Preseed.com Blog

As noted in previous post, I am hosting a small group fertility workshop in Toronto (Canada) on Monday morning, September 8, 2008.  We’ll be discussing ways to optimize successful natural conception; in addition to fielding your questions on trying to conceive and maintaining fun in your relationship while “baby-making.” 

The session is being arranged in conjunction with Discovery and Channel 4 UK and will be filmed and featured in a science documentary about conception airing in 2009. A goal of the seminar is to include individuals with a range of fertility knowledge and experience. 

We are still looking for some gals who are relatively new on their TTC journey just to talk about basics and have fun learning together.  I promise I will take good care of you and we can read questions if you are too shy to ask a question out loud

Please pass this blog link to your TTC or friends’ community, especially in Toronto!  

Anyone interested in attending should send a brief email detailing their individual history and particular questions of interest to the programme producer, Jennifer Beamish at jennifer.beamish@blinkfilmsuk.com

Go on drop Jennifer a line!

Dr. E

In the August journal of Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause (a publication of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine) Pre~Seed is mentioned for use by women with painful intercourse and vaginal dryness following breast cancer treatment.  We are pleased to see our isotonic product mentioned in this medical journal.  Pre~Seed or Pre’ can be used by women in all stages of life for isotonic, mild moisture & lubrication.  Limiting irritation caused by lubricant products during love-making is important for all women, but especially those that are already having pain at intercourse.  A recent study published by researchers at Ghent University discussed the potential for different  lubricants to cause mucosal irritation, (referring to the tissue of the vagina).  Most physicians are not aware of how hypertonic (or hyperosmotic) the leading brands of lubricant are formulated, which can lead to irritation.  The study abstract is cited below. 

Mucosal Irritation Potential of Personal Lubricants Relates to Product Osmolality as Detected by the SMI (Slug Mucosal Irritation Assay)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 2008 May;35(5):512-516
Els ADRIAENS, PhD; Jean Paul REMON, PharmD.  Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

BACKGROUND: The slug mucosal irritation assay has recently been used as a sensitive measure of mucus membrane tolerance for vaginal microbicide products and carriers. In the current study, it was determined whether musosal irritation potency of personal lubricants is related to varying product osmolalities.

METHODS: Five commercial lubricants with an osmolality range were evaluated using the previously validated slug mucosal irritation assay. Specifically, Arion lusitanicus were treated with lubricants over 5 days to quantify mucus production and tissue damage, allowing assignment of each product into an irritation potency category (none, mild, moderate, or severe).

RESULTS: The irritation potency (assessed by the mucus production) of the lubricants showed a significant, quadratic relationship with the product osmolality (P = 0.001; R (2) = 0.99). Femglide, a hypo-osmotic lubricant (32 mOsm/kg), caused a negative mucus production. Pré, an iso-osmotic lubricant (316 mOsm/kg), caused no changes. Two moderately hyperosmotic lubricants, Replens and K-Y jelly (2143 and 2463 mOsm/kg), induced mild and moderate irritation, respectively. The highly hyperosmotic lubricant Astroglide (5848 mOsm/kg) resulted in severe irritation and tissue damage.

CONCLUSIONS: Commonly used personal lubricants show a full range of mucosal irritation potential, which is related to product osmolality.

Our own Dr. E (Joanna Ellington) will be hosting an intimate fertility workshop in Toronto (Canada) on Monday morning, September 8, 2008. She’ll be discussing ways to optimize successful natural conception; in addition to fielding your questions on trying to conceive and maintaining fun in your relationship while “baby-making.” 

The session is being arranged in conjunction with Discovery and Channel 4 UK and as such will be filmed and featured in a science documentary about conception airing in 2009. A goal of the seminar is to include individuals with a range of fertility knowledge and experience.  Specifically, they are looking for a few true novices who are just starting their journey, as well as some of our long timers, who know a great deal about this all.

Please pass this blog link to your TTC or friends’ community.  

Anyone interested in attending should send a brief email detailing their individual history and particular questions of interest to the programme producer, Jennifer Beamish at jennifer.beamish@blinkfilmsuk.com

From all of us at INGfertility

See the great mention of Pre~Seed this week (August 25, 2008) in Woman’s World under their “Ask America’s Ultimate Experts” section.  The Pre~Seed mention came from Toni Weschler, the international bestselling author of Taking Charge of Your Fertility.

Toni’s book is a MUST read for every woman, whether trying to avoid or achieve conception.  I have bought this book for all the young women in my life (sisters, son’s girlfriends, etc…).  Most of us gals do not understand our cycle and how to use cervical mucus to track your fertility.  Toni’s book will show you how.

I really enjoyed this Woman’s World magazine also!  I hadn’t read it before, but I learned to eat English muffins instead of bagels (well unless I do the Oprah detox diet they recommend). 

Only two weeks until I go to New York to be in a Discovery Channel sperm special, maybe I better start that diet!!!

Take Care-

Dr. E