For those of you who have never experienced Acupuncture, it is one of most ancient therapeutic techniques of Chinese medicine. It encourages the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.

This article may help answer some of your initial questions but feel free to call our Clinic if you’d like to discuss any aspects of acupuncture therapy.

So How Does Acupuncture Work?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.

Go with the Flow

Energy, or Qi, flows through these meridians. All diseases are the result of this energy not ?owing properly. Stimulating different points allows the Qi to flow well again which relieves pain, produces relaxation of mind and body, produces homeostatic effect harmonizing the body’s innate ability to self-regulate and enhances immunity

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Can Acupuncture help when trying to conceive?

Acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care:

• promotion of health and well-being,
• prevention of illness,
• treatment of various medical conditions.

While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medical treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including Reproductive problems.

Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.

In 2002, a team of German researchers discovered that acupuncture significantly increased the odds of pregnancy among a group of 160 women who were undergoing IVF treatment. Forty-two percent of the women who received acupuncture got pregnant, compared to 26 percent of those who didn’t receive the treatment. The researchers speculated that acupuncture helped increase blood flow to the uterus and relax the muscle tissue, giving the embryos a better chance of implanting.

Other research does suggest that acupuncture is effective in reducing stress. Since stress has been shown to interfere with getting pregnant, it makes sense that reducing your stress through acupuncture could theoretically improve your odds of conceiving. Some women find acupuncture helpful to cope with the stress they feel about trying to conceive.

Acupuncture may also help male infertility. A few studies have shown that regular treatments significantly improve sperm counts and motility (the strength with which the sperm swim) and can significantly improve the quality and health of sperm. In a study published in Fertility and Sterility in 2005, researchers analyzed sperm samples from men with infertility of unknown cause before and after acupuncture treatments. They found that acupuncture was associated with fewer structural defects in sperm and an increase in the number of normal sperm

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for general wellbeing you may have monthly visits.

What about side-effects?

There are usually no side-effects. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered.

These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

But I’m scared of needles – what are the needles like? Do they hurt? 

People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

Because your practitioner carefully sterilizes the needles using the same techniques as for surgical instruments, or uses disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.

Ok, but does it really work?

Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians.

Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude (“I don’t know if I really believe in this.”) will not block the treatment results.

Is there anything I should know prior to the treatment?

Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

• Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
• Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
• Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
• Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.
• Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your practitioner to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem

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A healthy diet and lifestyle are essential for optimum fertility. A healthy body is a fertile body and the health of your baby is in great part decided before a pregnancy is even in sight. You see, by 8 weeks gestation a baby’s health blueprint is already created, as are his or her tiny organs and little fingerprints! At this stage his or her health vulnerabilities and strengths are set by the ‘map’ guiding this miracle of creation. It is fair to say that once a pregnancy is established your child’s health potential becomes the lowest common denominator of you and your partner’s health at the point of conception.

So how do you overcome fertility problems and give your child the best possible start in life? It’s simple. Ensure you and your partner are in optimum health at least 120 days prior to a conception attempt — whether you are trying to conceive naturally or using any form of assisted reproductive technologies.

Why 120 days? The quality of the egg and sperm today is the reflection of everything that was happening in your life and immediate environment over the previous 4 months. Your complete health picture during that time including nutrition, stress levels, blood oxygenation, hormone levels, emotions and other factors affect the quality of your fertility in the current month.

What you eat is an important part of my 11 Pillars of Fertility blueprint developed to give couples a comprehensive step by step reproducible system for overcoming fertility problems and creating the healthy baby of their dreams.

So what are some of the fertility boosting foods you can start making a solid base of your fertility diet today?

