Male fertility is relatively simple…

For a male, optimum fertility depends on excellent general health, which allows the production of a sufficient number of healthy, motile sperm that can successfully pass through open pathways into the vagina, through the uterus and into the Fallopian tubes, and penetrate a normal ovum (egg). Since a thriving pregnancy also requires that the fertilised ovum subsequently becomes implanted in the lining of the female uterus any defects in any of these stages can result in a couple experiencing fertility problems.

Out of every 100 cases of infertility, about 30 to 40 involve sperm inadequacies or gonadal deficiencies in the male partner; 20 to 30 are caused by ovulatory or hormonal deficiencies in the female; 15 to 30 involve disorders or defects in the female’s Fallopian tubes; 10 involve a vaginal or cervical environment that is chemically hostile to sperm; and 10 are caused by unknown factors.

A combination of factors is generally at the heart of most concerns…

Failure to ovulate, or produce a healthy egg, is a common cause of female infertility and is usually the result of hormonal imbalances—particularly the stimulation or suppression of the ovaries by other glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, or adrenals. This can lead to an inadequate production of female hormones, and a consequent disruption of normal ovulation. Blockages of, or obstructions within, the Fallopian tubes—the two passages in which an ovum is fertilised by a sperm—are also a common cause of female infertility. The tubes may become blocked owing to endometriosis or inflammations stemming from infections (often sexually transmitted). The female’s cervical environment is also a major cause of infertility; the mucus and other fluids secreted there may be inadequate for sperm transport, or may even be lethal to sperm because of hormonal abnormalities or unbalanced acid-alkaline ratios.

Male Fertility Problems: Is A Multi-Factorial Issue That Must Be Addressed Accordingly

The male factors implicated in as many as 40 percent of all causes of infertility usually involve impotence or defects in the male’s sperm, specifically their concentration, shape (morphology), ability to swim (motility), and ability to penetrate the egg. An infertile male may have too few sperm—a sperm count of less than 20 million per millilitre is usually inadequate for fertilisation, or he may have too high a proportion of abnormal or defective sperm. Sperm quality is chiefly influenced by health and environmental factors. Varicose veins in the scrotal sac, tight underwear, or other abnormal sources of heat or constriction, as well as radiation and static electricity, can raise the temperature of the scrotum, or otherwise compromise sperm quality. Sperm are mostly made up of easily-oxidised essential fatty acids and are therefore highly sensitive to oxidation. Male infertility may also be caused by obstructions in, or an absence of, the ducts through which the sperm cells must pass on their trip from the testicles to the urethra during ejaculation.

There is a solution!

In many cases, for both men and women, when the primary hormonal imbalances or other issues are corrected through implementation of the 11 Pillars of Fertility Blueprint, as outlined in The Natural Fertility Solution Take-Home Program, in combination with nutrient and herbal treatments, optimum fertility can be restored. Many of my patients have had healthy babies by sticking with the process, even in cases where all hope had been lost. The key is to do your absolute best and persist for a reasonable amount of time, in order to see results.

In some instances it can actually be impossible to completely avoid radiation but being aware of specific sources of radiation and reducing your exposure to these devices is the best approach. One very simple way of doing this is to ensure that you don’t carry your mobile phone close to your body such as in a pocket for example.

Here are some of the sources of radiation, which can harm reproduction you need be aware about:

Mobile phones

Mobile phones produce radio frequency (RF) radiation. Most mobile phones transmit and receive RF radiation at frequencies between 825 and 915 megahertz (MHz). These radio waves are emitted by both mobile phone handsets and base stations. RF radiation has the ability to heat human tissue, similar to the way in which microwave ovens heat food. The thermal effects produced by the electromagnetic field of the radio waves cause polar molecules in the body to generate dielectric heat and this heat can cause live tissue to die.

In addition, essential to be aware of children’s and developing babies’ vulnerability to mobile phone radiation. Some studies have shown that mobile phone radiation can cause damage to the DNA of cells – there was damage to chromosomes, changes to the activity of certain genes, and an increase in the rate of cell division and replication. At a time when cells are rapidly dividing and growing into specialized cells and tissues, we need to realise that any interference in this process may result in the development of birth defects or illnesses. Many studies also link module phone use with decrease in production and quality of a man’s sperm.

