The IVF Project in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Reproductive service

The IVF Project

Locality: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Phone: +61 1300 084 694

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25.01.2022 Protein is important to build lean mass, which will help regulate blood glucose and insulin levels and boost your resting metabolic rate- all great news for fertility. But what is the best source of protein, and how much protein should you be having in your diet? There are so many considerations to answering this question but we can help!... With gut health a priority for top quality egg and sperm, it is important to get a good balance of protein and fibre. Increasing your intake of plant based proteins is likely to increase your fibre intake too, which is a good thing to feul diversity of your gut microbes! Diets high in animal protein and low in fibre have been associated with increased trimethylamine production by gut microbes. Trimethylamine gets absorbed from the gut and converted to trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) which can have impacts on the health of the rest of the body. High levels are also shown to reduce embryo quality and fertilisation (Nagy et al, 2020). For some populations, a mix of ~35% animal proteins, 35% soy protein and 30% vegetable proteins is associated with better fasting glucose concentrations, reductions in testosterone and improved inflammatory status, which is good news if you have PCOS. Confused about where to start? Book an online appointment with us to start creating a Fertile Gut! #IVF #TTC #pregnancy #PCOS #health #infertility #fertilegut #naturalfertility #fertilityscience #provenscience #fertilityexpert #fertilityfacts #preconception #naturalfertility #fertilitydiet #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #tryingtoconceive #ttcjourney #ttccommunity #ttcsupport #fertilitydietitian

25.01.2022 I know my Aussie Shepherd will have me outdoors today!

25.01.2022 Sperm DNA Fragmentation: What Does it Mean for Conception? Find out more from the fabulously informative embryologist Kristen @ilikemyeggsfertilised in our latest blog post! Male infertility is the main reason around 40% of couples seek fertility treatment. In assessing male fertility, semen analysis is the most important test but while this visit to the 'specimen collection room' is unavoidable, this initial assessment may not necessarily capture your potential for pregnancy.... Find out more on our blog! Link in bio. #spermhealth #fertilegutmasterclass #IVF #TTC #infertility #fertilegut #naturalfertility #fertilitydiet #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #tryingtoconceive #ttcjourney #ttccommunity #ttcsupport #theivfproject #infertilitycommunity #infertilitysisters #infertilityjourney #unexplainedinfertility #ivfbrisbane #ttcaussies #malefactorinfertility #spermhealthtips #spermhealthdiet #spermhealthinfo

25.01.2022 If you have PCOS, high levels of androgens (testosterone) can disrupt your menstrual cycle. Your menstrual cycle may be very long, or you may not have said 'hi' to your 'monthly' friend in months and months! Underlying these hormonal disturbances are disruptions in your gut microbiota. Imbalances in good and bad bacteria within the gut go hand in hand with PCOS. The good news is that addressing gut health is so effective at managing PCOS symptoms and restoring regular periods...! Want to learn more? You can check out our IGTV Part 1 and 2 that will step you through the gut-fertility connection. #fertility #ivf #ttc #fertilitydiet #fertilegut #PCOS #pcosdiet #TTC #TTCaussies #infertility #infertilitysucks #guthealth #getpregnantsooner

25.01.2022 It was lovely to talk all things gut and fertility with Natalie and Kate from The Fertility Podcast. Listen in for tips to optimise your chance of pregnancy success!

25.01.2022 While there is so much focus on the person who is going to be pregnant, getting pregnant takes two and men are 50% of the baby making equation. In 50% of cases, infertility issues may be identified to be related to male factors but even if a female factor has been identified like PCOS or endometriosis, the health of your sperm influences the success of baby making. On a diet that does not providing required nutrition elements for healthy sperm production, abnormal sperm inc...reased by more than 50%. In a male gut that is out of balance, testosterone levels are lower and inflammation and oxidative stress are higher. Hormones that regulate blood sugar don’t work as well and there are increased levels of compounds in the blood that damage sperm as it develops in the testes. But how do you nurture a healthy, diverse gut to lower inflammation and optimise sperm? Our next Fertile Gut Masterclass will be running late January 2021. Make sure you sign up to our mailing list so you are first to hear when registrations open! Adopting strategies to nurture your gut microbes could mean better sperm in as little as 12 weeks. #fertilegutmasterclass #IVF #TTC #infertility #fertilegut #naturalfertility #fertilitydiet #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #tryingtoconceive #ttcjourney #ttccommunity #ttcsupport #theivfproject #infertilitycommunity #infertilitysisters #infertilityjourney #unexplainedinfertility #ivfbrisbane #ttcaussies #malefactorinfertility #spermhealthtips #spermhealthdiet #spermhealthinfo

24.01.2022 Compounds like bisphenols (eg.BPA), phthalates and parabens can be found in our everyday environement. If you grocery shopped today and took the reciept, heated up some leftovers in a plastic container, washed your hair or used an air freshner it is likely that you have had some exposure to these compounds. Bisphenols (eg.BPA), phthalates and parabens have been associated with negative impacts upon the health of eggs and sperm, reducing conception and reducing pregnancy rates... following IVF. It is possible that some individuals are at less risk of the impacts of toxin exposure than others. While there may be a genetic predisposition, it does not account for the varying response between individuals. This is where our main controllers- our gut microbiota- come in to play. The way that our body responds to various chemicals, drugs and carcinogens can be mediated by our resident microbiota. Depending on the make-up of our microbiota, they can either turn up the dial on toxic compounds enhancing their negative effects, or they can dial down the negative impact (Saad, Rizkallah, & Aziz, 2012). This is another reason why adopting strategies to enhance your microbiota health and diversity can be so impactful for improving your fertility. It's not time to panic about BPA exposure- just time to take 5 and consider where you may take steps to reduce your exposure to and absorption of these compounds. Every little bit counts! Maybe some of these tips will be easy for you to adopt: Choose glass where possible instead of plastic and cans. Avoid air fresheners and perfumes. Use natural beauty products that do not contain parabens and phthalates. Dont use plastic to reheat food. Feed your microbiota the right fibres and exercise to increase diversity to limit toxin absorption. For proven strategies to nurture your gut for optimal fertility join us in our Fertile Gut Masterclass. Link in bio #naturalfertility #ttctips #infertilitysucks #fertilityjourney #naturalskincare #muktiorganics #howtogetpregnantnaturally #ivfsuccess #ivf #ivfjourney #toxinfreebeauty #endometriosis #toxinfreehome #naturalfertility #fertilegutmasterclass #pcosdiet

