chapter One:
Modern Fertility Medicine:
The Risks and Overuse of (Sometimes)
Terrific Technologies

Chandra A, Stephen E. Impaired fecundity in the United States: 1982-1995. Family Planning Perspectives 1998; 30(1):34-42.

Chung K et al. Factors influencing adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnancies achieved through use of in vitro fertilization. Fertility and Sterility 2006; 86:1634-41.

Foresta C et al. Guidelines for the appropriate use of genetic tests in infertile couples. European Journal of Human Genetics May 2002; 10(5):303-12.

Klemetti R et al. Children born after assisted fertilization have an increased rate of major congenital anomalies. Fertility and Sterility 2005; 84:1300-7

Lockwood C. ART: Does ‘singleton’ really equal success? Contemporary OB/GYN November 2005: 13-16.

Lockwood C. Prematurity: A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma (Part 1). Contemporary OB/GYN, March 2003

Olson CK et al. In vitro fertilization is associated with an increase in major birth defects. Fertility and Sterility November 2005; 84(5).

Pike MC et al. Hormonal factors and the risk of invasive ovarian cancer: a population-based case-control study. Fertility and Sterility July 2004; 82(1):186-95.

Reddy UM et al. Infertility, assisted reproductive technology, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Obstetrics & Gynecology April 2007; 109(4 ):967+.

Simpson JL. ART and offspring anomalies: How concerned should we be? Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause October 2005; 3(2).

Scoccia B. Leveling with patients about the risks of ART. Contemporary OB/GYN November 2006: 90.

Wright et al. Diagnosis in couples who had ART using fresh nondonor eggs or embryos in 2003. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2007.

Chapter Two:
How to Get Pregnant: The Basics

Agarwal A. Effect of vaginal lubricants on sperm motility and chromatin integrity: a prospective comparative study. Fertility and Sterility February 2008; 89(2): 375-9.

Levitas E et al. Relationship between the duration of sexual abstinence and semen quality: analysis of 9,489 semen samples. Fertility and Sterility 2005; 83:1680-6.

Potter RG, Millman SR. Fecundability and the Frequency of Marital Intercourse: A Critique of Nine Models. Population Studies November 1985; 39(2): 461-470.

Wilcox AJ et al. Timing of sexual intercourse in relation to ovulation. Effects on the probability of conception, survival of the pregnancy, and sex of the baby. New England Journal of Medicine December 7, 1995; 333(23):1517-21.

Chapter Three:
Lifestyles of the Naturally Fertile

Chavarro JE et al. Diet and lifestyle in the prevention of ovulatory disorder infertility. Obstetrics & Gynecology November 2007; 110(5):1050-8.

Hassan MA. Negative lifestyle is associated with a significant reduction in fecundity. Fertility and Sterility February 2004; 81(2).

AGE
Belloc S et al. Both paternal and maternal ages impact negatively on pregnancy and miscarriage rates: a retrospective study in 21239 IUI cycles. Presented at European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology's annual conference in Barcelona 2008.

Eskenazi B et al. The association of age and semen quality in healthy men. Human Reproduction February 2003; 18(2):447-54.

Hassan MAM. Effect of male age on fertility: evidence for the decline in male fertility with increasing age. Fertility and Sterility June 2003; 79 (Supplement 3).

Laufer et al. Enrichment of DNA repair genes expression in women conceiving spontaneously after the age of 45. European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology 21st annual meeting, presented June 21, 2005.

Leader A. Pregnancy and motherhood: The biological clock. Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause May 2006; 4(1), 3-6.

Leridon H. Can assisted reproduction technology compensate for the natural decline in fertility with age? A model assessment. Human Reproduction July 2004; 19(7):1548-53.

Slama R. Influence of paternal age on the risk of spontaneous abortion. American Journal of Epidemiology May 1, 2005; 161(9):816-23.

WEIGHT
Bhattacharya S. Obesity breaks up sperm DNA. New Scientist October 17, 2003; 19:45.

Brunk D. High BMI may cause oligospermia in some. OB GYN News November 15, 2005.

Kirchengast, S, Huber J. Body composition characteristics and fat distribution patterns in young infertile women. Fertility and Sterility March 2004; 81(3):539-44.

Maconochie N et al. Risk factors for first trimester miscarriage – results from a UK-population-based case-control study. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology February 2007; 114(2):170-86.

Pasquali, R et al. Obesity and reproductive disorders in women. Human Reproduction Update. July-August 2003; 9(4):359-72.

