Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
to Pregnancy
The Secret to Making a Baby Lies in
Choosing Whats Best for You - Traditional
Strategies & Little Known Alternatives
Doctors Often Dont Discuss that Help You
Increase the Odds of a Quicker Conception
by:
Beth Kiley
Personal Path To Pregnancy 2011 3rd Edition
All rights reserved. No part of this ebook may be reproduced in any material
form, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted or circulated in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, audio, visual or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of the copyright owner. Applications for the copyright owners
written permission to reproduce any part of this book should be addressed to the
author, Beth Kiley at bethkiley@comcast.net. Warning: The undertaking of any
unauthorized act in relation to a copyright work may result in both a civil claim for
damages and criminal prosecution.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1:
Chapter 2:
Chapter 3:
Chapter 4:
Chapter 5:
Chapter 6:
Chapter 7:
Chapter 8:
Chapter 9:
Chapter 1:
Does Mother Nature Need a Nudge?
Sizing Up the Situation to See If Your Fertility Is
at Risk
When most couples decide to have a baby,
they really dont give very much thought to
how difficult it might actually be. It seems
simple enoughhave sexmake a baby.
The truth is, both mens and womens
fertility levels are on the decline today. Its
quite possible that the trouble stems from the
increased chemicals and pesticides in the
foods we eat, toxins in the environment and
the high stress levels of modern society.
It seems that every little thing counts when it comes to trying to conceive a baby
from what you eat to what position you have sex. Now I dont know your situation
personally, but what I do know is that theres a mountain of information out there, and I
think you should be armed with all the knowledge youll need to map out your own
blueprint to making a baby.
It is your body, after all not your doctors, not your best friends or wellmeaning mother-in-laws and certainly not the acquaintance you met on the Internet
who declared nothing else works but her method.
and well worth the wait. And when we decided to try and give her a baby brother or
sister, I conceived my son after only 1 month of trying.
My husband and I took a very pro-active approach. I learned about all of these
techniques in a desperate attempt to become a mother myself, and if it can help you in
your quest to parenthood, then Im happy to share what I learned so that you dont have
to waste time sorting through the mountain of information on the Internet.
You have enough to deal with when trying to become a parentthe excitement,
the disappointments, the fear, the nervousness, or quite possibly the depression and
desperation that I went through.
This guide is meant to be a thorough look at all of the options that are available to
youincluding dozens of strategies that people dont talk about and doctors dont seem
to want you to know about. You will learn about various ways you can do something on
your own to improve your fertility and therefore maximize your chance of conceiving a
child the fastest way possible.
You have choices, and Im going to deliver them to you. When mainstream
medicine doesnt help you, or when you want to know the most modern methods people
and scientists have developed for getting pregnant, it ought to be easy to access, dont
you agree?
That was my goal in creating this guide, and I believe I have achieved what I
hoped to accomplish in structuring it so that its easy and informative and can help you
bring your dreams to fruition. You wont have to waste your valuable time sorting
through the endless, often conflicting information to learn what you can do to have your
dream of a beautiful baby come true.
have to improve fertility and therefore the odds of getting pregnant. And sometimes,
there is disagreement among the medical community about what may improve or worsen
your chances of getting pregnant.
In those areas, I believe it is best to take a conservative approach and eliminate
anything that even may hurt the chance of conception. I will touch on some of these
issues in this guide. And my recommendations will typically be that when there is
controversy among the fertility experts, it is best to err on the side of caution. In other
words, better safe than sorry. Of course, you can choose the direction you want to take,
as I will always point out when there is disagreement among the experts. You will be
armed with the information and my recommendation and it is up to you to use the
information as you see fit.
There is one more point I want to address before we dive in to the information
that is equally important.
As you read through this guide no doubt every
reader will have a different amount of
knowledge already in place about getting
pregnant. While it will vary for everyone, each
of you will probably come across at least some
information that you already know. For some it
will be more than for others, but Im quite sure
everyone will learn enough to make a big
difference in your ability to get pregnant.
But heres the important point. The most important thing I can tell you is that you
must take action to bring about a change. If you are reading this guide to help you get
pregnant, it is not important what you already know or what you have now learned. The
only thing that is important is that you do something about what you know or have
learned.
I have done surveys in the past that I have found shocking. Women who tell me,
yes, I already knew that but when I ask, so are you doing anything about what you
already know, all too often the answer is no. Learning about ways to increase your
fertility are only helpful if you actually put what you learn/know into practice. Even if
you read this guide and only learn a few new things (although Im sure it will be a lot
more than that), if I can just convince you to take action on what you learned/knowto
make changes, even if they seem small and insignificant, that is the only way to have a
chance at achieving your dream of creating a beautiful bundle of joy. Remember, many
small changes can add up to a significant result.
PLEASE, do not scan through this book looking for the magic secret. I know
other guides promise you that, but it simply does not exist. There are MANY things you
can do to optimize your fertility, and most often it is by making small consistent changes
that when added together will enable you to bring about the result you desire.
Here are some of the many reasons why you and your partner may be
experiencing trouble getting pregnant if its been more than a year and youve had no
luck making a baby:
Ovulation issues
Sperm issues
Endometriosis
Fibroids
Stress
Weight gain
Of course this list isnt comprehensive, but it does include some of the more
common issues that affect a couples chance of conceiving. And unfortunately, many
couples who cant conceive a baby after a year of trying, seem to have nothing medically
wrong with either of them, and simply fall into the category of unexplained infertility,
which is the medical term for we dont have any idea why youre not conceiving.
Which raises a very interesting question. If so many couples have unexplained
infertility, which means there is no obvious medical reason why they cant conceive,
doesnt it stand to reason that there is a lot more to conception than the doctors know
about? And then the idea that both men and women can make a variety of personal
changes to improve their own fertility really does make a heck of a lot of sense, dont you
agree?
10
As you go through this guide and choose various options that are available to you,
youll learn more about what could be causing you and your partner a delay in becoming
parents and find a solution to finally fix it so that you can look forward to your new
bundle of joy arriving soon.
11
Chapter 2:
The ABCs of Conception How to Boost the Odds
of Having a Baby in Your Immediate Future
Some of what Im about to share, you may already know but there are always
nuggets of information that you can apply that could very well be the answer to your
hopes and dreams of parenthood.
Number of women who achieve pregnancy within the first year of trying, by age:
One thing I just want to point out in case you missed it. Women in their twenties
(at the peak of their fertility) still only have a 25% chance of conceiving in any one cycle.
That means, when put another way, theres a 75% chance you wont get pregnant in a
particular month even when you are in your twenties and at peak fertility. Its important
to point this out, because I think many women put too much pressure on themselves each
month. They think that something is wrong if they dont get pregnant in just a few
months. But as you can see from those statistics, it is perfectly normal for it to take
several months (up to 12) to get pregnant.
Surprisingly, even race plays a small factor in conception. African American
women have a 10.5% infertility rate under 35 years of age, while Hispanic women have a
7% infertility rate and Caucasian women deal with 6.4%.
Keep in mind that when we talk about numbers and percentages, theyre just
statistics. That doesnt mean your case will strictly adhere to any certain group or
timeline. So often I hear women who are struggling to conceive complain, how come
other women who are overweight or smoke, drink or use drugs, or dont even try, seem
to get pregnant so easily, and yet I cant?
No one is saying that if you dont follow the tips in this e-book, you wont get
pregnant. Its not as if those habits are contraceptives, but they will reduce your overall
fertility. So if you are having any difficulty at all, its best to do what you can to
maximize your chances. Anything is possible, and with the tips you learn here, you can
increase your odds.
13
14
15
If you dont know when youre most fertile, you may miss the window of
opportunity that could allow you and your partner to have a baby.
When you and your partner have sex right before youve ovulated, the sperm will
enter through the cervix and swim up to the fallopian tubes. Approximately half will pick
the right tube while the others will choose the left tube. The half that picked the correct
fallopian tube (the side you are ovulating on) will have a chance at penetrating the egg.
Within the next 24 hours, the sperm find your egg and surround it, each one trying
to enter the protective layering. When one penetrates it, the others are locked out. The
embryo then enters the uterus and hopefully implants itself in the wall. You miss your
period and a baby is on the way!
16
times of day. While there has been no evidence that pregnancy rates are higher if you
have intercourse in the morning, if your partner has any issues with sperm count, you
may want to give mornings a try.
If you find that you are consistently ovulating this late in your cycle, then you will
want to make significant changes in your diet and exercise program and add appropriate
supplements as described in Chapter 4 to help balance your hormones and regulate your
cycle. Doing so should help you ovulate earlier (before day 20) and improve your
chances of getting pregnant.
Position Preference?