23.01.2022 While not all women with endometriosis have trouble getting pregnant, lets look at two steps you can take to give yourself the best chance of pregnancy success! 1. Exercise One of the best anti-inflammatories going around, exercise can play an important role in the management of endometriosis. Exercise ramps up anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant defences to reduce inflammation to improve the health of our energy producing mitochondria, hormone regulation and other pathways... that promote better quality eggs. This is a strategy for the long term and not for when you are curled up on the bathroom floor unable to move (yes- I have been there many times!). Add in some strength training and you will limit the loss of muscle and strength that comes with chronic exposure to high levels of inflammation. Getting strong is a great way to boost energy levels + combat fatigue. Exercise is also a powerful anti-depressant and an effective tool for managing pain. Pain and depression are higher in women with endometriosis, but incorporating regular physical activity into your day can be a great way to improve quality of life and fertility! 2. Optimise your Gut Health: We have over 2kg of bacteria living in our gut. They influence how we get our nutrients from food, our mood, muscle strength and our fertility. In endometriosis, the growth of endometrial lesions outside of the uterus is driven by estrogen, and our resident gut microbiota (the collection of bacteria and other microorgamisms in our gut) play a role in regulating these levels. Endometriosis is associated with an imbalance in gut microbiota. Women with endometriosis have lower concentrations of beneficial Lactobacilli bacteria, and higher levels of potentially pathogenic bacteria that increase inflammation. You can nurture your gut for better balance to optimise your fertility and manage endometriosis. It can be hard knowing where to start though and thats where a specialist Dietitian can help (you can check out our Fertile Gut Masterclass closing August 18)! #fertilegut #ttc #infertilitysucks #ivf #fertilitydiet #infertility #hormonehealth #endometriosis #endometriosisdiet #ttcjourney

23.01.2022 Our gut microbiota are incredibly responsive to diet so in a sense, our body and all of its physiological functions are what we eat. The types of bacteria, yeast and funghi present in our gut can be shaped by diet which is very exciting! The more variety we have in our gut microbes, the better placed we are to create healthy eggs and sperm.... Some key elements of our diet have been proven to increase the diversity of our gut microbes. If you want to fast track your knowledge to create a fertile gut click on the link in our bio and join us in the Fertile Gut Masterclass opening next week! "! , . . . . ' , . : , , . ! #IVF #TTC #pregnancy #PCOS #health #infertility #fertilegut #naturalfertility #fertilityscience #provenscience #fertilityexpert #fertilityfacts #preconception #naturalfertility #fertilitydiet #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #tryingtoconceive #ttcjourney #ttccommunity #ttcsupport #drkitic #theivfproject #infertilitycommunity #exerciseismedicine #infertilitysisters #infertilityjourney #unexplainedinfertility #ivfbrisbane

23.01.2022 It's International Dog Day! Did you know that if you grew up with a furry friend at home, you are at a reduced risk for being overweight and suffering allergies? Exposure to furry pets is associated with an increased abundance of bacterial species Ruminococcus and Oscillospira in the gut, which reduce the risk of childhood allergy and obesity.... Your gut microbiota has a big influence on your physical and mental health and the positive gut microbiome changes may be why owning a pet has such great benefits for our wellbeing! Walkies.... *This is my boy Charlie- isn't he just the cutest??

22.01.2022 Incredible changes happen in the endometrium across the menstrual cycle. One of these changes is a change in blood flow. As one ovary produces a developing follicle ready for release, the blood flow to the endometrium on the same side as the follicle will increase, readying the uterus for implantation. How amazing! Endometrial blood flow has been shown to be predictive of pregnancy and endometrial receptivity. ... In women with unexplained infertility, there is a reduction in flow index, and reduced blood flow to the uterus is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone concentrations are related to this change in vascular resistance but vascular resistance is heavily influenced by overall health, including physical activity and diet. Lifestyle is key to addressing underlying causes of unexplained infertility so you can ensure the best ingredients for baby making! #infertility #fertiltiy #preconception #fertilityfacts #IVF #PCOS #TTC #fertilegut #pcosdiet #endometriosis #endowarrior #howtogetpregnant

22.01.2022 In combination with the physical and emotional challenges of infertility, there is a very real financial impact too. As we near the end of Women's Health Week, check out the great information on Money Matters from Jean Hailes. Learn how to deal with financial stress, navigate tricky healthcare costs, get tips on planning for a secure future, or whip up a thrifty recipe from the Jean Hailes Kitchen!https://www.womenshealthweek.com.au/the-week/friday

21.01.2022 We all too often hear about the decline in fertility with female age, but what about the other 50% of the equation in baby making? Did you know that men also have a biological clock ticking? As men age there is a decrease in fertility and an increase in pregnancy complications. A father’s health prior to conception can influence conception, pregnancy progress and their future child’s health. It sounds a bit far-fetched that your current health can have an impact on future ge...nerations but that is the science of epigenetics! Epigenetics is essentially the modulator and interpreter of your DNA. DNA is our inherited genetic material, but epigenetics can change the way that our genes are turned up or turned down. Lifestyle is a key regulator of these chemical messages that can turn a gene on or off so you can appreciate how important exercise, sleep, diet and stress are in influencing our health. More on epigenetics in a future post. One reason for the decline in male fertilitywith age is a decrease in the key male sex hormone, testosterone. As testosterone levels decline, sperm quality is reduced and in a double whammy, it is likely that libido is reduced too. Endurance exercise like jogging, cycling and swimming is key for driving anti-ageing changes at the cellular level. Regular aerobic exercise at the optimal intensity will dampen oxidative stress and inflammation, ultimately influencing the expression of your genetic material within the cell so you can pass on positive health traits to your future offspring. Resistance training twice a week is also a great way to increase testosterone concentrations that decline with age. Regular aerobic exercise helps raise testosterone by reducing body fat levels (which reduce fertility) but a strength training session will raise testosterone concentrations immediately, benefitting sperm health. Aim to strength train all major muscle groups at least twice a week to get your sperm in great shape!

21.01.2022 We are coming to the end of PCOS awareness month (although we think every month its important to shine a light on this!). If you have wondered how your gut health impacts your fertility if you have PCOS then this informative video is for you. Before you settle in though- make sure you check out Part 1 on IGTV so you can make sense of Part 2!

21.01.2022 Getting a good balance of omega-3 and omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids is beneficial for fertility. Our diets tend to be low in omega-3 fatty acids, and have excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids. A very high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 (high omega-6 and not enough omega-3) has been shown to promote inflammation.... A diet with a lower ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids is more desirable (high omega-3 and lower omega-6). Poppy seeds have high concentrations of linoleic acid which is an omega 6 and low concentrations of linolenic acid which is an omega-3. Sesame seeds are also higher in omega-6 and low in omega-3s. Beneficial omega-3s are high in chia and linseed which is why we love making chia puddings. There are other nutritive values to seeds though too. Things like fibre and mineral content are important. Chia seeds contain 15 times more fibre than pumpkin seeds, but pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds contain almost twice the zinc of chia seeds. Aim for variety in the seeds you are eating so you can benefit from all the goodness each seed has to offer! #IVF #TTC #pregnancy #PCOS #health #infertility #fertilegut #naturalfertility #fertilityscience #fertilityfacts #preconception #naturalfertility #fertilitydiet #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #tryingtoconceive #ttcjourney #ttccommunity #ttcsupport #theivfproject #infertilitycommunity #infertilitysisters #infertilityjourney #unexplainedinfertility #ivfbrisbane #ttcaussies #seeds #chiaseeds

