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May 9, 2008

By Mindy Berkson

Infertility affects one in six couples today. This staggering statistic is comprised of 40% women issues and 40% male factor with the remainder considered unexplained. Although infertility is not a woman-only syndrome, it is often the woman who endures most of the stressful impact both emotionally and physically. The major factors that have caused infertility to be on the rise are:

• Delayed childbearing for women who value their careers, which leads to advanced maternal age
• Medical conditions
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Environmental issues
• Obesity

These jarring statistics raise many concerns and questions. When should a woman seek treatment? How long will it take? What are her chances of success? How can she maximize her optimal cycle?

As an infertility consultant, I have counseled and guided hundreds of intended parents through the infertility process. Over the past decade, I have always suggested that an optimum cycle begins with an optimum whole being. This encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

There are a few common-sense rules that can better prepare a woman physically for the road ahead. For example, no recreational drugs or smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, limitations on caffeine and soda intake, eating healthy, and sensible exercise.

I was shocked when I stumbled upon research by Dr. Cenk Haytac of the Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey, proving that ovulation induction, which is the most common method in the management of infertility, exacerbates gingival inflammation, bleeding, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume, and that the duration of the usage of these drugs is strongly associated with the severity of gingival inflammation. (J Periodontol 2004; 75:805-810)

Dr. Haytac showed that gingiva is a target tissue for estrogen since it contains specific high-affinity estrogen receptors. The medication protocols for infertility treatment greatly enhance the estrogen levels at various points throughout the cycle, making these women prime candidates for gingivitis and periodontal disease. An increased level of GCF, a fluid that contains enzymes and tissue break-down products, has been labeled a potential marker for the progression of periodontitis.

Dr. Haytac's study provided evidence that the presence of oral infection is associated with unsuccessful embryo development and implantation failure in infertility patients. Since periodontal diseases are chronic bacterial infections, the study suggests that periodontal status may also affect reproduction success and the outcome of infertility treatment.

It makes sense to add a routine oral exam to the list of prepregnancy guidelines. Elimination of any possible gum infections is not only good for the patient's health and overall well-being, but is also another way to optimize the chances of successful implantation.

As one of the first infertility consultancies in the United States, Lotus Blossom Consulting, LLC, was begun in 2005 by founder Mindy Berkson, after her own battle with secondary infertility. Lotus Blossom Consulting was founded to assist individuals working through the oftentimes challenging roadblocks of infertility, to help achieve family-building goals by providing the best information and resources available — in one location. With extensive experience in all aspects of infertility, from egg donors to in-vitro fertilization, Lotus Blossom works with individuals on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration clients' emotional, physical, and financial infertility issues. By researching the best combination of resources available, Lotus Blossom then develops an individualized, comprehensive plan, including relevant insurance information, to help clients make informed decisions for their overall infertility treatment plan. Lotus Blossom has worked with many individuals to enrich their lives by helping to fulfill their dreams of having children. For more information about Lotus Blossom Consulting, LLC, or to schedule an interview with infertility consultant Mindy Berkson, call toll free (877) 881-2685, or visit them on the Web at www.lotusblossomconsulting.com.

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