It’s Time To Get Serious About Your Fertility
Couples looking to get pregnant believe the process is as simple as having unprotected sex consistently. For many, this is enough, but there is a growing number of couples struggling with infertility. In short, infertility is a condition where someone is unable to get pregnant after at least 6-12 months of trying. Natural and medical fertility treatments will be helpful or even necessary to improve the chances of success. Taking consistent steps toward improving fertility leads to a positive pregnancy test. Here are the natural and medical fertility options.
Lifestyle changes matter
Standard lifestyle changes can improve fertility. Some habits or behaviors may not impact daily life but can affect reproductive health. For instance, studies show that being overweight or having obesity can lower fertility. People who have sedentary lifestyles may also struggle with hormone imbalances and fertility challenges. Quitting smoking, alcohol consumption, and recreational drugs are other effective changes. High stress can also lead to fertility challenges, while poor sleep creates a higher risk of infertility. Making positive changes in these areas can lead to a healthier body and set the stage for improved fertility.
Consider supplementation
Supplements are vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts that provide additional resources needed for optimal function. The standard American diet lacks essential nutrients that may be important to fertility. Vitamin D, for instance, is linked to reproductive health, and hormone management and may even assist with ovulation. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), present in cells, may also help with egg quality and sperm health. Folic acid, zinc, and antioxidants contribute to fertility. Consider a blood test to explore any vitamin and mineral deficiencies, then ask a pharmacist to provide a bioavailable multivitamin.
Try some alternative therapies
Healthcare experts worldwide sometimes recommend therapies and procedures that are outside the realm of traditional medicine. The goal is to jumpstart or support the natural ability to heal. Acupuncture, for instance, is often recommended for fertility. This traditional Chinese practice involves inserting tiny needles into specific pressure points. Consistent sessions promise to improve blood flow, reduce stress, and stimulate the endocrine system. Yoga and meditation are ancient practices that seek to move the body into a stress-free state while optimizing blood flow. Scientific research on these practices is mixed, but there is anecdotal evidence that alternative therapies can support fertility.
When are natural treatments best?
Younger individuals who are trying to get pregnant and have no underlying reproductive conditions can try natural remedies, like lifestyle changes and acupuncture. Those who have tried for 6 months without success, known as subfertility, can also benefit from natural treatments. Young patients with unexplained infertility can also try natural changes first. Evidence of obesity, substance abuse, or vitamin deficiencies can benefit from lifestyle changes and supplementation. If a patient wants to explore non-medical options, these treatments may help.
Treating the root causes of infertility
Medical fertility treatments can address any known or diagnosed reasons for infertility. Hormone medication can help the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH), which are essential to fertility. Some cases can benefit from gonadotropins, which are direct doses of FSH and LH. Addressing an underlying physical issue may be enough to boost fertility. If a man has a blockage like varicocele preventing the healthy release of sperm, a surgical procedure can help. Blockages in the fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, or other growths can benefit from the appropriate medical procedure. Most procedures are minimally invasive and will not create further complications.
Turning to ART
Some infertility cases can benefit from assisted reproductive technology (ART), a strategy that has helped millions of adults. ART uses sperm and egg samples to work around severe fertility problems and assist with pregnancy. For instance, intrauterine insemination (IUI) medically inserts a prepared sperm sample into the uterus to assist with pregnancy. IUI is ideal for low sperm count or antisperm antibodies. In vitro fertilization (IVF) combines sperm with harvested eggs from the ovaries to create multiple viable embryos. The best embryo is then medically implanted into the uterus. IVF is also interconnected with options like donor eggs, donor sperm, and surrogacy. A fertility clinic will recommend the best procedure based on reproductive health and individual needs.
When should you turn to medical fertility treatments?
Medical treatments are recommended when there is a clear disease, underlying condition, or physical damage that cannot be naturally reversed. This option is also ideal for older individuals, couples, or same-sex partners trying to conceive. For instance, women and men over 40 will have a harder time conceiving. Heading straight to strategies like ART is the best course of action. While effective, medical treatments can take time and are emotionally taxing. Some are expensive and may not be covered by insurance. An initial consultation with a fertility clinic can outline the steps necessary to achieve pregnancy based on individual needs.
Baby steps in treatment to baby steps at home
A doctor will recommend natural and medical fertility treatments based on factors such as age, underlying conditions, and reasons for infertility. Natural techniques rely on the body to heal, reduce inflammation, and create an environment for better fertility. Medical seeks to improve hormones, fix medical challenges, or bypass the natural fertilization process. Natural strategies often come first, but natural and medical techniques can increase success rates. Making the right moves can place anyone on the right path to pregnancy.