20.01.2022 Fertility and salmon often go together . If you are trying to conceive no doubt someone has suggested your eat salmon. The two are linked as salmon is a source of Omega-3s. Omega-3s are important in controlling inflammation (they contain compounds used to make resolvins that quickly resolve inflammation) and optimal dietary intake is... associated with positive outcomes for conception and pregnancy. Marine options are the best source of Omega-3s but you may want to stop and think about where your salmon is coming from. Farmed salmon is higher in fat and contains more energy than fresh caught salmon. While it does contain Omega-3s, it also contains a higher dose of Omega-6 which may promote inflammation if intake is too high. As a bonus, the mineral and vitamin content of fresh caught salmon is greater than farmed salmon! Where is your fish coming from? #IVF #TTC #pregnancy #PCOS #health #infertility #fertilegut #omega3 #naturalfertility #fertilityscience #fertilityexpert #fertilityfacts #preconception #naturalfertility #fertilitydiet #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #tryingtoconceive #ttcjourney #ttccommunity #ttcsisters #ttcsupport #theivfproject #infertilitycommunity #infertilitysisters #infertilityjourney #unexplainedinfertility

19.01.2022 Did you know you lose up to 8% of muscle mass per decade? And that with this you gain body fat? If your body weight was 70 kg and you were 20% fat, in 10 years time you could have lost 4.5 kg of muscle and be 26% body fat just through ageing! Body composition (the balance between muscle mass and body fat) influences the chance of spontaneous conception and the outcome of assisted reproductive treatments so maintaining optimal body composition is a great way to improve fe...rtility. Strength training is the best way to combat this decline in muscle mass, boost your metabolism and reduce body fat. And you can do this all without having to set foot into a gym! The incredible benefits of strength training are that it: Helps you sleep better = better fertility. Improves mood - strength training is a natural antidepressant. Regulates hormones for healthy eggs and sperm. One of these hormones is leptin: High levels of leptin in overweight males and females have been shown to impair fertility and attenuate embryo development. Leptin level has also been found to predict unexplained infertility but strength training significantly reduces leptin concentrations- thats a win! Reduces inflammation which goes hand in hand with PCOS, endometriosis, sperm damage and unexplained infertility. Are you ready for 2020 to be your year? #IVF #TTC #pregnancy #PCOS #health #infertility #fertilegut #naturalfertility #fertilityscience #provenscience #fertilityexpert #fertilityfacts #preconception #naturalfertility #fertilitydiet #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #tryingtoconceive #ttcjourney #ttccommunity #ttcsupport #drkitic #theivfproject #infertilitycommunity #exerciseismedicine #infertilitysisters #infertilityjourney #unexplainedinfertility #brisbaneivf

19.01.2022 Oxidative stress is happening within the body all the time. Reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative stress are necessary for many biological processes (processes within the body) but just as the name sounds, these reactive oxygen species are unstable. If levels rise too much, or there is a reduction in the defense systems used to combat reactive oxygen species (eg. antioxidants), they can cause considerable damage to DNA and cell membranes, leading to cell death. Elevate...d levels of inflammation and oxidative stress negatively affect sperm and egg quality, reducing fertilisation and conception rate. Detecting low grade inflammation and oxidative stress are not routine procedures in fertility pathology so often the only sign of these underlying conditions may be poor egg quality, poor fertilisation rates, recurrent implantation failure or miscarriage. The good news is that adopting strategies to dampen inflammation and oxidative stress are very effective in enhancing fertility and increasing pregnancy success. Is your diet fueling your body with natural antioxidants for better quality eggs or sperm? Berries are a great source of antioxidants. Start your day off with a prebiotic @fertilegut berry packed smoothie full of phytonutrients to fuel your fertility! #infertilitysucks #fertilitydiettips #fertilitydietitian #ttc #ivfsuccess #malefactorinfertility #ivfdiet #ivfdiettips #miscarriagesupport #oxidatievestress #embryo #spermhealthtips #spermhealthdiet #exerciseismedicine #fertility #infertility #howtogetpregnant

19.01.2022 We absolutely loved running our first ever Fertile Gut Masterclass AND it appears that our students did too! " , ' . . !" In response to the question: "Do you feel as though you have learnt evidence-based strategies to optimise your reproductive health?" 100% agreed! ... " s s s s, s s f fday f . s s s s !" " . , . ." " , , . ' !" Join our next Masterclass! Make sure you are on our mailing list so you hear about the next release dates - you do not want to miss this! Sign up to our mailing list (AND get our BONUS Freebie!) here www.theivfproject.com

17.01.2022 Calcium is not just good for bones. It is good for sperm health too! Defficiencies in calcium have been associated with reduce sperm quality. Optimal calcium concentrations in semen helps improve sperm function, and in turn steps leading to successful fertilisation.... Have you had your daily dose of calcium today? Int J Fertil Steril. 2019 Jan-Mar; 12(4): 267272. #TTC #spermhealth #spermhealthtips #infertilty #malefactorinfertility #fertilitydiet #oligospermia #fertilityjourney #howtogetpregnant

16.01.2022 PCOS? TRYING TO GET PREGNANT? Physical activity pregnancy rates in women with PCOS. Falling pregnant if you have PCOS is often a challenge due to irregular ovulation or the total absence of menstrual periods. Recent evidence also shows differences in the expression of progesterone receptors in the endometrium of women with PCOS which could impact upon embryo implantation.... The right exercise prescription can restore balance to the menstrual cycle, and in particular women with PCOS can realise benefits of improved blood glucose control and insulin resistance, even without weight loss. Exercise can also restore progesterone receptors in the endometrium, benefiting implantation. Its no wonder that Medical Research Guidelines state that exercise should be first line therapy for all women with polycystic ovary syndrome! If you are trying to conceive and are unsure where to start we would to help. #infertility #fertiltiy #preconception #fertilityfacts #IVF #PCOS #TTC #fertilegut #pcosdiet

15.01.2022 There is a partial genetic overlap between coeliac disease and autoimmune disease. If you have coeliac disease, you are four times more likely to have an autoimmune thyroid disease. The presence of hypothyroidism should lead to clinical investigations of coeliac disease. A first step in this process is screening for blood levels of antibodies to gluten. If you have removed gluten from your diet before any investigations you will need to start eating gluten again for a period ...greater than one month so you can receive an accurate diagnosis. While there is a link between coeliac disease and an increased prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease, there is no evidence to support a link between eating gluten and an increased risk of thyroid issues. Indeed, even in people with coeliac disease that is undiagnosed, the duration of exposure to gluten is unrelated to the risk for autoimmune disease. To date, there is no scientific evidence to support removing gluten from the diet as a treatment strategy for thyroid disorders (unless of course you are a coeliac). Hypothyroidism and Coeliac Disease are associated with reductions in egg quality and infertility so getting a proper diagnosis is paramount. If you think you may be a Coeliac (like me - lucky us!) or have thyroid issues- prioritise further exploration of these with your medical team. There is an association between thyroid function and our gut microbiota. Our gut microbiota can influence thyroid hormone levels by regulating iodine uptake and degradation. Some researh suggests an altered microbiota composition increases the prevalence of Hashimotos thyroiditis and Graves disease. The take home message? Don't cut out gluten from your diet if you think you are a Coeliac. See a gastroenterologist for proper exploration and diagnosis and consult with your medical team for expert guidance which will include evidenced based advice from an Accredited Dietitian. Cutting out gluten may reduce beneficial bifidobacterium living in your gut so be informed to help you decide the best balance for you #infertility #fertiltiy #preconception #fertilityfacts #IVF #PCOS #TTC #fertilegut #pcosdiet #gluten