To better your odds at conception, its important to know which positions give
you an increased chance at having a baby. Sexual positions and after-intercourse routines
can be personal, but as with everything when youre trying to get pregnant, you might
pick up a few tips you havent yet tried to use!
Youd think it wouldnt really matter which position you had sex in to conceive a
baby. But when youre trying for a baby, you want to do everything in your power to
make thing happen faster. And gravity definitely plays a role.
What you want is for your position during sex to offer the best way for the
deepest penetration and contact with the cervix, while minimizing the chance of leakage.
Rear entry is known among your veteran fertility warriors as being the best position for
conception.
Alternatively, the missionary (man on top) position and side by side, are
considered to be optimal positions as well.
Regarding leakage, here is a tip. Instead of your partner withdrawing after
intercourse, have your partner keep his penis inside for as long as possible after his
orgasm. This makes a good barrier and keeps the semen concentrated as close to the
cervix as it can get.
leakage you experience after that is perfectly normal and you should not worry about it.
What is leaking back out is the liquid that carries the sperm-it will not reduce your odds
of getting pregnant.
It should be noted that some women have whats known as a retroverted uterus
or tipped uterus. If your doctor told you that you have this, do not be alarmed or
concerned. Fertility experts agree that this shouldnt make it more difficult to get
pregnant. However, because of the position of your uterus, you should probably alter the
protocol described above for lovemaking. With a retroverted uterus, the best position is
rear entry, and after intercourse, you should lie down on your belly instead of your back
with a pillow underneath your hips to raise them up.
Lubrication
Generally the vaginal environment is very acidic. Surprisingly, the sperm actually
need an alkaline environment to survive. So how do the sperm stay alive? What happens
is that right before ovulation, the cervical mucus (vaginal discharge) changes to the
consistency of raw eggwhites and it is highly alkaline and therefore much more "spermfriendly. This allows the sperm to safely travel through the cervix. Before choosing a
lubricant, realize that the very best lubrication comes from your own body. When you are
trying to conceive it is especially important to increase foreplay, which will increase your
natural lubrication and help the sperm to survive.
However, if you still feel you need some extra help, you can follow these tips.
Most store bought lubricants have a pH that is too acidic for sperm to survive and also
contain other sperm damaging ingredients and therefore should not be used. This
includes KY Jelly, vaseline, and baby oil. Some evidence is showing that canola oil and
pharmaceutical grade mineral oil are sperm friendly, however it is still controversial so I
wouldn't recommend it.
Theres only one commercial product recommended for helping lubrication along
and its called Pre-Seed. Its sperm-friendly, so you dont have to worry about creating
a hazardous environment for the little swimmers. Many women have reported that they
were able to get pregnant simply by using this product as they did not have adequate
lubrication without it. Click here to learn more and/or to purchase Pre-Seed.
If you want to try a home remedy, many women have used egg whites for
lubrication, which are what laboratories also often use to store sperm. If you want to try
this, take an egg out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Use the egg
white immediately after cracking the egg open to avoid any infections. You would use it
in exactly the same way that you might use any other type of lubrication, such as KY
Jelly. While many women do use eggwhites for lubrication, be aware this technique does
20
carry some small risk, as there is always the very slight chance of salmonella when
dealing with eggs.
You may have been doing some of the above things all along. But if you didnt
rush through the material, you probably learned a couple of new tips to put into practice.
Soon, youll learn some other effective traditional and alternative methods couples are
using all over the world to increase the odds of having a baby.
Lets start with how to determine when youre ovulating...
21
Chapter 3:
Are You Ovulating? Predicting Your Chances for
Pregnancy While Minimizing Irregularities
Ovulation is the time at
which one or more eggs
are released from the
ovaries. Its the most
fertile time of a womans
cycle and it creates the
space in which the process
of pregnancy can begin.
In short, its the point of
conception if a healthy
sperm is available to
fertilize this released egg.
During the course of each month, eggs within the ovaries will mature and grow.
Depending on the overall growth of the egg, each month the ovary will choose to
release the most ready egg for fertilization into the fallopian tubes. The choice of which
fallopian tube the egg will be released into varies from month to month as does the ovary
that releases that egg. If for some reason a woman only has one fallopian tube (perhaps
due to an ectopic pregnancy), she still has a good chance of getting pregnant with the
remaining tube.
every five days when its not your fertile time, to flush out the sperm and keep them
fresh. Then, during the several days before you will be ovulating, you can time
intercourse every day or every other day to increase the number of sperm waiting in the
fallopian tube for the egg to be released.
The countdown:
The most scientific way to determine when you are ovulating works best for
women whose menstrual cycles are very regular. That means that your cycle length is
approximately the same every month. What you do is count back about twelve to sixteen
days that is your fertile time. For example, if your cycle length is usually 30 days, you
would probably ovulate somewhere between days 14 and 18. The twelve to sixteen days
between the time you ovulate and when your period arrives is known as the luteal phase.
Let me explain a little further how this works
Every cycle is made up of two parts, the ovulatory phase and the luteal phase.
The ovulatory phase starts on the first day of your period (full flow, not spotting) and
ends on the day that you ovulate. During this phase, estrogen is the predominant
hormone as it helps the egg to mature. The length of this phase can vary from month to
month so that you cannot always accurately predict the day you will ovulate.
One of the things that can cause a delay in ovulation is stress. So if you normally
ovulate on day 14 for example, and you find yourself in a stressful situation early in the
month, your ovulation can be delayed by a few days. Other things that can affect
ovulation are travel and illness.
The second half of the cycle is called the luteal phase. During this phase,
progesterone is the dominant hormone. Once you ovulate, the number of days until your
period comes will be fixed each month and will not be delayed by any outside conditions
such as stress. It varies from woman to woman, but once you know the length of your
own luteal phase, it will stay consistent from month to month. It is important that your
luteal phase not be too short, as this would be a sign that there is a deficiency of
progesterone, which can cause problems in maintaining a pregnancy.
23
Knowing this information, if you are going to get stressed out sometime during
the month, hopefully it happens after youve ovulated, because then it will have no
bearing on your cycle length. Remember, any stress early in your cycle can have the
effect of delaying your ovulation which makes it more difficult to know when to time
intercourse to conceive.
Of course, most of us dont have any control over when we are stressed, but its
helpful to be aware of when/how your cycle can be delayed by stress. That way if your
period is late and the pregnancy test is negative, you may be able to think back to
determine if you had any unusual stress in the first half of your cycle which could have
caused the delay in your ovulation, and in turn, your period.
Typically, the luteal phase can last from 12 to 16 days, with the optimum being
around 14 days. Some doctors say anything less than 12 days could be a problem, while
others think 10 days or less is worrisome. This is because the luteal phase is when your
progesterone is building up your lining and if it's too short, (luteal phase defect) then your
lining won't be built up adequately to support a pregnancy and the embryo will be
unlikely to implant (or if it does you will likely miscarry).
The only way to determine the length of your luteal phase is to keep track of the
day you ovulate (will discuss some methods shortly), and then count the number of days
until your period arrives. As stated earlier, it should be the same number of days every
month, while the day that you ovulate can vary from month to month.
.
24
First, you need to check your body temperature each morning before you get out
of bed and write down the temperature on a special chart used especially for this purpose.
It is critical that you take your temperature around the same time every morning as soon
as you awaken. If you dont get at least 4 hours sleep, or if you are ill, your temperature
will be affected.
Generally speaking your temperatures will have very minor fluctuations on a
daily basis of about a tenth of a degree The general rule is that you have ovulated
when your temperature rises at least .2 degrees higher than any temperature
from the previous 6 days, and it stays elevated for at least 3 consecutive days..
The reason being, right after you ovulate, the left over egg shell (which becomes a
corpus luteum) releases progesterone in an effort to prepare your lining for the
implantation of a fertilized egg. The release of progesterone causes the increase in
temperature. That is why progesterone is known as the warm hormone.
Unfortunately, BBT charting will only tell you that you have ovulated alreadyit
cannot predict ovulation. By monitoring your temperature over the course of a few
months however, youll begin to see a pattern emerge that can be helpful in several ways.
For one thing, by charting you will be able to establish if you are in fact
ovulating, which some women arent even sure of. Secondly, you can count the number
of days in your luteal phase in order to determine if you have a luteal phase defect which
may require progesterone supplementation in order to conceive. As mentioned
previously, a luteal phase that is too short results in an endometrial lining that is unable to
support a pregnancy. Also, even though you cant use the charts to predict specifically
what day you will ovulate, you will get a good feel for approximately what day each
month you ovulate and can time intercourse better to coincide with your fertile window.
Another side benefit of charting is you can probably determine if you are in fact
pregnant without even taking a pregnancy test! If your temperature stays elevated for 18
days following ovulation, then you are very likely to be pregnant!
