Latest news with #infertility
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I thought I was infertile... but I have a rare condition that makes me 'allergic to sex'
A 29-year-old woman who struggled to get pregnant and feared she might be infertile discovered that she was actually suffering from an extremely rare sperm allergy. The unnamed female from Lithuania had been trying to conceive with her male partner but had not become pregnant. Two rounds of IVF also failed to produce a pregnancy, but gynecological exams did not find any underlying causes for why she was unable to become pregnant. After doctors discovered she had a history of asthma and sensitivity to inhaled allergens, such as mold, cat fur and dust, she visited a medical facility to see if her allergies might be affecting her fertility. Allergy tests revealed that she had a sensitivity to Can f 5, which can cause allergic symptoms after contact with male dog urine, fur, and human semen. In an interview, the patient confirmed that she experienced nasal congestion and sneezing after unprotected intercourse with her male partner. Further tests using samples of semen collected from the woman's partner revealed she had a condition known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity, a rare allergic reaction to proteins found in seminal fluid - the fluid released during orgasm that includes sperm, as well as other bodily secretions. There are less than 100 documented cases of the condition globally and while it doesn't directly cause infertility, it can make it more difficult to conceive. Symptoms of semen allergy - which happens when you have a harmful immune system reaction to proteins in semen - include a change in skin color, burning and swelling where semen contacts the skin or vaginal tissues. Some people may have a whole-body response, including hives, itching and difficulty breathing. Due to discomfort, this allergy may discourage sexual activity and in some cases, lead to difficulty with conception. However, there are treatment options available to help couples conceive despite the allergy. The Mayo Clinic notes that treatment to make you less sensitive to your partner's semen - such as using antihistamines or corticosteroids - may allow you to get pregnant naturally. Another option is intrauterine insemination (IUI), which uses sperm washed free of semen proteins to prevent a reaction. For those with a severe sensitivity to semen, assisted reproductive technology such as IVF may be an option for pregnancy. It isn't clear why the female patient's IVF treatments did not work, given semen would not have been present in the implanted embryos. Another method used to treat seminal plasma hypersensitivity involves introducing increasing concentrations of semen into the patient's body to build tolerance. However, this treatment plan wasn't available for the woman in her home country, according to a report in Live Science. Instead, doctors recommended that the woman take antihistamine medication before intercourse to reduce the severity of her allergic reactions. She followed their instructions but found this approach 'ineffective'. Three years later, the woman said that she had still been unable to conceive during a follow-up appointment. To make matters worse, new allergic symptoms appeared after contact with her partner's semen, including a 'burning sensation in her vulva, puffy eyelids and watery eyes'. No further treatments were recommended, according to the report and it is unclear if the woman went on to conceive eventually. Dr Michael Carroll, associate professor in reproductive science at Manchester Metropolitan University, said seminal plasma hypersensitivity may affect more people than previously thought - and often goes undiagnosed. Writing for The Conversation, he warned it is often mistaken for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yeast infections, and general sensitivity. But one clue you're in fact 'allergic to sex', is 'symptoms disappearing when condoms are used', he revealed. The sex allergy is now recognized as a 'type 1 hypersensitivity', falling into the same category as peanut allergy, cat dander, and season allergies. Seminal plasma hypersensitivity was first documented in 1967, when a woman was hospitalized after a 'violent allergic reaction' to sex.
