of blood vessels in the body of the patient. In general, a normal human body has an inbuilt mechanism by which new blood vessels are generated and develop for specific functions. This process, called angiogenesis, is vital for different purposes such as general healing of a wound and even during the process of embryo formation. Unfortunately, it is this processes that cancer cells make use of to achieve what they need most: blood supply. The cells literally hijack the process of angiogenesis and use it as a basis to support their growth and possible metastasis in the future.

molecules involved in clotting and cancer

The process of metastasis

It is important to note that metastasis of cancer cells occurs in several interconnected steps. First, after apparently normal cells of the body have been changed into completely tumor cells, a heavy network of capillaries is built around the cells. This process, angiogenesis, is necessary for the cells to develop and grow further. Research has indicated that cancerous cells are able to hasten the process by producing factors that promote angiogenesis. This build up in supply is necessary for the cells to get to the next stage which is invading the body cells of the host. After invading local body cells the newly develop cancer cells then undergo a process of breaking free from the original mass and spreading to other parts of the body. Cancer cells, in singular or groups, break away from the original mass and get spread through the supply system of the body. Although some are destroyed, there is always a good amount of cells which survive. It is the surviving cells that move across the body, find a new organ or tissue upon which to base their growth and begin the process of getting a new supply of blood afresh. This sets a new foundation for the process to repeat itself.

The role of Angiogenesis

It is the role that angiogenesis plays in this process that has stimulated a lot of research in use of therapies that inhibit it. The thinking behind this approach is that once the process has been inhibited, cancer cells will be deprived of their most vital resource: blood supply thus being condemned to an early death. The crux of the matter, however, is that with the use of anti – angiogenesis drugs comes the risk of cancer – related thrombosis. The problem is complicated further when one considers that different types of conventional cancer therapies have also been known to increase the possibility of the occurrence of cancer – related thrombosis in cancer patients.

Integrative approach to treat cancer – related thrombosis

This, therefore, calls for an integrative approach to treatment that arrests the process of metastasis while at the same time promoting optimal growth and reducing the possibility of cancer – related thrombosis. There are several things that such an approach is made up of which include the use of botanicals, botanical compounds, enzymes, nutritionals, diet and life-style changes.

  • Lifestyle changes

It is important for cancer patients to carefully observe their lifestyles. Leading a healthy and active lifestyle plays a key role in reducing the possibility of one developing any of the different forms of cancer – related thrombosis. Furthermore, by using a diet that contains foods rich in different minerals such as vitamin E, omega – 3 fatty acids and polyphenol, it has been established that one would be reducing the possibility of such an occurrence.

  • Use of botanicals

There are several different botanicals that have been used to reduce angiogenesis and, by extension, occurrence of cancer – related thrombosis in patients. For instance, some herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine have been found to exhibit these properties. Also, green tea, which contains a relatively high proportion of polyphenols, can be a useful product. However, the bulk of research on this score has been on botanicals such as Chinese wormwood Curcumin. The research has been focused on how particular agents found in these plants can be used effectively to counter the effects of particular cancer therapies in promoting the process of angiogenesis upon which metastasis and cancer – related thrombosis are based.

For years, our focus here at AWAREmed, has been to use the best available practices to ensure that our patients are free from the possibility of cancer – related thrombosis. To achieve this, we use a sound approach that is completely personalized to the needs of our clients, thus guaranteeing them the best services in integrative approach to cancer treatment.

Assessing and Treating Cancer – Related Thrombosis

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Healing Sexless Marriage

September 16, 2014

When the flame goes out: healing a sexless marriage

marriageThe sparkle goes out of perfectly normal marriage every once in a while. It is unusual however to have continued months, or even years of celibacy in marriage. Conjugal relations can become ‘dead’ and unstimulating, becoming just another chore on a long to-do list.