Once your temperature drops a few tenths, it means you are likely to get your
period that day or the next day at the latest. This information can be helpful as well not
in your quest to get pregnantbut its nice to have a warning that your period is due to
arrive as sometimes it comes as a complete surprise when we are not exactly prepared!!
If the BBT thermometer you purchased did not include any charts to use, you can
go to this site which has charts you can print out:
http://www.mymonthlycycles.com/bbtchartdl.jsp
25
Cervical mucus:
Something that can give you a very good indication
of approaching ovulation concerns cervical mucus
(vaginal discharge). Throughout a womans
menstrual cycle, the texture and the consistency of
the cervical mucus will change. This is something
you may not have ever paid attention to, but it is very
important to be aware of when trying to get pregnant.
As you get closer to ovulation, you will notice that
your cervical mucus changes from somewhat creamy
to the consistency of a raw eggwhiteclear, very
stretchy and wet. This happens because the levels of
estrogen are rising as the body prepares to release an egg.
As a rule, if you arent sure when you will be ovulating exactly, you should start
having sex as soon as you see the cervical mucus become similar to an eggwhite. You
should continue having sex as long as you have this type of cervical mucus. Usually on
the day of ovulation, the cervical mucus is the most abundant and stretchy. And you will
know when you have already ovulated, as the cervical mucus immediately changesit
gets cloudy and kind of dries upright after youve ovulated.
26
Cervical Position
Another change that occurs in your body as you approach ovulation is the position
of your cervix. To check your cervix, make sure you have clean hands and be sure to
check your cervix around the same time each day. Its probably easiest to squat down
and gently insert one or two fingers into your vagina and reach back until you can feel
your cervix.
Depending on the time of the month, there will be some noticeable differences.
(you may have to practice this awhile before you can easily notice the changes). During
the first half of your cycle, the cervix will feel relatively firm like touching your nose
and dry, and the position will be low in your vagina (easy to reach). The entrance to the
cervix will feel closed.
But as you approach ovulation, the cervix will become softer and wetter, the
entrance will start to open and the position of the cervix will become higher (harder to
reach). When it gets to its highest point (difficult to reach, and the entrance to the cervix
feels open, and it feels more like your lip than your nose, you are at your most fertile time
and very near ovulation.
You can remember this with the acronym SHOW soft, high, open, wet. Just
after ovulation, the cervix begins to get firmer and drier, the position will become lower
and the entrance will begin to close.
These changes in the cervical position, along with the changes in the cervical
mucus, can give you a very good chance at predicting your most fertile time.
said to predict ovulation up to thirty-six hours in advance and increase your overall
chances of becoming pregnant.
Its best to follow the directions on the package, but here are some basic
guidelines. Try to test around the same time everyday, its usually best between 2 4pm,
although any time between noon and 8pm is probably fine. Definitely do not test with
first morning urine. The reason is that most women have their surge early in the
morning and it can take several hours for it to show up in your urine. Also, try not to
drink too much in the hour or two before testing as that will dilute your urine.
HINT:
Many women find ovulation test kits frustrating to use and claim that
they never see a positive result. The fact is the surge is very short and it is possible to
miss it if you test at the wrong time of day. If you want to improve the accuracy of these
test kits, and dont mind spending a bit more to pinpoint your ovulation, I would strongly
recommend that you test twice a day, twelve hours apart. As stated earlier, never use first
morning urine, so late morning, and then in the evening would be best.
Usually the kits come with five tests, so if you have very irregular cycles, you
may need to buy two kits in order to have enough and not miss your surge day. Theres a
great site online that sells these tests at a discount, and you can buy them by the piece, so
youre not restricted to 5 in a box. Its much cheaper than buying them in the drugstore,
and they offer free shipping in the U.S./Canada. This is especially helpful if you are
testing twice a day. Click here to purchase the ovulation test kits.
28
You might want to have a look at Fertile Focus, which looks like an attractive
lipstick case. Its affordable, portable, and offers a powerful 50X magnification glass
lens for accuracy and ease of use.
Or, you can try Ovacue Fertility Monitor, which is a unique and sophisticated
electronic monitor which is so simple to use, you simply place the oral sensor on your
tongue, and in one minute you have your daily test result. Better yet, this monitor
electronically creates, tracks, and stores your dataits like having your own digital
ovulation calendar. You can purchase Fertile Focus by clicking here and Ovacue by
clicking here.
COQ10
DHEA
Inofolic
Royal Jelly
Wheat Grass
Acupuncture
29
In Summary
When all of the measuring and calculating arent adding up to a pregnancy, you
might have something bigger on your hands. In Chapter 7, I will cover ovulation
disorders and other common obstacles to pregnancy such as endometriosis, blocked
tubes, and fibroids.
But now its time to start learning some more of what you can do to speed up the
process of getting pregnant if you dont have any of these specific problems. I want to
start with things you can do on your own and when you hear the word alternative, it
doesnt mean its unusual.
Alternative just means the scientific medical community doesnt focus on
anything that is not scientifically proven. They tend to focus on what they can do for you
medically, with drugs and treatments, not what you can do for yourself, which is often
less expensive and less invasive.
30
Chapter 4:
Before You Turn to Your Doctor
Traditional and Alternative Tips to Help Hasten
the Process of Pregnancy
You may be thinking that its taking longer to get
pregnant than you had expected. And you may
have already been advised by a physician to just
be patient. Or, you may be on the verge of asking
your doctor about infertility treatment options
because youve just about run out of patience. But
before you begin that lengthy process, consider
some of the non-medical suggestions Im going to
talk about in this chapter.
One of these may be the secret that unlocks your ability to conceive a child.
Some of these methods might be familiar to you, but others might be new
knowledge for you to consider. You owe it to yourself to carefully reflect on each topic
and decide whether you want to give it a chance. Bear in mind that sometimes, what
seems like a minor adjustment, could mean the difference in the miraculous world of
conception.
It is important to keep in mind that alternative therapies dont offer a magic
solution. However, the aim is to simply get both partners into optimum condition both
physically and mentally, so conception can happen naturally.
Im going to include some traditional as well as alternative do-it-yourself methods
to try out to increase your chances of pregnancy. Each of these suggestions have worked
for some women, but arent appropriate for all.
Try not to draw any conclusions about any particular strategy until youve given it
a fair try. One or a combination of these suggestions might just be the winning
combination that will ultimately be responsible for your success.
31
Yoga/Meditation
Among the most helpful stress-relieving methods, practicing Yoga and
meditation on a regular basis can be a viable answer to reducing stress levels in
your life.
Yoga can help you control stress on many levels. The poses and deep
breathing exercises help you to control your body and tell it exactly what you
want it to do.
32
There is a wonderful yoga DVD developed specifically for fertility. You can
watch a video clip by Clicking Here.
Click Here to purchase Bend, Breathe and Conceive yoga DVD.
Meditation helps to quiet your cluttered mind and restore control. Regular
meditation promotes tranquility in your life when you need it most. I have found a
site that offers many audio meditations that are a fantastic way to help you relax.
The best part is that they are not going to cost you anything--they are available to
that they are not going to cost you anything-listen to for FREE!!
I suggest finding a quiet space/room where you can spend a few minutes listening
without distractions. There are many choices...simply pick one and start! These
are especially helpful to do at the end of the day when you are feeling the most
stressed out after a hard day of work! Heres the link:
http://www.themeditationpodcast.com/episodes.html
Yoga and meditation wont solve all of your stress-related problems, but it will
help you react to them in a way that will keep your mind and body calm.
Reflexology
Reflexology is another natural remedy to promote relaxation. It involves applying
gentle pressure to certain body points (usually hands and feet) and is gentle and
calming on the entire body.
A highly trained reflexologist will gently stroke and knead your feet,
concentrating on the areas that will improve the functioning of your reproductive
organs and glands. In the process, youll achieve a stage of deep relaxation.
If relaxation is a problem for you in trying to conceive, try reflexology as a
calming force to help you ease tension and handle lifes problems more
efficiently.
Tapping (EFT)
Tapping is a ground breaking mind/body technique also known as EFT.
33
This technique enables you to rid yourself of negative feelings, stress, sadness and
despair that you may be feeling while you try so hard to have a baby. Instead,
you will see positive changes in your outlook, emotions and mindset while you
are trying to conceive.
The biggest difficulty that couples face is that they simply cannot find ways to
reduce their stress level even though they know it is probably harming their
fertility.
Sarah Holland and her program, The Fertile MIndset, offer a solution that works!
Her success rate in her private practice where she is using these techniques on her
infertility patients has been nothing short of overwhelming!!