Reuters
6 hours ago
- Health
- Reuters
Wyatt Foundation and Conceive Fertility Foundation Announce IVF Grant Recipients to Support Fertility Access, Education, and Research
HOUSTON, TX, July 23, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- Wyatt Foundation, opens new tab and Conceive Fertility Foundation, opens new tab, two national nonprofit organizations dedicated to furthering access, education, and research in fertility care, today announce the 2025 recipients of their national IVF Grant Program. Five recipients will receive a $15,000 grant to offset IVF treatment costs. Additionally, each recipient will also receive $1,000 to be used towards preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), courtesy of CooperSurgical, opens new tab, a leader in the fertility and women's health fields for nearly 35 years. The national campaign and partnership launched in April 2025 during National Infertility Awareness Week and drew in over 600 applicants from across the country, each with moving stories of their journeys. 'Each applicant shared her own unique story of infertility, but what united them all was a journey marked by heartbreak, stress, and profound disappointment. This reinforces that the emotional toll of infertility is both real and powerful,' says health psychologist Dr. Alice D. Domar, chief compassion officer at Inception Fertility and director of the Inception Research Institute. 'We hope that through this program, we are able to further the conversation around fertility care and the need for greater access to it.' Recipients of the grant program include aspiring parents who each carry powerful stories of perseverance through the heartbreak of infertility. Their journeys reflect a wide range of challenges, including pregnancy and infant loss, failed IVF cycles, genetic conditions, and male factor infertility. Despite these obstacles, they remain determined to build their families. The nonprofit arm of Inception Fertility, opens new tab, the largest provider of fertility services in North America, the Wyatt Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve their dream of building a family through assisted reproductive technology (ART). The organization was started by TJ Farnsworth, the founder and CEO of Inception Fertility, and his wife Margaret Farnsworth, who successfully conceived their first child, Wyatt, through IVF. 'Inception Fertility and the Wyatt Foundation are honored to once again support this program, which provides recipients with access to the essential care they need on their family-building journeys,' says Margaret Farnsworth, executive director of the Wyatt Foundation. 'We extend our heartfelt wishes to each recipient as they continue on their path to parenthood.' Conceive Fertility Foundation is the nonprofit arm of Caden Lane, opens new tab, a direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand of baby products focused around the birth of a child. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Conceive Fertility Foundation aims to support patients who have been impacted by the struggle of infertility through education and grants. Katy Mimari, CEO of Caden Lane, launched Conceive Fertility Foundation after her own experience with infertility and understanding the financial barriers that prevent some aspiring parents from building their families. A percentage of Caden Lane's profits go to the Conceive Fertility Foundation. "Conceive Fertility Foundation and the Caden Lane family are thrilled to once again work alongside Inception Fertility and provide women with the opportunity to experience the extraordinary joy of having a baby,' says Mimari. "We look forward to following each recipient's journey and send our warmest wishes as they move forward." About Wyatt Foundation Wyatt Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve their dream of building a family through assisted reproductive technology (ART) by reducing the financial barriers to IVF through scholarships awarded based on financial need and clinical factors determining potential success. The foundation has two main goals: to provide financial assistance to individuals and couples who cannot afford fertility treatments and to fund research in the field of infertility. The organization was started by TJ Farnsworth the founder and CEO of Inception Fertility™ and his wife Margaret who successfully conceived their first child through IVF. Upon the birth of their son Wyatt, TJ reflected back on his family's experience as patients. He realized that many aspiring parents were carrying the same emotional burden that he and his wife had — and that few fertility clinics took a holistic approach to consider the physical, psychological, financial and mental aspects of infertility. To learn more, visit: opens new tab About Conceive Fertility Foundation Founded by Katy Mimari, CEO of Caden Lane, opens new tab, Conceive Fertility Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to supporting individuals affected by infertility through education and grants. Despite insurance covering diagnostics, treatment costs are a significant financial burden and Conceive Fertility is a non-profit organization that exists to help couples who are struggling to conceive. A portion of sales from Caden Lane go to support the mission of the Conceive Fertility Foundation. To learn more, visit opens new tab. About Inception Fertility Inception Fertility™ (Inception) is a family of fertility brands committed to helping patients build their own families. Built by patients for patients, Inception's purpose is to achieve the highest bar in experience, science and medicine in an effort to enhance each patient's experience and achieve better outcomes. Inception's medical experts are leading pioneers in fertility care. Our doctors are some of the first to use breakthrough assisted reproductive technologies (ART) — including in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and fertility preservation services — and they continue to lead the industry by building on these technologies through development, research and thought leadership. Through its growing family of national organizations — which includes The Prelude Network, opens new tab®, the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America; MyEggBank, opens