Fertility Clinic

In America today, one in six couples of child-bearing age has trouble conceiving and completing a successful pregnancy. That's 6.1 million couples!

If you are having problems conceiving or want to minimize the chances of your child being born with abnormalities you should consider cleansing your body of toxins. The Cleansing Clinic helping people prevent illness and possibly increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy by removing harmful toxins from your body. Call now for a free consultation (973) 313-0056.

The Cleansing Clinic is located directly across the street to The Diamond Institute and our staff works closely with their staff to help patients address their fertility issues.

The human reproductive process is complex. To become pregnant, the intricate processes of ovulation and fertilization need to work just right.

In an increasingly toxic environment more and more studies are indicating that men and women looking to conceive should cleanse themselves of toxin to maximize the chances of having a healthy baby. Eat only organic foods, avoid seafood known to be rich in mercury and avoid coming into contact with or breathing noxious chemicals / solvents. Additionally, soon to be parents (before conception) should consider heavy metal testing with a provocative urine challenge. If you are pregnant or possibly might be DO NOT take any medicine or begin ANY new cleansing activities without consulting your physician.

Getting Pregnant

Each month the pituitary gland in a woman's brain sends a signal to her ovaries to prepare an egg for ovulation.

The pituitary hormones — follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) — stimulate the ovaries to release an egg. This is called ovulation. It is during this time that a woman is fertile (usually about day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle).

The egg travels through the fallopian tube and can be fertilized within about 24 hours after its release. Conception is more likely to occur when intercourse takes place one to two days prior to ovulation.

For pregnancy to occur, a sperm must unite with the egg in the fallopian tube during this time. Sperm are capable of fertilizing the egg for up to 72 hours and must be present in the fallopian tube at the same time as the egg for conception to occur. In order for a sperm to reach an egg, the man must have an erection and ejaculate enough semen to deliver the sperm into the vagina. There must be enough sperm, and it must be the right shape and move in the right way. In addition, the woman must have a healthy vaginal and uterine environment so that the sperm can travel to the egg.

If fertilized, the egg moves into the uterus where it attaches to the uterine lining and begins a nine-month process of growth.

For some couples attempting pregnancy, something goes wrong in this complex process, resulting in infertility. The cause or causes of infertility can involve one or both partners:

In about 20 percent of cases, infertility is due to a cause involving only the male partner.

In about 30 to 40 percent of cases, infertility is due to causes involving both the male and female.

In the remaining 40 to 50 percent of cases, infertility is due entirely to a cause involving the female.

Heavy Metal Toxicity.

LEAD: Lead may be behind up to a fifth of unexplained male infertility cases, according to a new study. For the first time, researchers say they've found evidence that even low-level lead exposure from household contaminants may damage sperm and contribute to male infertility. SEE ARTICLE: Lead Linked to Male Infertility

To fertilize an egg, sperm must first successfully bind to the egg and then induce a reaction that allows it to pass through the egg's coating for fertilization. But the study found that sperm that came from semen with higher lead levels were unable to bind to the egg properly or stimulate the reaction necessary to pass through the egg's coating.

To confirm the association between high lead levels and low fertilization rates, researchers exposed healthy sperm to increasing doses of lead to see what would happen, and they got the same results. In other experiments they found that elevated levels of lead in the testes of rats lead to the death of sperm.

Researchers say the were surprised to find such high lead levels in the semen of the men studied because none of them were engaged in occupations likely to expose them to high levels of lead. Some high lead levels were associated with smoking or alcohol use, but there were unexplained high levels in other men who didn't drink or smoke.

MERCURY: Mercury is one of the most toxic substances commonly encountered, and according to Government agencies causes adverse health effects in large numbers of people in the U.S.

Germany, Professor Ingrid Gerhard, M.D. and her colleagues have been seriously investigating the effect of heavy metals as well as pesticides on fertility. Associated with the University of Heidelberg Gynecological Clinic, Professor Gerhard[s group has examined more than 1,000 patients for mercury, fertility problems and symptoms.

Urine mercury levels were measured after administering an oral celation agent (Dimaval), and blood was examined for various polychlorinated compounds. The high mercury group had more hormonal disturbances, immune disturbances, recurring fungal infections, alopecia and allergies. A number of different hormonal disturbances were found, sex hormones among them. These differences were all statistically significant and some were very marked. Allergies and hair loss were 2-3 times more common in the high-mercury group. The doctors at the clinic have successfully treated fertility problems with a combination of vitamins/minerals and amalgam removal.