Sarah Holland teaches this holistic approach which unlocks the secret of how the
"perfect mindset" for conception can bring you closer to your dream of having a
baby. You can review her program here:
Fertile Mindset Program
Bowen Technique
The Bowen technique is a lesser-known therapy that has a surprisingly high
success rate for treating fertility problems. This therapy involves a particular
system of gently rolling, connective tissue moves that addresses the hormonal
system and pelvic area. It is based on the premise that mental and emotional stress
can cause tight muscles and restriction of natural blood flow, lymphatic drainage
and nerve supply of the body, which can all effect fertility. Usually patients are
seen on the first day of their menstrual cycle, and then a second session on day 14
of the cycle (with no intercourse in between sessions. To find a practitioner in
your area please visit:
http://www.bowtech.com/
Massage
Massage techniques have long been used as a way to relieve stress and stimulate
circulation. It also serves to promote hormonal balance and increase nerve action
in the womb.
Swedish and Shiatsu are the better-known massage methods. Each is beneficial to
relieving stress and tension. Both use essential oils and lotions to soothe the body
34
and create gentle warmth that stimulates circulation and releases harmful toxins
or impurities.
As your ovulation time approaches, you may want to try massage on a regular
basis to help your body relax so that conception can more easily occur.
Talk Therapy
Words can sting. Being told itll happen when its right or just relax may be
meant to comfort you, but theyll usually end up frustrating you even more when
youre trying to have a baby.
Researchers are now seeing that talk therapy is helping many women conceive.
Since stress is a direct contributor to infertility, when a woman learns how to ride
out stressful events in her life and talk them out, she lessens her stress and
increases her odds at conception. Click this link to read the full article.
Laughter Therapy
Ever heard the phrase, laughter is the best medicine? Well it rings true for
infertility, too. You may be shaking your head wondering, How am I going to
find any reason to laugh during this time when Im so emotional and distraught?
In some studies, women exposed to laughter therapy during infertility treatments
were able to get pregnant faster than women who did not participate. It doesnt
seem to take much, either just 10-15 minutes a day. So go ahead rent your
favorite I Love Lucy episode or go with your partner to a comedy club tonight
and give your odds at conception a boost.
Hypnotherapy
When youre trying to get pregnant, your thoughts are often consumed with when
its going to happen for you. Even when youre consciously trying to avoid
thinking of it, your subconscious mind is often focused on whats going wrong or
why it isnt happening quickly enough.
With hypnotherapy, youre hypnotized and taught how to overcome the
psychological barriers that could be contributing to your fertility issues. Although
it wont work for all, it does work for some women and its worth looking into.
35
Exercise
Exercise should become an important part of your life while you are trying to get
pregnant. It will improve your immune system while reducing stress. You will
have greater energy, will likely lose weight and gain muscle. As your health
improves, you are preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy. Be sure you are
exercising in moderation, as excessive exercise has been known to contribute to
ovulation problems.
There are other methods that you might try for yourself. For example, if reading a
good novel or drinking a hot herbal cup of green tea before going to bed is a relaxation
tool for you, by all means try it on a regular basis.
Relaxation and stress-relief have helped many a woman conceive and you owe
it to yourself and your partner to try and improve your chances of getting pregnant faster.
36
they produce as well as help encourage the implantation of an embryo. Its also theorized
that acupuncture might help to trigger ovulation.
Long, thin needles are inserted into specific areas along the pathways. By
stimulating these pressure points, balance is restored and a natural healing process can
begin.
Its an interesting fact that in a recent study comparing acupuncture to hormone
treatments to promote pregnancy, both group results offered the same rate of success. But
since acupuncture has no side effects, the conclusion was that acupuncture offers a
valuable alternative therapy for female infertility due to hormone disorders.
As recently as May 2006, a highly regarded medical journal, Fertility and Sterility
reported on several new studies that were conducted to see if acupuncture could improve
the rate of success for couples undergoing IVF. The results indicated that receiving
acupuncture significantly improved the pregnancy rates for these couples.
Whats really interesting is, the physiologic mechanism by which acupuncture
seems to affect the uterus and reproductive system hasnt really been identified, yet the
researchers found that as a practical matter, it seems to work.
Of course, some in the medical community dismiss the idea of acupuncture as a
remedy for anything because there is no scientific evidence of pathways that conduct
energy throughout the body. When it comes to mainstream medicine, treatments that
arent exactly understood scientifically are often dismissed. But because of the obvious
success rates in these studies, acupuncture is steadily growing in acceptance, and is now
often recommended by fertility specialists for their patients.
And just think, if it helps women who are undergoing IVF (who generally have
more significant fertility issues), imagine the possibilities for those of you who just need
a little helpful boost.
A mixture of Chinese herbs is sometimes used in conjunction with acupuncture
treatments. These herbs are touted by Chinese medicine to improve fertility in men and
women.
If you decide to try the acupuncture route to pregnancy, first determine what is
required of acupuncturists in your state. Seek out a fully trained and licensed practitioner,
preferably someone who specializes in acupuncture to improve fertility.
You may also want to take into consideration that many insurance companies
dont cover acupuncture treatments, although its becoming increasingly popular to
include in medical insurance plans.
37
Acupuncture may seem a little scary at first needles being poked into your body
but a good acupuncturist will insert them so that youll never know that its happening.
Not only that, it can be an extremely relaxing experience.
I personally used acupuncture in my quest to become pregnant, and although I
started out very skeptical of the whole process, I came to be a believer. Although of
course I have no proof, I truly believe that acupuncture was one of the strategies that
helped me conceive my children. I wholeheartedly recommend the 2-step approach of
acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
Acupressure An Alternative
I like the fact that acupressure can be done by yourself at home. Acupressure
involves applying pressure to specific points on the body that flow along meridians to
improve blood flow in the body and to foster the body's vital life force (also known as
"chi"). It is very similar to acupuncture but you use your fingers instead of needles. It is
thought that pressure applied to specific points on the hands and feet can help stimulate
the ovaries, uterus, and adrenal, pituitary, thyroid, and parathyroid glands to balance
hormone production.
If you do not have the opportunity to see an Acupuncturist, I would recommend
you try Acupressure as a less costly alternative. There is a great video that teaches you
how to do this yourself at home. CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase.
38
When your body is exposed to sunlight, it also gets some much needed health
benefits, such as an added dose of Vitamin D. Sunlight also helps improve your mood,
which is essential when youre going through the process of trying to get pregnant.
While sunlight is good for your health and contributes to a better reproductive
system, you also want to make sure you dont overdo it and get too much sunlight. This
can lead to sunburns, retinal damage, and skin cancer.
The bottom line is this, get plenty of rest and a good dose of daily sunlight
(approximately 1 hour) to keep your reproductive hormones in check.
Nightlighting
Many women with irregular cycles have benefitted from addressing their nightlighting situation. This technique originates from the ancient theory connecting
menstrual cycles to the phases of the moon -- women ovulate when the moon is full
(light) and get their periods during a new moon (darkness).
It was physicist E.M. Dewan who found that women's menstrual cycles became
regular by sleeping in complete darkness most nights and then using a dim light bulb all
night for a few days in the middle of the month.
If you have irregular cycles, this is a good method to try to see if you can regulate
your cycle and thereby increase your fertility.
Start with the first day of menstruation as Day One. Sleep in total darkness for
days 1-13. Days 14-16 sleep with a dim light on all night, such as a closet door light on
with door almost closed, 15 watt night-light or dim hall light. This will encourage the
ovulation process to begin. The rest of the time, sleep in total darkness again.
For this method to be effective, it is critical to completely remove any light source
in your room when sleeping in the darkness phase. Total darkness means that fifteen
minutes after turning out the lights, you can't see objects in the room, including your own
hands. Bedroom windows are covered with room-darkening blinds or curtains backed by
light-blocking fabric. Cracks of light from under doors can be covered with a towel.
Cracks around the edges of windows can be covered with aluminum foil.
You should see your cycle regulate after doing this for about three or four cycles.
39
ancient Tantric Yoga Method during this abstinence period that requires a certain
level of control over ejaculation.
During the 3 day period of abstinence before ovulation is approaching, you are to
engage in extended and stimulating foreplay with NO EJACULATION. When the urge
to have an orgasm becomes too strong (for the male partner only), sexual contact is
stopped until the penis becomes flaccid (soft). He can try cold water or whatever it takes
for him personally. Then, when he is no longer showing signs of being aroused, you
engage in the extended foreplay again and repeat the process.
The idea is that the stimulation plus the gaining and losing of the erection over
time, acts to pump up the sperm count (quantity) and quality. WARNING: This
method should only be used if the male is able to control ejaculation. If he is not, and
does ejaculate during this process, then you will have interrupted the 3 day abstinence
that is beneficial before ovulation.
It should be pointed out, it is also very helpful if you use extended foreplay when
you are having intercourse during your fertile time. As mentioned earlier, stress during
intercourse can reduce sperm counts; alternatively, highly stimulating and prolonged
foreplay can serve to increase the number of sperm present in the semen upon
ejaculation.
