Dear Z

Thank you for your question. The time it will take for you to fall pregnant after stopping Nuristerate depends on you own individual metabolism. We usually recommend trying for up to 12 months from the last dose before seeking help for possible infertility issues.

Warm regards

Yesheen

Dear L

Thank you for your question.  Unfortunately I do not have a clinical profile from you as to why your ova are of poor quality.  This is a problem that you must liase directly with the fertility clinic which is treating you, as they will have a detailed file on you.  The cause of the problem needs to be looked at, prior to me advising you.  I suggest that you contact your gynaecologist directly, or alternatively make an appointment to see me please.  

Kind regards

Angela  

Dear  Nompi,

Thank you for your question re Nur-Isterate, which sometimes does have a long term effect in the body.

However, most important , are you having a regular monthly cycle ?

Once we have established your cycle &  perhaps a blood test to establish your hormone profile, you will certainly have some answers.

Please feel free to contact me for further discussion.

Am resident in Kloof (021 4875441) or email: felicia@wellnesswarehouse.com.

Kind regards

Yours in Health

Felicia Rubin (Senior Pharmacist & Integrated Health Practitioner)

Dear J

Many thanks for your question.

In all honesty, I suggest that you make an appointment to see your gynaecologist so that he or she can assess and examine you fully, and also determine whether you are ovulating properly.  Your doctor should also do a breast examination and Pap (cervical) smear, if not already done annually. 

Once the basics have been done and checked, you are welcome to keep me updated with your progress from this appointment, and e-mail me with your results, or alternatively make an appointment to see me with your results and I will advise you further.  But please do the above first. 

You are still young enough with time on your side to make your dream come true.  Potential medical conditions need to be ruled out as well.

Sometimes it takes a little longer for some women to fall pregnant, than others, but don't lose heart, just have lots of patience.  Please make an appointment to see your gynaecologist soon. 

Please always refer back to your previous e-mail, so that I am able to follow you up effectively. 

Lots of good luck to you!

Warmest regards

Angela
 

Dear N

Thank you for your question. It can take anything from a couple of days to a whole year before you are able to fall pregnant once stopping an oral contraceptive. It depends very much on your body's ability to clear out the remnants of the synthetic oestrogen in your system and it's ability to bounce back into a normal rhythm that supports a viable pregnancy.

If you are serious about falling pregnant and bringing a new life into this world then I would recommend stopping the contraceptive for at least 12 months, using a good vitamin supplement, eating a healthy nutritious diet that minimises red meat, sugars and simple flours, exercising and most importantly - forgetting about trying to fall pregnant. Stressing about it negatively impacts on your ability to fall pregnant.

Many thanks and warm regards

Yesheen

Dear C

A warm welcome to our Wellness Warehouse website!

I recommend that you make an appointment to see your GP and gynaecologist and ask them to consult each other so as to pull your body back into rhythm, especially as you are a diabetic and on Eltroxin medication for your thyroid.  You do need to be under their supervision.  It is not sufficiently adequate to manage you from a website without seeing you as well.    

Your GP will be able to repeat your blood pressure as you are currently now.  A fasting glucose test to be done in the morning, and a haemoglobin finger prick test to be done to check for your iron levels, or even for blood to be taken and sent away to a pathology laboratory.  It would be advisable to get better first and pull your body back into sync, before falling pregnant.  You will need to be monitored by your GP and gynae due to your diabetes and thyroid condition please.  

If you were in Cape Town, I could consult and monitor you from our Well Clinic, and then refer you when necessary.  The above needs to be done to determine the cause of your signs and symptoms.  You need to be a little patient for that wished for pregnancy, and in the interim be guided by your doctors in person, who will diagnostically resolve the dizziness (could be due to a low haemoglobin, compounded by insulin resistance, and a possible low BP).   

I do hope that you feel better soon.  You are more than welcome to ask for further assistance.

Warmest regards

Angela

Dear M

Thank you for your question. What you are experiencing is termed secondary infertility - you have been able to fall pregnant in the past and successfully carry a baby to term but for some reason you are unable to do so now. 