Tanbo T. Both underweight and overweight women had reduced fecundity after assisted reproduction treatment. Evidence-based Obstetrics & Gynecology; 3(2): 95-96.

Wang JX et al. Obesity increases the risk of spontaneous abortion during infertility treatment. Obesity Research June 2002; 10(6):551-4.

EXERCISE
Clapp JF. The effect of continuing regular endurance exercise on the physiologic adaptations to pregnancy and pregnancy outcome. The American Journal of Sports Medicine 1996; 24(Supplement 6):S28-9.

Morris SN and Johnson NR. Exercise during pregnancy. The Journal of Reproductive Medicine March 2005; 50(3).

Rich-Edwards JW et al. Physical activity, body mass index, and ovulatory disorder infertility. Epidemiology March 2002; 13(2):184-90.

Russell JB et al. The role of B-endorphins and catechol estrogens on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in female athletes. Fertility and Sterility November 1984; 42(5).

Wheeler GD et al. Reduced serum testosterone and prolactin levels in male distance runners. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association. July 27, 1984; 252(4).

Williams NI et al. Evidence for a causal role of low energy availability in the induction of menstrual cycle disturbances during strenuous exercise training. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2001; 86 (11):5184-5193.

TOXINS
Abell A et al. High sperm density among members of organic farmers’ association. Lancet June 11, 1994; 343(8911):1498.

Benoff S et al. Increased seminal plasma lead levels adversely affect the fertility potential of sperm in IVF. Human Reproduction 2003; 18:374-383.

Duty SM et al. The relationship between environmental exposure to phthalates and computer-aided sperm analysis motion parameters. Journal of Andrology March-April 2004; 25(2):293-302.

Duty SM et al. Phthalate exposure and human semen parameters. Epidemiology May 2003; 14(3):269-77.

Hauser R et al. Altered semen quality in relation to urinary concentrations of phthalate monoester and oxidative metabolites. Epidemiology November 2006; 17(6):682-91.

Hauser R. The environment and male fertility: recent research on emerging chemicals and semen quality. Seminars in Reproductive Medicine July 2006; 24(3):156-67.

Hauser R et al. DNA damage in human sperm is related to urinary levels of phthalate monoester and oxidative metabolites. Human Reproduction March 2007; 22(3):688-95.

Rozati R et al. Role of environmental estrogens in the deterioration of male factor fertility. Fertility and Sterility December 2002; 78(6):1187-94.

Sugiura-Ogasawara M. Exposure to bisphenol A is associated with recurrent miscarriage. Human Reproduction August 2005; 20(8):2325-9.

Swan SH. Does our environment affect our fertility? Some examples to help reframe the question. Seminars in Reproductive Medicine July 2006; 24(3):142-6

SMOKING
Baird DD, Wilcox AJ. Cigarette smoking associated with delayed conception. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association May 24-31, 1985; 253(20):2979-83.

Christianson RA. Gross differences observed in placentas of smokers and non-smokers. American Journal of Epidemiology 1979; 110:178-87.

Zitzmann M. et al Male smokers have a decreased success rate for in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertility and Sterility June 2003; 79(Supplement 3).

CAFFEINE AND COFFEE
Caan B et al. Differences in fertility associated with caffeinated beverage consumption. American Journal of Public Health February 1998; 88(2):270-4.

ALCOHOL
Eggert J et al. Effects of alcohol consumption on female fertility during an 18-year period. Fertility and Sterility February 2004; 81(2).

Jensen TK et al. Does moderate alcohol consumption affect fertility? Follow up study among couples planning first pregnancy. British Medical Journal 1998; 317:505-10.

Klonoff-Cohen H et al. Effects of maternal and paternal alcohol consumption on the success rates of in vitro fertilization and gamete intrafallopian transfer. Fertility and Sterility February 2003; 79(2):330-9.

MEDICATIONS
Norman RJ. Reproductive consequences of COX-2 inhibition. Lancet October 20, 2001; 358(9290): 1287-8.

Smith G et al. Reversible ovulatory failure associated with the development of luteinised unruptured follicles in women with inflammatory arthritis taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. British Journal of Rheumatology 1996; 35(5):458-462.

RECREATIONAL DRUGS
Asch RH, Smith CG. Effects of marijuana on reproduction. Contemporary OB/GYN October 1983.

MISCELLANEOUS
Agarwal A et al. Effect of cell phone usage on semen analysis in men attending infertility clinic: An observational study. Fertility and Sterility January 2008; 89:124.

