Description Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse. And it is a growing problem. National fertility surveys indicate more people are experiencing infertility, with U.S. estimates of 6.1 million people facing this problem. In Canada, one out of every six couples is infertile.
Symptoms and Signs:Failure to conceive is the underlying sign of infertility as the nature of this situation is lack of conception.
Causes: There are a large variety of reasons for infertility covering biological, environmental, emotional, and social aspects of life. Some studies indicate that high levels of stress can disrupt the function of the pituitary gland. This can negatively impact fertility, especially in women. With the growing trend of couples trying to conceive later in life, aging-related difficulties often play a factor. The Estrogen Connection Estrogen is a critical hormone throughout the stages of pregnancy. Too much or too little at key moments can make the difference between a healthy conception and a healthy child. For centuries, these levels have been naturally maintained and or dealt with internally by the body. Today, frightening trends in environmental exposure may devastatingly threaten this delicate balance. The luxuries enjoyed by our modern lifestyle has brought with it an arsenal of chemical by-products released into the air, land, and water we interact with every day. These includes air, water, and food-borne pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, cleaning products, car, school bus, and truck exhaust, and heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic that may be present in paint, plastics, food and soil. Known carcinogens are nationally banned, exported, or regulated as their proof of their harm is objectively discovered. In industry, products are deemed innocent until proven guilty. And obtaining such "guilt" is an expensive, slow, primarily scientific process. Sadly, there is an additional class of toxins for which very little action has been taken on, due to their indirect, long-term, and subtle effects on biological organisms. Hormone-mimicking chemicals are often byproducts of a variety of industrial processes or part of the fabrication process itself. When introduced to mammals, they "impersonate" naturally occurring hormones in the body. Estrogen is the most common hormone mimicked. Testosterone is less common. Both are essential to reproduction. The two primary ways chemicals disrupt normal hormone interaction in the body is either through stimulation or prevention of a natural response. The "imposters" latch on to receptor sites in the body and send mixed messages. For example, an estrogen receptor responsible for triggering a key moment in fetal development may occur too early or too late. Alternative, hormone-mimics can prevent natural hormones from interacting with receptor sites, thereby blocking potential messages. The effects on the individual can range from no observed effect, to completely sabotaging the ability to conceive, develop a healthy child during key development phases of the first trimester, or bring a pregnancy to term. Ingesting hormone-mimicking chemicals does not immediately hurt. You cannot see, smell, or taste them per se. Their potential damage lies in their effects on subsequent generations -- our children. The most current book on this matter is Our Stolen Future by Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski, and John Peterson Myers. It is an extremely thorough, accountable work covering thousands of scientific studies and uncovering the links and corresponding possiblities of potential impacts. For viable methods of avoiding exposure, see Remedies/Lifestyle, below.
What to Expect: Opting for conventional approaches to treating infertility is very expensive. Alternatives may be more viable.
Remedies
Conventional Approaches Conventional treatment is often invasive and extremely expensive. Common approaches include fertility drugs, intrauterine insemination, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT). Fertility drugs manipulate estrogen levels in the female body and promote ovulation. Intrauterine insemination involves injecting treated sperm into the uterus during ovulation. Through in-vitro fertilization (IVF), a woman's eggs are removed, fertilized by sperm in a test tube, and then implanted in the uterus. Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) mixes the egg with sperm in a Petri dish and then transfers to a woman's fallopian tubes for fertilization. Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) transfers a post-fertilized embryo in an early stage of development to the fallopian tube by laparoscopy. These techniques carry with them a variety of ethical and religious considerations. In addition, the potential for multiple births increases and the procedures are generally not covered under insurance. A couple can spend tens of thousands of dollars when undergoing one or more conventional approaches.
Amino Acids Arginine deficiency from a poor diet or malabsorption of protein can lead to damage of the testes. Studies conducted by the Beilinson Medical Centre and the Tel Aviv University Medical School found that arginine supplementation significantly improves sperm count and motility. Several other studies confirm these findings. Sources include meat, chicken (purchase organic if possible) and peas. If supplementing, take 4g powdered arginine daily for three months or until conception. NOTE: Do not take arginine if you are taking an MAO inhibitor (often used to treat depression).