40
41
Both partners should start with a good multi-vitamin (or prenatal vitamin for
women) which should have adequate amounts of folic acid (at least 400mcg.) and iron
(18mg), therefore not requiring additional supplementation of those two nutrients.
Here is a list of additional vitamins that could be effective in helping you achieve
successful conception and why they might be valuable to you.
Vitamin E Increased fertility in both men and women has resulted from this
powerful antioxidant. Studies show that a low level of Vitamin E in males
decreases sperm production and supplementation may also improve sperm
motility.
In women, vitamin E helps to normalize hormone production and may improve
egg quality.
Studies show that vitamin E can increase sperm potency by 2 1/2 times. Two
studies found that vitamin E supplementation lead to a 20% pregnancy rate in
previously infertile men.
Dosage: 400 IU daily (If possible, vitamin E should be D-alpha and not DLalpha. The reason is that D-alpha is natural and has a higher absorption and
benefit rate.
Food Sources: wheat germ, almonds, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils,
cold pressed oils, molasses, eggs, sweet potatoes, seeds, whole grains, and
avocados.
Note: Best taken with vitamin C but check with your doctor if you have anemia,
blood clotting issues, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, liver disease or if
taking blood thinners.
42
Vitamin C may increase the amount of water in your cervical mucus, which will
make it more plentiful. However, women should avoid very large doses of
Vitamin C because it can have the opposite effect, and dry up cervical mucus.
Dosage: Men 200 to 1000 milligrams per day
Women Up to 1000 milligrams per day
Food Sources: many fruits including grapefruit, orange, kiwi, and melon. Also
broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, and sweet peppers.
B Vitamins While your partner can benefit from B12, you can benefit from
taking B6, B12 and a B-Complex vitamin.
For men, B12 will help increase the quantity and performance of his sperm.
For women, when your body is deficient in B6, it builds up too much estrogen,
causing your ovaries to shut down the production of progesterone. This can
result in a luteal phase defect, which can be corrected with B6 supplementation.
B-Complex vitamins help you reduce stress and maintain a healthy balance of
hormones in your body.
Lack of B-vitamins is very common in people who eat mostly refined and
processed foods as well as those who smoke.
43
Dosage: B6 : 50mg - 100mg per day; B12: 1000 mcg per day;
B-complex: contains 50mcg B12, 50mg all other B vitamins
Food Sources: beans, nuts, legumes, eggs, meats, fish and whole grains
Zinc The focus of numerous studies in fertility of males and females, this
nutrient is essential for your pregnancy and your future babys health. A
deficiency of Zinc can lead to decreased fertility and also increase the risk of
having a miscarriage. It helps women to more effectively utilize the hormones
estrogen and progesterone, to achieve conception.
Zinc deficiency is quite common, yet even a mild zinc deficiency can drastically
reduce sperm counts. Zinc deficiency will also affect how long the sperm can
live in the vaginal tract.
In the journal Fertility and Sterility doctors reported that men with fertility
problems who took a daily dose of 66 milligrams of zinc and 5 milligrams of
folic acid for almost six months saw a 74% increase in their sperm counts.
Dosage: 50 mg. with a full glass of water
Works best when combined with folic acid to improve sperm count.
Food Sources: oysters, chicken, beef, crab and turkey, nuts, whole grains, fish,
seafood, eggs, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, rye, oats, whole grains, legumes,
mushrooms, and wheat germ.
Note: If you take zinc for longer than a few weeks you should add 1-3 mg of
copper to prevent a copper deficiency.
44
L-Arginine (Amino Acid) Amino acids are the building blocks of life. The
head of the sperm contains an exceptional amount of this nutrient, which is
essential for sperm production. It helps increase both sperm count and quality.
It can also help maintain a healthy uterine lining and may improve egg quality.
Dosage: 1500 4000mg over the course of a day on an empty stomach
Food Sources: Sunflower and pumpkin seeds, peanuts, sesame seeds,
watercress, almonds, chives, broad beans and lentils. Also in protein foods such
as meat, fish, eggs, brown rice, and quinoa.
replicate as well. The egg needs to complete a demanding process and often
when a women reaches her late 30s and early 40s, there is not enough energy in
the cells, he says.
Studies have also found that Co-enzyme Q10 may also improve male infertility.
A July 2009 study in The Journal of Urology looked at 212 infertile men who
took 300 mg of the supplement for 30 weeks, and found that it improved
both sperm density and motility.
Coenzyme Q110 has antioxidant properties that offer protection to the fragile
sperm cells as well as provide for proper energy production. This is believed to
be how CoQ10 works to enhance male fertility.
Dosage: Dosages vary widely. For females, 100-200mg twice a day is the
typical dose. For males, a range of 20-100mg, twice daily.
In a 2009 study published in The Journal of Fertility and Sterility, Bentov and
his colleagues found that taking Co-enzyme Q10
actually helped to improve
egg quality and improved fertilization rates in older female mice. It may
improve the quality of eggs by correcting their energy which improves the
division of chromosome during fertilization, Bentov claims. There havent
been any actual studies on women, but it is believed that CoQ10 may also
benefit older women by improving egg quality. Many top fertility centers are
prescribing CoQ10 for their older female patients undergoing IVF.
Folic Acid A vital component during your pregnancy to prevent spina bifida
(a neural tube defect) in your child. It needs to be in your system at the time of
conception so you should begin taking it well before you start trying to
conceive.
Also needed for sperm production, count, motility, and low morphological
abnormalities.
Dosage: minimum 400 mcg per day
Vitamin C aids in absorption.
Food Sources: Many sources including green leafy vegetables, dry beans,
legumes, citrus fruits and juices, whole grains, poultry, pork and shellfish.
46
Calcium Before, during and after pregnancy you need 1000mg daily taken
along with Vitamin D for absorption.
Food Sources: There is plenty of highly absorbable calcium in green leafy
vegetables, broccoli, cabbage, salmon, sardines, beans, enriched flour, and
fortified juices.
47
All of the above vitamin suggestions offer a means to increase your health and
benefit both male and female fertility. The dosages listed should be used as a guideline.
Its always best to consult with a qualified professional when you make your purchase or
follow the dosage suggestions on the bottle.
Note: be careful of taking too much EFAs if you are currently taking blood
thinning medication.
DHEA
DHEA has recently garnered a lot of attention in the world of fertility for helping
women with Decreased Ovarian Reserve (DOR) and Premature Ovarian Failure (POF).
DHEA is a natural steroid hormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal
glands and in the body it is converted into testosterone and estrogen. The most abundant
of all steroid hormones in humans, DHEA sharply declines as we age. It is most widely
promoted for its anti-aging effects.
Since it is a precursor to hormones such as testosterone and estrogens it may help
increase follicular stimulation. DHEA has been shown in some small studies to improve
IVF outcomes in women that are poor responders to IVF. Based on research conducted
by the Center for Human Reproduction in New York, DHEA replacement therapy has
been associated with increased embryo counts, increased embryo quality, improved
fertility treatment results, and decreased miscarriage rates in some women whose primary
fertility challenge is diminished ovarian reserve.
In order to get the full benefit of of DHEA, it might be best to be taken in
combination with fertility drugs so that the woman does release more than just one egg.
Negative Effects
Because DHEA often turns to testosterone in the body, it can also negatively
affect fertility in women who already produce average to above average of levels of
testosterone. High levels of testosterone, in extreme cases, can cause a woman to stop
ovulating. Even moderately increased amounts of DHEA or testosterone can affect a
woman's cycle and result in undesirable side effects including acne and excessive hair
growth.
Although DEHA is available over the counter in the United States, testing should
be carried out by a physician in order to determine need and appropriate dosages.
DHEA is not to be used if pregnant and should be discontinued as soon as a positive
pregnancy test is achieved.
DHEA should also not be used if you have PCOS, as this hormone may make this
condition worsen.
49
Overall, the studies that have been done so far do not provide a clear picture of
the risks and benefits of DHEA.In the meantime, people who are thinking about taking
supplements of this hormone should understand that its effects are not fully known. It is
important to consult with your doctor before taking this supplement. For some further
reading about this controversial supplement, have a look here:
http://www.brinkzone.com/articles/dhea-the-most-underrated-supplement-for-women/
http://www.centerforhumanreprod.com/premature_ovaries.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100701145535.htm
Usual dosage: 25mg, 2-3x a day for a total of 50-75mg daily.
