The expression ‘we are what we eat’ is no coincidence. Food, apart from being a treat, provides energy and nutrients for optimal body function. Food is the fuel of the body, the oil in the gears of its engines. So when it comes to fertility, nutrition comes powerfully into the discussion, playing an important role in hormone balance. A proper and balanced diet helps to maintain a healthy body weight and supports the overall health of the individual and in particular in improving fertility. Summer period is an excellent opportunity to incorporate food categories that may have significant benefits.

In this article, you will read about a variety of summer foods that not only tempt your taste buds, but also provide the necessary nutrients to boost fertility.

Berries: From strawberries and blueberries to raspberries, these small fruits have important nutrients. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that may support reproductive health. Berries include vitamin C, which has been shown to sperm quality and protect eggs from oxidative stress.

Green leafy vegetables: Spinach, kale and Swiss chard are rich in folic acid, which may support regular ovulation. In addition, they are rich in iron, which is essential for the proper body function. Such vegetables should be an integral part of your diet.

Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons and grapefruits are not only refreshing but also beneficial for fertility. Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, folic acid and antioxidants, which help improve sperm quality and boost hormone production. They also include folic acid and antioxidants, which support reproductive health.

Avocados. These fruits are rich in monounsaturated fats, which help restore hormonal imbalance and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Avocados also provide vitamin E, an antioxidant that may improve sperm quality.

Nuts: Nuts, especially walnuts, are an excellent option as a snack to boost fertility. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help regulate reproductive hormones and improve sperm quality. They also contain antioxidants and other nutrients that support overall reproductive health.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are present in most summer foods, providing their nutritional values to the body. They are an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant known for its positive effects on sperm quality.

Watermelon: It is one of the fruits that will provide you with hydration and great pleasure. It is important to mention that especially during the hot summer days, hydration is vital for the optimal functioning of the body and thus fertility. Watermelon is not only hydrating but also a rich source of vitamins A and C, which support reproductive health. Its high zinc content can also enhance sperm quality.

Adding these nourishing summer foods to your diet can provide essential nutrients for your health and support hormonal balance. Enjoy these foods, which can boost fertility, while taking care of your overall well-being. It is important, however, to consult with a health professional or fertility specialist to guide you on this journey with the ultimate goal of achieving a healthy pregnancy. Remember that each person is unique and their needs require individualized solutions.

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September is dedicated to giving information and raising awareness about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (POS), a condition that affects a significant percentage of the female population. The accurate prevalence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) may vary depending on the population studied and the diagnostic criteria used, but it is estimated to affect approximately 5% to 18% of women of reproductive age. This makes PCOS one of the most common hormonal disorders in women and therefore awareness, accurate information and early diagnosis are considered necessary. In this article, you may find the answers to the 5 key questions that shed ‘light’ on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age and the most common cause of increased blood levels of androgens (hyperandrogenemia) and ovulatory disorders. PCOS is primarily considered a reproductive disorder, but the long-term metabolic complications are often overlooked. However, recent studies have shown that it is associated with significant health impact. Although the name of the syndrome refers to cysts in the ovaries, there are actually small ‘cysts’, wrongly so called, which are actually follicles containing the oocytes, both of which, due to poor hormonal stimuli in the ovary, inhibit their development and maturation. The trapped eggs are visible on ultrasound and thus give the typical appearance in polycystic ovaries. It is important to stress that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome should not be confused with polycystic ovaries. Polycystic ovaries are a finding of ultrasound exam during routine gynaecological examination and it is estimated that 20% of women of reproductive age have polycystic ovaries, but less than half of them are aware of it.

What are the causes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?  

The symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are caused by disturbances in some or all of the hormones that affect the menstrual cycle. These disturbances may include: values of LH to FSH , AMH, androgens and estrogen above normal limits and progesterone below normal limits. The main androgen is testosterone, which is produced by all women in the ovaries, and is converted to estrogen which is the main female hormone. Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome may produce higher than normal levels of testosterone and this can bring on the symptoms of the syndrome. However another hormone that is considered important is insulin, which is produced by the pancreas and regulates blood glucose levels. Many women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are diagnosed with insulin resistance, meaning that the body’s tissues resist its effect and as a result the body has to produce more. It seems that these high levels of insulin affect the ovaries, causing hormone imbalances.

It is not known what causes these hormonal imbalances, as many different causes are involved and this may explain why symptoms may vary from woman to woman.  Heredity is a key factor as it has been observed that many women with polycystic ovaries have a mother or sister with the same syndrome. However, the onset of the syndrome is influenced by a number of other factors such as diet, lifestyle and environmental exposures.