Cordless phones

Cordless phones emit the same type of radiation as mobile phones, however some experts believe they are even more dangerous than mobile phones. This belief is due to the fact that the base stations of cordless phones emit the same type of radiation as a mobile phone station tower, and depending on the model sometimes more than twice the amount of radiation as mobile phone tower. Radiation emissions from the base station of a cordless phone can be as high as six volts per metre – which is twice as strong as those found within 100 metres of mobile phone station towers. When standing two metres away from the base of a cordless phone, you would still receive radiation as high as 2.5 volts per metre-that’s 50 times what scientists regard as a safe level.

The best way to avoid exposure to cordless phone radiation is to not have one in your home or office. Use a standard fixed line and location phone instead-this particularly important if you are working to overcome fertility problems and/or miscarriages and want to have the healthiest possible baby. However, if this is not an option, try limiting the amount of time you spend on your cordless phone, and when you are not using the handset, keep it on the base station (at least 5 metres away from where you spend a lot of time in, such as living room, home office, bedroom etc. It is a good idea to move the base station to an area in your home where you do not spend a lot of time – such as the foyer or entry, or your garage.

Wireless technology

Wireless technology such as wireless internet, computer networks and hot-spots as well as wireless mice, keyboards and speakers, also operate by using radio frequency non-ionising radiation similar to that used by mobile and cordless phones. Many believe that exposure to these low-level electromagnetic waves radiated from wireless technology devices can be as harmful to health and fertility, causing cellular damage and possibly cancer as the other types of radiation already previously described.

Studies conducted in this area show the non-thermal effects of this type of radiation include DNA damage and inability to self-repair, the opening of the blood-brain barrier (allowing toxins and pathogens to reach the brain), lowered immunity, decreased melatonin levels, cell damage, formation of micronuclei, changes in calcium metabolism affecting communication between cells, changes in brainwave patterns as seen on EEG’s, plus effects observed on many different systems of the body. Although there are still no long term studies on the effects of exposure to the radiation emitted by wireless technologies, it is estimated the results will be very similar to those discussed previously, linked to mobile and cordless phone use.

Electric Blankets

Electric blankets (a blanket with a built-in heating element so the person sleeping can maintain a desired temperature) are very popular around the world. Many people use electric blankets because their use can reduce home heating costs, however, what a price for your health to pay. Electric blankets have been seen to produce electromagnetic radiation over 70,000 times higher than normal acceptable levels. The electromagnetic radiation produced by electric blankets is able to penetrate about 6-7 inches (close to 20cm) into the body. Studies have shown that the use of electric blankets has been linked to an increase in the incidence and development of childhood leukaemia.

The use of electric blankets have also been linked to an increased rate of miscarriage, impaired baby development, increased stress levels, memory problems and possibly other types of cancers. One study showed that due to electromagnetic radiation emitted during operation, women who used electric blankets while pregnant had both, longer pregnancies and a higher miscarriage rate.

Mostly radiation is something we have to learn to live with because it is not going away. However making better choices to reduce your exposure is ideal for optimum fertility and the health of your prospective child.

The connection between alcohol consumption and impaired reproductive function has been accepted for a few years now. However, studies are now revealing a similar pattern with low to moderate alcohol consumption as well, with one study suggesting that even one glass of alcohol can decrease fertility by 50%! Additional research shows the probability of conception in women and fertility in men also decreases proportionately as alcohol consumption increases. So how exactly does alcohol affect fertility?

The menstrual cycle in women is a result of a series of well-coordinated events — organs produce hormones, which then stimulate the ovaries to produce and release eggs and also prepare the uterus for pregnancy. Now, what alcohol does is — it directly interferes with this sequence that regulates ovulation and menses. As a result, it causes conditions such as amenorrhea (absence of menses), anovulation (lack of ovulation), luteal phase dysfunction and (abnormal development of the endometrial lining). Not only does alcohol increase the risk of infertility, it also causes spontaneous abortion, and impaired fetal growth and development.

While there are many differences between men and women, there are many basic similarities in physiological processes that ensure good reproductive health. So, drinking definitely affects male fertility as well. Alcohol consumption affects hormone production in men just like in women, and may also cause impotence. Alcohol is toxic to the delicate sperm producing cells, which may be destroyed completely over time. Alcoholism is also associated with increased estrogen levels in men. This automatically decreases sperm production and may even contribute to prostate cancer in older males.