Antioxidants Antioxidants help cleanse the body and reduce free radical damage caused by chemicals, pollution, or other sources of toxins. In turn, your body can generally function more effectively. When applied to issues of infertility, approaches involving the use of one or more antioxidants often increase the likelihood of conception. The most important ones are vitamin C, vitamin E and grape seed extract. See Vitamins, below, for additional sources of antioxidants.
Foods Potential mothers should enjoy a daily cup of tea. Some substances in tea can correct abnormalities in chromosomes and increase the likelihood of conception. One nitrogenous compound called hypoxanthine is believed to be a primary component of the follicle fluid required for egg development and maturation. Warm liquids also induce calming and relaxing sensations and can help you deal with anxiety and stress.
Food Supplements Essential fatty acids promote proper glandular function and activity -- particularly of the reproductive system. They also aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals from your diet. Eat fish, or take 2 tablespoons flaxseed oil daily. If using flaxseed oil capsules, take 2 to 3 capsules daily, in the morning. If using evening primrose oil capsules take 1 500mg capsule daily, in the morning Other sources include most unrefined/cold-pressed oils.
Herbs For Women ... Often called the "female ginseng", Donq quai is used to treat a variety of women-specific conditions. This herb is often used to regulate the menstrual cycle and aid in timing conception windows. Drink tea up to three times daily. If supplementing, take 1 capsule, or 1/2 to 1tsp. of extract three times daily. Do not use if you have high blood pressure. Chaste Tree (Vitex) helps increase progesterone in the body. Many women fail to produce adequate progesterone or have too much of the opposing estrogen (as described above). One of the foremost female hormone regulators. Take 1 teaspoon, two to three times per day in the second half of the woman's cycle. False unicorn root has a traditional reputation for promoting fertility in women. 1 teaspoon per day of the tincture. Nettle tea is an excellent source of phytoestrogens, which also helps regulate the female's hormonal balance. Add 1 to 3 teaspoons dried herb to 1 cup hot water. Drink three times daily. Red raspberry tea helps to enhance the uterine environment, preparing it for implantation. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of herb. Cover for 10 minutes. Drink 3 times daily.
Herbs For Men ... Ginseng is an effective tonic and provides energy and stamina. Regarding fertility, it is believed that ginseng promotes healthy sperm formation and increases testosterone levels and sexual desire. Take 1.5 to 2g powdered root three times daily. If supplementing, take 100 to 200mg standardized extract three times daily. Pygeum promotes sperm secretion. Take 100 to 200mg daily in divided doses. Use a standardized, fat-soluble extract. Yohimbe may also help. Consult with your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner.
Lifestyle Avoid contact with plastic. Estrogen-mimicking chemicals used in the fabrication process can leech when heated, flexed, or rubbed and can hinder attempts to conceive. Never heat food in a wrapped in plastic film or placed in a plastic container. Avoid plastic bottles, cutlery, kettles, mugs, spatulas, strainers, utensils. Alternatives include glass, stainless steel, iron, paper, ceramic, or earthenware kitchen items. Remember that hormone-mimicking chemicals affect us at a biological level in parts per trillion. Such minute quantities are extremely difficult to even detect, let alone create legislation around their use. Due to the incredible number of chemicals produced and the lack of cost-effective testing available, it is extremely difficult to isolate specific hormone-mimicking chemicals. While many use this as an excuse to continue production and consumption, you must ask yourself what potential costs you are willing to pay for the added convenience of plastic. In almost every instance, a viable alternative is readily available. Following this trend, avoid and eliminate all sources of chemical exposure. Common household cleaners containing poison symbols should be eliminated. If you cannot drink it, why would you expose yourself to it in small doses over a long period of time? Long term toxic exposure is a silent and deadly threat. And viable alternatives are readily available. Natural alternatives are available in health food stores, while vinegar or baking soda and water clean just about anything. Companies such as Nature Clean, Simply Clean, and Ecover sell viable alternatives that work just as well, if not better, than their toxin equivalents. Do not spray your lawn with toxic chemicals. Lawn spraying is an acutely North American habit whose consequences are far greater than the