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Infertility
unfortunately can affect many couples trying to conceive
a baby. It is the
inability to conceive a child after a year or more of sexual
intercourse without contraception.
What to look for
If after a period of
unprotected intercourse, the couple cannot conceive, this is infertility. It can be
because of either partner or both.
This can be very distressing
for many couples and is taken as a sign of inadequacy. Please keep in mind being infertile
does not necessarily indicate sterility.
Causes
Infertility in men can be the
result of low sperm production, no sperm or sperm which do not swim as they should do as
well as a tubes blockage.
In women, infertility can be
caused by a failure to ovulate due to a hormone failure. Interruption of an egg's progress
through the fallopian tube from ovary to uterus may also be a cause.
Women’s age is a factor:
as after 35 years of age it is often more difficult to conceive. Being overweight, or
underweight, can also play a role.
In both men and women,
fertility can be diminished by psychological factors, such as
anxiety and
depression, and by environmental agents.
Treatment
Your doctor will perform many
tests on both partners to determine the cause of the infertility.
There are not ways to
increase the chances of conception.
Couples are often advised to
have intercourse just before ovulation.
Ovulation can be induced with
the use of fertility drugs or hormones.
Certain disorders occurring
in men can be treated with a doctors help.
IVF (in vitro fertilization)
is an option for couples who are infertile. The egg is fertilized
outside the woman's
body, then placed in the womb or fallopian tube.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
A variety of alternative
treatments may enhance fertility.
Relaxation Techniques -
Stress can often hinder conception and there
are different relaxation techniques can reduce stress which sometimes contributes to
infertility.
Dietary Considerations -
Zinc is important for fertility in both
sexes; a supplement may help. Vitamin C
has been shown to aid men whose sperm clump together, and it may improve sperm count. Ask
for professional advice with regards to the appropriate doses.
The diet of both partners
should include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit and a high potency multi-vitamin. Men
need more vitamin C. Reduce the amount of caffeine and alcohol as they make the system
more acidic.
Herbal Treatments -
As
mentioned above, Zinc is often recommended as well as vitamin E. Take goldenseal, raspberry leaf or red clover tea.
Personal Care
For women:
For men:
Avoid
excessive alcohol.
Stay healthy; a bad
cold or flu can depress sperm count for
up to three months.
Keep testicles cool; avoid
saunas, hot tubs, and close-fitting underwear.
When to seek further
professional advice
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