new tab®, one of the largest frozen donor egg banks in North America; BUNDL Fertility, opens new tab™, a multi-cycle fertility service bundling program; HavenCryo, opens new tab™, a long-term reproductive preservation and storage solution provider and NutraBloom, opens new tab®, a premium lifestyle brand with expertly formulated supplements to support individuals' health and wellness goals for preconception — Inception is working to deliver on its promise to push the envelope of what is possible for exceeding patient expectations. For more information, visit opens new tab. About CooperSurgical CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women's healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, babies, and families at the healthcare moments that matter most in life. CooperSurgical is at the forefront of delivering innovative assisted reproductive technology (ART) and genomic solutions that enhance the work of ART professionals to the benefit of families. We currently offer over 600 clinically relevant medical devices to women's healthcare providers, including testing and treatment options. CooperSurgical is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CooperCompanies (NASDAQ: COO). CooperSurgical, headquartered in Trumbull, CT, produces and markets a wide array of products and services for use by women's healthcare clinicians. More information can be found at opens new tab. About CooperCompanies CooperCompanies (NASDAQ: COO) is a leading global medical device company focused on helping people experience life's beautiful moments through its two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision is a trusted leader in the contact lens industry, helping to improve the way people see each day. CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women's healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, babies, and families at the healthcare moments that matter most. Headquartered in San Ramon, CA, CooperCompanies has a workforce of more than 16,000, sells products in over 130 countries, and positively impacts over 50 million lives each year. For more information, visit opens new tab., opens new tab Media Contact Mia Humphreys+1 239-297-6592mhumphreys@ ### SOURCE: Wyatt Foundation Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire See release on EZ Newswire
CNA
a day ago
- Health
- CNA
Living with endometriosis: Women speak out about pain, heavy bleeding, infertility and misdiagnosis
Mojisola Erdt's excruciating menstrual pains began when she was 14 years old. After enduring almost 30 years of worsening symptoms, she underwent a hysterectomy in 2024 to remove her uterus. The senior scientist, 44, had longed to conceive again after her daughter was born in 2016 but suffered multiple miscarriages over the years. The hysterectomy ended that hope. 'It was hard to accept that this is really the end. There was always this small hope that I could still get pregnant and everything would go well,' she said. 'You know how sweet it is to have a child, and you want another one but you can't.' Erdt has Stage 4 endometriosis, the most severe form of the condition. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can cause menstrual, pelvic and bowel pain, and in some cases, infertility. She is not alone in this struggle. According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis affects about 190 million women and girls worldwide. In Singapore, about 10 per cent of women of childbearing age have endometriosis and around one-third of them are unable to conceive, said Dr Kelly Loi, an obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) specialist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital. Though prevalent, endometriosis is often overlooked, and many women endure years of agony. As a progressive condition, the delay in diagnosis can lead to more severe symptoms and challenges in family planning. WHEN ENDOMETRIOSIS GOES UNDIAGNOSED Erdt said the pain felt like 'someone stabbing [her] and twisting the knife around'. As her endometriosis progressed, complications arose. Her bowels and right ovary fused to her uterus due to the abnormal growth of her cells, which doctors said resembled 'chewing gum'. Her uterus also swelled to the size of a 16-week pregnancy due to adenomyosis – a condition where tissue that usually lines the uterus grows into the muscle wall. It often accompanies endometriosis, and can cause heavy, painful periods. '[Since my hysterectomy], I'm trying to embrace the health I've regained. I had anaemia, having lost so much blood all the time, and inflammation affecting my joints,' Erdt said. On average, women seek help about two years after symptoms appear, said Dr Ma Li, an endometriosis and reproductive health specialist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital. 'In Asian cultures, we are quite often told that it's normal to have period pain … So a lot of girls try to tolerate the pain as much as they can,' said Dr Ma, who ran the endometriosis clinic at National University Hospital (NUH) from 2015 to 2024. But even when they do seek help, endometriosis may still go undiagnosed. In some cases, doctors miss signs of the condition. Dr Ma added that a common mistake medical practitioners make is performing ultrasound scans only in the uterus and ovaries. She found that in about 80 per cent of cases, endometriosis is found elsewhere in the body, including the bladder, bowels and lungs. Due to limited awareness of the condition among doctors, some patients are also simply prescribed painkillers instead of receiving a proper diagnosis. 