The Herbal Treatment of Infertility

Infertility affects many couples and has a very profound emotional impact. If you have fertility problems and difficulty getting pregnant, you may like to consider herbal treatment. Recent studies have shown that one in six couples seek specialist help in trying for a child.

These numbers are continuing to rise as sperm counts drop worldwide and could double in the next decade, according to fertility expert Professor Bill Ledger of Sheffield University.

What causes infertility?

There are many reasons for infertility. It may be factors to do with either the male or the female or possibly factors, which affect both male and female. Various factors may be responsible for a woman’s inability to achieve a successful pregnancy. Despite research showing that fertility declines after the age of 30, women are delaying having children.

Infertility may be caused by various factors:

• ovulatory
• immunologic
• anatomic
• nutritional
• infectious
• hormonal

The most common cause of infertility in men is abnormality of sperm parameters. In 1940 the average sperm count was 113 million sperm per millilitre. Yet 50 years later, in 1990, it had dropped to 66 million sperm per millilitre. During the same period, semen volume also dropped approximately 20% from 3.4cc to 2.75cc.

Couples find that after extensive tests, a treatment plan can sometimes be implemented by their doctor to correct the problems identified. However, in many cases the cause of the infertility remains unexplained. At this stage, the only option many couples are given is IVF.

The good news is that there are many highly effective natural ways to improve fertility and the chance of having a successful pregnancy.

How can Herbal Medicine help?

Herbal Medicine can address many of the issues, which can prevent conception or lead to miscarriage. Each Fertility Programme is designed to meet the unique needs of each couple and may include:

• Comprehensive infertility tests for the male and the female, if not already carried out
• A physical examination, carried out by a doctor, is a prerequisite to treatment in order to rule out physical abnormalities etc.
• Detoxification including heavy metals, which can cause birth defects
• Reduce exposure to hormone disruptors
• Diet and lifestyle guidance
• Check digestive system to identify any underlying issues, which may impair nutrient uptake from food
• Nutritional supplementation covering all vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and probiotics needed for reproductive health
• Rebalance hormones as indicated in blood test results
• Lower stress levels
• Treat depression, where necessary
• Restore adrenal function, which may have been impacted by long term stress. This can lead to depression. Any imbalance on the endocrine axis, such as poor adrenal function, may impact fertility
• Weight loss, where necessary
• Treat issues like endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, impotence, low libido, recurrent miscarriage, depression, menstrual problems, fatigue, anxiety etc.

If this natural approach to improving fertility and the chances of a successful pregnancy is something you would like to try, call for an appointment with Deborah.