Some of the most popular herbs found to be effective in treating infertility are:
50
Red Clover
This herb is another highly touted fertility remedy. There are many stories
of women unable to conceive, who drank up to a quart of red clover infusion
every day for at least six weeks, and then became pregnant. It contains estrogen
like compounds which promote estrogen production which can boost estrogen
levels in women with estrogen deficiencies. Red Clover also contains calcium
51
and magnesium which can relax the nervous system and improve fertility. Red
clover also has an alkalizing effect on the whole body, which creates a more
sperm-friendly environment within your body. Famed herbalist Susun Weed
considers it the single most useful herb for establishing fertility.
Red clover should NOT be used if you have endometriosis or have
fibroids which are both conditions which have excessive estrogen.
To make an infusion put one ounce of dried blossoms in a quart jar filled
with boiling water, and steep overnight. May be taken throughout the cycle.
(Best taken in combination with red raspberry).
Dong Quai
It is an ancient Asian herb which is known as the female hormone
regulator. It acts like an estrogen modulator which activates or suppresses
estrogen receptors within the pituitary to even out the hormones that bring on
ovulation. It has also been attributed with helping to build a receptive uterine
lining.
Herbalists have differing opinions on whether this should be taken during
the first or second half of your cycle.
Evening Primrose
This can dramatically improve the production of more sperm friendly
cervical fluid, also known as egg white cervical mucus. It may take a month or
two to build up.
52
Take during the first half of your cycle and stop once youve ovulated.
EPO is a prostaglandin and can cause the uterus to contract and the cervix to
dilate. Therefore, once you ovulate you should replace it with Flax Seed Oil
which also contains essential fatty acids without the prostaglandins.
Maca
This Peruvian herb is at the forefront of many studies in increasing sperm
count after a study was published in the Asian Journal of Andrology, 2001
showing a 200% increase in sperm count as well as seminal volume. Maca is used
to increase fertility and libido in both men and women by regulating hormones.
You can read more and purchase it here: http://www.tipsgettingpregnant.com/
maca.php
Green Tea
It is a powerful antioxidant that enhances your reproductive health by
reversing the effects of the environment on your body, such as aging,
environmental toxins, stress, lack of sleep and eating too many processed foods.
It can assist your body in the production of healthier eggs.
Dosage: Just 1 cup or more a day doubles your odds of conception every
cycle, according to a study in the American Journal of Public health.
Take extra folic acid as green tea can interfere with the absorption of
folic acid if taken in large quantities.
53
Royal Jelly
Royal Jelly is a fertility superfood which may help to increase the egg
quality and quantities. Royal Jelly is rich in amino acids, lipids, sugars, vitamins,
and most importantly, proteins. It contains high levels of vitamins D and E, and
also has ample levels of iron and calcium. As all of these are essential to proper
health and organ function, it is very easy to see how Royal Jelly can help with in
assisting with fertility. It can also help with problems that are related to hormonal
imbalance, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or irregular menstrual
cycles.
A 2002 study found that when researchers fed this honey-like substance to
ewes (whose placental physiology is close to that of humans), ovulation and
pregnancy rates substantially increased.
FertilAid Supplement
Rather than hand picking which herbal supplements you want to take,
FertilAid combines several beneficial fertility herbs plus a prenatal vitamin,
making it an all-in-one solution. There is a separate formula for Men and for
Women.
FertilAid is only available for purchase online. Click here to visit their
website.
54
Pycnogenol
Up to 60% of infertile couples have difficulty conceiving due to
abnormalities in the male's sperm.
An extract from the bark of a pine tree that grows along the coast of
southwestern France may help improve sperm quality in men. The extract is
called Pycnogenol and it is one of the most potent antioxidants known. In a
landmark clinical trial published in the October 2002 issue of the Journal of
Reproductive Medicine, 19 men were given 200 milligrams of Pycnogenol daily
for 3 months. The researchers found that sperm quality and function was
significantly improved.
What was most exciting about the results, is that there was an
improvement in sperm morphology, which usually does not see improvement
from other treatments which just improve count and/or motility. It is believed that
the Pycnogenol protects the sperm from oxidative damage. Pycnogenol is sold as
an over the counter supplement.
By the men taking Pycnogenol to increase normally functioning sperm
naturally, couples may be able to avoid in-vitro fertilization and either enjoy
improved natural fertility or undergo less invasive and less expensive fertilitypromoting procedures," stated Dr. Scott Roseff, author of the study.
Bee Pollen
Considered a complete food, it is produced by the male part of flowering
plants. It contains all the necessary vitamins and ten essential amino acids
necessary for a complete protein as well as enzymes and coenzymes. It has been
shown to improve sperm production in men.
Summary
*If you do some further research into fertility herbs, you may come across some
others such as licorice root, ladys mantle, black cohosh and ho shou wu. You
55
certainly may experiment with these herbs as well, but the ones I described above
are the most popular ones recommended for enhancing fertility.
Warning: Before using herbs to increase your chances of pregnancy, remember
that herbs can be very powerful and have side effects. If possible, consult with a
trained herbalist, naturopath or Doctor of Chinese Medicine for best results.
Most importantly stop taking herbal supplements immediately when you become
pregnant (unless you are specifically advised not to) and NEVER mix herbal
supplements with fertility drugs of any kind.
Mucinex at first you may wonder what on earth a cough syrup has to do
with fertility, but the logic is that it is an expectorant used to loosen and
thin mucus in the lungs. Well, it happens to work elsewhere too!! It is
critical that you only use the plain Mucinex, the one with no letters after
the name. You might find a generic brand available which is fine too, but
just check the ingredients and make sure it contains only one ingredient
guaifenesin. Take two teaspoons three times a day with water, starting
about five days before ovulation and continuing through ovulation day.
Drink plenty of water so that your body isnt dehydrated. Six to eight
glasses per day can help make your cervical mucus wetter.
56
Adding Wheat Germ to your diet can help improve cervical mucus
Youll notice that your cervical mucus changes throughout the month. Sometimes
it will be fluid enough for the sperm to utilize and other times it will appear as if your
bodys undergoing a drought! Remember, it is only when your cervical mucus is of egg
white consistency that you are in your fertile period.
Lifestyle and environmental items that you should avoid if youre trying to
conceive include:
Alcohol Alcohol can affect hormonal highs and lows in your body and this
could affect your menstrual cycle and ovulation. Chronic alcohol consumption
can cause birth defects. For men, alcohol has a negative effect on sperm
production.
Nicotine Besides the obvious impact on the baby after you conceive
(premature birth, miscarriage, and low birth weight), nicotine can also affect
fertility and impair your ability to conceive. Men should avoid smoking, as its
also been found to have a detrimental effect on fertility.
You should also avoid second hand smoke during the time youre trying to
conceive and afterward.
Medications - There are several prescription medications that can affect male
fertility, most of them temporarily but sometimes permanently. Arthritis
57
medication, depression drugs, high blood pressure medication, drugs for digestive
problems as well as antibiotics and cancer drugs are just a few of the medications
that can lead fertility problems. Speak to your doctor if you are taking any of
these medications.
One very popular over the counter medication, Tagamet, should definitely be
avoided because it causes abnormal sperm production. Instead use Zantac or
Pepcid which does not affect fertility.
Avoid over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin which can effect
the ability of the embryo to implant into the womb. Instead use acetaminophen or
Paracetamol (otherwise known as Tylenol), which are fine. Antihistamines, which
dry up cervical mucus and have a damaging effect on sperm must also be avoided.
Herbs While many herbs can be helpful for improving fertility as described
earlier, some popular herbal remedies should be avoided. In a study published in
the journal Fertility and Sterility, high doses of St. Johns Wort, Ginkgo
Biloba and Echinacea resulted in damage to reproductive cells and also
prevented sperm from fertilizing eggs.
Drugs Marijuana, cocaine and other so-called recreational drugs can cause
miscarriage, premature delivery and brain damage to the baby. Men who smoke
marijuana frequently have significantly less seminal fluid, a lower total sperm
count and their sperm behave abnormally.
Hot tubs While it may seem romantic to indulge in a dip in the hot tub, it
could ruin your chance at conception. The high temperatures can impact sperm
two to three months in advance, so a single quick jaunt can ruin your chance to
conceive for an entire quarter of the year! Women should also avoid this type of
intense heat due to possible negative effects on her eggs.
Cell Phones - Using a hands-free device with a cell phone may affect male
fertility if the phone is kept too close to the testicles, Cleveland Clinic researchers
warn in the journal Fertility and Sterility. Men who use hands-free devices often
carry their cell phones in their pants pocket or clipped to their belts at the waist
58
while talking. As a result, they may be exposing their testicles to damaging radiofrequency electromagnetic waves which can impair sperm quality.
Douching Douching isnt a good idea for anyone anyway, but when it comes
to fertility, it alters the acidity of your vagina, washes away the cervical mucus,
and can contribute to pelvic inflammatory diseases that will take time to clear up.