In addition to directly affecting hormone production, alcohol also limits the body’s capacity to absorb and process nutrients such as antioxidants, zinc and selenium — all essential for reproductive function. The body requires these important nutrients for sperm production, estrogen and progesterone balance and synthesis of genetic material. As a result it becomes quite apparent how impaired nutrient levels resulting from alcohol consumption during the preconception preparation period (120 days prior to a conception attempt) and during pregnancy and lactation may initially lead to fertility problems and eventually to poor health outcomes for you and your baby.

The news is not all bad, though – the upside is that the harmful effects of alcohol can be reversed just by abstaining from alcohol — ideally for the 120 days it takes to form healthy sperm and mature a healthy egg as well as throughout conception attempts, pregnancy and lactation. This is the surest way to optimize your natural fertility for a lively, natural conception and/or dramatically increase your odds of a healthy pregnancy through IVF (if necessary).

Fertility is no exception — it also is controlled by this very mechanism. Sure, our physical aspects, genetics and environment have a role to play, but when we think about it… the fact is that our beliefs create our thoughts, which reinforce our feelings and emotions, which lead us to make our choices. Sometimes seemingly insignificant choices such as lifestyle choices about what food we will eat, how much exercise we choose to partake in, whether we will use recreational substances or even continue to smoke and binge drink.

The problem is that seemingly insignificant choices made minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day accumulate into years of potential damage in the body, which in susceptible individuals may lead to reproductive damage. In addition to ‘physical damage’ brought about by lifestyle choices and environmental aspects there is another type, which we often don’t perceive as being something we have control over—and this relates to our harboured emotions, fears, traumas, repetitive thought patterns and the like.

What concerns us can grow in our minds to be greatly magnified according to our own existing reality (or perception) an it can indeed have a negative impact on the way our bodies function as a result, even leading to what is known as psychogenic or psychosomatic infertility. Simply put, it means caused by the mind. A lot of attention is currently being drawn to this field of research because it is finally being recognized that our thoughts and emotions can in fact dramatically influence fertility.

The good news is you can heal your body and naturally boost your fertility to create the baby of your dreams. In my practice this is what I help couples struggling with fertility problems do every day, and my patients’ babies are proof that my approach works. It’s a comprehensive, step by step approach that gets real results.

Here are some ways to emotionally create a more fertile environment for you and your partner:

• Seek the assistance of practitioner that will take a holistic approach in keeping you accountable to optimizing your health and healing your fertility;
• Begin taking positive steps to optimize your natural fertility and you will begin thinking differently about yourself and your circumstances;
• Forgive yourself for whatever you “had to be persecuted” for in the past — learn how to be kind to yourself, change your self-talk;
• Resolve your relationship differences with your parents, husband, siblings—understand they did the best they could with what they knew at the time—free yourself for the sake of your life and fertility (it’s surprising how many people contribute to their own fertility problems as a result of keeping stuck here);
• Let go of stress, fear and anxiety;
• Learn and practice daily meditation;
• Get a puppy — it will bring a lot of fun and join into your life and will direct your focus away from ‘lack’;
• Start thinking of how much you already have to be grateful for;
• Join a support group — research suggests this improves fertility outcomes.

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

Many couples become emotionally distressed when they facing 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 emotional freedom technique, creative visualization, hypnotherapy or Cognitive Restructuring Therapy.  Below are some steps that can help to redirect negative thinking:

Identify

This is what it is, identifying a negative thought when it sneaks up.  “I’ll never get pregnant” is a common example of one such negative thought.  Once you’ve learned to notice the negative thought forms, identify what’s triggering them.

Redirect

This is simply replacing 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 increases 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 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!

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!

Try to view it as a way to reconnect with your partner as opposed to another stressful activity (possibly “failed attempt”). It is important to aim to still make sex fun! It certainly is a delightful way of strengthening the intimacy and bond with your significant other. It also relaxes mind and body while helping to ease stress. Even the pleasurable conclusion of the experience plays a role in the reproductive aspect of it all. While the sexual response of a man is physically gratifying for him, its role in conception (ejaculation of sperm) is quite obvious. However, the reproductive value of female orgasm has been the subject of much debate in both biological and psychological studies for decades.

