Laughter for Fertility

We all know it is true what they say about laughter being good for the soul. Well, now it seems to be a good medicine, especially for those struggling with fertility.

Humorist Demetri Martin

It may sound like of those 'easier said than done' statements, when you are faced with month after month of heartbreaking disappointment, but bringing a bit of humour into your day to day could make all the difference.

A recent study by Dr Shevach Friedler looked at the stress levels in women undergoing IVF shows a 16% increase in success rates for women who had laughter therapy after an embryo transfer compared to those who  had a 'comedy free' recovery.

This percentage increased to close on 50% once factors such as age, reason for IVF treatment and number of embryos transferred were taken into account.  A good reason as any to take the day off after an embryo transfer and enjoy your favourite comedy, or relax by reading a light hearted, uplifting book.

LOL Cats

Other studies looking at the stress and anxiety levels of those struggling with fertility show that   elevated levels of the stress hormones cortisol, adrenlin, alpha-amalayse and prolactin are likely to play a major role in unexplained infertility. While it can seem flippant to put the cause of infertility down to stress, these hormones effect the female reproductive system at every stage of the cycle.
For example, higher levels of cortisol can disrupt the LH surge inhibiting ovarian function, resulting in untimely release of the egg and a poorly developed corpus luteum. It can also reduce the secretion of oestrogen, limiting cervical mucus production and the development of the endometrial lining.

Poor corpus luteum development can result in lower progesterone levels and consequently luteal phase defects. This interferes with implantation and has been shown to negatively affect immune tolerance in the early stage of pregnancy, an important process responsible for preventing the mothers immune system from rejecting the implanted embryo.
In a different study of American women who had not menstruated for six months or more, for no known reason, were all found to have high levels of urine cortisol levels. Interestingly most of the women reported not to rate themselves as being under stress but researchers noted 'these women have unrealistically high expectations of themselves and and others. They think they can get more done in a day than what is normally possible and their sense of worth depends on  achievement'. After therapy focusing on creating perspective, stress management and self worth 80% of women started menstruating within 5 months compared to  25% of women who did not receive therapy.

These finding go to show that by being kind to yourself and looking at ways of reducing possible stressful situations in your daily life will help improve your natural fertility.

While every day doesn't need to be a super happy, enthusiastic day your stress levels will benefit by giving yourself the time and space to do things that make you happy. Sign up for that class you've been wanting to do, get outside for some exercise, read a good book or watch a comedy. Get offline and meet up with supportive friends for a cup of peppermint, rose or camomile tea. And don't forget your regular acupuncture or massage sessions, they will immediately clear those stress hormones and help brighten your mood.

Fish, omega 3's, mercury and pregnancy

The question of eating fish while trying to conceive and during pregnancy seems to come up a lot. On one hand we need the essential fatty acids that fish offers for the health and development of the baby's eyes, brain and nervous system. Not to mention mum's immune system and hormones that are involved in the growth of the placenta. On the other hand what about the mercury content and issues with over fishing?

The good news is that there are fish that are OK to eat and the ones to avoid are easy.

Ideally a serve of fish 3 times per week is recommended plus a daily dose of good quality fish oils.

The following fish are low in mercury and  high in omega 3's. They are also considered a better choice by the Australian Marine  Conservation Society. http://www.marineconservation.org.au

Mackerel
Wild Australian Salmon and tinned salmon
Herrings
Sardines

The following fish are low in mercury but not as high in omega 3's (while still being a good environmental choice) are as follows:

Squid and octopus
Whiting
Wild Trevally
Mullet
Bream

A word about farmed fish:

In the past fish farming has been loosely regulated allowing for poor practises to develop. Some of these practises include overcrowding, the use of wild fisheries to supply feed and overuse of antibiotics to treat disease. With tighter regulations and pressure from the public many fisheries are improving their farming practises. If you are choosing farmed fish, its worth looking a bit further into the farm and how it does things.

A word about tinned tuna:

There are several species of tuna, all with varying levels of mercury and degrees of over fishing. Greenpeace has put together a website ranking tinned tuna from a sustainable perspective, but doesn't take into consideration the mercury content. http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/en/what-we-do/oceans/Take-action/canned-tuna-guide/
Fortunately Skipjack seems to be both lower in mercury and generally "pole caught", therefor better environmentally. Based on Greenpeace's ranking Fish 4 Ever, Safcol and Greenseas are the top three.
White Ablacore is higher in mercury while yellowfin is at risk of overfishing.

Fish to avoid:

Shark (flake)
Orange Roughy
Swordfish
Ling
Marlin