The flu slows sperm production - An illness that causes a high fever can
affect sperm production and sperm quality. But it won't affect fertility for
approximately 3 months, since it takes that long for new sperm to mature.
Too much exercise Female athletes often have trouble conceiving because
of menstrual cycle disorders. If youre an avid exercise fanatic and you have
irregular cycles, cut back to moderate exercise only.
Diet - Crash dieting and binge eating should also be avoided both before and
during your pregnancy as it can have harmful effects on your hormonal levels.
Oral Sex As mentioned earlier it is important to refrain from oral sex (any
mouth to genital contact) during your fertile period as saliva can be very
damaging to sperm
Weight issues Surprise twelve percent of all infertility cases stem from
weight issues. If you are significantly underweight from poor eating or over
exercising, you cant menstruate, since a minimum of 22 percent body fat is
necessary for normal ovulation and reproductive health. On the flip side, being
overweight can alter hormone chemistry and help prevent conception. The good
news is gaining or losing the weight, as the case may be, quickly restores fertility.
59
60
2. Pesticides - Stored in the fat cells of fish, poultry and other food sources
consumed by humans.
3. Growth Hormones used to fatten up animals which are later consumed, such
as beef, chicken, turkey, and pork.
4. Chemicals found in many household items including nail polish and remover,
glues, paints, varnishes, cleaning products, lawn and garden sprays, indoor
insect sprays.
5. Chemicals found in many personal care products such as soap, shampoo and
fragrances.
If you really think your health is unaffected by this, youre likely wrong.
However, there is GOOD NEWS!!
When you are trying to conceive, it makes sense to try and eliminate as much
of your exposure to these environmental hazards and it really is NOT that difficult
to do. I am not suggesting that you need to make sure you are not exposed to any
of these harmful toxins, because that would be nearly impossible.
What I am suggesting is that you familiarize yourself with the most common
ways you are exposed and make some effort to reduce your exposure as best as
you can.
Here are some ideas on how you can do this:
Avoid plastic packaging. If that is not possible, then at least avoid ingesting
anything that has been heated in plastic. For instance, never microwave food in
any plastic wrap or container, use glass instead. Also, never drink bottled water
that was left in your car on a hot day. The chemicals in the plastic DO get into the
food/drink, so please do your best to avoid this.
61
Eat organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible. If this is not possible, then
be sure to wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly (preferably with a vinegar
and water solution) before eating.
Eat broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts which can help to reduce the effect
of these toxins in your body.
Use protective clothing, proper ventilation and face masks to reduce the risk of
absorbing toxins when using certain household and garden products.
If possible, use natural, organic personal care products. There is a wonderful site
called Skin Deep which offers a detailed analysis of the chemicals and toxins
contained in common personal care products that can impact your fertility and
your health. You can look up any product that you are using to find out just how
harmful it may be. Click here to go to the Skin Deep website.
Finally, it could be very helpful to perform a body cleanse or detox to help rid your
body of the toxins that have built up over time. After reviewing many of the
products offered online, the one that gets the best overall reviews from customers is
from Dr. Floras. Click here to read more about these products, and dont forget to
read the customer testimonials here.
Conclusion
There are many strategies detailed above that can help you to achieve a successful
pregnancy. Do not let yourself get overwhelmed or feel as if you have to do
EVERYTHING in order to be successful. Its important to learn ways for
improving your fertility and to gain the power of knowledge which will allow you
to make changes that can directly impact your fertility.
Remain optimistic and if you arent achieving results after a reasonable amount of
time, try to incorporate something else that youve learned in this guide.
Next, I will take a look at diet, as more and more research points to the powerful
effect it has on your fertility.
62
Chapter 5:
How to Influence Your Fertility With Your Diet
What To Eat and What To Avoid
Since the first edition of Personal Path to pregnancy, there continues to be
research and conclusive evidence that confirms the link between diet and fertility.
Fertility Boosters:
Spirulina a food that contains key minerals and nutrients required for
hormonal balance, regular ovulation, and strong healthy sperm. It contains protein (all of
the essential amino acids), fertility enhancing vitamins and minerals along with
phytonutrients and essential fatty acids necessary for optimal health and fertility. Its also
convenient and easy to take, although it doesnt taste all that great (well, there had to be
one downside, right?!) It is actually a blue-green algae and it comes in both powder and
tablet form. Its best taken by mixing it into a smoothie or some juice so you dont notice
the taste so much. You can find it in most health food stores or you can order it online
here: http://tinyurl.com/getspirulina
Chlorella - Chlorella is a green, single-celled freshwater micro-algae widely
recognized as one of the most potent nutritional whole foods on Earth. Chlorella is a
63
scientifically proven health aid with benefits that include removing heavy metals and
toxins from your body, encouraging friendly bacteria growth to support digestion, and
keeping your body alkaline (which is beneficial to the survival of sperm).
Chlorella contains a wealth of important nutrients which includes more than 20
vitamins and minerals and all the essential amino acids. It is rich in beta carotene as well
as chlorophyll and contains 60% protein. It also contains essential fatty acids, even more
than Spirulina.
About 30% of people can not tolerate chlorella. This may be due to a cellulase
insufficiency: if you are unable to tolerate chlorella, it would be wise to consider adding a
digestive enzyme supplement with cellulase in it to help digest the chlorella.
Wheat Grass You might want to try incorporating wheatgrass into your diet.
Wheatgrass is the baby grass of the wheat plant, which can be either freshly juiced or
dried and made into a powder. Wheatgrass sprouts were found to contain highly active
"fertility factors" in laboratory studies back in the 1930's. Wheatgrass nutrients include
chlorophyll, proteins, 9 essential amino acids, enzymes, minerals (calcium, iron,
magnesium, selenium, potassium, sodium, zinc), dietary fiber, and vitamins A, B, C,
and E. Wheatgrass alkalizes and detoxifies the body. It's reported that wheatgrass
may even lower your follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) levels.
Here are some of the things wheatgrass does to possibly increase fertility:
It is a great detoxifier and removes heavy metals from the body. It has been
proven that a reduction in heavy metal body load increases the chance of spontaneous
conception in infertile women and decreases the odds of miscarriage.
Chlorophyll, particularly the concentrated kind found in grass juices alkalinizes
the body and restores PH balance. An acidic vaginal environment is extremely hostile to
sperm and an alkaline uterine environment is necessary for implantation and may prevent
miscarriage.
Its best to take juice of fresh grass if possible. Even vacuum dried grass powder
is available, which can be added in a cup of water, and drank after 20-30 minutes to
derive the health benefits (however, some enzymes are lost). Take at least for 3 to 6
months to derive optimal benefits.
If you are looking to purchase some online, Amazing Grass Organic wheatgrass
powder is very highly rated. You can get it at a great price from:
http://www.vitacost.com/Amazing-Grass-Organic-Wheat-Grass-Powder
64
Pumpkin Seeds /Sunflower Seeds naturally high in zinc and essential
fatty acids (EFAs) which are vital to healthy functioning of the male reproductive
system. Eat 1/4 cup a day of raw pumpkin or sunflower seeds to help maintain a healthy
reproductive system.
Garlic Garlic contains many fertility boosting nutrients such as selenium,
which improves male fertility and vitamin B6 which is a hormone regulator.
Honey Rich in minerals and amino acids, honey has been known to enhance
fertility throughout history. Many consider it to be a fertility super-food which
nourishes the reproductive system for both men and women.
Cinnamon Cinnamon is a sweet-tasting spice that has recently been shown to
have a beneficial effect on stabilizing blood insulin levels. It has fertility enhancing
properties, especially when combined with honey. Take 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
mixed with 2 tablespoons honey.
In China, Japan and Far-East countries, women who do not conceive and need to
strengthen the uterus, have been taking cinnamon powder for centuries. Women who
cannot conceive take a pinch of cinnamon powder in half teaspoon of honey and apply it
on the gums frequently throughout the day, so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and
enters the body.
Apple Cider Vinegar Organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar can work
to balance the pH and therefore improve fertility. You can take 2 teaspoons in a glass of
water, sweetened with honey. Drink a glass twice a day. This should be used by both
men and women.
Avocado - Avocado provides a great source of vitamin E which is a powerful
antioxidant and an important fertility nutrient for both men and women. It improves
sperm function and helps to regulate ovulation and improve cervical mucus.
Goji Berries only recently introduced to the Western world, the goji berry is a
sweet red fruit native to Asia. It has been used as a medicinal food for thousands of
years, and has been studied extensively in modern times to substantiate its health
65
benefits. In Asia, it is widely believed to increase sexual fluids and enhance fertility.