While female orgasm is not necessarily required for conception, it does greatly increase the chances of becoming pregnant. Proper arousal causes an increase in female secretions, and reaching climax increases them further; these fluids make it easier for sperm to reach their destination. Scientific studies now show that the muscle contractions which occur during orgasm create a type of suction, pulling fluids (and sperm) closer to the womb. The enjoyable bodily sensations along with the positive emotional effect on the relationship are incentives to keep doing the deed: imperative for those wishing to conceive.

Getting there is half the fun…

For women in particular, arousal prior to intercourse can be a determining factor in their level of enjoyment. The arousal stage increases blood circulation to the pelvic region (which increases sensitivity), increases secretions and makes intercourse physically comfortable and pleasurable. Embracing, caressing and kissing are comforting and intimate displays of affection which affect emotions and initiate feelings of arousal. Many couples like to employ more explicit foreplay techniques to heighten arousal further.

When it’s not fun…

Sadly, there is a significant number of women world wide who experience “sexual difficulties”; this means they have difficulty becoming aroused and/or cannot reach orgasm. This has a profound, negative psychological impact on a woman libido and often leads to relationship problems as well. Causes of dysfunction can be physical, psychological or both.

Possible causes of difficulties

• Pressure around trying to conceive or long standing infertility
• Psychological and physical traumas such as sexual assault/abuse
• Injury to genitalia
• Illness
• Hormone imbalances
• Stress
• Relationship problems (especially where distrust is evident)
• Substance abuse
• Prescription medications (consult with your doctor before making any changes)
• Menopause

Treatments for difficulties

• Emotional Freedom Technique
• Meditation
• Counseling/Therapy for psychological traumas
• Stress management
• Relationship counseling (if this is an issue)
• Discontinuation of recreational drugs/alcohol/tobacco
• Topical applications and/or lubricants designed to increase sensitivity and comfort

Herbal remedies

• Bach Flower Remedies, FES Quintessentials (For emotional healing)
• Maca
• Dong Quai
• Damiana
• Ginseng
• Wild Yam
• Sarsaparilla
• Ginkgo Biloba
• Gotu Kola

A word of caution…

Self-prescription is not recommended; consult with a competent and qualified naturopath or herbalist before starting on any form of herbal treatment. Many herbs can not be used during pregnancy or with other medicines. If you have a health condition, are on medication, are pregnant or trying to become pregnant it is imperative to consult a professional when considering herbal remedies. DO NOT use herbs, topical applications or change medication dosages without consulting your health care professional first. Too much of a remedy may harm you, too little will not give you the desired effect and you may miss out on the great benefits of natural treatment.

One of the most noticeable ways stress can wreck havoc on fertility is by dampening the romance factor. It can cause libido in both men and women to plummet. It can make one very tired and lethargic, and as we all know, lovemaking requires a certain amount of energy! Stress also makes people very cranky; and it’s difficult for some to bond with their partner or become aroused when they’re bombarded by negative emotion and thought. Sometimes stress makes us just want to be left alone!

However, stress also directly impacts the hormones and reproductive organs in both men and women. It increases the production of a chemical called cortisol, which in turn negatively affects sex hormones and the reproductive activity within the body. High levels of cortisol have been associated with infertility problems and weight gain.

Stress in men can create a condition called oxidative stress which results in low sperm count, weakened sperm motility, fragmented DNA within the sperm cells, and abnormal sperm. It can also cause impotence and ejaculation problems. Stress in women can result in a cessation of both ovulation and menstruation (while menstruation can be unpleasant, it is essential for good female sexual health). It can negatively impact the chemical and physical processes of egg maturation and release. Even if an egg is successfully fertilized, stress can cause chemical changes and spasms in the fallopian tubes and uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting. It can also cause miscarriage after successful implantation.

Unfortunately, couples faced with fertility issues often find themselves in an ugly cycle of stress on top of stress! Stress may be causing their infertility, which in turn causes disappointment and more stress, which keeps fertility further hindered. So what to do? How can you break the cycle? It’s sometimes easier said than done, but stress must be dealt with if fertility is to be restored. Step one is to identify sources of undue pressure; write it down, make a list if you must. Once you know the sources you’ll have a better idea about how to approach them.

