12 natural ways to improve fertility
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conception & fertility
Fertility has traditionally been viewed as a woman’s issue, but now men are leading women as the primary cause of fertility problems. Young adult males who fought during the World War Two era were approximately three times more potent on average than the same aged males of today. Now approximately 30 per cent of men with perfectly adequate sperm have trouble fertilising a healthy female's ovum to achieve conception. There must be some new lifestyle factors contributing to this.
Unexplained infertility can often be corrected by treating deficiencies and imbalances caused by our modern society. For instance, food doesn't contain as many nutrients these days and is often genetically engineered. We are also constantly exposed to pollution, drugs, radiation and chemical processing, so no matter how health conscious you are, you could still be missing a piece of the puzzle.
It takes two to tango and males are often overlooked as part of the fertility process until quite late in the investigative stages. The earlier males can be encouraged to get involved the better, as it can save a lot of time and effort down the track. Basic lifestyle changes can significantly improve sperm quality. Both partners should consider adopting a pre-conception health program three to six months before trying to fall pregnant.
Here are 12 ways you could improve your fertility naturally:
Many couples having trouble falling pregnant often choose to go down the medical route first and sometimes start with IVF. If that doesn't work, they usually consider taking a more natural approach. Correcting underlying imbalances in the body can be just the key to having everything fall into place.
Naturopaths tend to look at the body's functions from a holistic point of view, instead of looking at specific organs. We look at things from a health perspective to enhance overall general health and wellbeing using herbal medicine instead of prescriptions to bring the body back into balance.
Unexplained infertility can often be corrected by treating deficiencies and imbalances caused by our modern society. For instance, food doesn't contain as many nutrients these days and is often genetically engineered. We are also constantly exposed to pollution, drugs, radiation and chemical processing, so no matter how health conscious you are, you could still be missing a piece of the puzzle.
It takes two to tango and males are often overlooked as part of the fertility process until quite late in the investigative stages. The earlier males can be encouraged to get involved the better, as it can save a lot of time and effort down the track. Basic lifestyle changes can significantly improve sperm quality. Both partners should consider adopting a pre-conception health program three to six months before trying to fall pregnant.
Here are 12 ways you could improve your fertility naturally:
- Go off any contraceptive pills or devices 3 to 6 months before attempting conception.
- Limit or discontinue all unnecessary drugs/medications (under doctor’s advice).
- Males should avoid overheating on the testicles and consider wearing loose-fitting clothes and boxer under-shorts.
- Consider adopting a pre-conception health program for both sexes 3 to 6 months prior to trying to fall pregnant.
- Eat a good well-balanced diet and substitute with live organic wholesome foods where possible. A high quality multivitamin/mineral supplement designed for reproduction health may be recommended.
- Nutrients of particular importance for male reproductive health may include: zinc; Vitamin B12; Vitamin C; Vitamin E; selenium; L-carnitine; Larginine; taurine; folic acid; and Co Q 10.
- Herbs of particular importance for male reproductive health may include: tribulus; panax and Siberian ginseng; damiana; withania; saw palmetto; horny goat weed; maca root; morinda officinalis; oats; muira puama; rhodiola; shativari; and schisandra.
- Nutrients of particular importance for female reproductive health may include: folic acid; zinc; Vitamin E; Vitamin C; essential fatty acids; Vitamin B complex (especially B6 and B12); Vitamin A (low dose); selenium (low dose); magnesium; and iron (if required).
- Herbs of particular importance for female reproductive health may include: false unicorn root; true unicorn root; vitex; paeonia; shativari; tribulus; dong quai; liquorice; black cohosh; cramp bark; raspberry leaf; and wild yam.
- If natural conception has not occurred after a full year of timed, unprotected intercourse, consider seeking further advice from your gynaecologist and/or natural therapist regarding tests and treatment options.
- Avoid excessive exposure to stress, heavy metals, electro-magnetic fields, chemicals and other pollutants.
- Further investigations such as: sperm analysis; blood work of hormone function; ultrasounds; and physical examinations may need to be considered to rule out any underlying medical condition that may be affective fertility.
Many couples having trouble falling pregnant often choose to go down the medical route first and sometimes start with IVF. If that doesn't work, they usually consider taking a more natural approach. Correcting underlying imbalances in the body can be just the key to having everything fall into place.
Naturopaths tend to look at the body's functions from a holistic point of view, instead of looking at specific organs. We look at things from a health perspective to enhance overall general health and wellbeing using herbal medicine instead of prescriptions to bring the body back into balance.
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