Having a baby is a precious gift and we hope conceiving will be an easy, natural process. Sadly for many couples it is an extremely distressing experience as they struggle to conceive and/or maintain a pregnancy. The causes of infertility are many and varied, and affect both females and males. Sometimes the man’s sperm count is too low; sometimes there is a hormonal imbalance in one or both partners; sometimes lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol or smoking are at fault; and sometimes there may be no obvious reason at all. From a holistic, natural perspective, difficulty conceiving can be due to issues such as stress, toxicity, nutritional deficiencies and/or hormonal imbalances.
Are You Too Stressed to Conceive? Is stress making it difficult for you to conceive? Have you ever noticed that it is often when a couple stops trying to conceive, and they start to relax, that they fall pregnant? The impact of stress on infertility cannot be underestimated, both as a cause and as a consequence of not conceiving, in both partners. Stress may affect the reproductive system, so managing stress is an important part of pre-conception care.
Lifestyle and Environment
Environmental factors may also play a role. Reducing alcohol, smoking and exposure to environmental chemicals is a sensible part of pre-conception care.
Weight and Fertility
Weight can affect fertility and pregnancy health. Our naturopaths can offer dietary advice to support a healthy weight and good nutrition before and during pregnancy.
Healthy Parents Make Healthy Babies
Nutritional deficiencies can also be a contributing factor in infertility. In order for you to give your little baby the best start in life, it is important that both the mother and father are in optimal health. Ensure you both have optimal body stores of vitamins and minerals that will support energy production, healthy metabolism, healthy foetal development and reduce stress. At our clinic, we can discuss nutritional supplements that may support both male and female fertility and nutritional status.
Are Your Hormones Out of Balance? Hormonal imbalances can be a significant factor in infertility. Herbs and nutrients may be used to support hormonal health as part of an individual plan.
• For men: Specific herbs and nutrients may support male reproductive health and sperm quality.
• For women: Traditional herbs such as shatavari, dong quai and rehmannia are used to support menstrual and reproductive health, often alongside key nutrients such as iron and vitamin E. The subject of infertility is often stressful and can be overwhelming for couples who are struggling to have a baby.
If you are experiencing difficulties with fertility, please come in and see us today at Life Synergy for information on preconception care and natural support of your reproductive health.
Written by: Bianca Richardson, Naturopath at Life Synergy
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised advice from your health practitioner.