How Pesticides Can Impact Fertility Levels

Environmental threats to male reproduction was first discovered around 30 years ago when sperm formation was shown to be severely impaired among agricultural workers and pesticide manufacturers. It is a well documented fact that exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, insecticides and herbicides can decrease sperm production and quality. Among men seeking infertility treatment, those who were exposed to pesticides were most likely to have a very low sperm output. What’s more, sperm concentration, output and morphology were all significantly worse in men more frequently exposed to pesticides.

Those living and working on a farm land, mixing and applying pesticides – including insect killers, weed killers as well as fungal killers and fungicides are potentially in danger of experiencing a low sperm count.

The Pesticide-Fertility Connection

It is important to note that many of the studies conducted on pesticides only examined people who live in an agricultural area or regularly work with pesticides. Therefore, an average person is not likely to have such a high-exposure to these chemicals. However the danger lies in the fact that even a low-level of exposure to pesticides has been found to cause health problems.

As infertility rates continue to rise in many countries, more and more studies are directed at possible environmental factors such as the effect of various chemicals, toxins and pesticides as a potential cause of infertility. Most tests have revealed alarming results. Pesticides have an adverse effect of causing health and reproductive problems in people who are continuously exposed to these strong chemicals. Here is a sampling of various findings:

• Chlorpyrifos has been found to cause autoimmune responses whereby the body attacks the sperm or egg
• DDT and chlordane are of particular concern as they have both been found to reduce sperm counts
• Many pesticides have proven links with reduced sperm counts, including ethylene dibromide (pesticide), kepone (pesticide) and DBCP (agricultural nematocide)
• Exposure to pesticides also leads to decreased levels of testosterone in men.

Pesticides in the home include indoor insect repellants and pesticides used in the garden. The combined exposure of using both types can be significant.

It’s not just men, but women also whose fertility may be disrupted by pesticide exposures. Women who live near crops on which pesticides have been sprayed may have anywhere from a 40 to 120% increased risk of miscarriage.

Tips for Safeguarding Fertility from Pesticide Exposure

• If your work involves handling chemicals consider if you can reduce the number of hours you are exposed to them. If this is not possible always wear gloves and a mask for protection.
• If you intend to put pesticide on your lawn and you are planning a baby see if there is someone else who can do the job for you
• Consider using organic fertilizers since they don’t carry a chemical risk.

Fertility Treatment Options

There has been growing concern about the effect pesticides may have on the delicate human reproductive system, and particularly on the quality of sperm. If you discover you are pregnant and you live near an agricultural area where pesticides are being used, it is advised you remove yourself to avoid exposure to these chemicals.

East Bay fertility Center, Dublin, California, (www.ebfertility.com) specializes in the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of infertility, providing a complete mind-body experience for fertility couples. Treatment options are pursued based on all known parameters and the preferences of the couple.

East Bay’s experienced medical staff is headed by Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician. Dr Snowden is Board Certified in Obstetric, Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology with advanced Fellowship training in the treatment of infertility, recurrent miscarriages and hormonal disorders in women. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Affecting Infertility

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also called PCOS, is an endocrine or hormonal disorder and is the most common cause of infertility in women. PCOS may affect a woman's menstrual cycle, hormones, insulin production, heart blood vessels. and finally appearance. If the quantity of male hormones is more than that of female hormones in a woman’s body then she is likely to suffer from PCOS. This growth of PCOS adversely affects the ovulation rate of a woman and can cause irregular ovulation.

PCOS restricts the growth of ovarian follicles and as a result these follicles are not able to release eggs. The follicles are left with less time to reach maturity and they continue to grow as small size cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries. However women with cysts need not necessarily have PCOS.

Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

The main symptoms of PCOS that doctors look for while diagnosing the causes of infertility include:

• Irregular and/or no ovulation which means no eggs to be impregnated
• Irregular and/or no menstruation
• Increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes
• High levels of male hormones, also called androgens
• Severe acne, oily skin, or dandruff
• Considerable pelvic pain
• Weight gain or obesity, especially extra weight around the waist
• High cholesterol level and high blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Male-pattern baldness or thinning of hair
• Skin discolorations around the genitals, chest and arm pits
• Growth of skin tags, or tiny flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
• Sleep apnea i.e. excessive snoring and occasional stoppage of breathing while sleeping
• Insulin resistance

All of these symptoms need not be present for the diagnosis of PCO. The tests to confirm the suspected diagnosis include:

1. A reverse FSH/LH ratio performed on Day 3 of the menstrual cycle
2. Characteristic appearance of the ovaries on a pelvic ultrasound
3. Characteristic appearance of the ovaries when visualized surgically by laparoscopy or laparotomy

Treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

As per the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, treatment procedures for PCOS differ from one patient to another based on symptoms and whether the woman wants to conceive or needs contraception. A detailed look at the symptoms and family history is essential to start appropriate treatment. Controlling the symptoms of PCOS is the best cure to reduce the risks associated with it.