15.01.2022 Kate Perkins Microba test has arrived for her to test with!

15.01.2022 Seminal fluid (the vehicle for sperm) promotes white blood cell (leukocyte) recruitment and generation of regulatory immune cells, which facilitate embryo implantation. This may explain why exposure to seminal plasma around egg pick up or embryo transfer improves pregnancy rates by ~23% (Crawford, Ray, Gudi, Shah, & Homburg, 2015). In mice models, exposure to seminal fluid promotes implantation and optimal development of the placenta (Robertson & Sharkey, 2016). Intercourse ...in IVF embryo transfer cycles improves the likelihood of pregnancy, but all I remember during treatment was been told NOT to have intercourse! There are some better quality human controlled trials underway that are attempting to add to the literature on this topic. One of them is been conducted at the University of South Florida https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03974295 Ask your specialist about the timing of intercourse for better outcomes. #spermhealthtips #fertilegut #ivfjourney #ttc #unexplainedinfertility #recurrentpregnancyloss #malefactorinfertility #howtogetpregnant

15.01.2022 Male factor is a contributor to approximately 40% of infertility. Often it can be silent with up to 15% of normal sperm analyses having high levels of DNA fragmentation that impair fertilisation, embryo development and contribute to early pregnancy loss. Lifestyle factors can dramatically improve the health of sperm for pregnancy success! Have you got the optimal exercise prescription and nutrition guidance to get your sperm into shape? ... We can help!

14.01.2022 What is a Fertile Gut- and how do we create one!? The gut and its resident microbiota make up our largest immune organ and for this reason it is central to optimal fertility. When we talk about gut microbiota we are referring to the almost 2kg of bacteria, yeast and funghi that call our intestinal tract home . These guys influence almost every aspect of health from our muscles to our brain to our reproductive organs!... Our gut microbiota play an important role in keeping out invading pathogens (baddies) and developing tolerance to dietary components and friendly bacteria, ensuring we mount a normal immune response which regulates inflammation. Certain microbiota may promote intestinal inflammation, which then leads to systemic low-grade inflammation, creating an environment of elevated inflammatory signals that negatively impact egg and sperm development. There often arent even signs that you have higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation- just maybe you are having trouble conceiving. Over 70% of women with unexplained infertility have elevated levels of oxidative stress and inflammation! Sperm quality also relates to inflammation and oxidative stress. In people with low microbiota diversity, conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation are more common. Obesity and insulin resistance are key players impacting egg and sperm quality. Diversity and enhanced function of our gut microbiota can be optimised with proven strategies to nurture the growth of our beneficial gut friends. Want to create a fertile gut for optimal fertility? Check out the link in our bio to join us! #microbiota #microbiome #IVF #PCOS #endometriosis #miscarriage #naturalfertility #fertilityscience #provenscience #fertilityexpert #fertilityfacts #preconception #naturalfertility #fertilitydiet #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #tryingtoconceive #ttccommunity #ttcsupport #drkitic #theivfproject #infertilitycommunity #exerciseismedicine #unexplainedinfertility #endometriosisdiet #ivfdiet

13.01.2022 Feeling relaxed? Our gut microbiota can regulate our brain activity, which is different in anxiety. Our ability to integrate stimuli in the brain from the gut and our taste and smell receptors is enhanced in males with a greater gut microbiota diversity. Feeding you gut microbiome is not only benefecial to fertility but it is also fuel for your brain influencing your mental wellbeing. Food and Mood can go hand in hand.... Give your gut some love #ivfsuccess #ttc #fertilitydiet #fertilitydietician #exercisephysiologist #guthealth #fertilegut #microbiota #howtogetpregnantnaturally #gutbrainaxis

13.01.2022 Roseburia sp is a great butyrate producer living in your gut (well hopefully you have the ideal amount of this species in there!). Infertility has been associated with a reduction in Roseburia (komiya J Clin Biochem Nutr 2020), and low levels are associated with higher levels of inflammation. Increasing the amount of Roseburia living in your gut will have anti-inflammatory benefits to get your reproductive health on track!... Most members of this species can also produce cobalamin (Vit B12), folate and biotin (a B Vitamin). They love to eat plant based prebiotics, including garlic and onion, and a Mediterannean style diet has also been shown to increase the abundance of Roseburia, conferring anti-inflammatory benefits. If you want to find out your Roseburia levels and how to nurture them, we can support you on your way to optimising your reproductive health!

13.01.2022 Exercise is one of the most potent anti-inflammatories that comes with added benefits for every cell in the body! If your goal is to: increase sperm health... regulate ovulation boost insulin sensitivity imrpove your resilience and reduce anxiety reduce inflammation improve pregnany rates then get moving! Seeing and Accredited Exercise Physiologist will ensure you have the best exercise prescription tailored to your individual needs and medical history. Is today a strength training day?

12.01.2022 On this day we send love to all the dads in waiting, all the dads that have lost and all the dads that will be and are. Thanks @sunshinecoastfertilityexpo @longawaitedchild for sharing

12.01.2022 Who can help retrieve your eggs, fertilise them with sperm, biopsy an embryo, tend to your embryos as they grow, load them up for transfer and so much more??! Your embryologist can . It's world embryologist day so this is a huge thanks to all the incredible embryologists that are such an integral part of helping men and women grow their families. #IVF #TTC #PCOS #infertility #fertilegut #naturalfertility #fertilityscience #provenscience #fertilityexpert #fertilityfacts #preconception #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #tryingtoconceive #ttcjourney #ttccommunity #ttcsupport #theivfproject #infertilitycommunity #exerciseismedicine #infertilitysisters #infertilityjourney #unexplainedinfertility #brisbaneivf #worldembryologistday

12.01.2022 Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in your gut microbiota, is tightly connected to your reproductive health. If your microbiota are out of balance, inflammation and oxidative stress are elevated. This has a negative impact upon the development of eggs and sperm, and pregnancy progression. An imbalance in good and bad microbes can be triggered by many things, including missing out on sleep, antibiotics and diet quality. Improvments in the diversity of your gut microbiota though can ...happen relatively quickly when adopting proven, targeted strategies. Dysbiosis is a found in many conditions affecting fertility such as: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (Crunkhorn 2019; Zeng et al. 2019; Zhu et al. 2016) endometriosis (Ata et al. 2019; Azuma et al. 2017; Leonardi et al. 2020) low testosterone in males (Shin et al. 2019) oestrogen driven conditions (Baker, Al-Nakkash, and Herbst-Kralovetz 2017) obesity (Green, Arora, and Prakash 2020; Moszak, Szulinska, and Bogdanski 2020) unexplained anovulation (Sasaki et al. 2019) inflammation and oxidative stress that impair oocyte, sperm and uterine receptivity (Barati, Nikzad, and Karimian 2020; Tremellen et al. 2015). We love exploring your microbiome and working with you to nurture your gut diversity for pregnancy success. As gut health researchers, Dietitian and Microbiologist we understand your gut and how to optimise who is living in there. There is a LOT of misinformation and myths surrounding gut health. Make sure you are accessing evidenced based guidance so you can get to your destination sooner! Check out epsidoe 275 of the Beat Infertility podcast if you want to learn more about nurturing your gut for optimal fertility. www.https://beatinfertility.co/fertile-gut/ #IVF #TTC #pregnancy #PCOS #health #infertility #fertilegut #naturalfertility #fertilityscience #fertilityexpert #fertilityfacts #preconception #naturalfertility #fertilitydiet #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #microbiome #tryingtoconceive #ttcjourney #ttccommunity #ttcsupport #exerciseismedicine #unexplainedinfertility #ivfbrisbane #gutmicrobiome #fertilitydiet