1. Green vegetables and Leafy Vegetables – This includes spinach, kale, collard greens, watercress and even avocados. They contain folic acid, helpful in the production of red blood cells and genetic material. Folic acid also promotes development of a healthy nervous system, and prevents neural deficiencies in the fetus after conception—and it’s extremely important for healthy sperm production.
2. Nuts and Seeds – This includes walnuts, almonds, pecans and all seeds like safflower and sunflower seeds. The have essential fatty acids and Vitamin E which are essential in the production of healthy cells.
3. Citrus Fruits – Oranges, Kiwi fruit, grapefruit and other citrus fruits all have very high Vitamin C content. Vitamin C enhances sperm motility by preventing sperm clumping. It also enhances ovulation and release of the egg from ovaries.
4. Pigmented Vegetables – This includes orange or red hued vegetables like carrots, pumpkins, and all varieties of squashes. These have beta-carotene which is a healthy source of Vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy tissues in the reproductive organs as well as being essential for developing healthy brains and eyes!
5. Salmon – This fish contains essential omega-3 fatty acids, which assist hormone production. In addition sperm is largely made up of this type of fatty acids as is the embryo’s developing nervous system.
6. Pineapple – This is the best known natural source of Manganese, a very important mineral. Manganese activates enzymes in the body that trigger production of various reproductive hormones. Low levels of manganese are associated with difficulty conceiving. Pineapple also contains great amounts of enzymes, which aid digestion.
7. Chilies – Spicy foods containing red chili peppers increases blood flow around the body, ensuring that the reproductive system gets a healthy supply. Chilies also stimulate endorphin production, associated with stress release and a feeling of calm relaxation, which greatly increase chances of conception.

These foods are most effective if consumed in their natural form. For the highest nutritional value, choose fresh, unprocessed organic foods wherever possible, and avoid overcooking your vegetables.

“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
Albert Einstein 1879-1955

The mind has amazing power over the body. Our thoughts, feelings and emotions can literally govern our physiology, whether we are aware of it or not.

You already know Albert Einstein was a genius, but you may be wondering what that has to do with my health and fertility. Albert Einstein understood the truth about energy and matter, which culminated in his revolutionary Theory of Relativity—E=MC².

Energy has a lot to do with your life and fertility. What Einstein was able to prove through physics and the established laws of nature, was very eloquently put into words and plainly stated in his theory: Energy and matter are merely different forms of the same thing–that’s what he discovered.

Under everyday circumstances (despite trying) we cannot separate them.Once we understand this principle it becomes easier to understand our mind’s relationship to our body and how one can dramatically influence the other.

The mind controls the body via the quality of our thoughts and the meanings we attribute to them. Our beliefs influence our attitudes and mindset, which changes the feelings that contribute to the behaviour, which affects our overall results—creating a (positive or negative) self-perpetuating cycle. We choose. The mind affects the body just as much as the body impacts it.

The body contains specific emotional receptors called neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. These are the biochemical messengers present in many different tissues and responsible for transmitting and translating information from the mind to the body and back.

Recent research shows that almost all communication between different parts of the body occurs by means of a ‘psychosomatic network’, in other words—mind over matter. We have these emotional receptors everywhere, including in the gastrointestinal tract, white blood cells, kidneys, pancreas, ovaries, testes, and so on. What this means is that we feel emotions with our whole body. Most importantly, it is thought that the body’s systems (i.e. autonomic, endocrine, immune and neuropeptide systems) affected by those emotions are communication channels whereby the mind may actually activate genes and the internal cellular machinery of the body.

When we experience a particularly trying event, the memory is encoded by means of unique combinations of the body’s communicating molecules. If the memory is too painful for our conscious minds to deal with, it may be stored (and effectively buried) in particular places in our bodies. As long as the memory is still encoded in the body, it may try to bring itself to our attention by causing pain, dysfunction or imbalance in the place where it was stored.Once the emotional charge linked to memories is released, forgiveness and acceptance ensued, often physical symptoms were relieved. I have seen first-hand, through many experiences with my patients who in the process of self healing and the resolution of painful life experiences and relationship conflicts, that it is possible for you and your partner to create a new life for yourselves, a new life together as a couple, a healthy inner life, and new life in the form of a baby.