Studies have found much higher levels of mercury and copper in infants whose mother's were treated with amalgam during pregnancy, as well as children with congenital hearing deficiencies. Most researchers in this field advise that fertile women should not be exposed to vapor levels above government health guidelines or have amalgams placed or removed during pregnancy. Many governments of developed countries have bans or guidelines restricting use of amalgam by women of child-bearing age. These include Canada, Sweden, Germany, Norway, Austria, Great Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Mercury has also been documented to be a reproductive and developmental toxin in humans. Some of mercury's documented hormonal effects at very low levels of exposure include effects on the reproductive system resulting in lowered sperm counts, defective sperm cells, and lowered testosterone levels in males; along with menstrual disturbances, infertility, spontaneous abortions in women, and birth defects.

Studies found that very low levels of exposure to mercury cause genetic/ DNA damage and inhibits DNA & RNA synthesis[81,85/86]; damages sperm, lowers sperm counts and reduces motility; causes menstrual disturbances; reduces blood's ability to transport oxygen to fetus, and transport of essential amino acids and nutrients including magnesium, zinc and Vit B12; depresses enzyme function and isocitric dehydrogenase (ICD) in fetus; causes reduced iodine uptake, inhibited ATP activity, & hypothyroidism; causes infertility, and causes spontaneous abortions and birth defects. Pregnant women who suffer from hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) have a four-times greater risk for miscarriage during the second trimester than those who don't, and women with untreated thyroid deficiency were four-times more likely to have a child with a developmental disabilities and lower I.Q.

Mercury is often stored in breast milk and the fetus at much higher levels than that in the mother. Milk from mothers with 7 or more fillings was found to have levels of mercury approximately 10 times that of amalgam free mothers. The milk sampled ranged from 0.2 to 57 ug/L. In a population of German women, the concentration of mercury in early breast milk ranged from 0.2 to 20.3 ug/L. After 2 months laction the level had declined and was 0.1 to 11.7 ug/L. A Japanese study found that the average mercury level in samples tested increased 60% between 1980 and 1990. The level of mercury in umbilical cord blood, meconium, and placenta is usually higher than that in mother's blood.

Meconium(first stool) level appears to be the most reliable indicator of fetal mercury exposure and often has significant levels when there are low levels in mother's blood and cord blood. The level of maternal blood or hair mercury is significantly correlated with mercury level in meconium and in nursing infants , so maternal tests can be easily used as a screen for developmental dangers. But fetal levels can be significant when there are low levels in maternal blood.

The highest levels of mercury are usually found in the pituitary gland of the fetus which affects development of the endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems. Mercury has been well documented to be an endocrine system disrupting substance in animals and people, preferentially accumulating in and disrupting function of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and thyroid gland; along with disrupting or blocking enzyme production processes, glucose transfer, and many hormonal functions at very low levels of exposure. The pituitary gland controls many of the body's endocrine system functions and secretes hormones that control most bodily processes, including the immune system and reproductive systems. The hypothalamus regulates body temperature and many metabolic processes.

CADMIUM: Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental pollutant. Because of its long biological half-life (10–30 years in humans), Cd accumulates in the biological systems such as gonads. Cd proves to be a potential toxicant in the category of environmental factors that induce membrane impairment, lower motility, and decrease the rate of acrosome reactions, leading to male infertility. Apparently, the presence of Cd in the environment and seminal plasma exerts a toxic effect on sperm cells. SEE LINK: Adverse Effects of Cadmium on Bull Spermatozoa Additional study shows cadmium decreases sperm count and increases sperm abnormalities. SEE LINK: Cadmium Decreases Sperm Count & Increases Sperm Abnormalities

ALUMINUM: One study showed that Aluminum significantly (P < 0.05) decreased libido (by increasing the reaction time), ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm output, sperm motility (%), total motile sperm per ejaculate (TMS), packed sperm volume (PSV), total functional sperm fraction (TFSF), normal and live sperm and semen initial fructose. While initial hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and dead and abnormal sperm were increased (P < 0.05). Live body weight (LBW), feed intake (FI) and relative weights of testes (RTW) and epididymis (REW) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. SEE LINK: Aluminium-induced deterioration in reproductive performance and seminal plasma biochemistry of male rabbits

ARSENIC: A very high exposure to inorganic arsenic can cause infertility and miscarriages with women. SEE LINK: Environmental effects of arsenic

ANTIMONY: Human exposure to antimony dust in the workplace has resulted in disturbances in menstruation (Belyaeva 1967). In animals, the failure to conceive and metaplasia in the uterus have been observed following inhalation exposure to antimony trioxide (Belyaeva 1967). These data suggest a potential for antimony to cause reproductive effects in humans.

