1. Where can I buy the Babystart Male Fertility Test?
The Babystart Male Fertility Test can be purchased at your local Walgreens, Eckerd, Brooks, CVS Drug, Duane Reade, Target, Mays, Longs and Fruth Pharmacy at this time.

2. What is infertility?
Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system often diagnosed after a couple has had one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse without conceiving a child; or if the woman has been unable to sustain a pregnancy that results in a live birth. This includes couples having trouble getting pregnant, as well as couples who have had repeated pregnancy losses and those who have successfully given birth but are unable to do so again.

3. Is infertility a "woman's problem"?
Infertility is a medical problem. Approximately 40 percent of infertility is the result of a female factor and 40 percent to a male factor. In the balance of cases, infertility results from a problem in both partners-or the cause cannot be explained.

4. What are the key causes of female infertility?
The most common female infertility disorder is an ovulation disorder. Other causes of female infertility include blocked fallopian tubes, which can occur when a woman has had pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis (a sometimes painful condition causing adhesions and cysts in the uterus) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDh's). Congenital anomalies (birth defects) involving the structure of the uterus and uterine fibroids are associated with repeated miscarriages.

5. What are the key causes of male infertility? The most common male infertility factors include azoospermia (no sperm cells are produced), and oligospermia (few sperm cells are produced). Sometimes, sperm cells are malformed or they die before they can reach the egg. In rare cases, infertility in men is caused by a genetic disease such as cystic fibrosis or a chromosomal abnormality. In addition, a number of lifestyle factors can affect male fertility. Among them are: alcohol and/or drug use, certain herbs and supplements, smoking, heat, clothing (boxers vs. briefs), timing of sexual intercourse, occupational hazards and stress, and some medications.

6. Is there are prime time for fertility in a woman's life?
Traditionally, a woman's fertility has been thought to begin its decline in her mid-30s. However a recent study, by the University of Padua, Italy and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in North Carolina indicates that a woman's fertility may, in fact, begin declining as early as her late 20s. This does not mean that if a couple delays becoming pregnant until a woman's late 20s or 30s that there is a lower probability of achieving pregnancy-it may just take a month or two longer than it would have in her early 20s.

7. Is there a prime time for fertility in a man's life?
Though the "biological clock" was generally believed to have much less effect on male fertility than female fertility, according to the study cited in the previous question, a man's fertility begins to decline as early as his late 30's. Another study conducted in Britain reported that a man's chances of fathering children starts to decline in his mid-20s. This means that the odds of conceiving within six months of trying decreases two percent for every year a man is over 24.

8. Under normal circumstances, how long should a couple try to conceive before beginning to consider that they might have fertility issues?
Most physicians advise couples not to be concerned unless they have been trying to conceive for at least one year. However, if the woman is over 30 years old, has a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, painful periods, miscarriage, or irregular cycles, or if the man has a known low sperm count, the couple may want to seek help sooner.

9. How widespread is the problem of infertility in the United States?
According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine infertility affects 6.1 million Americans, or about 15 percent of the reproductive age population.

11. How is infertility diagnosed? Doctors will conduct a physical examination of both partners to determine their general state of health and to evaluate physical disorders that may be causing infertility. Usually both partners are interviewed about their sexual habits in order to determine whether intercourse is taking place properly for conception. If no cause can be determined from the preliminary exams, more specific tests may be recommended. For women, these include an analysis of body temperature and ovulation, x-ray of the fallopian tubes and uterus, and laparoscopy. For men, initial tests focus on semen analysis.

12. What does a physician look for in a semen analysis?
First, semen analysis is the single most important test of male fertility. The following factors are examined: sperm count and concentration, ability of sperm to swim (motility), velocity of forward progression of the sperm, size and shape of the sperm (morphology), total semen volume and the liquefaction of the semen.

• Sperm count and concentration: 40 to 300 million is the normal range for the number of sperm per milliliter. Counts below 10 million are considered poor; count of 20 million or more may be fine if motility and morphology are normal. Concentration measures the total number of sperm cells per milliliter of semen. 20 million sperm per milliliter per ejaculate is considered normal.
• Motility and Velocity: Two aspects of motility are evaluated. First, the number of active cells as a percentage of the total number of cells (at least 50 percent should be active). Second, the quality of the movement of the sperm (on a scale of 0-4, a score of 2 or more is satisfactory.)
• Morphology: At least 30 percent of cells should be of normal shape according to the World Health Organization. The Kruger morphology test examines the shape and size of the sperm head. Normal results are when 15 percent or more of the sperm have normal shaped heads. Men with less than 4 percent of normal shaped sperm may have a significant infertility problem.
• Total Volume: 2-5 milliliters is a normal volume; a very low volume indicates the seminal vesicles may not be making enough fluid or that these ducts may be blocked. May also indicate a problem with the prostate gland.
• Liquefaction: Normal semen which is liquid at ejaculation immediately coagulates into a pearly gel that liquefies within 20 minutes. Failure to coagulate and then liquefy may indicate a problem with the seminal vesicles, as would increased thickness or the presence of white blood cells.

• anger that infertility rules their lives
• frustration that treatments don't guarantee a baby
• aggravation because women seem to carry a greater burden where treatments are concerned
• anxiety about the power doctors, technology and medication have over them yearning to regain control.

22. Do insurance plans cover infertility treatment?
The degree of service covered depends on where you live and the type of insurance plan you have. Twelve states currently have laws that require insurers to either cover or offer to cover some form in infertility diagnosis and treatment: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas. However, the laws vary greatly in their scope of what is, and is not, required to be covered.

23. Is there an advantage to choosing a pharmacy that specializes in fertility?
Many people never consider the option of selecting a "specialty pharmacy", but the reality is that some conditions require very specialized medications, which not all pharmacies stock. Some medications, such as those that are injectable, require extensive counseling to help patients take them correctly. If a pharmacist doesn't dispense these medications every day, they're not as prepared to offer the information you need. Also, some medications require complex documentation before an insurer will cover their costs-a good specialty pharmacy can help you meet those requirements, and will have strong experience working with insurers. A good fertility pharmacy can help make a medication cycle successful by providing patients with the right medication, supplies and information, right on time each cycle.

1. How long does one suppository keep you fresh?
Depending on daily activities and personal body chemistry Fresh Again provides freshness for 2-4 hours.

2. What is the proper way to insert a suppository?
Insert the suppository like you would a tampon using your fingertips or the applicator enclosed. You do not have to lie down to insert the suppository. Fresh Again slowly dissolves warming to body temperature. For best results use before shower, bath or bedtime. You may wish to wear a pantyliner in case of leakage.

3. How often can you use?
Daily. They are safe for everyday use.

4. Can I use during my menstruation cycle?
Yes.