The menstrual cycle consists of several stages, or phases, that the female body needs to go through to prepare for the possibility of becoming pregnant each month. Hormone fluctuations are responsible for transitioning the body from one phase to the next. There are four phases of the menstrual cycle. These are: the menstrual phase the […]
Every year, millions of people in the United States have a vasectomy. The procedure is quick, safe, and usually only requires local anesthesia. Most males will experience pain for a few days after the procedure. Vasectomies work as a form of birth control by blocking the vas deferens. This is the tube that carries sperm […]
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that cuts or blocks the vas deferens, the two tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. The procedure stops sperm from getting into the semen in order to prevent pregnancy. After a vasectomy, an individual can still ejaculate and produce sperm, but the body reabsorbs the […]
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin of the penis. In an uncircumcised penis, the foreskin remains. The main differences include appearance and hygiene practices. People may have a circumcision for many different reasons, including: religious reasons, such as if a person follows the Jewish or Muslim faith cultural reasons a family history […]
Miscarriage resets the menstrual cycle. For those who wish to become pregnant again, looking for the signs of ovulation can help them plan when to start trying to conceive. Everyone’s experience of pregnancy loss is different. Many need time and support to recover before they try to conceive again. Others may wish to become pregnant […]
Sperm are male reproductive cells present in the ejaculate. A doctor can tell someone their sperm count using a test called semen analysis. The average sperm count is between 40 million and 300 million sperm per milliliter. This number can vary between testing centers, with the above range coming from Resolve, a nonprofit fertility association. […]
Many genetic and environmental factors can affect fertility in men and women. However, it is possible to increase the chances of having a successful pregnancy using natural methods. This article will discuss evidence-based, natural methods for increasing fertility in both men and women. In women, reducing stress and exercising often can boost fertility. In men, […]
With the increased legalization of cannabis, especially medical marijuana, researchers are interested in finding out more about its effects on health. One area that is currently under exploration is that of marijuana’s effect on fertility. Researchers are investigating the potential effects of smoking marijuana on male fertility. As recent research shows, men in Western countries […]
Clomid is the former brand name of the drug clomiphene citrate, which doctors use to treat infertility in females. Sometimes, however, they may also prescribe it off-label for males with infertility. Infertility can affect both males and females. According to the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, infertility results from: male reproductive issues […]
A luteinizing hormone test measures how much luteinizing hormone a person has in their blood. This is a hormone with key roles in both male and female reproductive systems. Luteinizing hormone (LH) is involved in many bodily processes, including pregnancy, puberty, and ovulation. LH levels increase or decrease at various points during these cycles. This […]