First pregnancies, Second pregnancies, Recurrent Miscarriages – There are options that can help.
Infertility. This is a tough reality for 15% of couples who are attempting to achieve their dream of having a baby. However, there are many alternate routes that can be pursued that can help you conceive. The research that is going into natural options is continually rising, and there is plenty of evidence supporting the life style factors, diet, and supplementation that can greatly increase your chances of achieving and maintaining a successful pregnancy.
In recent months, I have seen a huge increase in fertility concerns in my practice, which is what prompted me to share some insight on the topic. So many people are looking for alternate routes to pursue in order to achieve that dream of having a baby. Whether you’re a first time Mom trying to conceive, if you’re trying for baby #2 or #3, or struggling to maintain a pregnancy due to recurrent miscarriages, for those hopeful Parent’s-to-be, there are options out there for you.
Difficulty achieving or maintaining pregnancy becomes such a concern, and a huge source of stress, with most Mom’s placing blame squarely on their over-burdened shoulders, right along with feelings of anxiety, anger, grief and even guilt. You’re not alone, and you would be surprised, once you start to open up a bit, how many others have similar stories to share.
Infertility affects about 15% of couples, and often times there is no “identifiable” cause. But there are so many safe, natural and effective options that can help, I want to address a few of those here.
1) It takes two.
When a woman comes into my office with fertility concerns, and it’s usually always the Mom first, majority of the time she asks me what she can “fix” with her own body in order to become pregnant or carry full term. Since women actually carry the child, there is a huge sense of responsibility. But it takes two, and a male factor is involved in 40-50% of infertility cases.
Yes, you need a healthy body to house a healthy egg, but you also need a healthy sperm, in order to achieve a healthy pregnancy.
When it comes to second pregnancy struggles, the assumption is also that, if you have achieved pregnancy in the past, then the sperm is healthy, so it must be an issue with the female. This is also false.
Sperm health is a key contributor to conception, and problems with the sperm can occur at any point along the way. Factors such as sperm morphology (shape of the sperm), play a role in the ability of the sperm to penetrate the egg, and the count, mobility and motility of the sperm play a huge role. Issues with sperm health may contribute to the inability to achieve pregnancy, and may also contribute to early miscarriages. When dealing with fertility issues, it’s best when both partners are on board together.
2) Lifestyle Choices
We all have the freedom of choices. And I have my food vices, just like everyone else. However, many people are unaware of the impact that lifestyle choices play in the ability to conceive, and weight gain is a large concern here. Elevated BMI (greater than 30), has been linked to infertility, as well as increased rates of recurrent pregnancy loss in women who conceive naturally. Although the mechanism here is unknown, women with high BMI’s, even though they ovulate and have regular cycles, have a much lower chance (26%-43%) of achieving pregnancy naturally. Weight management is a key target in my practice, so if you are struggling to conceive, then lifestyle factors need to be addressed. Other habits such as cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption (3-5 drinks per week), and coffee consumption (>3 cups daily), have been linked to increased sporadic pregnancy loss. So it may be time to re-evaluate a few of your daily habits.
3) Supplementation & Fertility
Lifestyle changes are so important, but supplementation is a powerful way to really impact your chances of becoming pregnant. Often times I begin fertility treatment plans with a healthy Detox (the role that toxins play in fertility is a whole other article!). This way, we clear out any toxins that may be impacting the healthy pregnancy, and then I move on to natural supplements to aid in conception.
Fertility is so specific to each individual, but I’ll touch on some of the key supplements that can help.
Stress Management. It is so important to manage mom-to-be’s stress levels, and studies have shown a link between stress-levels and the inability to conceive. This is a very anxiety-ridden time, so eliminating the stress isn’t always a possibility, but implementing way to manage stress and helping parents-to-be feel calmer and in control can go a long way.
Eleuthrococuccus Senticosus, also known as Siberian Ginseng, is a wonderful adaptogenic botanical, meaning it helps the body to manage stress, and is also very effective in the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. While increasing your ability to manage all forms of stress, it also improves energy levels, may assist in mild depression, and improves physical and mental performance and concentration. The general dose of Siberian Ginseng in tablet form is 2-3 gram daily.
Licorice is another personal favorite used in managing stress, and is a great addition to those with adrenal insufficiency and Chronic Fatigue syndrome. It has the added benefit of assisting in fertility, and can also help women suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). The general dose, in tablet form, is 600-900mg daily (in divided doses).
Hormonal Balance & Fertility . The balancing of hormones is always a key target in treatment, as well as optimizing the menstrual cycle, improving the health of the uterus and eggs, and encouraging optimal sperm quality and count.
Maca. is an adaptogenic herb with the additional benefit being that it can improve fertility in both men and women. In women, Maca helps to promote hormonal balance, specifically controlling estrogen levels. An imbalance in estrogen can impede the ability to conceive. In excess, estrogen can cause a decline in progesterone, which is the key hormone needed to maintain a healthy pregnancy. In men, Maca can have a positive effect on libido, erectile dysfunction, sperm count and sperm motility. General Dose: 2000-3000mg daily
Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) is one of the most powerful fertility herbs. It plays a key role in balancing hormones, it promotes ovulation, and encourages progesterone increase, which helps to maintain pregnancy. Vitex also plays a role in PMS, regulating an irregular menstrual cycle, and may help to prevent miscarriage. General Dose (capsules): 900-1000mg daily.
Zinc is one of the most important minerals for male fertility. This mineral is essential for sperm maturation, and possibly preventing chromosomal defects in the sperm, which could lead to miscarriages, even if fertilization is achieved. Zinc can could also increase sperms levels, and improve the form, quality and function of the sperm. Dose: 15mg daily. (Don’t forget to take a multivitamin that contains copper, since Zinc in high doses may cause a copper deficiency).
There are so many natural options, and I have only begun to brush the surface of all the effective treatments that can help you to conceive, but hopefully this arms you with a few options and some new insight along the way. Don’t forget that the quality of the supplements you take will make a difference, so shell out a few extra dollars for a good quality product from your natural health store.
Be Well,
Dr. Andi
Dr. Andra Campitelli, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
JC Campitelli Health Centre
www.campitellihealth.com
Facebook/DrAndiND
Twitter: @DrAndiND
*Please Note: The information presented in this article is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure and medical concerns. Before beginning any nutraceutical interventions, it is always best to consult with your health care provider to ensure that it is safe and right for you.