'Painkillers just treat the pain. It doesn't treat the disease, so it doesn't stop it from progressing,' she said. COMMMON SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS These include: Painful menstrual cramps Heavy menstrual periods Bleeding or spotting between periods Pain during or after sex Pelvic pain Lower back pain Discomfort during bowel movements Infertility If you have two or more of these symptoms, consider seeing a gynaecologist or an endometriosis specialist for diagnosis and treatment. There are also resources like KKH's Endometriosis Questionnaire to help you identify and assess endometriosis-associated symptoms. Collapse "DESPERATE AND HOPELESS" Delayed diagnosis can be frustrating. Dr Eleanor Loh, 26, visited six doctors over a decade to find answers for her debilitating menstrual pain. Describing the experience as lonely, the junior doctor said: 'You feel desperate and hopeless when the doctors you see don't know what to do with you, treat you wrongly, or just dismiss you outright.' It wasn't until 2021, after she was posted to Dr Ma's O&G department at NUH, that she was finally diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis. Another patient, Ivy Li, had such severe pain in her right abdomen that appendicitis was suspected and her appendix removed. It turned out that endometriosis was the cause. The 44-year-old recalled others telling her after the surgery: ''It's just removing something that's useless.' But it's still a surgery. You're still undergoing anaesthesia.' Since then, she's had a hormonal intrauterine device inserted into her womb to help reduce the pain and slow the progression of the disease. However, as her adenomyosis worsened, she eventually underwent a hysterectomy at age 42. Dr Loi added that as endometriosis is a progressive disease, initial investigations may not detect any abnormalities. Dr Ma noted that diagnosis is often delayed by an average of seven to eight years. 'The message we want to bring across is that it's not normal to have severe period pain. If you have that, please see a specialist.' THE ROAD TO PARENTHOOD The physical and emotional toll of endometriosis can influence decisions around having children, whether due to infertility or the potential risks associated with pregnancy. As one of the most common causes of infertility, Dr Ma said about 40 per cent of endometriosis patients need fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation, to conceive. She explained that endometriosis can reduce both the quantity and quality of a woman's eggs, leading to 'irreversible damage on fertility'. Said Dr Loi: 'Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility as it can distort pelvic anatomy, affect ovulation, trigger inflammation, and create an un-optimal environment for fertilisation and implantation. 'Removal of the endometriotic tissue and scar tissue often improves symptoms and fertility.' Some women with endometriosis may also fear getting pregnant. 'Getting pregnant would be a huge disruption to our reproductive organs,' said endometriosis sufferer Dr Loh. 'Some literature says endometriosis gets better but you never really know how you react on an individual level. And for us who have gotten some modicum of peace from treatment, taking the risk to potentially disrupt that by wanting a child is something that is not an easy to decision to make.' Dr Ma, however, said it is rare for endometriosis to flare up during pregnancy, as hormonal changes tend to 'quiet' the oestrogen-driven condition's symptoms. Still, she emphasised that pregnancy is not a cure for endometriosis, and that symptoms may return after childbirth. Endometriosis patients with daughters also worry about passing the condition on to them. Li, for instance, has begun monitoring her 14-year-old daughter's health since she started menstruating last year. As for Erdt, the concern lies in how to broach the topic when her now eight-year-old daughter reaches puberty. 'My experience and relationship with having a period affected my [acceptance of] becoming a woman. It was just a very painful, uncomfortable thing … And I'm trying not to pass that frustration onto her.' FIGHTING FOR CHANGE Although awareness of endometriosis has grown, societal and systemic challenges remain. Namira Binte Mohamad Marsudi, who was 28 when diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis in 2014, said there's been a shift in the public perception of intense menstrual pain since she began advocating 13 years ago. The founder of non-profit organisation E for Endometriosis said that at the beginning, everyone she spoke to believed such pain was normal. Now, most people recognise that it's not. From the support group's first talk in 2015 with just five attendees, E for Endometriosis has since grown into a network of over 2,000 volunteers, raising awareness and providing support for those impacted by the condition. But the 39-year-old believes there's still a long way to go. 'There is a buzz going on about endometriosis, and people are starting to learn what it is,' she said. 'But it has to be on a constant basis ... if we just let it die down, within just a year, people will start forgetting about it.' This growing awareness, Namira added, needs to extend to the medical field as well. Even among healthcare professionals, there is a 'lack of consensus on what endometriosis truly is', let alone how best to diagnose or treat the condition. 'Raising awareness isn't just about the public. It's also about ensuring that those entrusted with our care are properly equipped with knowledge, empathy, and up-to-date understanding,' she added. Professor Chong Yap-Seng, dean of the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, said that although endometriosis causes 'massive loss of productivity' in women, there have been limited advancements in its treatment. This reflects a larger global issue – the gender health gap, where women often receive inferior healthcare compared with men. He explained that while women live longer than men, they often experience health loss earlier, sometimes as soon as they start their periods. This may be due to conditions associated with menstruation, including anaemia, migraines and endometriosis, which can cause 'significant distress, discomfort and even disability in women'. 'This health loss doesn't necessarily lead to premature mortality [so it's] not taken as seriously or dealt with as efficiently as conditions that are more deadly,' he added, citing cardiovascular diseases and cancer as examples. FROM ENDOMETRIOSIS PAIN TO PURPOSE Despite the challenges, more women are turning their experiences into strength. Li, along with Dr Loh and Erdt, are active volunteers with E for Endometriosis. Li said she is an 'endometriosis warrior' who hopes to help others understand the condition is not 'just in the mind'. Dr Loh is hoping to specialise in endometriosis and aims to create a safe space for patients to share their struggles. During her three-month rotation at the O&G department, she helped treat more than 150 endometriosis patients and could relate to the women's struggles. 