To control the side effects of PCOS a healthy diet and regular exercise are crucial. The remedies for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) include:

• Contraceptive pills: Not exactly a cure for PCOS, these pills regulates menstrual periods, reduce male hormone levels and acne growth. But once the pills are discontinued, the menstrual cycle tends to again become abnormal.
• Diabetes Medications: Medicines for type 2 diabetes such as Metformin, also called Glucophage, regulates glucose, decreases testosterone production, slows down abnormal hair growth and normalize ovulation after a few months of use.
• Fertility treatments: The lack of ovulation is the main fertility problem for women with PCOS. However, before starting with fertility treatment it is essential that sperm count and the partner’s tubes are checked to make sure they are open.
• Ovarian Drilling Surgery: This surgery, considered the last treatment option, is used to induce ovulation. This helps in reducing male hormone levels and aids ovulation. However, the surgery carries a risk of developing scar tissue on the ovary.
• Maintaining a healthy body weight: Healthy weight lowers glucose levels, restores regular periods and uses insulin more effectively. It has been proved that losing even a small amount of weight can help balance hormones and restore fertility.

If the normal course of treatment for PCOS does not yield positive conception results, it is essential to seek out the care of a Reproductive Endocrinologist. East Bay Fertility Center (www.ebfertility.com), California, offers a wide range of infertility treatments along with expert medical counseling to couples facing difficulty in conceiving. Under the guidance of Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. East Bay Fertility Center specializes in providing infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, insemination, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, egg donation and gestational surrogacy.

With the right type of treatment and intervention, East Bay Fertility Center assists couples who have been having problems conceiving to overcome those difficulties in the shortest possible time in order to realize their dreams of having a healthy baby.

Call us at 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation or visit our website at www.ebfertility.com for more details about infertility treatments and more.

Smoking Vs Infertility

Infertility arises because of many reasons such as problems in the ovaries and uterus and fluctuations in hormone levels which reduce the chances of conceiving. In addition there are external factors that could contribute to infertility. Smoking is one of them.

The link between Smoking and Infertility

Latest studies show that a considerable amount of infertility cases are the after effect of smoking. Smoking can cause severe side effects both in men and women. Women smokers have higher risk of affecting their reproductive ability and further increasing the chances of cancer in their offspring because of alterations in the genes and chromosomes.

Women who have tried to get pregnant with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and those who have been smokers in the past produce fewer eggs with IVF than non smokers. In addition, smokers also experience reduced capacity of fertilization of the eggs and increased chances of miscarriages with IVF. The reason might be nicotine, found in cigarettes, which have adverse effects on the follicles that are necessary for the induction of IVF.

Smoking during Pregnancy

The pregnancy rates of women smokers are greatly affected by nicotine. Moreover, smoking negatively influences not just the mother, but the baby as well. Even before delivery, smoking can harm a fetus exposed to nicotine while in the womb causing low birth weight, poor lung function and several other problems. The nicotine in cigarettes obstructs the flow of oxygen needed for healthy growth to the baby's blood. Needless to say the chances of a healthy pregnancy can be improved by keeping the body smoke free.

Effects of Smoking on Female and Male Fertility

Some of the negative consequences of smoking on the female reproduction ability include:

• Damage to the fallopian tubes that produce healthy eggs


• Lower rates of fertilization of the eggs with IVF


• Chances of reaching menopause early by 1 to 4 years


• Increased risk of unprompted abortion and ectopic pregnancy


• Alterations in ovum


• Likelihood of occurrence of cancer in the babies of smoking parents

Significant consequences of smoking contributing to male infertility include:

• Decreased sperm count in men


• lterations in the sperm morphology, sperm strength and quantity of ejaculated semen


• Infertility caused by changes in the series of DNA in sperm cells

Infertility itself can be cured with the help of treatments and medications and IVF success rates are higher in women that have quit smoking. Fertility improves considerably in women who have quit smoking. Couples planning on starting a family and particularly those experiencing problems while conceiving should make a maximum effort towards cessation of smoking..

