Rehabilitate Your FertilityBy Dr. Lisa Caputo, DC; Dr. Connie D’Astolfo, DC. PhD (c )

Scan with your smart phone to connect directly to our website.

This is part two of our article series on Fertility. We invite our readers to submit your health related questions to our clinical experts at info@spinegroup.ca. If your question is selected it will be pub-lished in our next issue and you will win one of our supplement packs!

Congratulations to Melissa from Vaughan for submitting her question last month. Melissa has won our proprietary fertility supplement pack!

Melissa from Vaughan writes:I am 39 years old and my 44 year old husband and I have been trying to conceive our first baby for over 2 years. We had an early miscarriage 8 months ago and it has taken several months for my cycle to feel regular again. Ten years ago I was diagnosed with PCOS and I have always battled with my weight. My family doctor mentioned that I might have a low ovarian reserve. My husband and I are wondering if we will ever be able to naturally conceive a child.

Melissa,

We empathize with your situation; however it may give you some consolation to know that you and your spouse are certainly not alone. Infertility is faced by 1 in 4 couples. Of course the odds of infertility increase with age, especially when the couple is over 35 years of age. We will address your question by focusing on the following inquiries:

1. Can a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) prevent conception? What causes early miscarriages?2. Does age and low ovarian reserve decrease a woman’s chances of a successful pregnancy?3. Can a male’s age and subsequent sperm quality affect conception?4. Is there anything a couple facing infertility can do to manage their condition?5. Who is a good candidate for a supportive treatment for infertility?

1. PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian SyndromePolycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent and frequently encountered endocrine disor-der in women of reproductive age. It affects as much as 4-10% of women, commonly occurring as early as puberty. Women typically present with menstrual irregularities, hirsutism (male-pat-tern hair growth), and infertility in the form of chronic anovulation or miscarriage. Up to 50% of PCOS patients also present with obesity. It can also be associated with increased risk of Type II Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial or breast cancer. The hallmark of this syndrome is an overproduction of androgen hormones and insulin. Though it cannot be predicted whether the PCOS will persist throughout adulthood, research shows that lifestyle modifications, weight loss, and monitored exercise and supplementation are the best strategies to help manage and reverse the effects of PCOS on female fertility.

Early miscarriages are known as a chemical pregnancy and are much more common than you might think. In fact, between 50% and 60% of all first-time pregnancies are thought to end in miscarriage. The difference between a chemical pregnancy and most other forms of miscarriage is that many women don’t even realize that they have experienced one. This is because chemical pregnancies tend to occur with 6 weeks of pregnancy prior to most pregnancy symptoms.

What Causes a Chemical Pregnancy?Determining the reason for a chemical pregnancy can be difficult, however, there are a few known causes, such as: Chromosome Abnormality: Chromosomal abnormalities are by far the most common cause of a chemical pregnancy, and are present at the time of conception, preventing the baby from forming properly. As a result, a miscarriage occurs. Chromosomal abnormalities can originate from the egg or sperm and sometimes from both. Uterine Abnormalities: Abnormalities in the uterus, such as the presence of uterine fibroids or pol-yps, can interfere with implantation, leading to a chemical pregnancy. Hormonal Deficiency: Women with luteal phase defects and other hormone deficiencies have diffi-culty maintaining a pregnancy due to a lack of hormones, predominantly progesterone. As a result, the body experiences a miscarriage.

2. Age is NOT just a Number There is no denying that fertility declines with age. Fertility starts to decline for women from about the age of 30. Most women will be able to conceive naturally and give birth to a healthy baby if they get pregnant before 35. After 35, the proportion of women who experience infertility, miscar-riage or a problem with their baby increases. By the age of 40 only two in five of those who wish to have a baby will be able to do so. Low or diminished ovarian reserve is age related and refers to a condition of low fertility characterized by 1): low numbers of remaining eggs in the ovaries or 2) possibly impaired egg development. It is usually accompanied by high FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels.

