Preseed.com Blog

The WHO has published new reference guidelines for semen parameters.  These were generated by evaluating 4,500 men in 14 countries whose partners had less than or equal to 12 months time to pregnancy (TTP).  The WHO authors found that with a 95% confidence,  men whose partners had TTP of 12 or fewer months had NO LESS than the following:

• Semen volume:  1.5 ml
• Total sperm in the ejaculate:  39 million
• Sperm per ml:  15 million/ml
• Vitality:  58% live
• Progressive motility:  32%
• Total Motility:  40%
• Morphologically Normal:  4%

(There was a typing error here on 12.15, the values are correct now).

This group of fathers had significantly better semen quality than semen samples tested in the general population.  It is important to note that falling below these levels does not mean that a male factor is causing a couples infertility, but rather that male infertility is a possible factor in the couple’s failing to conceive.

It is IMPERATIVE that any clinic performing a semen analysis for a couple use WHO guidelines to evaluate and interpret the sample.  There is NO excuse to not be performing up to date analysis methods on something this important.

Your physician can find the entire study at Human Reproduction Update Advance Access Nov 24,2009.

Blessings ~ Dr. E

Trimedic Supply Network Ltd. Increasing Access Of Pre-Seed(R) ‘Fertility-Friendly’ Lubricant In Canada 

Valleyford, WA (MMD Newswire) December 8, 2009 — Pre~Seed® ‘fertility-friendly’ Lubricant (INGfertility, Valleyford, WA, www.preseed.com) is partnering with Trimedic Supply Network Ltd. to expand access to its product line for couples in Canada who are trying to become pregnant. Trimedic Supply Network supplies women’s clinics and pharmacies throughout Canada with innovative products and is now making Pre~Seed® more widely available throughout Canada.

Pre~Seed® has received the only clearance by the FDA for a lubricant that is “safe to use when trying to conceive.” “The Pre~Seed® formula mimics fertile cervical mucus and does not interfere with sperm function, fertilization or embryo development,” according to Pharmacist and INGfertility CEO Dr. Dennis Clifton.

“Trying to conceive is a big issue,” states Clifton. At least 90 million couples worldwide are trying to become pregnant. With only a 20% average chance of becoming pregnant each cycle, couples can become stressed, leading to anxiety and increased vaginal dryness. “Unfortunately,” notes Clifton, “most personal lubricants and even saliva can harm sperm. Pre~Seed’s® mild and safe formula provides moisture inside the vagina, where trying-to-conceive couples need it most.”

“The use of Pre~Seed® for trying-to-conceive couples is recommended by many fertility experts and leading medical organizations,” states Clifton. “Although a large number of pharmacies and women’s clinics currently carry Pre~Seed®, consumers have been requesting that the product be available in even more stores across Canada. Trimedic is providing us with a tremendous increase in numbers of stores and clinics where couples can purchase Pre~Seed®”

CONTACT: Dr. GD Clifton, President & CEO, 509.443.0149, info@ingfertility.com, www.preseed.com.

A new paper by El-Chaar et al (Fert Ster Nov 2009) found a 1.55 fold increase in birth defects (2.91%) for children conceived by assisted reproduction (including ovulation induction, IUI, and IVF) versus  natural conceptions (1.86%). This was highest for in vitro fertilization (3.45%) and intrauterine insemination (2.89%).

No one can doubt the blessing that assisted reproduction has been for many couples.  Currently, 2-3% of all European and 1.5% of all US births are a result of these technologies.  However, they should be entered into with a full understanding of potential risks included with the technology, such as preterm labor, lower birth weights and an increased incidence of birth defects.  Assisted reproduction should be saved for couples that REQUIRE this technology, and not rushed into by couples who could conceive naturally if more was done to optimize people’s own fertility.  For example, couples who are lucky enough to have insurance to help with infertility, may find the companies do not want to pay for the time honored medical approaches of problem oriented medicine, where testing is done to identify a problem and time and treatment are done to correct problems.  I firmly believe, that a substantial proportion of male infertility cases have a low grade infectious component that usually goes uncorrected.