East Bay Fertility Center, Dublin, California (www.ebfertility.com) offers personalized medical counseling and treatments for infertile couples. The clinic’s experienced medical staff is headed by Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician who is Board Certified in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology. East Bay Fertility Center provides comprehensive infertility services and motivates infertile patients throughout their course of infertility treatment. East Bay specializes in providing infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, insemination, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, egg donation and gestational surrogacy.

Visit our website http://ebfertility.com/ to know more about different treatment options that we provide.

Is Laparoscopy Beneficial for Endometriosis?

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure and an advanced tool that is used in different areas of medical science; infertility treatment being one of them. Endometriosis, one of the most common causes of infertility, and a painful disorder in a women’s reproductive system, is usually treated using laparoscopy.

What is Endometriosis?

The abnormal growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus that attaches to other organs in the pelvic cavity such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries is known as Endometriosis. The endometriosis implants will bleed during the menstrual period. As the tissues become enlarged, inflammation may cause pain. One of the possible reasons for endometriosis may be excess estrogen levels in a women’s body. There is an increased incidence among family members suggesting a genetic component to the disease. Endometriosis may affect fertility in many ways. Some of these include:

1. The over-production of prostaglandins which are hormones that plays an important role in the fertilization of the egg and implantation of the embryo.
2. Ovulation disturbances due to involvement of the ovaries
3. Pelvic scarring restricting the tubes and ovaries
4. Painful intercourse resulting in decreased frequency
5. Immunological abnormalities leading to an increased risk of miscarriage

Laparoscopy as a Treatment Option for Endometriosis

In women with moderate to severe endometriosis, laparoscopic surgery is an effective treatment for endometriosis-related infertility, as it leads to better pregnancy rates. It is unclear whether mild disease is similarly impacted by laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopy is conducted to confirm the diagnosis and remove adhesions caused by endometriosis.

Laparoscopy, considered as one of the least invasive surgical treatment option that is available today, is usually done under general anesthesia. The procedure includes insertion of an instrument that has a tiny camera attached to it with a light, known as laparoscope, through a small abdominal incision. More than one incision may be required for inserting other surgical instruments for better access.

The Need of Laparoscopy

While treating Endometriosis, Laparoscopy is usually carried out for checking and treating the following:

• Examining the pelvic organs causing pelvic pain.
• Removal of endometriosis implants and scar tissues.
• Removal of endometriosis cyst on an ovary (endometrioma).
• Endometriosis pain after a hormone therapy.

Disadvantages of Laparoscopy used for Endometriosis

Though laparoscopy is a great tool, it does have certain drawbacks when it comes to diagnosing Endometriosis. A laparoscopic surgery is not always helpful to patients of endometriosis on a long term basis. There might be some accidental damage to the surrounding organs while the doctor maneuvers the instruments inside the body. There are also chances of the incision getting infected at times.

A Positive Note

The heartening news is that having endometriosis does not automatically mean that you will never have children. Rather, it means that you may face problems in the journey towards parenthood.
At East Bay Fertility Center, California, (www.ebfertility.com) an experienced team of doctors headed by Dr Ellen Snowden specialize in examining and treating potential causes of both male and female infertility including Endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. The process of treatment starts with free initial consultation with East Bay’s infertility specialist followed by a thorough diagnostic evaluation. The next step would be to identify the problem and start with the treatment.

With the right course of treatment and medical intervention, East Bay Fertility Center is committed to assisting couples facing problems conceiving. The goal is to help them overcome their infertility problem in the shortest possible time and realize their dreams of having a healthy baby.

For more information on fertility treatment options log on to http://ebfertility.com/

Is the Recession Leading to Postponement of Parenthood Plans?

People are willing to spend whatever it takes to fulfill their dreams of having a family. But in these tough economic times, deciding to postpone having a child or adding to the family is a natural consequence as women struggle to hold on to their jobs and job prospects are uncertain. With the economy putting strain on finances, employers cutting benefits, savings dwindling and the cost of raising and educating children at an all time high, prospective parents are now filled with doubts about their ability to provide for children.

A fall out of the economic situation is that many people are losing their health insurance. The financial crisis is taking a personal toll on couples who have no option but to consciously decide to postpone parenthood till the economic downturn improves.

