Fertility is the ability to conceive and have children, the ability to become pregnant through normal sexual activity. Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after a year of regular intercourse without contraception. Over the past twenty years, fertility problems have increased dramatically. At least 25 percent of couples planning a baby will have trouble conceiving, and more and more couples are turning to fertility treatments to help them have a family. What is the cause? Infertility is on the rise in many countries. The proportion of women in the UNITED STATES having their first baby at or after age 30 has quadrupled since the mid-70s. This is important because the probability of having a baby decreases by 3 to 5% a year after age 30 and even faster after age 40. Fertility depends on many factors including the production of a sufficient number of healthy sperm by the male, delivery of the sperm into the vagina, passage of the sperm through the uterus up into the fallopian tubes, and penetration of a normal ovum (egg) by one of the sperm. A successful pregnancy also requires that the fertilized ovum become implanted in the lining of the uterus.

 

To conceive a child, a woman must ovulate -- she must release a mature egg from one of her ovaries --and her male partner must ejaculate tens of millions of mature, motile sperm. While sperm form throughout a man's reproductive life, a woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have. Over the years, her supply is depleted (of about 7 million eggs present at birth, only 400 make it to ovulation) and the remaining eggs age, diminishing their reproductive capacity. A sperm must be reach and penetrate the egg as it travels from the ovary to the uterus. The fertilized egg must then be able to divide many times, implant in the uterus, and form the placenta that is its lifeline until birth. If the fallopian tubes have been damaged by pelvic infection, or there is endometriosis (misplaced growth of the uterine lining), fertilization or implantation may not be possible. A normal menstrual cycle involves the release of an egg once a month. That egg can survive up to 24 hours. The easiest way to know the fertile time is to chart the menstrual cycle on a calendar. A woman is most likely to be fertile 10 to 14 days after the start of menstruation.

 

To date, research on supplements that might improve fertility has focused on the first group: individual ingredients. For instance, the antioxidants Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Selenium have been found to prevent free radical damage to the DNA of eggs, sperm, and reproductive organs. General recommendations are that men should get at least 90 milligrams (mg) of Vitamin C daily, and women need 75 mg; both should get 15 milligrams of vitamin E and 55 micrograms of selenium every day as well. But if you’re trying to optimize your chances for pregnancy, your doctor or a qualified naturopath may suggest a much higher dose. In most cases you don’t need to worry about taking too much; the tolerable upper limit for vitamin C is 2,000 mg a day for men and women; 1,000 mg for vitamin E; and 400 micrograms for selenium.

 

Complete preconception vitamin support has also been shown to help enhance fertility.Vitamins C and E are important cleansing antioxidants that play a vital role in repairing damage caused by the environment, aging and in preventing cellular damage due to oxidizing free radicals. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant central to overall reproductive health and wellbeing. In a preliminary human trial, couples with fertility difficulties that were given Vitamin E showed a significant increase in fertility. Other studies indicate that preconception vitamin supplementation can increase fertility. Folic acid supplementation is also essential to help prevent birth defects.

 

Fertility Supplements for Men: For men, reproductive wellbeing is supported by the amino acid L-carnitine and a potent array of antioxidants. L-carnitine plays a key role in the process of sperm formation, maturation and sperm quality. L-carnitine is central to the development and maturation of sperm in the testes, in the development of the sperm membrane and in the metabolic processes that follow ejaculation. Free radicals cause oxidative damage - a literal 'rusting' of tissues and cells. This damage can impact male reproductive function and disrupt fertility wellbeing. Free radicals can be combated with a powerful antioxidant formula such as Vitamin E, and Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium, and the B Vitamins which are critical to efficient hormone metabolism, sperm formation and sperm motility.