Another interesting use of mind-body techniques or energy therapies such as emotional freedom technique, kinesiology, acupuncture, neuro-emotional technique (and many more) is in the treatment of chronic stress-related conditions (attributed to continual excessive release of stress-related neurotransmitters, which unbalance all the other systems), as well as in treatment and support to beat addictions. Such techniques treat the physical body as well as the mind because of their ability to gently penetrate and address the many layers of defence and coping mechanisms set up for protection from hurtful emotions. The meanings we attribute to certain situations and addictive substances are also addressed.

Once the defences are penetrated and broken down, we have the opportunity of choosing to deal differently with specific issues and events. It is now scientifically accepted that by treating the physical body, we can penetrate deeply into the emotions, which translate into the mind’s ability to control the body. By releasing the emotions, we can change our responses to stress and our perceived need for the addictive substances often sought out for comfort or, to compensate for perceived inadequacies. This clears the way for more productive methods of dealing with stress and other destructive behaviours.

Interestingly, humans are the only animals that can get into a ‘stress frenzy’ just by THINKING of something! No other animal is capable of such a feat! The key to reducing stress depends on changing the stories we tell ourselves. I like to use the analogy of ‘news and current affairs’. It is simple, news is never either good or bad—it is thinking that makes it so. You see, when a new president or prime minister is elected, or the share market crashes, some people think the news is great, while others think life couldn’t get any worse… What makes us take either view of the world? The answer is simple: The meaning we choose to attribute to the event.

For example, the possibility of never having a baby (or another one) is only going to be as bad as you choose to make it, but before you unsubscribe, read on, because you may just have found the answer you were looking for…

The previous statement may have sounded simplistic and detached and might even annoy or upset you right now. However, nothing is more wonderful and freeing than this understanding because the sooner you can apply this truth the easier and more enjoyable your journey will become, and the more likely you will be able to create the baby you so desire without negative emotions acting as blockages in your system.

When you consciously want to have a baby but just underneath the surface you are angry, upset or stressed out that it hasn’t happened yet, or are resentful with your body or your partner for ‘misbehaving’, those negative emotions contribute to further release of the substances which block your body’s (and reproductive system’s) ability to receive the messages it needs in order to understand how to function optimally. This moves you even further away from your dream. Learning how to release those negative emotions and discharge potential unconscious ambivalence about having a baby is key for an optimum outcome.

Stress can play a negative role on the body, thus putting a damper on fertility but did you know that it can also hinder your chances through the power of the mind/body connection?

That’s right! You can think yourself (in) fertile! It’s your choice.

Many couples become emotionally distressed when they face conception problems. These negative emotions breed more negative thought forms, which then reinforce other unpleasant feelings even leading to depression. Getting a grip on our negative mental ‘chatterbox‘ (our mental self talk) and preventing depression before it creeps in can make a huge difference for many couples and improve the odds of natural conception (even in difficult cases). Amazing new research shows that the brain does not know the difference between a vividly imagined situation and something that is (or has) actually taken place — so it’s key to take advantage of this, for the sake of your fertility!

For some people, getting into a positive frame of mind is easier said than done, so … what to do?

For starters, anything that brings about peace and relaxation! Yoga, tai chi and meditation, for example, are activities which help balance the body and relax the mind. Some people find that arts, singing, painting (water colour), photography (digital is best in order to avoid chemicals) or getting out into nature help to relax the mind and give them something to focus on other than ‘infertility’.

Easing the mind is essential, but for those pesky negative thoughts one may need another tactic, such as the Emotional Freedom Technique, creative visualization, hypnotherapy or Cognitive Restructuring Therapy.

Below are some steps that can help to redirect negative thinking:

Conscious Identification

Identify a negative thought when it sneaks up.

“I’ll never get pregnant” is a common example of one such negative thought. Once you become conscious of your mental chatter you’ll be surprised how often these thoughts appear. The more you hear them the more you believe them unquestioningly. Becoming conscious of your thoughts gives you the power to change them.  Once you’ve learned to notice the negative thought forms, identify what’s triggering them.

Redirect and replace

Simply replace a negative thought with a positive one.  For example, replace “I’ll never get pregnant” with “I’m sure I’ll be pregnant soon.”  If you allow yourself to keep thinking negative, then only negativity will come to you!