One of the causes may be the recent use of a contraceptive. We usually allow a twelve month period after the last dose of contraceptive before making the diagnosis of infertility because even though the contraceptive weans itself out of your body by month three it often takes up to twelve months for your body's own hormonal cycle to kick in and successfully support a conception. Having a monthly cycle does not necessarily equate to ovulating every month.

Another reason may be the antiretrovirals you are on - they have been known to affect many different systems including the hormonal/reproductive system. Depending on the drug there is a possibility that you will find it challenging to fall pregnant or that if you do the fetus will be malformed and spontaneously abort because of the inherent mechanism of the drug. 

I would firstly ask you to be thankful for the two healthy kids you do have, and secondly relax and give it some more time. If after twelve months of no contraceptive use you are still finding it difficult to conceive then please approach you local clinic for a referral to the nearest public infertility clinic. 

Many thanks and warm regards

Yesheen 

Hi Bahlaole

Thank you for your query.  The PREGNACARE MULTIVITAMIN product is a good product.  This needs to be taken as x1 tablet every day after breakfast.  A good omega supplement is also essential so as to ensure that your baby will develop healthy brain and nerve tissue.  It also ensures healthy muscle co-ordination.  I recommend MUM OMEGA by Equazen as x1 capsule every evening after supper.  In addition, I also recommend for the mum to be, FERTILITY FOR WOMEN by Viridian as x1 - 2 capsules daily after food, preferably after breakfast.

And for you as the dad of baby, so as to ensure good quality sperm and motility, FERTILITY FOR MEN by Viridian, to be taken as x2 capsules after breakfast every morning. 

Always drink the above with water, when swallowing medication.

All the best of luck to you both!

Warmest regards

Angela

Dear Trying

Many thanks for your query.   I sincerely apologise for my late reply as I have been away on leave. 

You can actually count 10/11 as your first day of bleeding for your menses as it is so close to the hour for the following day.  You seem to have a 30 to 31 day cycle.  This may be how it is for you usually, or it could be due to your nutritional status or even stress. Do keep a daily record.  Try and chill, do try not to stress as this can often impede conception.

There are some interesting guidelines out there about conceiving baby girls and boys.  From my obstetric experience I can tell you that a predominantly dairy intake is supposed to encourage the conception of a girl.  A predominantly salty diet can result in a baby boy.  But don't forget that it is the father of the baby who genetically determines the sex of the baby due to the different mix of chromosones.  The alkalinity of the vagina mucosa assists in the female sex of the baby as well.  An acidic mucosa tends to lean more towards a male conception.  I suggest that you balance your acid and alkaline levels generally.  DR VOGEL'S ALKALINE POWDER taken as x1 dessertspoon (10 mls) a day will assist you with this.  

Your guideline given is accurate for intercourse 2 - 3 days prior to ovulation.  If you wanted a boy, then carry on and have intercourse for each of the 3 days after ovulation.  More frequent intercourse, is supposed to increase the chances of a male conception as the genetic material transported in the head of a sperm needs to be in more abundance to survive and win its swim to the ovum! 

You can include the day of ovulation for conception, but then depending on the few above mentioned factors there would also be the small possibility of a baby boy.  Also remember the dad's genetic role in determining the sex of the baby!

Aim for a healthy baby first of all, and should your little one be a girl, take it as a bonus! 

So sorry this is late  -  perhaps you would like to pose a new question as to how you are now?  All the same, everything of the very best to you, relax and enjoy, before your prescious bundle arrives.

Warmest regards

Angela  

Dear T

Many thanks for your query.  Your clinical profile is one which I would require you to see me for with your pathology results.  Your doctor has advised you correctly so far.  There is very little that I can do without having seen those hormonal levels.  There are an increasing number of women with hormonal imbalances, so you are not alone with this problem.

You are welcome to make an appointment to see me to assist you further.  Take care now.

Warmest regards

Angela

Dear T

Thank you for your follow-up question. You may indeed be on the right track here with your suspicions regarding the after effects of pelvic injury. The scar tissue within your pelvis as a result of the healing process may be negatively impacting on your ovaries, the blood supply to the ovaries or even the fallopian tubes. This in turn may reduce your ability to ovulate or to conceive. The only way to make certain that all is well is for a contrast study of your uterus and fallopian tubes, called a retrograde hysterosalpingography, which your GP or gynaecologist can arrange if indicated.