Either way, it is frustrating and can really have one or both partners feeling unfulfilled or unwanted. How does a couple that couldn’t keep their hands off each other turn into ‘that’ couple? Well, focusing on an endless hierarchy of needs can cause a couple to get caught in the rat race. Career demands can interrupt a couple’s time destroying romantic intentions. Caring for children and elderly parents can also take their toll on the marriage. All that responsibility placed on a couple can cause them to feel overwhelmed and responsible for their comfort and happiness. Constant disagreements, bickering and not really listening to your partner can also drive a wedge between a couple that is reflected in the bedroom. All is not lost. There are a few things a couple can try to get things back on track in their sex life.

  • Physicality.

Go for a full body check-up. Make sure there is nothing wrong with either of you. Discuss the effects any medications and contraceptive methods may be playing into the situation. Confront any issues like vaginal dryness, premature ejaculation etc that inhibit your intimate time together. Get to the bottom of them and look for solutions with a qualified medic.

  • Keep fit

Maintain your fitness. A regular exercise regimen reduces stress, increases feel-good endorphins and makes you feel more alive. It might also make a couple look and feel more attractive besides, the more admiring looks a couple gets, the more desirable and passionate they feel!

  • Communicate sexually

Get a discussion going about what turns you on. There is a whole buffet of unexplored sexual territory that you may have overlooked. Find out how your partner’s needs have evolved and stay interested. It might be much easier to share erotic fantasies on an impersonal medium on email or private chat rooms. The idea is to find points of convergence, experimentation and no-go zones in a gentle non-judgmental way.

  • Flirt and tease

Married couples often assume marriage means consent, and so don’t bother seducing their beloved. They either ask for sex as if it were a business transaction or wait until they are propositioned. Make the most of small opportunities to make romantic gestures and always leave them wanting a little bit more. Cook your beloved breakfast in bed and surprise them with a stimulating massage.

  • Clear up any resentments

If there are any deep seated issues in the marriage, try resolve them as soon as you can. Don’t let things fester. They will eventually turn up in the bedroom. Matters of infidelity, in-laws and finances can cause strain on a relationship. Consider hiring outside help from a qualified psychologist, sex or relationship therapist to get to the bottom of deep seated issues. Your sex life will be hotter for it!

  • Be adventurous

Try some of the things on each other’s ‘maybe’ sex lists. It could surprise you to find that you enjoy them! It will be a great turn on to them and a romantic expression of love that can only fan the flames of love. The idea is to be playful, creative, sly demanding etc. Just let go and enjoy the freedom of being your lover’s chosen one.

  • Make sex a priority

There is no getting around it. Couples with a healthy intimate life make time for it. It doesn’t happen by accident. It is deliberate and requires a lot of dedication. Sometimes it is deciding to learn different techniques, sometimes it means forfeiting certain acts that feel unpleasant to your beloved. Whatever the case, take the time to learn more and more about each other’s bodies and erotic desires.

  • Find your passion

The fuel that causes great adventures between the sheets also creates excitement in many other areas of life. So if there is a lack of passion in a marriage, chances are there are other areas in life that need to be reignited. Find things that stimulate you and return that spring in your step. Take up mountain climbing, repair vintage cars, start a business, start a homeless shelter etc. You’ll know you’re on the right track when you can laugh at a silly joke for minutes on end.

Sexless seasons come and go, but they do not have to be permanent. Get out of that rut by trying one of these tips. Your spouse will become your lover once more.

When the flame goes out: healing a sexless marriage

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The Metabolic Basis of Cancer

September 16, 2014

 

The Metabolic Basis of Cancer Explained

Symptoms_of_cancerThere is a complex interaction among the factors of diet, lifestyle and pharmacology in determining how well cancer is managed in patients. The effect of this interaction is seen not only when managing cancer in its early stages but also in cases where patients are in an advanced state of the disease. One way in which this occurs is seen in the importance of metabolic imbalances in managing cancer in patients. The metabolic status of an individual patient is an important aspect of the overall disease management program being pursued. This is why care is always taken to ensure that the shifts in metabolic balance are well taken care of as a way of ensuring that the treatment plan that is being pursued works effectively. Yet metabolic imbalances are closely linked to dietary and general lifestyle conditions. This, therefore, explains the importance of diet, lifestyle and pharmacology in the management of early and advanced cancer in patients. These are discussed in the sections that follow.

