The rate that infertility is rising is crazy! Unfortunately today, 1/7 couples have great difficulty falling pregnant.
The most common causes of infertility are:
- 35% Pelvic dysfuntions such as endometriosis, tubal disease
- 35% Impaired sperm
- 15% Ovulation problems
- 5% Abnormal cervical mucus
- 10% Unknown
It can be a long, painful journey for so many.
Is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) the answer? Recent figures show that a women between 35-37 years has 23% chance of falling pregnant and women between 38-40 years have a 15% chance of falling pregnant through IVF. IVF is a very valuable resource for so many couples. IVF does not come without side effects but, I also know that every IVF parent will say it was worth; every injection, every cramp, every appointment, all the stress, all the mood swings, every pounding headache and much more. I would agree, in that I’d do anything for my children, they are incredible, being a parent is such a gift!
As a midwife I would urge everyone having difficulties conceiving to not jump to medical intervention first. Instead look into taking a more natural and holistic approach first. You might just get to the root of the cause way before a successful cycle. Also some of the following approaches improve the success of IVF.
- Diet – you want to ensure you are both eating a well balance, nutritious, healthy diet. Avoid fast, processed foods and unnatural, Sugary foods.
- Water – you both need to drink plenty of filtered water, at least 2 litres a day. Did you know that our tap water contains chlorine.
- Alcohol – Men- alcohol can lower testosterone levels (the one you need) and increase oestrogen (this one reduced sperm production). This can significantly alter the sperm count, size and shape.
- Smoking – smoking can significantly impact on infertility for both men and women. Seek professional help to quit.
- Acupuncture – some studies have shown that acupuncture is as successful as the drug Clomid. Clomid is often used to stimulate ovulation. Also acupuncture can increase the chances of IVF working by 65%. (I would like to see larger scale studies on this!)
- Chiropractic – to remove nerve interference chiropractors adjust the spine. Ensuring you and you partner have healthy nerve pathways will allow your bodies to restore order and function to it’s best ability. Many chiropractors are now Wellness specialists. Understanding that in order for the body to be able to heal following treatment we need to be mindful, exercise regularly and eat healthily.
- Traditional Chinese medicine – Smaller studies have seen that traditional Chinese Medicine can help regulate hormones, to help with ovulation, POS, anxiety, stress,
Other holistic therapies that could help are listed here. Unfortunately I struggled to find evidence (in the form of research) to show the success. If you have another therapy that worked for you or some research you’d like me to see please write in the comments, I love learning new things!
- Homeopathy
- Reflexology
- Hynotherapy
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