trivial, aesthetic gains. Think about it. You are poisoning your lawn, pets, children, and yourself to satisfy a social norm. Again, follow the above rule of if you cannot drink, why would you exposure yourself to it? Instead, welcome the diversity of life a natural lawn brings. Your neighbours and pets will be able to enjoy the outdoors while walking or frolicking on the grass. You could even tear up the lawn and plant a natural garden with native plant species. This is a welcome trend in humanizing our urban areas. Butterflies and birds and beautiful planted bulbs make for a welcome replacement to a toxic expanse of empty space. Is your family's health worth less than an image of manicured perfection? Avoid excessive exercise, hot tubs, and saunas, as they may negatively affect ovulation and can reduce sperm count. Alcohol consumption reduces sperm counts and can prevent implantation of the fertilized egg in women. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Go organic whenever possible. Avoid animal fats, fried foods, sugar, and caffeine. Consult with a nutritionist (see Therapies., below)
Minerals Aside from being a powerful antioxidant, selenium deficiencies have been linked to sterility in men and infertility in women. A study presented at the Fourth International Symposium on Selenium in Biology and Medicine, held at Tubingen University, Germany, July, 1988, found that 12 different selenium-containing proteins were identified in the testes and 2 of these are structurally important in sperm development. Eat brazil nuts daily (just one provides you with 120mcg). Also supplement with 200 to 400mcg daily. Zinc is a common mineral deficiency in men. It is also essential for promoting proper sperm function and development. This mineral is secreted by the prostate gland into semen. It stimulates testosterone production and may prevent the destruction of sperm DNA. Men with low levels of zinc tend to have correspondingly low sperm counts. Eat whole grains, legumes, nuts, raw pumpkin seeds, and other seeds. You may also supplement with 20 to 80mg daily. Do not exceed 100 mg daily from all sources. Use zinc gluconate lozenges for good absorption or zinc monomethionine form for optimal absorption.
Miscellaneous A number of over-the-counter ovulation tests are available to determine the best time to conceive. These tests predict ovulation by detecting the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) which then triggers the release of the egg. A chemically treated dipstick will change colour when dipped in urine if the hormone has been released. When the result is positive, ovulation occurs within 12 to 36 hours. Keep in mind that no test is 100% accurate. Women who wait to bear children later in life may have more difficulty conceiving. A women's fertility starts to decrease once she reaches her thirties. Women can develop antibodies to their partner's sperm. If this is the case, the man should wear a condom for at least one month. This will decrease antibody production. During ovulation, intercourse without a condom may lead to conception. You and your partner may want to have a hair mineral analysis performed to determine the level of toxic heavy metals (such as aluminum, mercury, lead, etc.). These metals may cause impotence and may block fertility.
Vitamins For Women ...
Folic acid is an essential for women. This vitamin helps prevent spinal defects in the early stages of pregnancy and may also improve the likelihood of conception. Take 400mcg daily.best taken in a multivitamin. Vitamin E has been referred to as the "sex vitamin" as it carries oxygen to the reproductive organs. Take 200 to 1,000 IU vitamin E daily. Average dose is 400 IU.
Vitamins For Men... Vitamins C promotes healthy sperm production by preventing clumping and increasing strength and motility. It also has antioxidant properties. Take 1,000 to 6,000mg daily, up to bowel tolerance. As mentioned in "Vitamins, For Women ...", above, vitamin E has been referred to as the "sex vitamin" as it carries oxygen to the reproductive organs. Like Vitamin C, it is also an antioxidant. Take 200 to 1,000 IU vitamin E daily. Average dose is 400 IU. Therapies, Healing Aids, & More A nutritionist can help plan out a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This approach will improve your overall health in addition for providing a better nutritional/biological environment for conception. Many women find Yoga useful as both a relaxation and visualization technique. This will help reduce stress and emotionally, mentally, and spiritually reinforce your desire for conception.
Actions and Remedy Listings
For More Information ... On hormone-mimicking environmental toxins: Colburn, Theo, Dianne Dumanoski, and John Peterson Myers. Our Stolen Future. New York: The Penguin Group, 1997. ISBN: 0-452-27414-1 (pbk.)
See also Stress
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