Scientific research presented to the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology indicates that certain types of “talk therapy” can reduce stress and increase chances of conception. Research at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) found that women who had ceased to ovulate regained fertility after cognitive behavioral therapy. Other research indicates that laughter can reduce stress and increase ones odds of conception. Below is a list of tactics to fight stress:

Emotional Freedom Technique

An amazing relaxation tool with benefits — it can be used to ‘turn off’ (like a switch) practically any negative emotional that is currently afflicting you.

Time Management

Schedule your daily activities in a way that you have time to really unwind.

Music

While cleaning house or cooking or just doing nothing, put on some music that heightens your mood, relaxes or soothes you (and your partner).

Massage

This is something you and your partner can do for each other. You don’t have to be a professional masseuse; just the touch of the hands is soothing, reassuring and a sensuous prelude to lovemaking. However, a trip to a day spa for professional deep tissue massage is well worth it, and some spas offer couples’ packages.

Yoga

Very effective for relieving stress! If you don’t belong to a fitness club, you can rent or buy instructional DVDs.

Meditation

Carve out a quiet space in your day to silence mind chatter and do some deep breathing.

Talk It Out

If you don’t have a trusted friend on board whom you can vent to, it may be worth it to see a counselor. It will allow you to let it all out and perhaps give you a fresh perspective.

Tea Time

Eliminate caffeine. Treat yourself to a relaxing herbal tea such as chamomile, hibiscus, lemongrass or linden.

Think Positive

If you keep telling yourself “I’ll never get pregnant” then you won’t! Replace that negative voice in your head with positive imagery. Visualisation has been shown to have deeply effective, physical benefits for fertility.

Romantic Getaways

A little romantic getaway with your partner can have such a refreshing, reinvigorating and rejuvenating effect on you, your partner and the relationship. It doesn’t have to cost a lot, it can even be in your own city but it can be really fun. Enjoy each other!

Your nutrients on the other hand are essential and should definitely be taken throughout the whole process. By nutrients I mean vitamins and minerals. The catch is that in order to get the best benefit out of taking your nutritionals is that they must be good quality products with high therapeutic dosages. As a general rule practitioner only products are much, much better than anything you will buy over the counter in a supermarket or health food store. This is a time and situation in your life that you want to ensure you get the absolute best advice — so seek the help of a competent and qualified naturopath or integrative medical practitioner who truly understands supplementation requirements during the IVF process.

Also, of course that when you and your partner are as healthy as possible prior to a conception attempt naturally or through IVF the likelihood of your desired outcome will be increased and studies show that the increase can be as much as 47.1%! You may think this is amazing but all it really takes is a little guided and consistent effort on your part — ideally for at least 120 days prior to a conception attempt or the start of a new IVF cycle.

However if you are starting an IVF cycle next week and don’t have that much time, you and your partner will still make a positive impact on your baby making cells by putting in place a healthy lifestyle. Really what both you and your partner need to do in order to have the best results is to pretend you are both pregnant right now and start acting as such! (I know this is difficult for the boys to visualise, but you see, right now, sperm is no more, no less than ½ of that baby you are yearning for…).

Here are some things you can start doing now:

• Reduce stress;
• Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate), alcohol, cigarettes and recreational drugs completely;
• Get professional advice about appropriate and beneficial nutritional supplementation;
• Acupuncture treatments embryo transfer and before egg collection have been shown to have a positive effect for IVF treatments;
• Avoid toxins, chemicals and radiation as well as airplane flights for as long as possible (ideally 120 days) before a cycle and during pregnancy;
• Drink only filtered water;
• Eat only organic foods wherever possible;
• Base your meals on vegetables and good quality protein — and be sure to eat every 3 hours;
• Find creative activities that make you happy and do more of them, more often — it’s extremely important to be happy and relaxed during this time!

Common And Well Established Infertility Treatments
Are Unlikely To Improve Fertility

Long established medical interventions to help couples with infertility problems do not seem to improve fertility, according to a study published on bmj.com. These findings challenge current practice in the UK and national guidelines should be reviewed in the light of this evidence, say the authors.