But there are many who advocate that parenthood decisions should not be tied to finances or economic cycles. There are optimists who suggest that in fact women who suddenly find themselves out of work without much chance of finding work in the near future might well decide that now is the time to have a baby.

Link between Recession and Birth Rates

Historically, the birth rate declines when there is a national crisis or recession. In the USA, during the Great Depression, the total fertility rate (TFR) reduced to 2.1 children per woman in 1936 and during the inflationary oil crisis decade of the 1970s the TFR set an all-time low record of 1.7. Obstetricians expect to see a drop in pregnancies in the coming months, especially among middle-class families with shrinking incomes.

Impact of Recession on Infertility Patients

But for most couples seeking infertility treatment, time is not on their side with those opting for treatment mostly in their 30’s. Most of them cannot wait for an economic recovery to happen, or for credit to free up as it could mean they may never have children, due to age-related declines in fertility. The economic recession may persist a few years, but for most couples with infertility issues, the biological clock does not stop tickling down.

How has the recession affected fertility clinics?

So far fertility clinics seem to have been untouched by the economic slide with consults for new IVF patients holding steady. It seems that people still hold family to be most important in their priority list in spite of the financial difficulties they have to deal with. Reproductive medicine is thriving despite the troubled economy, and most couples are ready to take on the physical, financial and emotional challenges that treatments bring about.

In the current scenario, there is an urgent need to devise solutions to make treatment more affordable and accessible for infertility patients. Some private clinics are offering money-back guarantees, where patients will receive a refund if they fail to conceive within three cycles of infertility treatment. Most health insurance does not cover fertility treatment and there is an urgent need to ease the financial burden of those who are opting for IVF and other infertility treatment towards their pursuit of having a baby.

Dublin, California based East Bay Fertility Center (www.ebfertiltity.com) has always empathized with couples struggling to find ways to finance their infertility treatment. East Bay Fertility Center offers in-house financing in order to make the cost of treatment affordable. East Bay Fertility Center also has arrangements with financial institutions that provide financing to their patients. Diagnostic testing and IUI (artificial insemination) may be covered by insurance depending on the diagnosis. Corporate discounts are also available and the cost for testing and treatment will be reviewed with each patient at the time of the free initial consultation.

Fertility Doctor

Eva Ulehlova

IVF Laboratory Director and Senior Embryologist

Eva Ulehlova, MS, ELD(ABB), TS, CLS has more than 17 years of hands-on IVF Laboratory experience in the San Francisco Bay Area including ICSI, blastocyst culture, embryo cryopreservation, testicular biopsy and other andrology services. Eva is experienced in laboratory set-up and management, CAP certification and IVF laboratory compliance, CA Tissue Bank and FDA regulations, laboratory personnel management, mentoring and training.

Eva completed a Master's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences at SFSU where her thesis topic investigated various cryopreservation protocols for human embryo freezing. Eva is a board certified Embryology Laboratory Director (ABB), Technical Supervisor (ABB) and Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CA, ASCP). Eva is a member of American Board of Bioanalysts (1996), American Society of Reproductive Medicine (1994), European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (1997) and is certified by College of American Pathologists as a reproductive laboratory inspector (1998).

Eva prides herself in her high quality work ethics that deliver meticulous and accurate results. Due to her unwavering commitment to her work, she plays an integral part as a team player within the clinic by keeping the success rates among the best in the country.

Eva is currently working in Fertility Treatment Center


Jodie Sandhu

Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Manager

Jodie Sandhu is a Nurse Practitioner, graduate of Stanford University, who has been in Women's Health for the last five years. Jodie holds a dual degree as a Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant. She has been in the nursing field for the last 13 years providing hands-on care to patients. During this time, Jodie has gained skills working in hospitals, emergency rooms, nursing care homes, community clinics, and family practice centers. Her role in Women's Health is one that is very proactive and supportive. She practices independence of decisions, focuses on educating the patient, and helps women realize their strengths in improving their well-being.

Jodie works with Dr. Snowden in her role as a Clinical Manager, to enhance the patient's personal experience with infertility. She guides patients from beginning to end, acting as a coordinator and nurturing patients in every way. Her goal is to provide patients with resources, strength, comfort, and success in this journey. Jodie is fluent in Spanish, Punjabi, and Hindi.

East Bay Fertility Center