3. The Male FactorSometimes, it’s a guy thing. It has been estimated that the male factor contributes to 50% of infertility in women. A safe and inviting female host is only as good as the sperm that finds it. Unfortunately, not all sperm are created equal. Thanks to an over-taxing environ-ment, oxidative stress, and poor diet and lifestyle, the quality of a man’s sperm today is not what it used to be. There are six main factors that determine whether sperm is of good

quality: mobility, concentration, morphology, speed, count, and sub-fertility. Male sub-fertility may include poor sperm production, blockage in the sperm’s delivery system, testicular injury, over or underproduction of reproductive hormones, anatomical problems, varicocele, previous illness, or side-effects from medication. Drawbacks in any of these areas can greatly influence a couple’s chances of conception. While some men may obsess over increasing the volume of their ejacula-tion, research has shown that a diet rich in zinc and amino acids with the addition of some simple pelvic exercises, can improve both the volume and mobility of sperm, thus enhancing fertility.

4. Take Control of your Fertility at SPINEgroup SPINEgroup professionals have developed an effective program to rehabilitate your fer-tility. Our emphasis is patient education and facilitated management of the underlying cause of your infertility. We highly recommend that the couple seek treatment together to increase their chances of success. Research has shown significant increases in success rates for fertility when there are changes to diet, supplementation and lifestyle modifi-cations. Exercise therapy, manipulation, soft tissue therapy/massage, acupuncture and psychotherapy performed at the opportune times in a women’s cycle and also for the male factor are essential components to the SPINEgroup Fertility Program.

5. Are YOU a Good Candidate for the SPINEgroup Fertility Program?

Rehabilitate Your FertilityBy Dr. Lisa Caputo, DC; Dr. Connie D’Astolfo, DC. PhD (c ), & Robin Khangura, M.Sc

Scan with your smart phone to connect directly to our website.

This is part two of our article series on Fertility. We invite our readers to submit your health related questions to our clinical experts at info@spinegroup.ca. If your question is selected it will be pub-lished in our next issue and you will win one of our supplement packs!

Congratulations to Melissa from Vaughan for submitting her question last month. Melissa has won our proprietary fertility supplement pack!

Melissa from Vaughan writes:I am 39 years old and my 44 year old husband and I have been trying to conceive our first baby for over 2 years. We had an early miscarriage 8 months ago and it has taken several months for my cycle to feel regular again. Ten years ago I was diagnosed with PCOS and I have always battled with my weight. My family doctor mentioned that I might have a low ovarian reserve. My husband and I are wondering if we will ever be able to naturally conceive a child.

Melissa,

We empathize with your situation; however it may give you some consolation to know that you and your spouse are certainly not alone. Infertility is faced by 1 in 4 couples. Of course the odds of infertility increase with age, especially when the couple is over 35 years of age. We will address your question by focusing on the following inquiries:

1. Can a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) prevent conception? What causes early miscarriages?2. Does age and low ovarian reserve decrease a woman’s chances of a successful pregnancy?3. Can a male’s age and subsequent sperm quality affect conception?4. Is there anything a couple facing infertility can do to manage their condition?5. Who is a good candidate for a supportive treatment for infertility?

1. PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian SyndromePolycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent and frequently encountered endocrine disor-der in women of reproductive age. It affects as much as 4-10% of women, commonly occurring as early as puberty. Women typically present with menstrual irregularities, hirsutism (male-pat-tern hair growth), and infertility in the form of chronic anovulation or miscarriage. Up to 50% of PCOS patients also present with obesity. It can also be associated with increased risk of Type II Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial or breast cancer. The hallmark of this syndrome is an overproduction of androgen hormones and insulin. Though it cannot be predicted whether the PCOS will persist throughout adulthood, research shows that lifestyle modifications, weight loss, and monitored exercise and supplementation are the best strategies to help manage and reverse the effects of PCOS on female fertility.

Early miscarriages are known as a chemical pregnancy and are much more common than you might think. In fact, between 50% and 60% of all first-time pregnancies are thought to end in miscarriage. The difference between a chemical pregnancy and most other forms of miscarriage is that many women don’t even realize that they have experienced one. This is because chemical pregnancies tend to occur with 6 weeks of pregnancy prior to most pregnancy symptoms.

What Causes a Chemical Pregnancy?Determining the reason for a chemical pregnancy can be difficult, however, there are a few known causes, such as:

Chromosome Abnormality: Chromosomal abnormalities are by far the most common cause of a chemical pregnancy, and are present at the time of conception, preventing the baby from forming properly. As a result, a miscarriage occurs. Chromosomal abnormalities can originate from the egg or sperm and sometimes from both.