The role of diet

Diet plays a key role in the process of managing cancer; during the early and advanced stages. This happens in several ways. To begin with, a good diet is essential for one to effectively go through a particular cancer treatment program. This is so because cancer, in its early and even advanced stages, has been known to affect one’s eating habits. The result of this effect is that many cancer patients end up losing their body weight drastically as the impact of the disease takes its toll on their metabolism. On the other hand is the effect that the different forms of therapy have on the eating habits of the patient. Regardless of the form of treatment in use, it is common in cancer patients that their eating habits and overall appetite are heavily affected during the course of treatment. The effect of these two factors; the impact of the disease and the type of treatment a patient is subjected to; may result into sudden and drastic loss of body weight as well as changes in the status of metabolism in a patient. This is so if the factors are not put under control. Therefore, it is of great importance that this issue be put under complete control during the process of administering a particular treatment plan to a cancer patient.

There are several ways that one can use to manage this condition. Basically, the idea behind successfully integrating diet with the treatment plan for cancer that is being used is that it is necessary to control the rate of loss of weight that a patient is experiencing in the course of the disease. For instance, it may be necessary to use specific food supplements as a way of ensuring that the nutritional needs of the patient are well taken care of. Further, the use of different liquids other than water can be an effective way of making up for the possible deficit that usually results from the low desire for water intake that many cancer patients exhibit. So, in general, all these methods are meant to work with the treatment plan being used to ensure that specific goals with regard to the nutritional needs of the patient are achieved.

Symptoms of cancer

The role of lifestyle

Lifestyle plays a key role as part of the overall treatment plan that can be used on cancer patients. This happens in several ways. One, it is highly recommended that cancer patients adopt an appropriate exercising regime. This is important because of the many physical benefits they are they are likely to get from such a program. From improving the overall flow of blood in the body, lessening the risk of developing some new undesirable conditions to boosting the overall level of self esteem, physical exercises are important as part of any treatment plan for cancer that is adopted.

The importance of adopting an appropriate lifestyle during the course of cancer treatment is seen not only in adults but also in children. A good training regime and taking the recommended foods every day in the right amount are important things which every cancer patient should be made to pay attention to without failure. Regardless of the treatment plan that is in use, a good lifestyle has been proven to be an effective way of helping cancer patients go through the process with relative ease.

The role of pharmacology

In general, drugs play a central role in any cancer treatment plan that is used. Different types of drugs are used for different purposes during the course of treatment. What is important is the different ways in which such drugs interact with the other factors, diet and lifestyle, to determine how well a patient responds to the treatment. Furthermore, drugs have been known to cause specific problems to the metabolic balance of patients, thus posing a bigger danger to them. It is, therefore important that the specific ways in which some drugs interact with particular foods are well understood and documented. This will definitely go a long way in ensuring that the metabolic status of a patient is well understood and maintained at acceptable levels throughout the course of the treatment.

The Metabolic Basis of Cancer Explained

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Complications of Female Sexual Dysfunction

September 13, 2014

Complications of Female Sexual Dysfunctions – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Female Sexual Dysfunction

Female Sexual Dysfunction

It is one thing to have sex with your partner and it is another thing all together to satisfy your partner sexually and this bit is what will send you thinking on what is that you are not doing right. I don’t know what you are going through in your sex life but what I know is that all is not well with majority in our society today. The realization that all is not well is our motivation to creating awareness by wring useful information on this link and linking you with the experts to help you make things right. We have just posted an article discussing some of the causes of female sexual dysfunction and now we want to further on that by discussing the complications associated with sexual dysfunctions, and Female Sexual Dysfunction the diagnosis and possible solutions a discussion you don’t want to miss. We are going to be dwelling much on the female gender most of the discussion and so women who do not enjoy satisfying sexual experiences with their partners often report the following:

  • Lack of sexual desire (low libido)
  • Inability to attain an orgasm
  • Pain or other distress during penile penetration
  • An inability to fantasize about sexual situations
  • Indifference to, or repulsion by, having sex
  • Feelings of fear or anger towards their partners

These are pertinent experiences and must not be over looked in anyway. Ordinarily and quite often either or any of these responses have psychological complications. It may not therefore count whether the symptoms are associated with natural physical factors, such as menopause, or have their origins deeply rooted in the psychological triggers. The bottom line is many women are likely to have a perpetual feelings of inadequacy and dysfunctional this is a symptom of female sexual dysfunction.

