Current statistics suggest that one in six couples find it hard to conceive, but many people are unaware that a variety of complementary therapies could give those looking to start a family a helping hand.

Scientific evidence shows that a range of alternative therapies including homeopathy & nutrition can help boost fertility. Homeopathy can help encourage conception by bringing the body back into balance at a physical, emotional & mental level.

With people working harder and becoming more stressed, these days it can take longer to get pregnant. Helping the body to cope with the demands of modern life such as by employing Homeopathy or sound nutritional advice can do wonders to stimulate the reproductive organs into action.

Homeopathy to support fertility 
Homeopathic remedies – made from animal, minerals and plants – are diluted down thousands of times so that each remedy contains only a hint of the original essence.

Homeopathy can help women with a variety of fertility problems from blocked tubes and endometriosis to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

There is a strong body of evidence to show that homeopathy aids fertility. A German clinical trial showed twice as many women taking Homeopathy fell pregnant compared to those not taking the drug. In another German study more than half of women with fertility problems experienced improved ovulation or pregnancy after taking a homeopathic remedy.

Here in Australia a number of Homeopaths are achieving 85-95% success rates with combined Homeopathy, nutritional & lifestyle advice with a Natural Fertility Programme pioneered by Liz Lalor in Melbourne. Usually between four and five sessions will be required, depending on the individual and fertility problem.

The program consists of a series of 4 or 5 homeopathic remedies to be taken by the woman at various times during her menstrual cycle.  Homeopathic remedies are made from natural substances and are easy to take as well as being free from side effects.  All babies born on this program have been in perfect health.

The program is designed to support the female body to produce the fertile conditions necessary for conception. If the male partner has fertility issues we can provide him with constitutional homeopathic treatment where he will take one homeopathic remedy plus the addition of recommended supplements.

The fertility program will specifically improve female fertility by:

  • removing the effects of the contraceptive Pill (which in some cases can be the main issue impacting on fertility with some women taking up to two years to ovulate after stopping the Pill). The Pill has also been found to affect the cervical crypts that produce fertile mucus
  • treating any underlying pathology such as PCOS, fibroids, endometrosis or recurrent miscarriage
  • tone the reproductive system, balance hormones and help ensure ovulation
  • improve the quality of vaginal fertile mucus and remove thrush (candida) which can affect fertile mucus
  • improving any inherited weaknesses; and
  • treat the whole person to improve energy levels and vitality and your response to stress

More than 50% of couples will achieve pregnancy in two cycles with on average 87% becoming pregnant within four cycles. Of the remaining couples who do not conceive the majority will conceive with IVF and will feel healthier for having done the program.  If the program has not achieved a pregnancy within 4-5 cycles (or 8-9 cycles if you only have one fallopian tube) then it is highly unlikely that it will work and you may want to consider IVF if time is an issue.  If IVF is something that does not appeal then you might like to try another therapy if this program does not work for you.

During the first consultation  your full health history and any factors that can contribute to infertility will be discussed so these can be addressed.  We can also discuss ways to increase your chance of conception.  Consultations can be conducted as a couple or individually if preferred.  Before you first appointment it is recommended that you have the following fertility tests done:

  • FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)  This is a blood test done on day 3 (the third day of your period).
  • Progesterone This is a blood test done on day 21 of your cycle to check if ovulation has occurred.
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH) urine test strips  This testing will help to identify when you are about to ovulate and to individualise your fertility program.  Start testing daily from day 6 of your cycle until a positive line shows on the strip. These test strips can be purchased from chemists and supermarkets although the best value for money is to order them online from www.fertilitynaturopath.com.au

Lifestyle Factors and Infertility
If you are trying to become pregnant it might be a good idea to take a close look at your lifestyle. Certain lifestyle factors can interfere with a couple’s ability to conceive. Environmental hazards, dietary practices, and poor overall health tend to have a negative influence on both female and male fertility. Sometimes, simple changes to your lifestyle can help to increase your fertility and help you to conceive.

Alcohol and Infertility
Most of us know by now that alcohol and pregnancy just don’t mix. Alcohol consumption is not recommended at all during pregnancy and for good reason – it can cause serious birth defects and may trigger fetal alcohol syndrome. When you are trying to conceive, it is also important to limit your alcohol consumption or cut out those alcoholic beverages altogether. Alcohol can have detrimental effects on your fertility, making it more difficult to become pregnant. Women who drink between one and five alcoholic drinks a week are actually associated with decreased conception rates. Women who regularly drink alcohol are also at increased risk for experiencing:

  • irregularities in ovulation
  • irregular periods
  • early menopause
  • miscarriage

Men who regularly drink alcohol are also at risk for experiencing fertility problems, including:

  • reduced testosterone levels
  • reduced sex drive
  • problems with sperm motility & morphology

Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smoking can be a tough habit to quit, but if you are trying to become pregnant, now is a great time. Smoking is a big no-no during pregnancy anyways, and it can also impact negatively on your fertility. Female smokers are three to four times more likely to have problems getting pregnant. They are also at increased risk for:

  • menstrual irregularities
  • tubal factor infertility
  • implantation problems

Men who are smokers are also compromising their fertility. Male smokers increase their risk f

  • chromosomal abnormalities within their sperm
  • erectile dysfunction

Environmental Hazards
Sometimes the environment around you can actually interfere with your ability to ecome pregnant. Toxic fumes, lead, and other poisons can cause serious fertility problems, especially if you are exposed to them on a daily basis. Try to avoid:

  • pesticides
  • herbicides
  • fungicides
  • paint fumes
  • radiation
  • chemical cleaners or solvents

If you work in an industry that requires you to come into daily contact with any of these chemicals, speak with your health care provider about how your job may be affecting your future fertility.

Environmental Oestrogens
Environmental oestrogens can affect the hormone levels in your body, negatively influencing your fertility. Your body produces its own estrogen to help regulate ovulation and menstruation. However, it also gets extra synthetic or plant estrogens from food items, plastic containers, and other types of food packaging. Too much estrogen can throw your reproductive cycle out of whack. This can make conception difficult, so it is a good idea to try to limit the amount of environmental estrogens that you take in.

Nutrition
Nutrition is of the utmost importance when you are trying to become pregnant. A healthy and balanced diet can go a long way to boosting your fertility and increasing your chances of conception. A healthy diet that provides all the necessary vitamins and minerals will ensure that you are in proper physical health to have a baby. If your nutrition is lacking, your body may feel that it isn’t prepared to become pregnant, and therefore you may experience infertility. Some foods to avoid while you are trying to conceive include:

  • artificial sweeteners
  • caffeine
  • food additives, like MSG
  • contaminated food or water

Stress
Stress can also play a role in fertility issues. If you are under extreme levels of stress, your body can begin to behave in irregular ways. Stress often triggers a change in the regular hormonal balance. This could make ovulation, menstruation, and conception more difficult. When you are trying to conceive, aim to be as stress-free as possible. Great ways to reduce your stress include exercise, yoga, and meditation.