Challenges with fertility have been increasing around the world. Couple who are trying to conceive sometimes feel that they are very alone in their journey. Females who are pregnant can be noticed easily due to their adorable bellies but nobody sees females who are trying to get pregnant. By some estimates 1 in 7 couples are affected by fertility issues.[1] Although female and male factors can usually be identified through testing and imaging techniques, sometime the cause of difficulty remains unknown.
Male factors can include low sperm count, low sperm motility, morphology and diminished testosterone production. Female factors may include anovulatory cycles (cycles that do not have an ovulation time when ovaries release a follicle to be fertilized) and other disorders of menstrual cycles (prolonged menses, short cycles, and others). Some of the other conditions can also contribute to the issue with successful conception, such as endometriosis, blockage of Fallopian tubes (uterine tubes), diminished ovarian reserve, history of STIs in both partners, surgeries and procedures done on pelvic organs (ovaries, uterus, testis, penis). Difficulty conceiving can be due to low or high thyroid function, MTHFR mutations (lack of active folate available) and other hormonal dysregulations (PCOS, for instance).
Naturopathic medicine has a large toolbox to offer patients trying to conceive naturally and through assisted reproductive technologies (IVF, IUI).
During their visits, naturopaths consider the following aspects:
–Detailed nutrition of the couple
-Their exposure to modern day toxins (BPAs in plastic and aluminum cans, phthalates, xenoestrogens, heavy metals)
-Life style (high stress, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, being overweight or underweight)
– Any other chronic conditions (thyroid imbalances, autoimmune disorders)
– What testing and imaging have been completed in order to identify the cause of the challenge to conceive
In this article, I am not using the word “infertility” on purpose. I personally believe it is a very negative and derogatory term that puts a mark on couples by its mere semantics.
In my practice, I encourage partners who are trying to conceive to think more positively about their chances to have a baby and to be open minded and patient when using naturopathic therapies to achieve desired parenthood.
When the diagnosis of the challenges with conception has been established, a naturopath develops a protocol. For instance, if a female has anovulatory cycles, there are a number of herbal combination and homeopathics (organotherapy + seed cycling) that over the course of several months can balance out the hormones in the body to stimulate regular monthly ovulation for optimal conception.
If the issue is low progesterone and estrogen ratio, then using herbal tinctures can restore a natural production of these important hormones. Possibly the issue can be connected with ovarian health, then glandulars, homeopathic combination, homeopathic drainage therapies (UNDA numbers) and specific herbal formulas can be used to help stimulate ovaries to produce healthy follicles on monthly basis.
Visits with naturopaths are usually longer which allows to always look at the whole person not just health of uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes, sperm and testes. Pelvic floor therapy (gentle way to restore the muscular tone and healthy energy to the pelvic organs) can be utilized to help couples get pregnant and stay pregnant.
Working together with acupuncturist, chiropractors, endocrinologists, gynecologist and other specialists unites care for the sake of the patients and their goal to become parents.
If you have any questions about how naturopathic medicine can help with fertility, you can contact Dr. Masha, at drmashand@gmail.com.
[1] John A Robinson, NMD. Male Health in Trouble? The Global Decline in Testosterone and Sperm Count. NDNR, Nov 2017, p.20
