Simplicity Saturday – Natural Treatment Options for Infertility

With infertility rates on the rise and hormonal imbalances becoming the new ‘norm’ I thought it fitting to share some info I came across from a ‘hormone diet’ inspired blog.

Women are waiting longer to have children. This naturally decreases the opportunity for spontaneous pregnancy, especially for women in their mid- to late-thirties, but statistics also confirm that more couples are seeking treatment for infertility.  Approximately 1 in 6 couples are infertile, defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of unprotected intercourse. The cause of infertility, when sought, appears to vary equally between the sexes, but can be related to structural abnormalities, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies or many other reasons. Fertility Statistics in Canada show that about 50% of infertile couples decide against medical treatment and of those that do go ahead with treatment, about 80 to 90 % undergo medications or surgery that are not without complications or possible side effects. Only about 5% use advanced methods such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) that offer a 20% success rate.

Stats are easy to report, but what about those couples who desperately want to have a child and have tried what they feel to be all other options… what now?

Fortunately, there are viable, safe, and effective natural options for men and women that have long-lasting, health-promoting effects and prove little to no risk for future health concerns. And all of these recommendations can be used whether you are currently using medical treatment or not, just make sure to consult with your health care provider to ensure no contraindications with any of the recommended herbs.

Nutrition: Good nutrition is essential for optimal body function, hormonal balance, sperm and egg production and the process of reproduction. Hormonal balance for fertility and for stress management can be achieved by eating a balance of healthy fats (olive oil, avocadoes, nuts, seeds and canola oil), lean protein and low glycemic carbohydrates (oats, beans, sweet potatoes, green vegetables or rye) with each meal and snack. Processed foods, caffeine, trans fatty acids, excess saturated fats and larger fish that are high in mercury should be avoided. A perfect lunch and dinner plate should have one-third salad with olive oil dressing; one-third grilled, steamed, baked or stir fried vegetables; and one-third lean protein (or a serving about the size and width of your palm).

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): With its focus on harmonizing energy flow and achieving a balance of yin and yang energies, TCM has been used for thousands of years to assist with male and female fertility. Interestingly, TCM philosophies claim that the vitality of the mother and the father at conception forms the foundation of the baby’s wellness for life. Acupuncture treatments stimulate the flow of “Qi” (energy), while Chinese herbs work to strengthen and nourish vital body fluids and the function of internal organs. TCM can be particularly useful for endometriosis, menstrual irregularities and pain and to improve sperm production and motility. Acupuncture is also beneficial with IVF treatments. A German study indicated that adding acupuncture to the treatment protocol of IVF patients greatly enhanced their chance of becoming pregnant.

Herbal Remedies: Always consult with a qualified practitioner before you begin to use herbal tinctures. Herbal teas (such as liquorice and red raspberry leaf) are often the safe and gentler option to try, as tinctures are more concentrated and used for therapeutic results. Herbs may regulate the menstrual cycle, increase ovulation and improve hormonal balance vital for fertility.  The most commonly used herbs to enhance fertility in women are donq quai, wild yam, black cohosh, chaste berry, false unicorn, liquorice and red raspberry leaf. PMS, a sign of hormonal imbalance, should be addressed early to avoid potential complications with conception or afterwards in menopause.

Men can also use herbal medicines to improve hormone profiles. In some cases, saw palmetto, oats and tribulus are beneficial because of their effects on testosterone.

For any further information or if you have any questions, or have had any great experience with any of the above I would love to hear from you, please leave a comment below or contact us on Facebook at The Simplicity Project.

Disclaimer: The information contained is intended to be used for general health care information purposes only, and should not be considered complete or used in place of a visit, call, consultation or advice from a physician and/or healthcare provider. Individuals are encouraged to contact their own private physician or healthcare provider regarding continuation or changes in their symptoms.