BISMUTH subsalicylate: There is strong evidence to indicate that exposure to Bismuth subsalicylate during pregnancy may have a teratogenic effect on the fetus. A teratogen is a substance that can cause birth defects. The likelihood and severity of defects may be affected by the level of exposure and the stage of pregnancy that the exposure occurred at.

THALLIUM: WHO (1996) summarizes reviews of more than 20 cases of thallium intoxication during pregnancy. Although low birth weights were reported, no teratogenic effects were documented.

Intoxication occurring after the first trimester can induce in the newborn baby some symptoms of acute intoxication seen in adults (i.e., alopecia and lunular stripes in the nails). A pregnant woman developed alopecia and polyneuritis after ingesting 0.5 g thallium eight weeks before term. Although her baby was relatively underweight, it had developed normally in utero and there were no signs of thallium poisoning. Ingestion of 1.2 g thallium by a woman two days before giving birth caused the death of her newborn baby. SEELINK: Public Health Goal for Thallium In Drinking WaterThallium

Common Infertility Causes

Impaired production or function of sperm. Most cases of male infertility are due to problems with the sperm, such as:

Impaired shape and movement of sperm. Sperm must be properly shaped and able to move rapidly and accurately toward the egg for fertilization to occur. If the shape and structure (morphology) of the sperm are abnormal or the movement (motility) is impaired, sperm may not be able to reach or penetrate the egg.

Low sperm concentration. A normal sperm concentration is greater than or equal to 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen. A count of 10 million or fewer sperm per milliliter of semen indicates low sperm concentration (subfertility). A count of 40 million sperm or higher per milliliter of semen indicates increased fertility. Complete failure of the testicles to produce sperm is rare.

Varicocele. A varicocele is a varicose vein in the scrotum that may prevent normal cooling of the testicle, leading to reduced sperm count and motility.

Genetic defects. In the genetic defect Klinefelter's syndrome, a man has two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome instead of one X and one Y. This causes abnormal development of the testicles, resulting in low or absent sperm production and possibly low testosterone.

Infections. Infection may temporarily affect sperm motility. Repeated bouts of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, are most often associated with male infertility. These infections can cause scarring and block sperm passage. If mumps, a viral infection usually affecting young children, occurs after puberty, inflammation of the testicles can impair sperm production. Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), urethra or epididymis also may alter sperm motility.

In many instances, no cause for reduced sperm production is found. When sperm concentration is less than 5 million per milliliter of semen, genetic causes could be involved. Genetic testing can reveal whether there are subtle changes in the Y chromosome.

Impaired delivery of sperm. Problems with the delivery of sperm from the penis into the vagina can result in infertility. These may include:

Sexual issues. Often treatable, problems with sexual intercourse or technique may affect fertility. Difficulties with erection of the penis (erectile dysfunction), premature ejaculation, painful intercourse (dyspareunia), or psychological or relationship problems can contribute to infertility. Use of lubricants such as oils or petroleum jelly can be toxic to sperm and impair fertility.

Retrograde ejaculation. This occurs when semen enters the bladder during orgasm rather than emerging out through the penis. Various conditions can cause retrograde ejaculation, including diabetes, bladder, prostate or urethral surgery, and the use of certain medications.

Blockage of epididymis or ejaculatory ducts. Some men are born with blockage of the part of the testicle that contains sperm (epididymis) or ejaculatory ducts. Some men lack the tube that carries sperm (vas deferens) from the testicle out to the opening in the penis.

No semen (ejaculate). The absence of ejaculate may occur in men with spinal cord injuries or diseases. This fluid carries the sperm from the penis into the vagina.

Misplaced urinary opening (hypospadias). A birth defect can cause the urinary (urethral) opening to be abnormally located on the underside of the penis. If not surgically corrected, this condition can prevent sperm from reaching the woman's cervix.

Anti-sperm antibodies. Antibodies that target sperm and weaken or disable them usually occur after surgical blockage of part of the vas deferens for male sterilization (vasectomy). Presence of these antibodies may complicate the reversal of a vasectomy.

Cystic fibrosis. Men with cystic fibrosis often have a missing or obstructed vas deferens.

General health and lifestyle. A man's general health and lifestyle may affect fertility. Some common causes of infertility related to health and lifestyle include:

Emotional stress. Stress may interfere with certain hormones needed to produce sperm. Your sperm count may be affected if you experience excessive or prolonged emotional stress. A problem with fertility itself can sometimes become long term and discouraging, producing more stress.