Many thanks and warm regards

Yesheen

Hi

Fertility treatment is complex and everything that you take will have an impact on the process. Because of this it is important to stick with only one Dr/plan of action at a time. So instead of answering I suggest that you rather ask your fertility Dr about the Staminogro as s/he will know how it will fit in with your specific plan.

Give this program a few cycles chance. If you are not happy with your Dr, go to a different fertility expert or use a different approach.

I am sure that you know this, but just in case: it is important that both you and your partner are completely healthy and relaxed. The more stressed either partner is the more difficult it is to conceive. So relax as much as you are able (I know it is easier to say than do) and do things that are fun together.

Good luck!

Warm regards

Gabriell

Hi Jesse,        

I agree with you about not putting more artificial hormones into your body to correct issues caused by artificial hormones in the first place.

Firstly, I suggest you give your liver some additional support in metabolising the hormones that need to still be cleared from your system, especially if you plan to conceive soon. Milk thistle is a very gentle liver restorer and detoxifier. I suggest Solgar's Milk Thistle or Holistix Milk Thistle.

I would advise you take a herb such as Agnus Castus to bring your hormones back into balance. Agnus Castus helps to normalise female sex hormones. It is indicated for painful periods, PMS and infertility. It is a very effective treatment and has even been known to stimulate the release of multiple eggs from the ovary, resulting in multiple births. I suggest Solgar's Agnus Castus.

Warm wishes, Dr. Megan Jones, Registered Homoeopath

Dear J

Thank you for your query.  I always recommend a 90 day (3 month) supplementation programme for preconception so as to assist a woman in preparing her body for a healthy pregnancy. 

The two most important products that should always be considered, are a good quality multivitamin which contains folic acid, e.g.  CHELA-PREG by Arctic Health   -   to be taken as x1 tablet daily after breakfast.  Or alternatively, PREGNAVIT M by Georen Pharmaceuticals, the same dosage. 

The second most important product should be an omega supplement, e.g. MUM OMEGA by Equazen.  This is taken as x1 capsule daily after food, morning or evening.

These 2 products will assist in providing your baby with healthy brain tissue and nervous system.  They can be taken before conception, during pregnancy and post delivery. 

I note that you have been on Nur-Isterate for 10 years without a break.  It takes the body at least 6 months to release all the chemical components from all the systems of the body after the consistent usage, like this, of the two month contraceptive injection.  Sometimes it can take a little bit longer, but perserverance wins in the end.

All the best of luck with your plans!

Warmest regards

Angela

Dear Jessicah

Thank you for your query and for giving a detailed contraceptive history.  It is great that all your diagnostic tests came back healthy. 

Your doctor has advised you correctly.  The contraceptive pill in your particular instance, will help to trigger your hormonal cycle once again.  I fully understand you not wanting to take the pill and the reasons thereof etc.  However, for you it should pull your cycle back to normality  -  you need only take it for 2-3 months in order for regular menses to return.  I also recommend a good quality multivitamin like VITA-LIFE by Amipro  -  take x2 capsules, twice a day after breakfast and supper, or x1 capsule three times a day after meals.  This multivitamin will assist in replacing the mineral loss of your sceletal structure caused by taking contraceptives, including the contraceptive injection.  Alternatively, the MULTIVITAMIN+MINERAL FOR WOMEN by Foodstate as x2 capsules after breakfast, is also excellent.

Otherwise, your answer is to sit it out longer and wait for your hormonal cycle to right itself on its own.  Still take a multivitamin as suggested, eat a well balanced and healthy nutritional eating plan, drink 2 - 3 litres of filtered water daily, and do regular and gentle exercise.  

The Well Clinic  does a wellness assessment which could assist you in determining that you are healthy   -   this non-invasive medical checkup covers blood pressure, a measurement of height, weight, girth and a BMI (body mass index), a glucose test, total cholesterol screening, and haemoglobin.  This service does require you to make an appointment please.

