Related Topic |
Related Product |
| MENU |
|
|
|
Infertility is defined by doctors as the failure to become pregnant after a year of unprotected intercourse. It can be caused by sex-hormone abnormalities, low thyroid function, endometriosis, scarring of the tubes connecting the ovaries with the uterus, or a host of other causes. Some of the causes of infertility readily respond to natural medicine, while others do not. The specific cause of infertility should always be diagnosed by a physician before considering possible solutions.
Dietary changes that may be helpful: Caffeine consumption equivalent to more than two cups of coffee per day has been linked to tubal disease and endometriosis—both of which can cause female infertility.1 As little as one to one and a half cups of coffee per day appears to delay conception in women trying to get pregnant.2 Some studies find one cup of coffee per day cuts fertility in half,3 although others report that it takes two4 or three5 cups to have detrimental effects.
Caffeine is found in regular coffee, black and green tea, some soft drinks, chocolate, cocoa, and many over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. While not every study finds that caffeine reduces female fertility,6 most doctors of natural medicine recommend that women trying to get pregnant avoid caffeine.
Decaffeinated coffee has been linked to spontaneous abortion.7 Some researchers suspect that the tannic acid found in any kind of coffee and black tea may contribute to infertility.8
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful: The more women smoke, the less likely they are to conceive.9 In fact, women whose mothers smoked during their pregnancy are only half as likely to conceive as those whose mothers were non-smokers.10 It’s important to quit smoking.
Even moderate drinking in women is linked to an increased risk of infertility in some,11 although not all, research.12 Until more is known, women wishing to conceive should probably avoid alcohol.
Excessive or insufficient weight can also be causes of female infertility.13 Infertile women who are overweight or underweight should consult a nutritionally oriented physician.
| Some conventional medications can
interfere with fertility. If in doubt, individuals taking prescription drugs should
consult their physician. Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Gross deficiencies of many nutrients, including iron and the B vitamins, reduce female fertility, but not much is known about the specific role most nutrients play.14 Nonetheless, double blind research has shown that taking a multivitamin/mineral supplement increases female fertility.15 Vitamin E deficiency in animals leads to infertility.16 In a preliminary human trial, 100–200 IU of vitamin E given to each man and woman of infertile couples led to a significant increase in fertility.17 Women who are infertile should rule out the possibility of iron deficiency with the help of a doctor. A preliminary report found that women sometimes regain their fertility when given iron supplements.18 PABA appears to enhance the effects of cortisone,19 estrogen, and possibly other hormones by delaying their breakdown in the liver. Some infertile women have increased their ability to become pregnant after taking PABA.20 Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions. Herbs that may he helpful: Vitex is sometimes used as an herbal treatment for infertility—particularly in cases with established luteal phase defect (shortened second half of the menstrual cycle) and high prolactin levels. In one study, forty-eight women diagnosed with infertility (ages twenty-three to thirty-nine) took vitex once daily for three months.21 Forty-five women completed the study, with successful treatment reported in thirty-nine women. Seven women became pregnant during the study, while in twenty-five of the women, progesterone levels normalized—which may increase the chances for pregnancy. Many doctors of natural medicine recommend taking 40 drops of a liquid extract of vitex each morning with some liquid. Encapsulated powdered vitex provides a similar amount of the product, with one capsule taken in the morning. |
|
| Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions. |
|
| These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This web site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |
|