11.01.2022 Our PRIVATE Facebook group is back! If you want to find out more about optimising your fertility then join us inside Share this post with anyone you know trying to conceive and join us in exploring proven tips and strategies for pregnancy success! https://www.facebook.com/groups/createafertilegut/

11.01.2022 There are so many benefits of exercise that happen inside our cells! Did you know that these beneficial effects of exercise can improve the health of your eggs and sperm? Get in the best preconception health for the best outcomes

10.01.2022 Our gut microbiota play a role in balancing hormone concentrations and regulating inflammation. It is no surprise then that the gut microbiota of women with irregular menstrual periods looks different to that of women who have regular menstrual periods (Sasaki et al 2019). The gut of women with endometriosis also looks different (Eta et al, 2019). Increasing concentrations of beneficial microbiota by nurturing a fertile gut reduces inflammation and helps regulate oestrogen... concentrations that drive endometriosis. Improving the diversity of your gut microbiota is a positive step in managing endometriosis and optimising egg quality and uterine receptivity. Focus on nurturing your gut microbiota to dampen levels of inflammation and improve your reproductive health! #endometriosis #infertilitysucks #ttc #ivf #ivfsuccess #endometriosisawareness #howtogetpregnant #naturalfertility #howtogetpregnantnaturally #fertilitydiet #fertilitytips

10.01.2022 In the lab we sometimes investigate telomere length as an indicator of cellular ageing. This week the theme is ageing and fertility so let's explore what a telomere is and strategeis that are associated with reduced cellular ageing. Telomeres are essentially little caps on the end of our DNA that protect our chromosomes. Each time our cells copy themselves, telomeres get a little shorter. While telomeres shorten as we age, they can also shorten in response to stress, smoking,... lack of exercise, daily alcohol consumption and a poor diet. They have even been found to be shorter in pessimistic people! Remember to start your day with postive affirmations . Telomere length in cumulus cells at the time of egg (oocyte) collection is predictive of highly competent oocytes and good-quality embryos. Several studies have also found that males with infertility have a shorter sperm telomere length than fertile males. There are steps to reduce accelerated shortening of your telomeres, and potentially even increase telomere length. If you are undergoing fertility treatment and want to optimise your success, get proven, evidence based guidance to reach your destination sooner! #IVF #TTC #PCOS #health #infertility #fertilegut #naturalfertility #fertilityscience #fertilityexpert #fertilityfacts #preconception #naturalfertility #fertilitydiet #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #tryingtoconceive #ttcjourney #ttccommunity #ttcsupport #drkitic #theivfproject #infertilitycommunity #exerciseismedicine #infertilitysisters #infertilityjourney #unexplainedinfertility #brisbaneivf

10.01.2022 If you have PCOS, it is likely that you have elevated levels of Bacteroides vulgatus taking up residence in your gut. When Bacteroides vulgatus is taken from women with PCOS and put into mice, these mice develop insulin resistance, have reduced ovarian function and reduced fertility. We know that addressing gut health to promote benficial bacteria and reduce bad bacteria is a powerful strategy to manage PCOS.... Who is living in your gut? #fertilegut #pcosweightloss #pcosdiet #pcos #ttc #infertilitysucks #infertilitywarrior #ivf #fertilitydiet #infertility #insulinresistance #howtogetpregnant #hormonehealth #nutrition #pcoscyster #pcosawarenessmonth

10.01.2022 Ready to treat yourself to a fabulous Christmas pressie or share the love with a friend that may be trying for a baby? Check these out!

09.01.2022 What does the gut have to do with conception? Our gut does some obvious things digests food, absorbs nutrients, eliminates waste BUT it also plays a role in controlling factors that influence our fertility. The microbes that live in your gut do so many important things for fertility! These include: Balancing hormones helping regulate oestrogen and testosterone concentrations. They also regulate blood glucose and sensitivity to insulin.... Controlling inflammation and oxidative stress which we know impact egg and sperm quality and uterine receptivity. Energy harvesting and how many nutrients we extract from the food we eat. Optimising the health of our mitochondria (our little energy powerhouses in our cells). Mitochondrial health is a great indicator of the success of fertilisation and embryo development. There is this incredible bi-directional communication that happens between the gut and the rest of the body and this influences the health of our eggs, sperm quality and even how receptive our uterus is! Are you creating a Fertile Gut? We can show you how . #microbiome #guthealthmatters #fertilegut #fertilegutmasterclass #ivf #ttc #pcos #endometriosis #unexplainedinfertility #gutfertilityconnection #endometriosisdiet #pcosdiet #pcosweightloss #ivfjourney #ivfwarrior #ivfsucks #howtogetpregnantnaturally #howtogetpregnant #ivfsuccess

09.01.2022 "There was a time that I thought I couldn't go on. As the months progressed (all my IVF has been back to back with only one month off) the devastation when I got my period was magnified each time. Just when you keep thinking surely the next one will work, it wouldn't. That absolute crushing, suffocating pain that despite having an embryo put inside you- in its natural home-and you cannot make it stick!!!! The overwhelming sadness just seemed to grow with each loss. As time we...nt on it would be harder and harder each time and instead of being down for a day or two it gradually crept out another part day or two and before I knew it I would still be holding back tears when someone came into the coffee shop with a baby. At this point I wondered how I could keep going and combined with the guilt of being down and the expense of the whole process it was starting to wear me down. I have always being able to get out of bed and my job is demanding so there is no luxury for a sick day to wallow. Just the opposite actually - where you have to put on a smile and pretend that everything is great (no one at work knows that I am going through this). I found myself starting to lose hope. It hit home just how much I wanted this. Not in a way that just because you can't have something you want it more, but in a very real, absolutely authentic, incredible need, this is my air kind of way. As each month progressed instead of just crying when I got my period, my sadness would progress to the next day wanting to take a bit more time to grieve and just curl up in bed. I never had the luxury to do this though with work and family commitments and at times I felt guilty being sad or quiet. The nurse called to say my bloods indicated I was going to miscarry. This was very hard. Not only was my day full of back to back meetings, a colleague bringing their new baby in and a colleague telling me him and his wife were pregnant (you can't make this s*&t up), my husband was away (he travels a lot for work). The feeling of being so sad and alone was suffocating." (Me, 2014) Journeys with utter despair and tradegy on the road can still lead you to a beautiful place x