 

Why Fertility Supplements are Important: With couples trying to become pregnant at an older age than in past generations - and the stresses of daily life increasing - couples may need more support in their trying-to-conceive efforts. With 1 in 5 couples facing infertility issues, fertility supplements can help even the odds. As part of an overall approach to preconception health, fertility supplements are formulated to help increase your chances of conceiving a baby - without prescription medications or the risk of multiple births. Science-based and backed by clinical research, nutritional supplementation ushers in a new era in infertility therapy and fertility support.

 

How to increase your chances of conceiving and preventing miscarriages

Interestingly, the most common cause of infertility is 'unexplained', which means that following thorough investigations, doctors can find no specific or identifiable medical problem at the root. But this is where a natural approach can come into play. If a couple fails to become pregnant, there is obviously something causing the problem. It's no good labelling infertility 'unexplained'. The answer is to look deeper - at lifestyle factors, nutritional deficiencies and even emotional elements. A study conducted by the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom showed that couples with a previous history of infertility who made changes in their lifestyle, diet and took nutritional supplements had an 80 percent success rate Given that the success rate for assisted conception is around 20 percent, it's worth considering these options.

 

It is important to note that it takes at least three months for immature eggs (oocytes) to mature enough to be released during ovulation. It also takes at least three months for sperm cells to develop, ready to be ejaculated. This means that when you are trying to improve your fertility, you need to have a four-month period before conceiving. This is called 'pre-conception care' and it's as important to take as much care during this period as it is during a pregnancy itself. If you are going for IVF treatment or another assisted conception procedure, you should follow the recommendations listed below in order to increase the chances that the procedure will work.

 

Female Hormone Test (saliva): This test can be done even if you have irregular cycles. One test which is particularly useful for infertility is the Female Hormone Test (saliva). A total of eleven saliva samples are collected at home at specific times across one cycle, and sent to the lab for analysis. This simple test will chart the level of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone across the month, to work out a pattern that may reveal:-

 

1.       early ovulation

2.       anovulation (no ovulation)

3.       problems with the phasing of the cycles, such as a short luteal phase (second half of the cycle)

4.       problems with maintaining progesterone levels

 

 

Diet: Although it goes without saying that a healthy diet is crucial to a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby, many people are unaware of the fact that diet can help to correct hormone imbalances that may affect your ability to conceive. There are also certain foods and drinks that are known to lower fertility.

 

Alcohol: Alcohol will affect both you and your partner. In fact, drinking any alcohol at all can reduce your fertility by half - and the more you drink, the less likely you are to conceive. One study showed that women who drank less than 5 units of alcohol a week (equal to five glasses of wine) were twice as likely to get pregnant within six-months compared with those who drank more. Research has also shown that drinking alcohol causes a decrease in sperm count, an increase in abnormal sperm and a lower proportion of motile sperm. Alcohol also inhibits the body's absorption of nutrients such as zinc, which is one of the most important minerals for male fertility. As difficult as it may seem, you should eliminate alcohol from your diets for at least three months in order to give yourself the best possible chance of conceiving.

 

Caffeine: There is plenty of evidence to show that caffeine, particularly in the form of coffee, decreases fertility. Drinking as little as one cup of coffee a day can halve your chances of conceiving. On study showed that problems with sperm: sperm count, motility and abnormalities, increase with the number of cups of coffee consumed each day. Once again, it's important to eliminate all caffeine-containing food and drinks for at least three months before trying to conceive. That includes colas, chocolate, black teas and coffee, among other things.

 

Environmental Oestrogens: Environmental oestrogens, coming from pesticides and the plastic industry. When you are trying to conceive, one of the most important things you need to do is to balance your hormones. It is extremely important to avoid anything that might cause an imbalance, and one of the main culprits is the Xenoestrogens.

 

Smoking: Smoking has definitely been linked with infertility in women. It can even bring on an early menopause, which is a particularly important consideration for older women who may be trying to beat the clock. Smoking can decrease sperm count in men, making the sperm more sluggish, and it can increase the number of abnormal sperm. With men, the effects on fertility are increased with the number of cigarettes.

