There are up to 70 known causes of Infertility in women.  One in six couples have difficulties conceiving, unfortunately only half present for medical assessment and help. Today, there are many simple and natural treatment options to improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes, through modification of lifestyle and environmental factors.

In some instances, and we acknowledge just some, following a natural lifestyle program is all the treatment required to assist conception. Not only does taking control of lifestyle factors lead to improved fertility, it also reduces stress – another factor in fertility and relationship difficulties.

Here are two sections that should help you improve your chances:

Improving fertility through lifestyle changes

• improve your diet – eat less fat and more fibre
• limit intake of alcohol and caffeinated beverages
• stop smoking
• avoid recreational drug use
• check with your gp that any medications you are taking will not adversely affect fertility
• do not wear tight fitting underwear
• avoid regular use of hot tubs, saunas and electric blankets
• avoid environmental chemicals such as lead, pesticides and organic solvents, or wear appropriate protective clothing.
• Have regular reflexology aiming at reducing stress by treating the whole body with special emphasis on the full endocrine system.
• Include folic acid in the diet and visit a nutritionist to get specialist advice
• Stress should be avoided or reduced as much as possible
• 8 hours sleep a night and plenty of fresh air and exercise
• A geopathic Stress aucid of the living space could be considered
• The use of plants in office environments should be encouraged.
• Pink quartz crystals on or near computers as both reduce the level of magnetic radiation in offices and in the home – great around home computers or electrical appliances.
• No TV in the bedroom or at the very least unplug it from the wall before sleep.
• No electric blankets, or mobile phone charging beside the bed.
• Reduce the use of mobile phones and they should not be carried in pockets. This is particularly relevant to men.#Reduce the use of antiperspirants, hairdyes, or any kind of chemical sprays
• Perfumes mask natural pheromones so dont use around ovulation
• Non bio detergent, fabric softener, dry cleaning products should be all avoided.
• Known environmental hazards should be addressed and air travel kept to a minimum unil conception is achieved.

The role of Stress in Infertility

Stress can have an impact on overall health.  Our bodies are designed, or pre-programmed, with a set of automatic responses to deal with stress.  This system is very effective for the short term “fight-or-flight” responses we need when faced with an immediate danger.  The problem is that our bodies deal with all types of stress in the same way.  Experiencing stress for long periods of time such as lower level but constant stressors at work, will activate this system, but it doesnt get the chance to turn off.  The bodys pre-programmed response to stress has been called the generalised streess responses and includes:

• Increased blood pressure
• Increased metabolism e.g. faster heart beat, and faster respiration
• Decrease in protein synthesis, intestinal movement (digestion), immune and allergic response systems
• Increased cholesterol and fatty acids in blood for energy production systems
• Localised inflammation (redness, swelling, heat and pain)
• Faster blood clotting
• Incfreased production of blood sugar for energy
• Incfeased stomach acids

With symptoms such as these in either partner, the body may well decide that pregnancy is not a good idea at this time  Other CAM therapies may also have a place in infertility treatment, since massage, herbs and other natural products have been used for centuries to treat a wide range of medical conditions

Flower Remedies – using essences of flowers, plants and trees to promote a positive mental state, after which the body often follows promoting relaxation, reducing feelings of stress and enhancing feelings of well-being.,

Aromatherapy – thought to aid in regulating menstrual cycles.  Stimulates the limbic system with the use of therapeutic oils such as geranium, and lavender.

Massage – promotes relaxation, detoxification of the body, can stimulate release of hormones, and reduce adhesions which may aid in achieving pregnancy

Herbal Remedies – herbal treatments are geared to address both the mind and the body, and appear to work best for women who have hormonal inbalances that cause irregular ovulation.  Consult a qualified herbalist.

Acupuncture – an ancient chinese medical practice that focuses on balancing the energy pathways int he body, to promote mental and physical wellbeing

Reiki – Universal energy that can help many of the above effects