08.01.2022 Our microbiota play a key role in extracting energy from food, immune tolerance, prevention of the colonisation of pathogenic microorganisms and importantly enhancing the integrity of the epithelium (how well our gut cells stick together). As technology has enabled us to identify and quantify our gut microbiota, we now know how essential they are to our fertility. Our gut microbiota contains tens of trillions of microorganisms, including at least 1000 different species of kn...own bacteria. They produce the key signalling molecules of short chain fatty acids. These organic acids, primarily acetate, propionate, and butyrate, are produced in the gut by bacterial fermentation of undigested dietary carbohydrates, and to a lesser extent, dietary and endogenous proteins. An imbalance in your gut microbiota weakens the integrity of the gut wall. Dysbiosis leads to an increase in inflammation and these signals disrupt the tight junction proteins that hold our gut cells together. When cells of the gut are disrupted there is an increase in gut permeability which allows for compounds such as LPS (lipopolysaccharide) to cross over into the blood stream. LPS is a potent driver of inflammation. When components from the gut lumen cross over the disrupted barrier, this can lead to metabolic endotoxaemia. An increase in circulating levels of bacterial endotoxin or LPS contribute to inflammation in the ovary, reduce progesterone production and increase levels of sperm DNA damage. This ultimately results in poor quality eggs and sperm. Increased circulating levels of LPS are found in: Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Embryonic cell death Implantation failure Oviduct inflammation Reduced sperm production PCOS Endometriosis Reinforcing the intestinal barrier reduces metabolic endotoxin levels improving egg and sperm quality and implantation potential. Feed your microbiota! #prebiotics #TTC #infertility #fertility #microbiota #microbiome #IVF #PCOS #endometriosis #miscarriage #fertilegut #unexplainedinfertility #ttccommunity #ttcaustralia

08.01.2022 The stress that comes with infertility and undergoing assisted reproductive treatment can be equivalent to that of someone dealing with cancer or heart disease. Depression, anxiety and stress are very common in those undergoing treatment. There are many reasons for this stress and these can relate to a sense of a loss of hope, the stress of constant appointments and invasive procedures such as the injections required and egg retrieval surgery, and the stress that follows an e...mbryo transfer and waiting for a pregnancy test. Oh, and the financial stress, relationship stress, the side effects from all the drugs, the stress of treatment outcome.. you get the picture. Its amazing that any of us come out the other end remotely normal! What's one strategy to help you manage or even reduce this stress during your treatment? Exercise! The right exercise prescription can increase your resilience, reduce depression and anxiety, help manage your mood and help you sleep instead of worrying about all the things that could keep you up at night. All of these benefits are great for you but also for your assisted reproductive treatment. Bonus! Exercise has been shown to increase your ability to bounce back from a stressful situation and to limit how much stress you experience. This is ESSENTIAL for riding the rollercoaster of fertility treatments. If I did not have the opportunity to exercise during my treatment there is no way I would have been able to handle multiple cycles and pick myself up after a negative pregnancy test. Exercise was such an important tool to manage the stresses of all the poking and prodding and waiting. An optimal exercise prescription can improve egg and sperm health, and create a receptive uterine environment. Is your exercise presription optimising your fertility? #exerciseismedicine #IVF #TTC #PCOS #infertility #fertilegut #naturalfertility #fertilityscience #fertilityexpert #fertilityfacts #preconception #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #tryingtoconceive #ttcjourney #ttccommunity #drkitic #theivfproject #unexplainedinfertility #antioxidants #moveyourbodyeveryday #endometriosis

07.01.2022 Dysbiosis is often defined as an imbalance in the gut microbial community that is associated with disease. This imbalance could be due to the gain or loss of community members or changes in relative abundance of microbes. If your microbiota are out of balance, inflammation and oxidative stress are elevated. This has a negative impact upon the development of eggs and sperm, and pregnancy progression. An imbalance in good and bad microbes can be triggered by stress, antibio...tic consumption, consuming processed foods, low dietary fibre intake, sleep disturbances and physical inactivity. Dysbiosis is a hallmark of conditions affecting fertility such as: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) endometriosis low testosterone in males oestrogen driven conditions obesity inflammation and oxidative stress, seen in unexplained infertility Imabalances in the gut microbiota contribute to dysregulated immune response, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and gut barrier disruption, ultimately impacting egg and sperm quaity and uterine receptivity. Research shows that increasing the diversity of the gut microbiota is associated with reductions in circulating levels of LPS, inflammation, reduced testosterone in PCOS, improved insulin sensitivity, improved ovulatory function and improved sperm health. Is your gut health on track for conception? Join our free, private Facebook group 'Create a Fertile Gut' to get started! #fertilegut #pcosdiet #pcosdietsupport #endometriosis #infertilitysucks #ttc #unexplainedinfertility #guthealthdiet #guthealth #howtogetpregnantnaturally #infertility #fertilitydiet #fertilitytips #endometriosis #IVF #TTC #ttcsisters #ttcsupport #ttcjourney #malefactorinfertility #naturalfertility #spermhealthdiet #infertiltydiet #fertilitydiet #fertilitydiettips #fertilitydietitian

07.01.2022 About 60 species living in our gut have been identified that can regulate estrogen concentration. This is what is termed our Estrobolome, and our estrobolome is one of the reasons why gut health is so important in influencing fertility. Reductions in gut microbiome diversity (reductions in the good microbes living in our gut) reduce the proportion of bacteria in our gut that contain an enzyme to turn estrogen into its active form in the blood stream. This enzyme is -glucur...onidase and low levels are associated with hypoestrogenic pathologies such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. On the other hand, if you have too many of the bacteria that produce -glucuronidase, you may have elevated levels of circulating estrogens which drive diseases such as endometriosis. Getting your gut health in check for conception will: reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that impact unexplained infertility, male infertility, PCOS and endometriosis improve your gut communities to better regulate hormones that control the menstrual cycle, appetite and weight improve eggs, sperm and implantation for a healthy pregnancy! #IVF #TTC #pregnancy #PCOS #health #infertility #fertilegut #naturalfertility #fertilityscience #provenscience #fertilityexpert #fertilityfacts #preconception #naturalfertility #fertilitydiet #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #tryingtoconceive #ttcjourney #spermhealthdiet #spermhealthtips #drkitic #theivfproject #nosmoking #exerciseismedicine #infertilityjourney #unexplainedinfertility #ivfbrisbane

06.01.2022 Endometriosis is a condition where tissue of the endometrium is found outside the uterus. Twenty to 50% of women dealing with infertility have endometriosis, and for 20% of people seeking fertility treatment, it is the sole reason they require additional support to achieve pregnancy. Know that if you have endometriosis (my hand is up!), you are certainly not alone. While not all women with endometriosis have trouble getting pregnant, lets look at how endometriosis affects f...ertility, and five steps you can take to give yourself the best chance of pregnancy success! Oxidative stress and inflammation are elevated in women with endometriosis, and these processes impact fertility. The increased oxidative stress and inflammation change the structure of eggs in women with endometriosis making them less likely to mature once collected. The endometrium is also different, which reduces implantation and pregnancy progression. The good news? There are ways to dampen oxidative stress and inflammation! Changes in anatomy may also impact how likely egg and sperm are to get together. Over 30% of women with endometriosis may present with adhesions, which is a type of scar tissue. Adhesions may cause structural changes that restrict the passage of eggs and sperm, making conception difficult. These adhesions are associated with increased pain, impacting quality of life but there are positive ways to manage, and even reduce this pain. While fertility treatments for endometriosis may involve interventions like laparoscopic surgery, there are some steps you can take now to improve your chance of pregnancy success. Want to find out more? Head to www.theivfproject.com