Malnutrition. Deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin C, selenium, zinc and folate may contribute to infertility.

Obesity. Increased body mass may be associated with fertility problems in men.

Cancer and its treatment. Both radiation and chemotherapy treatment for cancer can impair sperm production, sometimes severely. The closer radiation treatment is to the testicles, the higher the risk of infertility. Removal of one or both testicles due to cancer also may affect male fertility.

Alcohol and drugs. Alcohol or drug dependency can be associated with poor health and reduced fertility. The use of certain drugs also can contribute to infertility. Anabolic steroids, for example, which are taken to stimulate muscle strength and growth, can cause the testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease.

Other medical conditions. A severe injury or major surgery can affect male fertility. Certain diseases or conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, Cushing's syndrome, or anemia may be associated with infertility.

Age. Men older than age 40 may be less fertile than younger men.

Environmental exposure. Overexposure to certain environmental elements such as heat, toxins and chemicals can reduce sperm count either directly by affecting testicular function or indirectly by altering the male hormonal system.

Pesticides and other chemicals. Herbicides and insecticides may cause female hormone-like effects in the male body and may be associated with reduced sperm production and testicular cancer. Lead exposure may also cause infertility.

Overheating the testicles. Frequent use of saunas or hot tubs can elevate your core body temperature. This may impair your sperm production and lower your sperm count.

Substance abuse. Use of cocaine or marijuana may temporarily reduce the number and quality of your sperm.

Tobacco smoking. Men who smoke may have a lower sperm count than do those who don't smoke.

Fallopian tube damage or blockage. Fallopian tube damage usually results from inflammation of the fallopian tube (salpingitis). Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, is the most frequent cause. Tubal inflammation may go unnoticed or may cause pain and fever. Tubal damage may result in a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg is unable to make its way through the fallopian tube to implant in the uterus (ectopic pregnancy). One episode of tubal infection may cause fertility difficulties. The risk of ectopic pregnancy increases with each occurrence of tubal infection.

Endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when the uterine tissue implants and grows outside of the uterus — often affecting the function of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. These implants respond to the hormonal cycle and grow, shed and bleed in sync with the lining of the uterus each month, which can lead to scarring and inflammation. Pelvic pain and infertility are common in women with endometriosis.

Ovulation disorders. Some cases of female infertility are caused by ovulation disorders. Disruption in the part of the brain that regulates ovulation can cause low levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Even slight irregularities in the hormone system can prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs (anovulation). Specific causes of hypothalamic-pituitary disorders that can result in anovulation include injury, tumors, excessive exercise and starvation. In addition, some medications can be associated with ovulation disorders.

Elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia). The hormone prolactin stimulates breast milk production. High levels in women who aren't pregnant or nursing may affect ovulation. An elevation in prolactin levels may also indicate the presence of a pituitary tumor. In addition, some drugs can elevate levels of prolactin. Milk flow not related to pregnancy or nursing can be a sign of high prolactin.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In PCOS, your body produces too much androgen hormone, which affects ovulation. PCOS is also associated with insulin resistance and obesity.

Early menopause (premature ovarian failure). Early menopause is the absence of menstruation and the early depletion of ovarian follicles before age 40. Although the cause is often unknown, certain conditions are associated with early menopause, including immune system diseases, radiation or chemotherapy treatment, and smoking.

Uterine fibroids. Fibroids are benign tumors in the wall of the uterus and are common in women in their 30s and 40s. Rarely, they may cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes. More often, fibroids interfere with proper implantation of the fertilized egg.

Pelvic adhesions. Pelvic adhesions are bands of scar tissue that bind organs after pelvic infection, appendicitis, or abdominal or pelvic surgery. This scar tissue formation may impair fertility.

Medications. Temporary infertility may occur with the use of certain medications. In most cases, fertility is restored when the medication is stopped.

Thyroid problems. Disorders of the thyroid gland, either too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism), can interrupt the menstrual cycle and cause infertility.

Cancer and its treatment. Certain cancers — particularly female reproductive cancers — often severely impair female fertility. Both radiation and chemotherapy may affect a woman's ability to reproduce. Chemotherapy may impair reproductive function and fertility in men and women.

Other medical conditions. Medical conditions associated with delayed puberty or amenorrhea, such as Cushing's disease, sickle cell disease, kidney disease and diabetes, can affect a woman's fertility.

Caffeine intake. Excessive caffeine consumption can reduce fertility in women.