These feelings necessitates the women to trade blame on themselves for not being sexually responsive, have trouble explaining to their partners about how they feel and experience low self-esteem as a result. You will agree with me that these are not very good feelings to have especially when it comes to sex and relationship. Nonetheless we have a problem before us and it is only right that we pool together to contain the problem by consulting with the experts. For instance doctor Dalal Akoury is one such professional who has been in medical practice for over two decades making her an ideal professional to reach out for, for lasting solution. I will be sharing more about this great doctor as we progress but in the meantime let us interrogate the diagnosis of this problem.

Diagnosing Female Sexual Dysfunction

Getting to know the cause of sexual dysfunction is half the battle – The stage of sexual activity at which a woman is having problems may offer some clues. Other evidence may be found through physical and psychological testing. Your family doctor can refer you to specialists who can help pinpoint what’s causing the problem and possible solution.

In sexual desire disorder – a woman experiences a decreased interest in having sex. If the lack of interest is new and extends to all partners and situations, the doctor will likely consider causes such as medications, medical conditions such as depression, hormonal changes, or imbalances in certain neurotransmitters (the brain’s chemical messengers). On the other hand, sexual desire disorder may be caused by interpersonal factors if it’s confined to one partner or one situation.

Sexual arousal disorder – this refers to a woman’s inability to become lubricated, aroused, or sexually excited, even after being sexually stimulated.

Orgasmic disorder – it means that a woman may enjoy sexual activity but has difficulty reaching orgasm or takes a very long time to reach orgasm. Physical causes are rare, except in cases of nerve damage in the spine. Psychological factors may range from;

  • Never having learned how to have an orgasm
  • Unrealistic expectations from a partner
  • Feelings of guilt at experiencing pleasure

It is important to note that orgasmic disorder is only diagnosed when a woman has no difficulty with arousal, only with climax. Having illustrated all this and you have been diagnosed the next question that follows on is, how do then get treated of this condition?

Treating and Preventing Female Sexual Dysfunction

The first step in managing a female sexual dysfunction is to see a health care provider for assessment and appropriate treatment and this is where doctor Dalal Akoury comes in. Your problem could necessitate certain corrections using the O Shot procedure, which doctor Akoury does best and therefore calling her for an appointment will be the starting point if you want to have your sex life back and get the desired fulfillment all round. As you contemplate that, it is important for you to know that physical disorders are actually treatable and so you need not to suffer in silence any longer because help is right here before you, all you need to do is call this great physician today. However as for a female sexual dysfunction associated with aging and dryness of the vagina, vaginal moisturizers or estrogen treatment (such as a vaginal cream, vaginal ring, or low-dose tablet taken by mouth) can be effective but even with these applications you will still need to be guided by the experts to avoid any form of complications from the possible side effects.

In the advent for seeking treatment however, when the psychological factors are very evident it may be necessary that you get the services of professional counseling from a psychiatrist, psychologist, or sex therapist to help you find ways and means of removing or reducing the causes. Psychotherapy may be more useful if there has been some trauma in a woman’s background, or problems that stem from stress or relationships. Therapy that includes a sexual partner is more helpful in increasing the chance of learning to experience orgasm. The good news I have for you is that all these services are very much available at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility founded by Doctor Akoury and once again I want to invite you to make a point of visiting the home of female sexual dysfunction solution today for total restoration of your sex life. Remember that the focus will be on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, unifying the threesome into ONE for those traumatic elements hindering your full sexual enjoyment.

Complications of Female Sexual Dysfunction – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

 

 

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