06.01.2022 Creating a fertile gut is essential for conception and beyond! A diverse microbiota reinforces the gut barrier, making it stronger and more resistant to damage and the impacts of toxins like LPS (lipopolysaccharide). There are steps you can take to improve the diversity of your gut microbiota, reinforce the intestinal barrier and reduce systemic LPS concentrations which have tremendous benefits for fertility! An imbalance in your gut microbiota weakens the integrity of the g...ut wall. With a gut community that isn't functioning optimally there is an increase in inflammation. These inflamamtory signals disrupt the tight junction proteins that hold our gut cells together. When cells of the gut are disrupted there is an increase in gut permeability. This allows potent immune stimulating compounds from bacteria in the gut to cross over into the blood stream. One of these compounds is called LPS which comes from the cell wall of bacteria. LPS is a potent driver of inflammation. An increase in circulating levels of bacterial endotoxin or LPS contribute to inflammation in the ovary, reduce progesterone production and increased levels of sperm DNA damage. Increased circulating levels of LPS are found in: Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Embryonic cell death Implantation failure Oviduct inflammation Reduced sperm production Impaired sperm motility Reduced sperm DNA integrity PCOS Endometriosis Recurrent pregnancy loss The consequence of increased intestinal permeability, leading to an increase in LPS in circulation, is ultimately poor quality eggs and sperm, and reduced uterine receptivity. Nurturing your gut microbiota is a proven strategy to promote the growth of benefical bacteria which dampens inflammation. Do you know what your gut bugs love to eat?

06.01.2022 We love myth busting exercise and IVF. Every day we see clients confused about what they can do or shouldn't do during preparation and treatment. We love bringing our exercise expertise so clients can rest assured they are adopting effective strategies to optimise their outcome. At The IVF Project our expertise includes researching the effects of exercise on the body.... Want to know what exercise does to oestrogen and progesterone levels? Want to know what exercise does to the integrity of your gastrointestinal tract? Want to know what exercise will dampen inflammation? Want to know what exercise does to testosterone concentrations? Want to know how much exercise is too much? We have published over 70 original research papers understanding the impact of exercise and nutrition on our metabolism, hormones, immune function, training adaptations, cardiovascular health and gastrointestinal health. We work with everyone from non-exercisers to highly trained athletes to craft an individualised exercise prescription optimal for your fertility. Ensuring energy to promote the beneficial adaptations from your activity is essential. Exercise and energy balance go hand in hand so importantly we look at these together with our specialst Dietitan and to provide you with extra support our fertility Psychologist is there for you. Check out our top 10 Exercise and IVF tips over at Fertility Smarts. https://www.fertilitysmarts.com/10-things-you-should/2/1561 or google "10 Things You Should Know About Exercise During IVF". #IVF #TTC #PCOS #health #infertility #fertilegut #naturalfertility #fertilityscience #fertilityexpert #fertilityfacts #preconception #naturalfertility #fertilitydiet #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #tryingtoconceive #ttcjourney #ttccommunity #ttcsupport #drkitic #theivfproject #infertilitycommunity #exerciseismedicine #infertilitysisters #infertilityjourney #unexplainedinfertility #brisbaneivf

05.01.2022 Did you know the bacteria in your gut talk to each other? They way that they communicate with each other has an impact on how healthy and how fertile your gut is! This is why it is important to have diversity (different types of bacteria and lots of them) of bacteria in your gut when you are trying to get pregnant. There are certain foods that nurture your gut microbiota and keep them happy and chatty. This food includes all different types of fibre which you can get from fru...it, vegetables and wholegrains. These different types of fibres are fermented by your gut microbiota. Through the fermentation process, they produce products that they use to communicate with the rest of your body and themselves. These products are also essential for your fertility. How is your gut microbiota commnication? #IVF #TTC #pregnancy #PCOS #health #infertility #fertilegut #naturalfertility #fertilityscience #provenscience #fertilityexpert #fertilityfacts #preconception #naturalfertility #fertilitydiet #fertilitysupport #fertilityjourney #fertilitytips #tryingtoconceive #ttcjourney #ttccommunity #ttcsupport #drkitic #theivfproject #infertilitycommunity #exerciseismedicine #infertilitysisters #infertilityjourney #unexplainedinfertility #ivfbrisbane

05.01.2022 If you did have periods at one stage but now they are missing there are two common causes of this: 1. PCOS (although there are of course other symptoms of this and you may not be missing your period) 2. Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea... Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea may be attributable to excessive stress, weight loss or engagning in excessive high intensities/volumes of exercise. What is excessive exercise? Well, this differs for each individual. For each client we work with to get their menstrual cycle back there will be a very personalised prescription which accounts for their: *medical history *training history *current nutritional and energy balance *current training *underlying contributors *fertility journey and goals While conception may be your key concern at this stage, the impacts of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea are not just on your fertility. If you are missing your period it is time to get this back on track! Addressing functional hypothalamic amenorrhea involves a tailored, multidisciplinary approach. Combinbing expertise in psychological support, nutrition and exercise prescription can transform your fertility for pregnancy success. Have you been missing your period? #lutealphasedefect #ivfsuccess #pcos #howtogetpregnant #ttc #infertility #energybalance #implantationfailure #recurrentmiscarriage #recurrentpregnancyloss #naturalfertility #ivf #hypothalamicamenorrhea #hypothalamicamenorrhearecovery #amenorrhea #relativenergydeficiencyinsport #energybalance

04.01.2022 I this photo! Yes- the scientist in me loves getting as close to the cellular level as possible . This image is from a 2014 research paper by Allhasham et al. It shows the sperm of mice and gives us some great insight into how different lifestyle components influence the health of sperm... In the top left corner you can see spem from healthy mice. You can just make out a nice shaped sperm with a normal shaped head and tail. Top right is when the mice have been fed a high fat diet. Oh my! The sperm starts to have coiled tails and some are even headless (indicated by the arrows in the photo). The bottom left photo shows mice on a high fat diet that have taken Xenical - a drug that is usually taken to promote weight loss. The sperm still looks pretty sad . Now I want you to take a look at the bottom right photo. This is what the sperm looks like with a high fat diet AND drumroll please - EXERCISE! In the mice that were exercising the sperm was happy again, resembling the sperm of the healthy mice that are not on a high fat diet. The sperm are normally shaped, have one head and one tail. It is men's health week so a great time to acknowledge how influential lifestyle can be to making healthy sperm . Getting the right exercise prescription nutrition is a positive step on the road to conception!