Daydream

Instead of putting all your energy into “woe is me,” try picturing yourself in the midst of a healthy pregnancy and then embracing the healthy baby of your dreams!  Visualize you and your partner cradling a beautiful infant. Imagine those first flutterings of new life. The more you get into it and the more real you make it in your mind, the more chance you have of ‘coaxing’ your body into that reality.

Break the Monotony

Many couples, who have problems conceiving, often find themselves sexually bored, which can lead to relationship problems and increase the chance of depression. If sex is allowed to become nothing more than a means of making a baby, it can quickly lose its fire!  Try to keep the loving fun!  Sex should be a private celebration of your love and passion for one another, so try to keep some spontaneity and enjoy each other!

Learn the Emotional Freedom Technique

Emotional Freedom Technique, sometime known as Tapping, is an easy to learn technique that helps to overcome negative self talk. Often we don’t even realise what we are saying to ourselves and the power our thoughts hold. If we say it enough we begin to believe it. And that’s true for both positive and negative conversations.

EFT is an aid to healing that provides insight into what really limits our physical and emotional health and wellbeing and more importantly gives us the power to change it.

EFT’s is based on ancient principles of acupuncture and the study and application of kinesiology. It is a simple tapping procedure that gently realigns the body’s energy system, without the discomfort of needles or painful prodding. EFT integrates an emotional element in the healing process, addressing unresolved emotional issues.

Negative emotional experiences disrupt the energy meridians that run through our body. EFT can quickly realign the energy channels and disconnect negative memories thus allowing healing to take place on both a conscious (mind) level and sub-conscious (body) level.

EFT is a potent tool that you can learn today to power your fertile thinking for positive outcomes.

Keep positive and think “Fertile”

For the past twenty years numerous studies have been conducted regarding the effects of stress and negative thinking on human fertility. Findings have indicated that relaxation techniques including meditation, along with positive thinking techniques dramatically increased the odds of conception.

The power of the mind is an amazing thing.  Our very lives are oftentimes the result of our own thought patterns, whether they be positive or negative ones.  When you think wholeheartedly upon something, you put energy into that thought form, which it in turn released into your environment. What we focus on expands…so think fertile!

Chemicals damage our health. They also have a huge impact on the Earth’s delicate ecosystems and, not surprisingly, on the sperm and egg that will eventually become an embryo. That is why it is so important to make positive changes in order to overcome fertility problems and/or simply have the healthiest possible baby.

Everything you are exposed to, or do, for at least 120 days prior to a conception attempt will have huge repercussions on your ability to conceive, but even more importantly will have a dramatic impact on the health of your prospective child.

Pesticides, herbicides and many other chemicals are not only toxic to our systems but they also imbalance fertility and hormonal levels in animals and humans. They mimic our own hormones, particularly oestrogen, and end up blocking receptors for other hormones such as testosterone. For women this is a problem because it enhances oestrogen dominance, leading to hormonal ‘disproportion’ and contributing to conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids. For men it disrupts testosterone balance and therefore healthy sperm production. Finally, it also disrupts embryonic development, particularly in relation to sexual development and reproductive function later in life. You can make a difference and safeguard your health, and the health of your prospective family, by changing your habits, namely dietary, lifestyle and even your cleaning and pest control of course!

Fertility is not an isolated ‘event’—it is intrinsically connected with emotional, whole body and even (believe it or not) spiritual health. The body and the spirit are constantly striving towards balance, good health, fertility, energy and happiness. The problem is that due to our hectic lifestyles, health compromises and poor daily choices, we often overlook the basic requirements for incredible health and optimum fertility. We only take care of ourselves when something breaks down rather than making daily choices that maintain our most precious possession to the absolute best of our ability.

My books “The Awful Truth About Cleaning Products and Fertility Revealed” and “Protecting Your Fertility: The dangers of conventional pest control and natural, safe alternatives revealed” teach you to use safe, natural, chemical-free, non-toxic ingredients and methods for pest control. Besides making a big difference to your health and fertility, what you will learn to implement will also have a very positive effect on the environment and your hip pocket, because they are (in comparison) also extremely cost effective. You will learn how to protect your surroundings for you and your family’s safety and you will also be doing the Earth a great favour!