Assisted reproduction can be quicker, makes many people involved more money and helps the couple feel that they have done “everything”.  But ALL the outcomes need to be considered in this course of action.

In order to optimize your own fertility, be sure to read the ASRM Best Practice Guidelines “Optimizing Natural Fertility”, which I am proud to say mentions Pre-Seed! There are also several great resources to provide you with the best knowledge to do all that you can when trying to conceive.  These include books like: Taking Charge of Your Fertility, Perfect Hormone Balance for Fertility and Making Babies.  At the very least, you need to know if and when you are ovulating, and be sure to time intercourse appropriately.   Also, make sure his sperm are of a good quality. Fertility vitamins are beneficial for everyone too!  And of course Pre-Seed can also help make for slippery fun and provide an optimal environment, without harming sperm, fertilization or embryo development. 

Blessings-
Dr. E

Merhi (Fertility&Sterility, Nov 2009) concludes that “…bariatric surgery seems to improve fertility status, sexuality, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive hormone profile…”.  Although, the author also cautions that the surgery may be linked to contraceptive failure with “the pill”.  Hmmmm…. More enjoyable sex…an easier time becoming pregnant and a healthier pregnancy??  I think most of women who needed this surgery would gladly trade having to use an alternative method of contraception for the above!

Be healthy!
Dr. E

I LOVED this book!!!  I just received a copy of this new book by Dr. David (an RE) and Ms. Blakeway (Licensed Acupuncturist) and have to say this is one of the most thorough, easily understood and practically helpful books on trying to conceive I have read.  I was especially impressed with the discussion on low grade infection in men, which can impact fertility, but which is usually ignored by most MDs.  And any time an RE acknowledges and talks to couples about fertile cervical mucus, it makes the world feel like a better place

The only drawback with this book was that I felt a little guilty for not eating better and being more healthy!  I was very honored that Dr. David and Ms. Blakeway mentioned Pre-Seed in their book.  And even more pleased with the careful manner in which they explained the science behind our product.

Making Babies can be purchased at Amazon.

Blessings- Dr. E

Pre~Seed® ‘fertility-friendly’ Lubricant is expanding product access to trying to conceive couples in the US with a new distribution partnership, making Pre-Seed®  available to the more than 23,000 independent pharmacies in the US, through H&H Wholesale Services. 

As you all know,  Pre-Seed®  is the first and only lubricant to receive  FDA clearance as “safe to use when trying to conceive”.  We currently have over 350 US pharmacies, adult novelty stores and healthcare clinics that use or carry Pre-Seed®.  But of course, one of our users most frequent suggestions is that Pre-Seed®  be more widely available in stores.  Now any independent pharmacy or store in the US can contact H&H, to carry Pre-Seed® .  We are very excited about this!  Our “Where to buy Pre-Seed” locator directory is growing weekly.  Contact, your local independent pharmacy and ask them to carry Pre-Seed and Pre’!  Spread the word to your TTC community too.

Also…Thanks to all who signed up at Facebook and Twitter

Thank you for helping to make our social network family more active and fun!  I know some people thought it was just too “weird” to talk about using Pre-Seed in this venue and I get that

Others had fun and we have gotten to watch a few fans go thru the 2WW (two week wait) and pregnancy testing…which is always exciting.

Pre-Seed & Pre’ have a large following among several “natural” family planning groups.   We are happy to pass along news that serves these communities, in case it is an approach that blesses you.  Send us your news, if you would like it passed along.  Here is a recent announcement we received:

“Are you interested in learning about a natural way for couples to achieve or avoid pregnancy? Have you heard about a new reproductive science that works cooperatively with a women’s cycle, providing effective treatment for a host of women’s health issues, including PMS, infertility, irregular cycles, repeated miscarriage, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian disease, hormonal abnormalities, chronic discharges, postpartum depression, etc.?  Join us for the Tri-State FertilityCare™ Centers Seminar Day on March 13, 2010 at the Serbian American Cultural Center in Weirton, WV to learn more about the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System and NaProTECHNOLOGY.   Each year, FertilityCare™ Centers in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania join together to host this event in a setting that fosters the education of the public, clients and practitioners.  Dr. Thomas Hilgers, Founder of the Creighton FertilityCare™ System and NaProTECHNOLOGY, will be the keynote speaker this year.  Register today at www.tri-statefertilitycarecenters.com!”