Uterine Abnormalities: Abnormalities in the uterus, such as the presence of uterine fibroids or pol-yps, can interfere with implantation, leading to a chemical pregnancy.

Hormonal Deficiency: Women with luteal phase defects and other hormone deficiencies have diffi-culty maintaining a pregnancy due to a lack of hormones, predominantly progesterone. As a result, the body experiences a miscarriage.

2. Age is NOT just a Number There is no denying that fertility declines with age. Fertility starts to decline for women from about the age of 30. Most women will be able to conceive naturally and give birth to a healthy baby if they get pregnant before 35. After 35, the proportion of women who experience infertility, miscar-riage or a problem with their baby increases. By the age of 40 only two in five of those who wish to have a baby will be able to do so. Low or diminished ovarian reserve is age related and refers to a condition of low fertility characterized by 1): low numbers of remaining eggs in the ovaries or 2) possibly impaired egg development. It is usually accompanied by high FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels.

3. The Male FactorSometimes, it’s a guy thing. It has been estimated that the male factor contributes to 50% of infertility in women. A safe and inviting female host is only as good as the sperm that finds it. Unfortunately, not all sperm are created equal. Thanks to an over-taxing environ-ment, oxidative stress, and poor diet and lifestyle, the quality of a man’s sperm today is not what it used to be. There are six main factors that determine whether sperm is of good

Dr. Connie D’Astolfo, DC, PhD (c) is clinical director of SPINEgroup. Dr. Lisa Caputo, DC is an associate chiropractor at SPINEgroup. Our Fertility Support Program is deliv-ered by our team of clinical experts including a psychotherapist, physiotherapist, chiro-practor and massage therapist; designed to diagnose and address the factors that may be impeding with your ability to conceive. It is also designed to support and increase the suc-cess of IVF therapy. You can inquire about our new Fertility Support Program at info@spinegroup.ca or visit our website at www.spinegroup.ca or contact us at 905-850-SPINE (7746). Watch Dr. D’Astolfo and Dr. Caputo featured on In The Know Rogers Cable TV on March 7, 2012 @ 6:00pm as they speak on the issue of Infertility.

Inquire about our free upcoming Fertility workshops located at the clinic.

1. Have you and your partner been having trouble conceiving for over a year?2. Are you over the age of 35?3. Have you and/or your partner been diagnosed with: endometriosis, PCOS, uterine

fibroids, polyps, anovulation, low ovarian reserve, and/or poor sperm quality?4. Have you or your partner suffered from previous trauma that is making conception

difficult?5. Are you currently undergoing IVF therapy or pursuing a natural conception?6. Are you ready to take control of your health and fertility and commit to a safe and

innovative regimen of self-management and self-discovery?

Inquire about our free upcoming Fertility workshops located at the clinic.

SPINEgroup Fertility Workshops:7611 Pine Valley Drive, Unit 1, Vaughan

Thursday April 5, 2012 @ 7:00 pmLearn how to chart your cycles and restore proper hormonal balance. Learn what tests you should ask your doctor to perform.

Thursday May 3, 2012 @ 7:00 pmLearn about common foods and herbs which act as a contraceptive to pregnancy and foods/herbs which naturally support your fertility.

quality: mobility, concentration, morphology, speed, count, and sub-fertility. Male sub-fertility may include poor sperm production, blockage in the sperm’s delivery system, testicular injury, over or underproduction of reproductive hormones, anatomical problems, varicocele, previous illness, or side-effects from medication. Drawbacks in any of these areas can greatly influence a couple’s chances of conception. While some men may obsess over increasing the volume of their ejacula-tion, research has shown that a diet rich in zinc and amino acids with the addition of some simple pelvic exercises, can improve both the volume and mobility of sperm, thus enhancing fertility.

4. Take Control of your Fertility at SPINEgroup SPINEgroup professionals have developed an effective program to rehabilitate your fer-tility. Our emphasis is patient education and facilitated management of the underlying cause of your infertility. We highly recommend that the couple seek treatment together to increase their chances of success. Research has shown significant increases in success rates for fertility when there are changes to diet, supplementation and lifestyle modifi-cations. Exercise therapy, manipulation, soft tissue therapy/massage, acupuncture and psychotherapy performed at the opportune times in a women’s cycle and also for the male factor are essential components to the SPINEgroup Fertility Program.

5. Are YOU a Good Candidate for the SPINEgroup Fertility Program?