What Is The True Meaning of Non-Toxic?

Bicarbonate soda, salt, vinegar, lemon and lime juice, soda water and other natural cleaning ingredients are often referred to as ‘non-toxic’, but what does that really mean?

Non-toxic cleaning products do not pose the risks to health and fertility normally associated with traditional toxic cleaners. Generally, as a rule of thumb, if you can eat it, you can clean with it. It does not mean you will, especially since in excessive dosages most things are dangerous.

Using non-toxic cleaners does not mean you can carelessly eat them, pour them into your eyes, squirt them all over your skin, or be careless with it. However it does mean that if an accident occurs while you are using them and some spills on you, it does not mean a trip to the doctor or hospital and your family’s health and fertility are not compromised in the long run.

Click here for my natural and non-toxic All-purpose Cleaner recipe

and remember – have fun and experiment—your health, fertility and the environment will thank you!

Ingredients:

2 cups hot water
2 teaspoons borax
1 teaspoon washing soda
½ teaspoon liquid soap or detergent

Up to 1 teaspoon essential oil such as thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, cinnamon, birch, lavender, tea-tree, sweet orange, rose, lemon grass, or clove.

Yields: 450ml

Time to make: about 10 minutes

Shelf life: Indefinite

Storage: Spray bottle or glass jar with a tightly-fitting lid.

Method:

Combine the water, borax, washing soda and liquid soap in a spray bottle. Secure lid tightly, and mix well by shaking vigorously for about a minute, then add the essential oil you have chosen, and mix well again.

How To Use:

Spray unto the surface you want to clean and let stand about 15 minutes, and then wipe clean with a soft cloth. Waiting the additional 15 minutes before you wipe off the surface allows the qualities of the essential oil time to act.

From May 6-13 you can get my book “How to Eat Your Way to Parenthood” plus 28 other ebooks on natural fertility, healthy eating, pregnancy and birth for only $34.95.

And that’s not all – you will also receive meal plans, bonus offers and special discounts. That’s over $450 worth of value for just $34.95.

Tell me more about this offer?

Many of you dealing with fertility issues, medical difficulties, IVF and other forms of assisted reproduction may feel lost, frustrated and unmotivated. There is so much contradictory information out there from practitioners and well meaning family and friends that often you can land up feeling more confused.

The information contained in this bundle of books and recordings can help you to take control of your journey by changing your outlook and your approach to your food and lifestyle choices.

When you are trying for a baby is important to prepare your body and that’s why I believe the 120 days prior to a conception attempt are the most important. It is during these days that you lay the foundations for your beautiful baby to be. These books can help with information, easy recipes and even meal planners to take all the stress out of prepping and cooking.

What’s included?

Well first off there are

•  9 eBooks about fertility and health
  

•   6 pregnancy and birth eBooks  

•  12 real food and recipe eBooks and 2 eBooks that speak to the heart

At only $34.95 that makes each book $1.20 each.

Plus there is bonus material, audio recordings and 7 week long meal plans to help you get started on a whole foods diet. There are also giveaways worth over $1000 and a range of discount vouchers.

I know that many of you may be hesitant to purchase a lot of these products on their own that’s why buying a bundle like this gives you a lot of resources at one time and saves you $$$!

As you know I’m very passionate about how changing your diet and lifestyle and making naturally focused choices can change your fertility profile and I believe these resources can make the journey to your own little bundle of joy a little easier.

Click here to purchase your bundle now and remember this limited time offer is only available from 6 May 2013 until 13 May 2013.

Endometriosis is a painful chronic disease where tissue, called the endometrium, is found outside the uterus – usually in the abdomen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and ligaments that support the uterus; the area between the vagina and rectum; the outer surface of the uterus; and the lining of the pelvic cavity.

The vagina, bladder, bowel, vulva and cervix are among other places this endometrial growth can be found.