What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

The symptoms of PCOS vary from woman to woman. Some women experience may experience few and mild symptoms and others experience more and intense symptoms. They usually appear during adulthood, however, in many women they do not appear until their mid-twenties.

The main and most common symptoms of PCOS are irregular menstruation or complete absence of menstruation, irregular or non-existent ovulation, reduced fertility (difficulty conceiving and miscarriages), unwanted heavy hair growth on the body or face (hirsutism), thin hair or hair loss (alopecia), oily skin, acne, weight issues (unintentional weight gain and difficulty in losing it), depression and severe mood swings.

How can Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome be diagnosed?

The diagnosis of PCOS is made by taking a medical history, clinical examination with ultrasound and laboratory analysis of blood to determine the values of hormonal and biochemical markers. Blood pressure and body weight are also checked.

Can Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome be cured?

There is no cure for PCOS, but there are treatment approaches, even without medication, to control and reduce symptoms that can significantly improve women’s quality of life, such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, following a careful diet, taking food supplements and exercising. In any case, you should consult your personal physician to choose together the solutions that meet your unique needs.

*This information is intended for general consumption and information of the public and under no circumstances can replace the advice of a doctor or other competent health care professional.

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Biologically, the best time for women to have children is before their fertility begins to decline, which happens in the early thirties. But this is not the right time for all women! Therefore, some choose to freeze their eggs so as to try to have children at another time in their lives.

SEE HOW FEMALE FERTILITY DECREASES OVER TIME

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The international awareness campaign for fertility preservation “I sosti stigmi!”  (“The Right Time!”), which in recent months has been implemented with significant results and in our country, sponsored by Fertilland Pharma, has acquired its own face in Greece! The dynamic Tea Prelevic took action as ambassador of this great awareness campaign, aiming at her messages reaching as many young women as possible, helping them to make the right decisions about their future.

Given that not all women are the same and that everyone has the right to choose whether and when to become a mother, the campaign “I sosti stigmi!” provides valid information about the ‘journey’ of fertility, away from stereotypes, dynamically supporting individual will and choice!

Through a dynamic digital platform, developed specifically for this purpose on the website https://isostistigmi. gr, the social campaign informs young women about the modern options they have for fertility preservation, such as egg freezing, to ensure their chances for a successful pregnancy, at any age they feel ready!

Taking up her duties as Ambassador, Tea Prelevic said: “I am very happy to join this international social campaign, which will support all of us, young women, on such an important issue as fertility. Because motherhood is a choice and not a social obligation, we are properly informed and prepared to welcome it into our lives when it will be The Right Time!”

This social campaign, which to date has informed thousands of women all over Europe, is an initiative of Gedeon Richter and in Greece it is supported by Fertilland Pharma.

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Professor Mr.  Andrea Salonia (Italy) presented the data from the research that has been done internationally and for the first time he presented the research results of his clinic on the effects of the coronavirus on sperm. These data were presented in a webinar entitled “Hot Topics in Male Infertility Clinics Today” organized by Fertilland Pharma in April 2021 with international participation.

Prof.  Mr Salonia summed up by saying that:

• The SARS-CoV-2 virus was not detected in the semen of men who became ill.
• The SARS-CoV-2 virus is not transmitted sexually.
• There is a negative effect on spermatogenesis in patients with coronavirus (decrease in sperm count, motility, morphology and more DNA damage).
• In patients with coronavirus, testosterone levels are reduced.

In the same webinar, Professor Nikolaos Sofikitis (Greece) and Professor Suks Minhas (UK) highlighted the importance of taking the appropriate micronutrient supplements to improve sperm quality.

-Andrea Salonia

“M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Urology

Dean of the studies, International MD Program

Co-Director, International PhD Course in Clinical and Experimental Medicine

Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele

Director, URI-Urological Research Institute

Division of Experimental Oncology IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele”

-Nikolaos Sofikitis

“MD, Ph.D.,D.M.Sci, Professor and Chairman

Department of Urology Ioannina University School of Medicine and Chair of

The European Section of Andrological Urology of The European Association of

Urology”

-Suks Minhas

“MD FRCS (Urol), Professor of Urology, Imperial College London

Consultant Andrologist and Urologist

Director: Centre Director European Academy of Andrology at Imperial

College NHS Trust”

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There are numerous couples who have put the family dream on hold. Successive crises and disruptive changes at the socio-political and economic level create instability in their lives and concerns. Despite all this, the desire to create a family never ceases to exist in their hearts, but the chances of it keep falling. A key factor affecting them is the decline in fertility.