04.01.2022 Looking at who is living in your gut tells us so much about your fertility . Your gut microbes play a role in controlling many factors that influence fertility and these include: Hormone balance... Blood glucose regulation and sensitivity to insulin Inflammation and oxidative stress Energy harvesting and nutrient extraction from the food we eat Metabolism Mitochondrial health With @microbaofficial we get a comprehensive picture of the species living in your gut and how in balance they are. Some species promote fertility by producing the short chain fatty acid butyrate. Other species may promote inflammation which is damaging to egg and sperm health. We can look at how much beta-glucuronidase your gut microbiota produce. Some of the bacteria that live in our gut are able to break down oestrogens to their active form with the enzyme beta-glucuronidase. With too many bacteria breaking down oestrogen in the gut so it can be reabsorbed, oestrogen levels rise and this can drive conditions such as endometriosis. We can look at how much trimethylamine your gut bacteria can produce and consume. Trimethylamine gets absorbed from the gut and converted to trimethylamine oxide which has been shown to reduce embryo quality and fertilisation. We can tell the potential for your gut community to produce the endotoxin LPS. High levels of LPS are seen in endometriosis, PCOS, unexplained infertility, implantation failure, oviduct inflammation. Increases in LPS also change the receptivity of the uterine lining. This is just a snapshot of the insight that testing your poo will provide! Once you know who is living in there and what they are doing, you can have a strategy to optimise your gut microbiota to enhance conception and pregnancy success. Knowing how to interpret this information is critical which is why we love our Microbiologist Dietitian and gut health researcher Exercise Physiologist! Have you thought about what you can be doing to optimise your fertility? Take a listen to the gut-health connection @fertilitypoddy #microbiome #guthealthmatters #fertilegut #fertilegutmasterclass #ivf #ttc #pcos #endometriosis #unexplainedinfertility #gutfertilityconnection

03.01.2022 Cocoa flavanols are a great antioxidant AND it turns out they are also prebiotic! This means they promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut which is good news from reproductive health. 10 grams of dark chocolate a day over four weeks has been shown to create positive shifts in the gut microbiota in women and men with a body mass index over 30. The serving size of 10 grams is approximately one Lindt square so everything in moderation .... Biomed Res Int. 2019 Jun 2;2019 #fertilegut #pcosweightloss #pcosdiet #pcos #ttc #infertilitysucks #infertilitywarrior #ivf #fertilitydiet #infertility #insulinresistance #howtogetpregnant #hormonehealth #nutrition #pcoscysters #endometriosis #createafertilegut

01.01.2022 Fertility Week 2020! This year's theme is age. Discussion of factors that impact fertility is important - so important we belive it should be happening in school, but that's a post for another day . Age is a factor that impacts fertility. Today we are talking female fertility. While you can’t change your chronological age, there are some strategies to reduce the impacts of ageing on fertility. One of these is engaging in regular physical activity that will stimulte the best... adaptations for fertility. Exercise can oppose the detrimental effects of ageing. It enhances insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, improves efficiency of our mitochondria hmm all things that also benefit fertility! But what does it do at the level of egg? Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is secreted from cells within antral follicles and has been used as a marker of ovarian reserve. While it may be useful in predicting pregnancy rates in older females, AMH does not appear to predict pregnancy rates in women <36 years. Women who exercise more than two times per week have higher AMH levels than women not exercising (Maslow et al 2019). Another study supports the benefits of exercise on AMH levels, where women that are physically active have higher levels of AMH compared to inactive women. The increase in AMH levels was irrespective of age (Kiranmayee et al., 2017). In a mouse model of ageing, exercise improves both ovarian follicle reserve and oocyte quality (Faraci et al., 2018). Oocyte meiotic divisions are prone to chromosome segregation errors, a leading cause of frequent miscarriages and congenital defects. Exercise maintained normal mitochondrial distribution and improved meiotic spindles and chromosome alignment. This means that in the nucleus of the mature oocyte, the DNA is organised properly inside the cell. With ageing the spindles and chromosomes do not line up as they should, making it unlikely that the next cell division steps will go to plan but exercise corrected this. With diminished or no ovarian reserve, physical activity won’t restore your eggs but it will be able to create positive changes in your endometrium for implantation, if using donor eggs.

01.01.2022 Cells need energy to grow and the most important part of a cell involved in energy production are the little bean shaped mitochondria - the cell powerhouse! Given the essential function of maternally inherited mitochondria in producing energy for growth and maturation, it is not surprising that poorly functioning mitochondria are key factors in diseases such as the neurodegenerative condition Alzheimers, metabolic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neuromuscu...lar disease and fertility! As we learn more about these little energy factories (our mitochondria), it appears that the health of your mitochondria is a great indicator of the success of fertilisation and embryo development. In combination with elevated levels of inflammation, endometriosis is also associated with mitochondria alterations. Eggs retrieved from women with endometriosis have altered morphology and lower levels of mitochondria and are less likely to mature once collected. The decline in egg quality with ageing has also been related to mitochondria. The ability of mitochondria to produce energy is crucial during the development of oocytes and to allow for normal embryo growth development. The things that can damage our mitochondria are many, including a high fat diet, but once again - the good news is that there are ways we can boost our mitochondrial efficiency to improve their functioning for optimal reproductive health! #mitochondria #mitochondrialhealth #fertilegut #fertilityfriendlyfood #infertility #fertilityjourney #TTC #ttcjourney #ivfjourney

01.01.2022 The amount of sleep you get can impact fertility so enhancing your sleep is a great step to conception. Sleep is probably the single most important thing we can do to ensure physiological and mental health. Without sleep our immune system is not as effective at fighting off viruses, our memory and concentration are impaired, and sex drive reduces. Missing out on sleep is essentially a stress on the body. This can lead to numerous disruptions in homeostasis, affecting hormones... that control our internal body clocks and aspects of our physiology such as how we regulate blood sugar. Sleep duration positively correlates with testosterone concentrations in males and sticking to a regular sleep cycle balances out hormones such as oestrogen, LH and FSH in females. In over 6,800 North American Women aged 21-45 years trying to get pregnant (Willis et al., 2019), those getting <6 hours of sleep a night were 11% less likely to get pregnant and this was even lower in women with higher perceived levels of stress. Compared to men getting 8 hours of sleep a night, those sleeping less than 6 hours had a 38% reduced chance of pregnancy (Wise et al., 2018). There is a very real connection between sleep and our reproductive health. Greater gut diversity (which we know is so good for our reproductive health!) has been associated with promoting a better quality night's sleep. This isn't too suprising given the positive metabolites produced in a healthy, diverse gut and the benefits for our brain and physiology. Taking steps to enhance your sleep quality (and maybe quantity) will flow on to improving your fertility, health and wellbeing. Are you nurturing your gut for better sleep and optimal fertility? If you want to know more, click on our bio link to find out how you can fast track your gut health for pregnancy success #microbiome #guthealthmatters #fertilegut #fertilegutmasterclass #ivf #ttc #pcos #endometriosis #unexplainedinfertility #gutfertilityconnection #endometriosisdiet #pcosdiet #pcosweightloss #ivfjourney #ivfwarrior #ivfsucks #howtogetpregnant

01.01.2022 If you are looking to conceive then you might like to hear us talk on the Beat Infertility podcast which was released today! We cover: Who lives in your gut... How your gut can regulate your hormones What the gut-fertility connection is What is dysbiosis? How do you find out who is living in your gut? Check out BONUS episode 275 https://beatinfertility.co/fertile-gut/ #fertilegut #fertilegutmasterclass #ivfjourney #ivf #pcosawareness #pcos #endometriosis #endometriosiswarrior #pcosdiet #infertilityawareness #infertilitywarrior #unexplainedinfertility #ttc #ttcjourney