Like a woman’s menstrual cycle, this out-of-place tissue builds up, breaks down and sheds each month. Whereas menstrual blood runs from the uterus and out of the body via the vagina; the blood and tissue which comes from endometrial growths doesn’t have a way of leaving the body. And this is what causes many of the problems and symptomology associated with endometriosis including pain, infertility and bowel issues.

How common is it?

While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how many women suffer from endometriosis, the consensus is that approximately five to 10 per cent of women have it. And amongst women who experience difficulty conceiving 40 per cent also have endometriosis.

In the USA, the Endometriosis Association estimates the condition affects some 6.3 million women in the US and one million in Canada.

In the United Kingdom around two million women are estimated to have the condition. And in Australia it is believed to affect one in ten females of reproductive age.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can be varied and a true diagnosis can only be done via laparoscopic surgery.Things to look out for are pain before and after periods, pain during sex, pain when urinating or around bowel movements at times and other gastro issues like diarrhoea, constipation and nausea.

Women with endometriosis also often have trouble conceiving, suffer from fatigue as well as allergies and yeast infections.

With these outcomes, it’s little wonder that affected women tend to feel depressed and isolated and might lack energy.

Effect on fertility

It’s difficult to gauge just how much endometriosis effects fertility as there are varying degrees of symptoms, growth and different outcomes depending on where it is in the body.

 According to the Endometriosis Care Centre of Australia, endometriosis is associated in 30 per cent of women who are infertile.

Endometriosis can negatively affect proper fallopian tubal function thus impairing the ability of the sperm and egg to meet and the egg to be fertilised. However, this is not the only way endometriosis can negatively impact fertility. The primary way in which this condition leads to infertility is through the increased oxidation and inflammation created in the abdominal cavity. This excessive ‘toxicity’ harms the quality of maturing eggs and developing embryos as well as decreasing its implantation capacity. This in turn, may lead to decrease conception rates, a higher risk of miscarriage and lowered live birth rates.

There may also be an immunological factor involved in endometriosis. It is suggested endometriosis may also be an autoimmune condition. It is now widely accepted that the immune system plays an important role in endometriosis-associated infertility.

What causes it?

It’s not known what, exactly, causes endometriosis, but risk factors may include early onset of menstruation, allergies, obesity or exposure to toxins, environmental chemicals.

Research by the Endometriosis Association shows a link between dioxin (TCCD) exposure and the development of endometriosis. Dioxin is a toxic chemical by product of pesticide manufacturing, bleached pulp and paper products, and medical and municipal waste incineration. The EA discovered a colony of rhesus monkeys that had developed endometriosis after exposure to dioxin. Some 79 per cent of the monkeys exposed to dioxin developed endometriosis, and, in addition, the more dioxin exposure, the more severe the endometriosis.

Several studies have shown a genetic predisposition to developing endometriosis and that it may run in families and suggests a genetic link too.

Endometriosis is a painful disease that impacts on many aspects of women’s health. There are however, many self-care strategies that can be implemented to improve one’s health outcomes. If you think you may have endometriosis getting a diagnosis may be important. However, it is not enough. Ensuring your diet, lifestyle and environmental factors are in line with peak health will be paramount for your long term wellbeing and optimum fertility—this is where one of our expert naturopaths can definitely be of assistance.

References:

http://www.endometriosis.org

Endometriosis Association (USA), www.endometriosisassn.org

www.babycentre.co.uk

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/phd-women-policy

Endometriosis Care Centre of Australia, www.ecca.com.au

Endometriosis and Dioxins report, www.endometriosisassn.org/pdfs/Endo-and-Dioxins.pdf

The key to optimum fertility is to be as healthy as possible prior to a conception attempt. This will not only improve your chances of a natural or assisted conception, but it will significantly improve your chances of having the healthiest possible baby. In addition research shows that couples who, together, undergo a comprehensive natural fertility program prior a conception attempt are at least 47.1% more likely to conceive through IVF and have approximately 78% chance of naturally overcoming infertility.