Reproductive capacity is significantly affected by age. The ideal time period for a couple to start a family is the decade from 20 to 30, when fertility in both sexes is at high levels. Of course, time combined with a multitude of other factors, such as lifestyle, bad habits and psychological state, gradually reduce fertility. However, there are ways to protect and improve fertility naturally. By making small but important changes in everyday life, everyone can improve their health and protect their fertility and the health of their offspring.

Below you may find 5 important changes that you can make in your lifestyle to get closer to your dream, to become parents!

1. Improve your diet

It is certainly not surprising that experts recommend improving nutrition, since everything starts with the “fuel” we give to our body. This “fuel” should consist of antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and nuts that contain vitamins C and E, zinc and folate. Studies emphasize that the consumption of antioxidants, even in the form of nutritional supplements, may improve fertility of both men and women.

2. Cut down caffeine and alcohol

“Excellence means everything with measure”, our ancient ancestors used to say, and they were not wrong. It is a piece of advice that everyone should apply in every aspect of their life and especially in their diet. Reducing caffeine and alcohol positively affects fertility, as the former in large quantities can increase the risk of miscarriages and the latter reduce the chances of conception.

3. Maintain a healthy weight

Increased body weight and obesity can reduce the chances of achieving a pregnancy, even with the help of science (assisted reproduction – IVF). Studies have shown that being overweight significantly reduces the chances of conception, as it can cause ovulation disorders and affect egg quality. It is important to mention that both strict diets and low weight negatively affect fertility. Thus, maintaining a healthy body weight is considered essential.

4. Exercise is your ally

Many studies have highlighted exercise as the ally of fertility. More specifically, regular, moderate-intensity exercise can increase pregnancy with assisted reproduction and reduce the chance of miscarriage.

5. Psychology mood plays a role in fertility
Fast rhythms of life, constant crises and the instability of days have negative effects on psychology. This in turn affects fertility in an indirect way, creating the ideal conditions for the adoption of habits such as poor diet, smoking and alcohol. Stress reduction, psychological relief and relaxation will improve your mood and by extension your fertility.

Fertilland Pharma is your partner in the route to fertility

At the core of its business development, the company has placed the human being, the modern couple, and their right to have children. Fertilland Pharma will always support their effort, so that together they can make the future of Greece more fruitful. Company’s distributed products are clinically proven to safely and effectively support fertility, increasing the pregnancy rate.

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BREAKS IN DNA STRANDS = NO GENETIC MATERIAL TRANSPORT

During cell division, DNA is transferred to each new cell just like a train transfers cargo to a destination. If a train’s tracks are damaged, the train cannot make it to the destination. The same is true when DNA strands are damaged. Both the train and the DNA are derailed.

If there are serious breaks in the DNA (genetic information is “broken”, “damaged”), new cells will be incomplete and unable to continue the cell division process. Embryonic development stops.

t is now known that male infertility goes hand-in-hand with damaged genetic material. More cells with damaged DNA means more damaged genetic material. More damaged genetic material means lower chances for successful pregnancy.

Also, a miscarriage may be associated with DNA sperm fragmentations. DNA fragmentations in spermatozoa could therefore be a possible explanation specifically for recurrent miscarriages.

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Hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, sleep disorders, mood swings are symptoms that women who are approaching or are in menopause feel. Another feature of menopause is that the skin ages faster and loses its elasticity.

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In 40-90% of cases, the cause of male infertility is deficient sperm production. Studies have shown a significant 58% decrease in sperm count over the last 50 years.

An analysis of over 100 published studies shows a significant trend of decreasing sperm density over the last 60 years, especially in the USA and Europe/Australia (-1-3% per year).

Male infertility can have many causes. Genetics, stress, changes in life patterns and dietary habits all lead to a dramatic reduction in sperm cell production and quality. The wish to have a child is still denied to around 15% of all couples, even after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse.

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Women postpone having a child for various reasons such as education, career or even the inability to find a proper partner. According to data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority for births in Greece, the average age of women who had their first child in 2019 was about 32 years, much higher than in 1979 when they were 22 years old.

Another aggravating factor according to the Ministry of Interior is that although the number of births has been on a steadily declining trend for several years, the decline has intensified nine months after the lockdown and under the pressure of the pandemic.

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