One in seven couples in the UK experience infertility. Unexplained infertility affects a quarter of these couples and common interventions to help them have been used for many years in line with fertility guidelines issued by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

A team of researchers led by the University of Aberdeen compared the effectiveness of two specific interventions with expectant management (no treatment).

They recruited 580 women who had experienced unexplained infertility for more than two years from four teaching hospitals and a district general hospital in Scotland. The women were randomised into three groups-one group of women were encouraged to try naturally for a pregnancy and had no medical interventions; one took oral clomiphene citrate (CC) which is believed to correct subtle ovulatory dysfunction; and the other had unstimulated intra-uterine insemination (IUI) of sperm.

Overall, 101 women became pregnant and had a live birth during the course of the study.

The researchers found that women who had no interventions had a live birth rate of 17%, the group taking oral CC had a birth rate of 14%, and the group having unstimulated IUI had a birth rate of 23%.

They point out that to have a meaningful and significant improvement in the live birth rate, the difference in live births between unstimulated IUI and no intervention would have to be much higher than the 6% reported in this trial.

Side effects for women including abdominal pain, bloating, hot flushes, nausea and headaches were highest in women taking oral CC, affecting 10% of women. (My comment: And this does not take into consideration the potential long term negative effects of the drug).

Interestingly, women on active treatments (CC and IUI) were reassured by the process of treatment while women who had no interventions were less satisfied, despite it being equally effective.

The researchers conclude: “These interventions, which have been in use for many years, are unlikely to be more effective than no treatment. These results challenge current practice, as endorsed by a national guideline in the UK.”

In an accompanying editorial, Tarek El-Toukhy and Yacoub Khalaf from the Assisted Conception Unit at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, say: “As a direct result of the lack of evidence, many couples with unexplained infertility endure (and even request) expensive, potentially hazardous, and often unnecessary treatments.”

They call for high quality clinical trials to guide policymakers and to inform patients about the best treatments, and the cost effectiveness and the adverse effects associated with these interventions.

In addition, they suggest that current NICE guidelines, which endorse the use of up to six cycles of IUI without ovarian stimulation in couples with unexplained infertility, be reviewed in the light of current evidence.

BMJ (British Medical Journal)

Gabriela Rosa — The Bringer of Babies’ Comments

Drug therapy for treatment of infertility like clomiphene has been around for a while, yet its efficacy just like other assisted reproductive methods is questionable. And it’s no wonder since on their own (i.e. without natural and holistic support) their aim seems to treat “individual body parts” as opposed to a bigger whole.

I am not in anyway against assisted reproductive technologies, in fact I believe it has its place and sometimes I even refer patients who truly cannot fall pregnant any other way. In addition, I support a lot of couples going through IVF with natural methods, so I am no stranger to these methods. However I believe couples in general are equivocally led to believe science is more effective than their own body’s wisdom. They lose faith in the fact that their body can heal and change and adapt to create the baby of their dreams—even in cases where all hope had previously been lost.

How can I be so sure? I’ve seen this happen too many times to doubt it. My patients often experience miracles in the eyes of those who simply don’t understand or believe in the unchangeable laws of nature. What they experience are not miracles because nature never deviates from its established laws. Our bodies have immense wisdom, ability and regeneration power — given the right circumstances and the right sort of encouragement — optimum fertility can be restored. It is just a matter of time.

The amount of time required for optimum results is at least 120 days of what I like to call pristine living — because this is approximately how long it takes for the egg to mature and the sperm to form. And if the sex cells are developing in the best possible environment the chances of a healthy conception are at the very least doubled. Pristine living is easier than you think but it does require that you and your partner do the absolute best you can day in, day out pretty consistently for a while.

Eating a healthy diet on its own it not enough, you need to avoid all toxins (environmental, dietary and recreational), ensure you dose up on your good quality nutrients, get enough sleep, exercise and relaxation; naturally balance your hormones, emotions and priorities. When you and your partner do these things you automatically put yourselves in the best possible position to ensure your chances of a live birth are increased beyond the 17% in the above mentioned study. Foresight, the Association for Preconceptual Health Care in the UK shows at least 78% increase in the numbers of babies being taken home by ‘previously infertile’ couples who follow such an approach.

Take back your power and start making better choices for yourself and the long term health and wellbeing of your family now. You all deserve it!