 

Pregnancy and Fertility Supplements: There is now a great deal of scientific knowledge about the use of nutritional supplements and their beneficial effects on both male and female fertility. As you will see, these supplements can be very effective in re-balancing your hormones, as well as improving you and your partner's overall health, which are so vital for successful conception. Supplements are necessary because even the best diet in the world will not contain all the nutrients you need to give you the best chance of conceiving.

 

Folic Acid: It is now known that folic acid can prevent spina bifida in your baby, and it is essential that you get plenty both before and during pregnancy. And that's not all: folic acid is undoubtedly important, but it is just part of the very important B-complex family of vitamins that are necessary to produce the genetic materials DNA and RNA. Together with vitamin B12, folic acid works to ensure that your baby's genetic codes are intact. Remember: it's not enough to take folic acid alone when you are trying to become pregnant. All of the B vitamins are essential during the pre-conceptual period. Research has shown that giving B6 to women who have trouble conceiving increases fertility and vitamin B12 has been found to improve low sperm counts

 

Zinc: Zinc is the most widely studied nutrient in terms of fertility for both men and women. It is an essential component of genetic material and a zinc deficiency can cause chromosome changes in either you or our partner, leading to reduced fertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. Zinc is necessary for your body to 'attract and hold' (utilise efficiently) the reproductive hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Zinc is found in high concentrations in the sperm. Zinc is needed to make the outer layer and tail of the sperm and is, therefore, essential for the health of your partner's sperm and, subsequently, your baby. Interestingly, several studies have also shown that reducing zinc in a man's diet will also reduce his sperm count.

 

Selenium: Selenium is an antioxidant that helps to protect your body from highly reactive chemical fragments called free radicals. For this reason, selenium can prevent chromosome breakage, which is known to be a cause of birth defects and miscarriages. Good levels of selenium are also essential to maximise sperm formation. Blood selenium levels have been found to be lower in men with low sperm counts.

 

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): These essential fats have a profound effect on every system of the body, including the reproductive system and they are crucial for healthy hormone functioning. For men essential fatty acid supplementation is crucial because the semen is rich in prostaglandins which are produced from these fats. Men with poor sperm quality, abnormal sperm, poor motility or low count, have inadequate levels of these beneficial prostaglandins. Essential Fatty Acids includes Omega 369, Omega 3, Evening Primrose Oil,Starflower (Borage Oil), Cod Liver Oil, Flaxseed Oil. Omega 3-6-9, Essential Supplement for Fertility and Pregnancy. One of the main suggestions you may come across as you explore natural fertility methods is the importance of a healthy diet. Eating foods that are natural and supply the body with essential nutrients is not only good for our health in general, but also helps to improve fertility and make conception easier.

 

Flaxseed oil and fish oil are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 acids have been shown to help fertility by helping to regulate hormones in the body, increase cervical mucous, promote ovulation and overall improve the quality of the uterus by increasing the blood flow to the reproductive organs. Borage oil is rich in Omega-6 fats, which can assist fertility by improving reproductive cell structure, decrease risk of inflammation and improve the condition of organs in the body. Omega-3 fats also contain two acids that are crucial to good health: DHA and EPA. These two acids have been shown to help many forms of disease. Low levels of DHA have been linked to depression and other mental health issues. During pregnancy, a lack of DHA may be associated with premature birth, low birth weight and hyperactivity in children.

 

Essential fatty acids help to:

 

1. Regulate hormones

2. Increase the blood flow to the uterus

3. Reduce sensitivity to the hormone prolactin, which can suppress ovulation.

4. Increases egg white cervical mucus, which is needed to help the sperm reach the egg.

5. Helps your cycle to become normalized.

6. During pregnancy, essential fatty acids are important to your baby’s brain, eye, and heart development.

7. EPA is necessary to grow a healthy circulatory system.

8. DHA is an important component for a healthy central nervous system.

9. It is important to have a plentiful supply of essential fatty acids before becoming pregnant and to continue to eat fish or take fish oil supplements during pregnancy to maintain optimal health. If your diet contains enough omega-3 EFAs, your baby’s needed supply will pass easily through the placenta.

