WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for October, 1997: Re: Is the amount of vaginal discharge related to fertility

Re: Is the amount of vaginal discharge related to fertility

From: Kelly (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 31 Oct 1997 20:50:07 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: cynthia: "Is the amount of vaginal discharge related to fertility"

At Wed, 29 Oct 1997, cynthia wrote: >
>I got pregnant in May 1997 (my first), miscarried in July 22. Even
>before I got pregnant, I was worried about my fertility since I do not
>have the thick vaginal discharge anymore as when I was in my twenties (I
>am 31 now). Nevertheless, i miscarried and lost it, but it has been
>three months. Right after my first period afer m/c we started trying
>but in vain. Is there an association between less vaginal discharge and
>ovulation/miscarriage? Could my ovulation be affected by my workplace
>which is full of computers? What food should I take in order to enhance
>my fertility? We are really desperate to have a baby.
>
>Thanks.

Cynthia

My sympathies on your recent miscarrige.

At the time of ovulation, cervical mucus is like egg whites -- slippery and stretchy. Sometimes, lack of such mucus can be a clue that you are not ovulating. One way to see if you ar ovulating is to do basal body temperatures; another is to use urinary ovulation predictor kits available in pharmacies and grocery stores.

Computers are probably not a huge factor in infertility and miscarriages, although if you are in a big open off (lots of desks and no intervening walls), it's not a bad idea to place a shield between the back of your chair and the monitor behind you. Getting up and moving about periodically is also a good idea -- sitting in one place for long periods of time isn't good for anybody.

In terms of diet, eat a sensible, healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (organic to avoid pesticides, if you like). Take a folic acid (folate) supplement of at least 400ucg (0.4mg) or better yet, 800ucg (0.8mg) daily. Exercise moderately; too strenous exercise may affect ovulation and therefore fertility. DO NOT smoke; limit alcohol and caffeine. Vitamin E (wheat germ is a good food source) and essential fatty acids as in evening primrose or borage oil are important. Some herbs that may enhance fertility are false unicorn root, red clover flowers, nettle leaves and red raspberry leaves. There are also some Chinese herbal remedies that may help. I suggest (strongly), seeing a trained and licensed accupuncturist/Oriental medical doctor before using herbs. Also, let your own doctor or midwife know what you are planning to do.

Best of luck to you

-- Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG S. Lake Tahoe, CA

note: Opinions here are for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to consult with your own physician. It cannot take the place of a face to face consultation and examination.

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In reply to: cynthia: "Is the amount of vaginal discharge related to fertility"

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