'If they have made that step to come and seek help, they deserve to be heard and taken seriously,' she said. Erdt is drawing on her expertise in digital health technology for chronic disease management, and working on an app that tracks endometriosis symptoms. She explained that while recognising the signs is key to proper diagnosis, the challenge lies in women not being aware of the wide range of symptoms or how they evolve over time. 'The strength I find is in the pain I've gone through and just wishing to help so no one needs to go through this alone.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Woman Leaves Husband's Birthday Dinner After He Jokes That Her Ovaries Need 'to Wake Up' Amid Infertility Struggles
NEED TO KNOW A woman walked out of her husband's birthday party after he made a joke at her expense During the celebration, he made an offhand remark about her ovaries needing to "wake up from a nap" amid her infertility struggles The woman asked Reddit users if she was overreacting for leaving abruptlyA woman says she walked out of her husband's birthday dinner after he made a joke about her infertility in front of their friends. In a since-deleted post on Reddit, the anonymous 29-year-old writes that she and her husband of five years have been trying for a baby for quite some time, but she has been struggling with fertility issues. The situation, she adds, has been "emotionally exhausting." "Last weekend, I organized a small birthday dinner for him with close friends and family," she writes. "Everything was going well until someone asked when we were planning to start a family. Before I could even respond, my husband laughed and said, 'Well, if her ovaries ever wake up from their nap, maybe next year.' " "Everyone laughed. I didn't. I just sat there frozen and then excused myself to the restroom," she continues. "I ended up texting my sister to pick me up and went home. He came home a couple of hours later furious that I 'ruined his birthday' and was 'embarrassing him in front of his friends.' " However, she told him that the joke "cut deep," especially "since he knows how hard this journey has been for me." Still, he told her that she "needs to learn how to take a joke and stop making everything about me." His response left her questioning if she was overreacting, but Reddit users were firmly on her side. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "It was a terribly insensitive comment that he made in front of an audience at the expense of someone he is supposed to love. This is a clear indication that he doesn't respect you," one user wrote. They continued, "It would be very difficult for me to imagine risking my health, sanity, and a 20 year connection to a man like that by having his child. Maybe some marriage counseling first. You should always pay attention to things said in jokes, anger, or drunk. It will tell you exactly what someone really thinks." Another questioned, "How is a joke about your ovaries and your fertility not about you? Instead of saying sorry. Instead of acknowledging he hurt you. He chose to blame you? Good thing is, your ovaries are napping and you are not pregnant. So take this time to see if this man is who you really want to procreate with." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Woman Leaves Husband's Birthday Dinner After He Jokes That Her Ovaries Need 'to Wake Up' Amid Infertility Struggles
The woman wants to know if she overreacted – but the internet doesn't think soNEED TO KNOW A woman walked out of her husband's birthday party after he made a joke at her expense During the celebration, he made an offhand remark about her ovaries needing to "wake up from a nap" amid her infertility struggles The woman asked Reddit users if she was overreacting for leaving abruptlyA woman says she walked out of her husband's birthday dinner after he made a joke about her infertility in front of their friends. In a since-deleted post on Reddit, the anonymous 29-year-old writes that she and her husband of five years have been trying for a baby for quite some time, but she has been struggling with fertility issues. The situation, she adds, has been "emotionally exhausting." "Last weekend, I organized a small birthday dinner for him with close friends and family," she writes. "Everything was going well until someone asked when we were planning to start a family. Before I could even respond, my husband laughed and said, 'Well, if her ovaries ever wake up from their nap, maybe next year.' " "Everyone laughed. I didn't. I just sat there frozen and then excused myself to the restroom," she continues. "I ended up texting my sister to pick me up and went home. He came home a couple of hours later furious that I 'ruined his birthday' and was 'embarrassing him in front of his friends.' " However, she told him that the joke "cut deep," especially "since he knows how hard this journey has been for me." Still, he told her that she "needs to learn how to take a joke and stop making everything about me." His response left her questioning if she was overreacting, but Reddit users were firmly on her side. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "It was a terribly insensitive comment that he made in front of an audience at the expense of someone he is supposed to love. This is a clear indication that he doesn't respect you," one user wrote. They continued, "It would be very difficult for me to imagine risking my health, sanity, and a 20 year connection to a man like that by having his child. Maybe some marriage counseling first. You should always pay attention to things said in jokes, anger, or drunk. It will tell you exactly what someone really thinks." Another questioned, "How is a joke about your ovaries and your fertility not about you? Instead of saying sorry. Instead of acknowledging he hurt you. He chose to blame you? Good thing is, your ovaries are napping and you are not pregnant. So take this time to see if this man is who you really want to procreate with." Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