See our new Pre-Seed ad in the Fall Conceive magazine!  Thanks to all of you who voted for your favorite ad.  As a group you all chose ad #1, the couple “under the blanket”, with the touching story from our military couple. 

Feelings ran high with good comments on both ads.  It was wonderful to learn more about what you all like about Pre-Seed.  We also really appreciate your ideas on magazines…we will try some of these new avenues to get the word out. We want to keep honoring the many of you who write in to encourage us to let more people & physicians know about Pre-Seed and Pre’ and their non-irritating, fertility-friendly moisture!!

Blessings- Dr. E

We asked the many clinics who use Pre-Seed and Pre, or who provide product samples to their patients, to let us know what they liked about our products. Here are some recent comments we received.  You can find even more comments here.

Our patients love this product! Couples facing infertility feel empowered when they have a product that can help them succeed with their treatments! – JT, RN, Clermont OB/Gyn & Infertility

 Excellent product.  Patients like ease of use.  Strongly recommend! — JM, MD East Ilsip, NY

Pre-Seed is essential because so many of our infertility patients experience dryness. — Lakeshore Women’s Specialists, Mooresville, NY

Goodbye AstroGlide – Hello Baby!  No pain, only fun…fun…fun with Pre-Seed.  His sperm smile at my cervix!  — A, RN, Family Planning Center, Daytona Beach, FL

Our patients enjoy that Pre-Seed increases the comfort of sexual activity.  When couples are trying to conceive, it’s great to have a lubricant that can be used frequently and with comfort.  One client states that the application of Pre-Seed is much easier than the egg whites she was using.  Our male patients like the consistency of Pre-Seed; that it is conducive to sexual activity.” — L, LAC/OTR, White Crane Medicine, Lakewood, CO

My 11 yr old son, Sayge, has spent the last year naming, organizing and working weekly on Pride Charity, as described below.  He talked about how he could raise more funds NON-STOP on our bicycle tour in Holland…. miles and miles at a time.

It became a family joke, so I promised I would help!

If you have been blessed in this past year of so much need, he would love the added support for their Heifer International funding drive.

Pride Charity (www.pridecharity.org) was started in 2008 by three Freeman Elementary Students (Sayge, Preston and Liam from Rockford, Wa). It now has expanded to over a dozen students, including students in Chelan, Washington. Here is an explanation of our program.

Why: We are raising money for Heifer International because without our support and help people in foreign countries won’t have enough income to by food, education, clothes, and other essentials. We chose Heifer because like the old saying “You can give man a fish and feed him for a day. But teach him how to fish and feed him for a lifetime.”  This is what heifer does.  When you buy an animal from Heifer they give it to people in need around the world. Heifer’s motto is “Ending hunger, caring for the earth.”

What: Our goal is to raise $5,000 before we graduate. There are two ways that you can help.  One is you may give directly to our team page at Heifer thru this link https://www.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=178641&lis=1&kntae178641=D1DECBCA0D704FDD9DFD58E613D5B5B8&supId=0&team=3306215&cj=Y. The other is that you and your group can make homemade crafts or items and sell them and donate the proceeds to Heifer thru the team page above.  To let you know how much you donations mean, an example is if you give $20 you pay for a flock of chickens.  The chickens provide the family with fertilizer for their crops, eggs which provide the family with protein and calcium; and even meat from young chickens.  They can also sell the excess eggs for money.  Here is what other amounts can buy:

When you sign up at Heifer, you will also receive the World Ark Magazine, which our whole family enjoys reading.

We would really like to have as many kids & relatives as possible join our team at Heifer.  It is an easy way to make a difference! Please email Sayge (sage09@msn.com) if you join, with all your contact information so we can keep you in the loop.

We are currently redoing our website and literature, but attached is our current information flyer.

Progress to date: Pride Charity has raised $870 through Heifer.  Which would be 14 pigs or 43 flocks of chickens, or three water buffalos to give milk and plow fields!!

We have fun and we work hard. Please help us today!