Good luck!

Warm regards

Angela

Dear H

Thank you for your query.  The hCG range of 46 is perfectly normal and indicates an early pregnancy.  The approximate hCG range for one week of gestation is between 5 - 50 IU/L.  I hope that your pregnancy is a happy occurrence as I would like to wish you heartiest congratulations!  How exciting for you!

Warmest regards

Angela
 

Many thanks for your query.  A good approach is to allocate at least 3 months for vitamin supplementation (i.e. 90 days) to be taken prior to falling pregnant.  This will really assist your body in preparing for a healthy conception.  Once your prescious cargo is on board, you can continue as such and even after the delivery of baby.  There are numerous supplements for this purpose. 

The following are quality supplements you can consider :

A good multivitamin is always a must e.g.  The VIRIDIAN PREGNANCY COMPLEX, taken as x2 capsules daily after breakfast.  This product is free of gluten, wheat, lactose, added sugar, salt, yeast, preservatives and artificial colourings.  Suitable for vegetarians.  (In the Viridian range no bovine products are used, nor is any testing done on animals). Other alternative examples of quality multivitamins are CHELA-PREG by Arctic, and can be taken as x1 tablet daily after food.  PREGNAVIT M by Georen Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd is another alternative, and can be taken as x2 capsules daily after food, preferably breakfast.  Don't take your supplements on an empty tummy  -  your body will only absorb about 20% of the supplement and the rest will literaly pass right through you!   Only one of the above need be taken for a multivitamin.  These supplements contain folic acid which is essential for well developed brain tissue and prevents neural tube defects.

An omega supplement is essential.  I always recommend MUMOMEGA Pregnancy by Arctic, and can be taken as x1 capsule daily .  MEGA OMEGA by The Real Thing company, is an excellent alternative, and again only x1 capsule daily.  An omega supplement will provide your baby with essential nutrients for healthy nerve and muscle tissue. 

All of the above named products are stocked by our Wellness Warehouse stores.

When eating, it is important to remember that you are not eating for two (!), but in essence to eat correctly with a well balanced nutritional eating plan.  Eat small meals often, don't skip meals etc.  Do eat your 7-9 vegetables (including salads) a day, 3-4 fruits a day (unless diabetic), drink at least 2 litres of water a day, and do gentle exercise like walking and swimming.  Your dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, brocolli and green beans contain iron.  The herb rocket, is loaded with iron and can be eaten on sandwiches, in salads and soups  -  my personal favourite!   Vegetables and fruits contain natural antioxidants which support the immune system and among other things, help to eliminate toxins and chemicals from the body.  If you are able to visit our food markets and cafe, you can only benefit from the healthy variety and quality available.  Steer clear of too much of the 'white'  foods like white bread, pastries, white sugar. 

All of the above, with a good dose of patience added, can surely make it happen!  Oh, and don't forget to destress  - vitally important in order for a pregnancy to happen. 

All the best of luck!  Warm regards, Angela, Nursing Practitioner.

.

Many thanks for your query.  Yes indeed, our primary health care clinic does provide a family planning service at our Kloof Clinic in Cape Town.  Please ensure that an appointment is made, so as to provide you with quality time.  A 20 - 30 minute time slot is allocated for this type of request.  The contact number is 021-4875420, and request the clinic.  Alternatively, you can contact the clinic directly on 021-4875435 between the hours of 09h00 - 16h00, Monday to Friday. With kind regards, Angela, Nursing Practitioner.

There are numerous ovulation kits on the market  -  I am aware of 10 that are currently advertised on the internet.  As you have not mentioned the name and make of the specific ovulation kit which you have currently been using, I suggest that you go back to the instruction booklet/leaflet and follow the guidelines carefully.  These kits are designed to be simple.  Many questions have already been answered  on this website about pre-conception, fertility, ovulation and pregnancy  -  I suggest that you check under "women's health" on the Wellness Warehouse website at www.wellnesswarehouse.com   It is great that you are eating correctly and taking your vitamins (i.e. a folic acid and iron supplement and a good omega supplement?).  You also need to drink sufficient water, do gentle exercise, and de stress.  Should you be in the geographical area of Cape Town or Claremont, I suggest that you make an appointment to see me so that I can do a wellness assessment for you, which is our own non-invasive medical check-up consisting of a blood pressure, height, body mass (weight), body mass index, a glucose test, a total cholesterol screen, and a haemoglobin (to check iron levels in the blood).  A visual assessment is done at the same time. 