As far as sperm are concerned–heat, toxic environmental exposure and oxidation are enemies that are best avoided. The key is to be as diligent as possible with leading a healthy lifestyle, whilst implementing effective natural strategies. Here are some tips you can start implementing now:

1. Zinc = Healthy Sperm

The male fertility mineral—it’s necessary for so many aspects of fertility (male and female) including healthy egg production, healthy testes for good sperm count, motility and normal shape. Zinc is involved in the correct and healthy replication of egg, sperm and embryonic DNA and RNA (your genetic make-up), which help to create healthy baby blueprints, it assists in preventing the development of pre-eclampsia (a dangerous condition involving high blood pressure and protein in the urine) during pregnancy and is essential for cell division  (replication in a growing baby). Zinc is also necessary for the sexual development of a baby and required for the development of baby’s immune system.

2. Fishy Business

Every cell in the body is comprised of approximately 50% fat and 50% protein. Fish oils are rich in omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for healthy male reproduction. Sperm health depends upon high essential fatty acid content to provide the cell membrane with the fluidity essential at fertilisation. However, these fatty acids are easily damaged making sperm particularly vulnerable to attack by free radicals (molecules responsible for damaging healthy cells)  and lifestyle factors promoting oxidative stress such as smoking, drinking alcohol, environmental chemicals and more. Without the proper level of antioxidants required to protect the body against free radicals, essential fatty acids can be a double edged sword, associated with reduced fertility. The solution: For optimum sperm health and fertility supplement with a combination of high levels of antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids daily.

3. Be Cool

As best as you can try to avoid overheating the testicles -boxer shorts ARE better than briefs AND stop crossing those legs! Research shows that squashing the testes for long periods can harm nerves and temporarily impede blood flow. This can cause tingling and numbness in the entire reproductive region and lead not only to infertility but also eventually to erectile dysfunction. If your job involves sitting for long periods, be sure to get up and walk around to cool things down a little and avoid using heated car seats all together. You will definitely also need to avoid baths, spas and saunas.

4. Plastic is not Fantastic

When it comes to fertility, plastics have a negative impact on sperm quality. Plastics can cause hormonal imbalances, exerting an oestrogenic effect upon reproductive organs. This reduces the body’s production of testosterone, which in turn can decrease sperm count and may even lead to other abnormalities. The key here is to avoid plastics as much as you can particularly in the form of plastic containers, water bottles, plastic food wraps and the like. Use glass wherever possible.

5. Watch Where You Put That Thing!

The last place you should put your mobile phone is in your pocket! Sperm cells are very sensitive to radiation of any kind and your sperm parameters will negatively suffer from the exposure. In order to optimise your fertility, it is best if you and your partner can avoid and protect yourselves as much as possible from all types of ionising and non-ionising radiation. Ensuring you don’t have any electric equipment in the bedroom is already a great positive start, because the hours you spend sleeping are potentially the only time in your day you are not constantly being radiated.

6. Toxins Kill

Not only can toxins have a negative impact on general health, they literally kill or damage sperm to a level which renders them unable to effect a healthy conception, causing infertility and/or being a contributing factor in recurrent miscarriages. A lot of chemicals in our environment are hormonal disruptors and have a part to play. The key is to avoid chemicals in every form as much as possible – from cleaning products and pest control to paints, building materials, heavy metals and more. Do your homework before using any new product or chemical ‘solution’ presented to you. Also, ensure to use every possible and available protection from chemicals and other toxic hazards in the workplace.

7. Clean Up Your Diet & Lifestyle

Cut out the junk food, cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, sugar and base your meals on fresh, unprocessed, vital foods–everyday! The healthier your diet and lifestyle, the most optimum your fertility. It’s that simple. Of course these are not the only factors in naturally boosting fertility; however they are vital pillars of optimum fertility to ensure you do everything possible to take home the healthy baby of your dreams.

Making positive changes to optimise your health will also have a remarkably positive impact on your fertility–and the benefits don’t stop there! In ensuring you are doing your best you are also making a decision about your legacy in the form of your offspring. Start making consistently better choices today–your prospective child’s life depends on them.