CHAPTER FOUR:
DE-STRESSING

Berga S et al. Recovery of ovarian activity in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea who were treated with cognitive behavior therapy. Fertility and Sterility October 2003; 80(4):976-81.

Hjollund NHI et al. Distress and reduced fertility: A follow-up study of first-pregnancy planners. Fertility and Sterility 1999; 72:47-53.

Johnston D. Meditation and mindfulness for the New Year: A mind/body approach to infertility. The American Infertility Association, 5 2004.

Klonoff-Cohen H, Natarajan L. The concerns during assisted reproduction technologies (CART) scale and pregnancy outcomes. Fertility and Sterility April 2004; 81(4):982-8.

CHAPTER FIVE:
EATING TO CONCEIVE

Chavarro JE et al. Diet and lifestyle n the prevention of ovulatory disorder infertility. Obstetrics & Gynecology November 2007; 110(5):1050-8.

Chavarro JE et al. A prospective study of dietary carbohydrate quantity and quality in relation to risk of ovulatory infertility. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition September 19, 2007.

Chavarro JE et al. A prospective study of dairy foods intake and anovulatory infertility. Human Reproduction May 2007; 22(5):1340-7.

Chavarro JE et al. Dietary fatty acid intakes and the risk of ovulatory infertility. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition January 2007; 85(1):231-7.

CHAPTER SIX:
FERTILITY NUTRIENTS

Chavarro JE et al. Use of multivitamins, intake of B vitamins, and risk of ovulatory infertility. Fertility and Sterility March 2008; 89(3):668-76.

Chavarro JE et al. Iron intake and risk of ovulatory infertility. Obstetrics & Gynecology November 2006; 108(5):1145-52.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN:
WHAT’S YOUR PROBLEM?

ACUPUNCTURE
Cai X. Substitution of acupuncture for HCG in ovulation induction. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine June 1997; 17(2):119-21.

Chang R et al. Role of acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility. Fertility and Sterility December 2002; 78(6):1149-53.

Gerhard I, Postneek F. Auricular acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility. Gynecological Endocrinology 1992; 6:171-181.

Jin Y (Chris Hakim, translator). Handbook of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Chinese Medicine: An Integrated Approach. Eastland Press, 2001.

Manheimer E et al. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: systematic review and meta-analysis. British Medical Journal March 8, 2008;336(7643):545-9.
NIH Consensus Conference. Acupuncture. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association November 4, 1998; 280:1518-24.

Paulus WE et al. Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility April 2002; 77(4):721-4.

Siterman S et al. Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm density in males with very low sperm count? A pilot study. Andrologia 2000;32(1):31-9.

Siterman S et al. Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering from subfertility related to low sperm quality. Archives of Andrology September-October 1997; 39(2):155-61.

Smith C et al. Influence of acupuncture stimulation on pregnancy rates for women undergoing embryo transfer. Fertility and Sterility May 2006; 85(5):1352-8.

Stener-Victorin E et al. Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro-acupuncture. Human Reproduction June 1996; 11(6):1314-7.

Stener-Victorin E et al. A prospective randomized study of electro-acupuncture versus alfentanil as anaesthesia during oocyte aspiration in in-vitro fertilization. Human Reproduction October 1999;14(10):2480-4.

Stener-Victorin E et al. Effects of electro-acupuncture on anovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica March 2000; 79(3):180-8.

Westergaard LG et al. Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women: a prospective, randomized trial. Fertility and Sterility May 2006; 85(5):1341-6.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN:
HORMONAL AND ENDOCRINE ISSUES

LUTEAL PHASE DEFECT
Henmi H et al. Effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on serum progesterone levels in patients with a luteal phase defect. Fertility and Sterility August 2003; 80:459-461.

PCOS
Fulghesu AM et al. N-acetyl-cysteine treatment improves insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertility and Sterility June 2002; 77(6):1128-35.

Shroff R et al. Young obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome have evidence of early coronary atherosclerosis. Clinics in Endocrinology and Metabolism 2007; 92:4609-4614.

Stener-Victorin, E et al. Effects of electro-acupuncture on nerve growth factor and ovarian morphology in rats with experimentally induced polycystic ovaries. Biology of Reproduction November 2000; 63(5):1497-503.

Stener-Victorin E. Effects of electro-acupuncture on anovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 2000, 79(3): 180-188. 

FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH)
Foresta C et al. Hormonal treatment of male infertility: FSH. Reproductive Biomedicine Online December 2007; 15(6):666-72.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN:
STRUCTURAL OR ANATOMICAL ISSUES

ENDOMETRIOSIS
Parazzini F et al. Selected food intake and risk of endometriosis. Human Reproduction August 2004; 19(8):1755-9.

SPERM PROBLEMS
Comhaire F et al. Statement on the general reduction in sperm quality. International Journal of Andrology. December 1995; 18(Supplement 2):1-2.

Irvine S et al. Evidence of deteriorating semen quality in the Untied Kingdom: birth cohort study of 577 men in Scotland over 11 years. British Medical Journal 1996; 312(7029):467-471.

Gzick DS et al. Sperm morphology, motility and concentration in fertile and infertile men. New England Journal of Medicine 2001; 345(19):1388–1393.

VARICOCELES
Ishikawa H et al. Effects of guizhi-fuling-wan on male infertility with varicocele.
American Journal of Chinese Medicine 1996; 24(3-4):327-31.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN:
INFECTIONS

Comhaire FH et al. Mechanisms and effects of male genital tract infection on sperm quality and fertilizing potential: the andrologist's viewpoint. Human Reproduction Update September-October 1999; 5(5):393-8.

Kaur M et al. Bacteriology of the cervix in cases of infertility: effect on human and animal spermatozoa and role of elastase. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology and Microbiology May 1988; 17(1):14-7.

Kaur M et al. Bacteriology of cervix in cases of infertility: effect on human sperm. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology and Microbiology September 1986; 12(1):21-4.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN:
IMMUNE SYSTEM ISSUES

Jin-Chun Lu; Yu-Feng Huang; Nian-Qing Lu. Antisperm immunity and infertility.
Expert Review of Clinical Immunology  2008; 4(1):113-126.

Rai R, Regan L. Antiphospholipid antibodies, infertility and recurrent miscarriage. Current Opinions in Obstetrics & Gynecology August 1997; 9(4):279-82.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN:
GENERAL HEALTH ISSUES

DIABETES
Moley KH et al. Hyperglycemia induces apoptosis in pre-implantation embryos through cell death effector pathways. Nature Medicine December 1998; 4(12):1421-4.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE:
ASSISTED REPRODUCTION:
WHEN YOU NEED THE NEXT STEP

IUI
Comhaire F et al. Critical evaluation of the effectiveness of different modes of treatment of male infertility. Andologia. 1996; 28(Supplement 1): 31-5.

Jurema MW et al. Effect of ejaculatory abstinence period on the pregnancy rate after intrauterine insemination. Fertility and Sterility 2005; 84:678-81.

Matorras R et al. Spontaneous pregnancy in couples waiting for artificial insemination donor because of severe male infertility. European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology December 27 1996;70 (2): 175-8.

IVF
Anderssen AN et al. Assisted reproductive technology in Europe, 2004: results generated from European registers by ESHRE. Human Reproduction April 2008; 23(4):756-71.

Heijnen EM et al. A mild treatment strategy for in-vitro fertilization: a randomized non-inferiority trial. Lancet March 3, 2007 Mar 3; 369:743-9.

Ledger WL. Favourable outcomes from “mild” in-vitro fertilization. Lancet March 3, 2007; 369:717-8.

Mastenbroek S et al. In vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic screening. New England Journal of Medicine July 5, 2007; 357:9-17.

Tang et al. The use of metformin for women with PCOS undergoing IVF treatment. Human Reproduction June 2006; 21(6):1416-25.

IVF AND ACUPUNCTURE
Klonoff-Cohen H, Natarajan L. The concerns during assisted reproductive technologies (CART) scale and pregnancy outcomes. Fertility and Sterility April 2004; 81(4):982-8.

Manheimer E et al. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: systematic review and meta-analysis. British Medical Journal. March 8, 2008; 336(7643):545-9.

Paulus, Zhang et al. Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility April 2002; 77(4):721-4.

Smith C et al. Influence of acupuncture stimulation on pregnancy rates for women undergoing embryo transfer. Fertility and Sterility May 2006; 85(5):1352-8.

Westergaard LG et al. Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women: a prospective, randomized trial. Fertility and Sterility May 2006; 85(5):1341-6.

ICSI
Foresta C et al. Genetic abnormalities among severely oligospermic men who are candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism January 2005; 90(1):152-6.