Each woman is a unique individual, and falling pregnant can happen easily for some, and then it can take longer for others.  This is a time when being patient can really be tested! 

It may be a good thing for you to book an appointment to see your gynaecologist, depending on when you last had a check-up with a specialist of this nature.  I do encourage all clients to consider having an annual pap smear (cervical smear) so as to rule out any potential problems.  A cervical smear procedure can also be booked at our Well Clinics.

You are welcome to telephone me about any further queries you may have, or if you remain confused with the ovulation kit you are using, on telephone numbers 021-4875420/6737200 from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 09h00  -  16h00.    

Kind regards, Sister Angela Lombard, Nursing Practitioner.

It is great that your body is adjusting so well to being off the pill and your hormones are finding their natural balance so fast. While getting ready to conceive, it is important to stay relaxed, to exercise gently and to get enough sleep, and continue to take your vitamins!

Ovulation occurs around day 14 of the cycle (measured from the first day of your period). Eggs are viable for about 24 hours while sperm can live for up to 5 days. So there is a fertile period of about 5 days in the middle of the cycle.

Certain body changes take place when you are ovulating.

You may notice a series of lower abdominal cramps or twinges, usually on one side of the abdomen, that occur at ovulation.

Your body temperature will change at ovulation as a result of the change in hormones. Basal body temperature reaches its lowest at ovulation and then increases immediately by about 0.2 ° C. It will then continue to increase for a couple days afterwards. The small increase at ovulation is similar to the general fluctuations; however you will know when ovulation is in retrospect after seeing the large increase over the following days. You can buy a special thermometer that measures basal body temperature. This is measured first thing in the morning before sitting up or talking, after at least about 5 hours of sleep.

Your cervix and cervical mucous also changes at ovulation. Before ovulation there may be very little mucous production, while just before and at ovulation there are larger volumes of thicker, stretchy, slippery mucous. In addition before ovulation the cervix is low, hard and closed, while at ovulation it softens, pulls up and opens slightly. You can check this by feeling the cervix with one or two fingers.

 However all of these changes need to be recorded over a few months to see the pattern, and then they only give a general guide as to when ovulation occurs.

Ovulation kits can be very useful. As your cycle is about 25 to 27 days and seems to be regular, then it is most likely that you are ovulating sometime between day 12 and day 14. I would suggest start using the ovulation kit a couple days before the predicted date and continue daily until you get a positive result. The other option would be to track your body changes over a few months using the other methods and then to use the ovulation kit to see exactly when you are ovulating.

Good luck!

Kind Regards

Dr Gabriell Prinsloo

Well done for persevering so far!  It is important that your infection clears up completely, otherwise your immune system will be compromised.  You do not mention the name of the pills your doctor prescribed, but I am sure that he/she would have prescribed medication for you that would be 'safe' should you fall pregnant at this time, so that there would be no danger for a potential pregnancy.  Please try and be patient with yourself and relax as much as possible  -  once you relax, and not try so hard every time miracles can happen.  You are welcome to make a time to see me so that we can reassess the whole situation for you from a holistic viewpoint, namely to look at you physically and nutritionally.  Your gynaecologist's advice has been correct so far with the approach he has taken.  All the very best of luck!  Kind regards, Angela, Nursing Practitioner.

I would most definitely recommend taking the supplements in the morning after breakfast. However Staminogro, is often prescribed by medical practitioners, to be taken at night. The reason being is that it contains a large range of amino acids. The Viridian fertility brand is an excellent product & am sure you will feel good taking it after your morning meal. Best wishes & good luck for the future. Regards, Felicia (Pharmacist and Natural Medicine Dispensary Consultant)