Grappling with infertility can be a frustrating and agonizing experience. Besides the heartache of not being able to conceive, many couples also deal with the side effects of taking multiple medications, making time for ongoing doctor visits, finding the financial resources to pay for IVF treatment, jumping hurdles for insurance coverage, and overcoming the monthly disappointment when treatment fails. This all creates additional stress, which can, in turn, make it harder to conceive.
Though medical treatment is the best course of action to address underlying causes of infertility, there are a number of natural treatments that can help improve fertility outcomes and support the success of medical treatment.
Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture has long been known to help reduce stress in the body and to promote balance in the body. Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with in-vitro fertilization to help improve outcomes. Patients typically receive acupuncture treatments for three to four months prior to transfer, and may continue to receive modified treatments for the first three months of pregnancy to reduce the risk of miscarriage. Acupuncture can also be used to treat luteal phase defect, hormonal imbalance, anovulatory cycles, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and unexplained infertility. Of course, it is also well-known as a treatment for stress, and reducing stress can help improve outcomes for all types of fertility treatment.
Chinese herbs and tinctures are also useful in helping treat infertility, either in conjunction with acupuncture or as a stand-alone treatment. Custom blends can be made for use at home, or an acupuncturist can dispense the treatment. Dong Quai and Moxa are well-known for their use in infertility treatment.
Diet
There are many ways that diet can affect fertility outcomes. Of course, eliminating xenoestrogens in your diet and your environment – such as harmful chemicals, plastics, preservatives, and more – can help improve fertility. Choose organic foods where possible and all-natural materials in your home. Eliminate or reduce caffeine and alcohol, as both have been shown to have an adverse effect on your hormones.
It is also important to ensure that you get enough of certain vitamins in your diet, including B6 and B12 (which regulate your hormones and production of progesterone), magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron.
Exercise
Regular exercise can help you manage better manage stress and burn excess body fat, both of which can improve your fertility outcomes. Stored body fat increases the amount of estrogen in your body, which can create imbalances in the reproductive system and cause complications for fertility. Regular exercise also helps blunt the effects of stress on your body, limiting the stress hormones that can cause other hormonal imbalances in your body.
Supplements
There are many natural supplements that promise to help balance hormones, which can lead to improved fertility outcomes for many women.
- Maca is a well-known root that has been shown to improve hormonal balance and increase the luteal phase and production of progesterone. It is available as a powder or a pill.
- Vitex (or Chastebery) has also been shown to have a positive impact on regulating hormones. It is available in pill form.
- L-Arginine has been shown to improve sperm motility and quality.
Most herbal supplements can be found in natural-food stores. Before taking any supplements, be sure to consult your doctor, especially if you are also taking prescription medication.
Though natural treatments such as these are not a substitute for medical guidance, they can help to support traditional treatment and improve your chances of success in overcoming your fertility.
Alexis Bonari is currently a resident blogger at College Scholarships, where recently she’s been researching adult student scholarship programs as well as criminal justice scholarship programs. Whenever this WAHM gets some free time she enjoys doing yoga, cooking with the freshest organic in-season fare, and practicing the art of coupon clipping.
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