 

For men, essential fatty acids can also make a big difference…

 

1. Fatty acids improve the circulation to the genitals, which help support the prostate and the other element needed for reproduction.

2. It helps lower blood pressure, which helps with erectile dysfunction.

3. Omegas 3s are important to the production of sperm.

 

 

Essential fatty acids and cholesterol are primary ingredients in sperm cell membranes. DHA, one of the fatty acids contained in fish oil, has a significant impact on the viability and health of sperm. When there are not enough fatty acids present, cholesterol replaces the needed fatty acid in the sperm membrane. This prevents sperm from proper maturation. This, in turn, helps create more free radicals, which damage any healthy sperm that may be present. By increasing the intake of essential fatty acids through the consumption of fish or fish oil supplements, the resulting sperm are healthier, have better motility, and the chances of a successful conception increase.

 

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant and has been shown to increase fertility when given to both men and women. Men going for IVF treatment with their partners have been given vitamin E, and fertilisation rates have, as a result, increased from 19 to 29 percent. It has been suggested that the antioxidant activity of vitamin E might make the sperm more fertile.

 

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, and studies show that vitamin C enhances sperm quality, protecting sperm and the DNA within it from damage. Some research has indicated that certain types of DNA damage in the sperm can make it difficult to conceive in the first place, or it can cause an increased risk of miscarriage if conception does take place. If DNA is damaged, there may be a chromosomal problem in the baby, should the pregnancy proceed. Whether or not DNA damage does have these effects has not been conclusively proven, but it's worth taking vitamin C and the other antioxidants as a precautionary measure. Vitamin C also appears to keep the sperm from clumping together, making them more motile.

 

Herbs: Herbal treatment is aimed at restoring hormone imbalances, and encouraging ovulation if it is not occurring. It will also give you the best possible chance of maintaining a pregnancy, should you conceive.

 

Note:

Don't take any herbs while you are using drug treatments or going through assisted conception (such as IVF), unless prescribed by a qualified practitioner.

 

Caution: You should not take any of the above herbs if you are taking, The Pill, Fertillity drugs, HRT or any other hormonal treatment or other medication unless they are recommended by a registered, experienced practitioner. You can follow this four-month plan and do not try to conceive within that time. Why? Because when you follow the plan, your fertility will begin to increase. Everything needs to be working at optimum level before you conceive, both to prevent a miscarriage, and to give you the best possible chance of having a healthy baby.

 

If you have been trying to conceive for six months

If you are under the age of 35 and have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for six months, follow the dietary and supplement suggestions given below for four months. At the end of this period, begin trying to conceive again. Give yourself six months before embarking on any fertility treatments or investigation by your doctor or a gynaecologist. If you have been trying for six months and are over 35, follow the recommendations but visit your doctor and ask for tests to begin during that first four-month period. If you are given a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, then try for six months on your own before going for medical treatment.

 

If you have been trying to conceive for 12 months or more

If you are under the age of 35, follow the suggestions below for four months. Then try on your own for six months before embarking on fertility tests. If you have been trying for six months and are over 35, follow the recommendations but visit your doctor and ask for tests to begin during that first four-month period. If you are given a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, then try for six months on your own before going for medical treatment.

 

Tests: There are a number of tests available that are extremely useful and are well worth considering. These tests can give you invaluable insights into understanding what is going on in your body at the moment and can tell you what vitamin and mineral deficiencies and heavy toxic metal excesses you may have. They can let you know what your general condition is and how well your digestive system is functioning and then explain what action you need to take to rectify any imbalances the results may reveal. The analysis of these results lets you know what supplements you need to take in order to bring your body back into balance and into optimum health. This is also designed to help prevent these problems from recurring in the future.

 

Plan of Action: 

The supplement programme below should be taken by both partners for at least three months in order to achieve best results.