They are the most nutrient dense food on earth, containing the highest levels of
antioxidants of any known food, 500 times more vitamin C by weight than oranges, more
beta carotene than carrots, more iron than spinach, 18 amino acids, Vitamins B1, B2, B6
and Vitamin E, 21 trace minerals, and many natural compounds that promote health. Be
sure to eat the whole berry, as many products on the market contain just a small quantity
of goji berry extract.
Whole Grains Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, whole wheat and
quinoa are complex carbohydrates which release sugar into your bloodstream slowly.
They contain an abundance of vitamins B, zinc and selenium which are essential for
cellular reproduction, hormonal balance and the production of healthy eggs and sperm.
Green Leafy Vegetables high in magnesium (vital for female hormone
balance), folic acid and vitamin B6.
Nuts high in B vitamins. Almonds are high in zinc; walnuts are high in zinc
and omega 3 fatty acids.
Oysters packed with zinc, which plays a role in semen and testosterone
production in men and in ovulation and fertility in women.
Brown Rice high in fiber and B Vitamins. Fiber strips old hormones and
waste products from the system. Without this removal, old hormones re-circulate and
create imbalances.
Protein adequate protein is important for people trying to conceive. Lean red
meat, skinless chicken and oily fish such as salmon are good sources of protein.
However, be aware that eating too much meat will increase ammonia which can interfere
with the implantation of the egg in the uterus. Too much red meat may also increase the
body's acidity and affect sperm activity. Sperm are at their most efficient in an alkaline
environment.
66
Basically, you want to add foods that are high in folic acid, zinc, vitamin C or any
of the vitamins listed earlier that help in fertility. Always consult your doctor before
adhering to any specialized diet.
In general when trying for a baby it makes sense to choose good quality,
unprocessed foods as they are more likely to be richer in vitamins, minerals and
nutrients and also more free of pesticides and added estrogens that may disrupt the
reproductive cycle. By supplementing a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle with the
foods listed above you will be doing a great deal to maximize your fertility potential.
Fertility Destroyers:
Certain foods can actually lower your ability to become pregnant. If possible, its
best to minimize or avoid the following which have been shown to harm fertility:
Peas they are a natural contraceptive. There is a chemical in peas that has a
strong anti-fertility effect (m-xylohydroquinine) for both men and women. Folk
medicine has always ascribed contraceptive powers to peas,. They were being studied by
Asian scientists hoping to isolate these substances to construct an inexpensive
contraceptive.
Dairy research in the United States and Finland reported that where per capita
milk consumption is the highest, women tend to experience the sharpest age-related
falloff in fertility. Some say dairy products can thicken cervical mucus. However, the
latest research in Harvards Nurses Study states that full fat dairy products can help to
prevent/improve ovulation disorders which can impair fertility. So the subject of dairy is
controversial among fertility experts. (read more about this below)
Peanuts/Brazil Nuts Particularly high in phytoestrogens (like soy), there is
some suspicion that they can contribute to male infertility. This is a bit controversial as
well because Brazilian nuts are very high in Selenium which is very beneficial to male
fertility.
Pineapple Juice There is an old wives' tale floating around the Internet that
pineapple juice will help a fertilized egg implant. However, there is no scientific evidence
that this is true and pineapple juice can actually cause more harm than good. In large
doses, it can cause uterine contractions and bring on spontaneous abortions (miscarriage).
67
Gossypol This is a toxic substance found in the cotton plant, which is mostly
removed through hydrogenation when making cottonseed oil. Why should you care?
Well, it greatly reduces male sperm count and sperm motility, and was actually being
considered in China for use as a male contraceptive.
While most of the gossypol is removed from the cottonseed oil, some of it is still
there. So to be on the safe side, it's probably best for your partner to avoid products made
with cottonseed oil. This would typically be some salad dressings and especially snack
foods, such as potato chips. Be sure to read package labels and avoid any products that
contain cottonseed oil. Remember read labels as not ALL chips contain cottonseed oil.
Additives - foods that contain additives, preservatives and chemicals can affect
hormonal balance in your body. This means its best to stay away from processed foods
as much as possible and try and consume whole foods as much as possible. In particular
try to avoid MSG and BHA, two preservatives that may harm fertility.
Sugar too much sugar increases your bodys output of insulin, a hormone that
can affect the way your ovaries function. (this is described in detail in chapter 7)
Artificial Sweetener Sugar substitutes such as Aspartame and Splenda
should also be avoided as they contain chemicals which may be harmful to your health
and fertility. For instance, aspartame breaks down into formaldehyde in your body (the
substance used to preserve dead bodies).
Sodas - These should definitely be avoided as sodas are loaded with sugar or
artificial sweeteners, chemicals, and sometimes caffeine, all of which can impair fertility.
Replacing any soda you drink with water instead will be a positive step to improving
fertility.
High Mercury Fish the FDA says that women trying to conceive can safely
eat up to 12 ounces (two servings) a week of low mercury fish, such as shrimp, crab,
scallops, oysters, cod, pollock, tilapia, fresh water trout, salmon, canned light tuna and
catfish. The FDA advises avoiding canned white tuna as well as swordfish, tilefish, king
68
mackerel, tuna steaks, shark, orange roughy, Spanish mackerel, marlin and grouper,
because they have the highest mercury levels.
Fish contains proteins and health omega 3 fats. You should not cut it out of your
diet. Just be aware of the high mercury fish and choose wisely when you are purchasing
your fish.
Wheat some women can have an intolerance to wheat and not even know it, so
try to substitute wheat with another grain when you can.
69
Good gluten free choices include (but are not limited to) all beans and lentils,
many grains (such as millet, brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat), all dairy, meats,
poultry, eggs, seafood, fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices.
In short, you can buy most of the things that you are used to in a gluten-free form,
and there are several gluten-free cook books if you like to cook from scratch. There is a
whole world out there of beans and grains that you may never have thought to try before!
If you want more comprehensive information about living gluten-free, you can
visit: http://www.Celiac.com
The data on soys effect on fertility is nothing short of confusing and contradictory,
with some studies suggesting that soy might be helpful, and others suggesting that soy
contributes to fertility problems. Soy contains phytoestrogens which are plant based
estrogens and the ones found in soy are known as isoflavones. For every study that
points to the benefits of soy as a good source of protein, there are other studies that speak
to the damaging effects of isoflavones on the menstrual cycle. Also at issue is the
possibility that Genistein, one of the isoflavones in soy, may cause damage to sperm.
Generally, the studies that found a negative impact on fertility from consuming soy
looked at soy consumption that was significantly higher than what most people would
consume. It seems logical to conclude that minimal intake of soy proteins will not
adversely affect your chances of becoming pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy. But,
consuming large quantities of soy products is not recommended.
Also, if you do decide to eat some soy products, it would be best to consume nongenetically-modified soy products such as tofu, tempeh and miso. It is best to avoid
Western invented soy products such as soy sausages, soy protein powders, soy cheeses,
etc.
There are only two soy products, soy sauce and soy oil that do not contain
isoflavones so they can be used without any concern.
70
Pomegranate
Once again, there is some controversy surrounding the issue of milk and dairy and
the possible effects on fertility. Heres why
Dairy products contain lactose, which the body breaks down during digestion into
two smaller sugars - glucose and galactose, during digestion. Normally the liver converts
the galactose into glucose , however some women (especially as they age into their
thirties and older) have low levels of the enzyme needed to break it down and the result is
a build up of galactose in the blood.
It appears that galactose is harmful to the ovaries and may damage the unfertilized
eggs which are developing. Milk, ice cream, cottage cheese, and especially yogurt, may
harm fertility if you have any lactose intolerance.
However, some groundbreaking new research by the Harvard School of Public
Health offers some very different advice regarding milk and dairy products. Read more
about it in the next section.
71
Wild Yam
They found that diet CAN affect the risk of ovulatory infertility.
Its important to note that no other cause of infertility such as tubal blockage,
fibroids, endometriosis, etc. was correlated with diet. The only clear link between diet
and fertility appears to be related to ovulatory function.
Ovulation issues account for at least 30% of fertility problems, making them the
number one cause of infertility. The two most common signs are irregular menstrual
cycles or abnormal body weight. If your BMI (body mass index) is above 25, it may be
contributing to an ovulation problem.
There were four main diet components that were addressed in this study:
72
73
Fats - Some fats are healthy for you and needed by your body; these are
called essential fatty acids. Most fats found in our food fall under the
heading of saturated or unsaturated. Many of you already know that
saturated fats like butter are not good for your heart. Recently, it was
discovered that one type of unsaturated fat, is also unhealthy. This type of
fat is called a trans fat, and on package labels it is listed as hydrogenated
oil. They are created specifically to allow processed foods to last longer
on grocery shelves in the stores.
Trans fats are bad for your heart and your fertility.
Be careful with the following foods which can be high in trans fats:
French fries, stick margarines, shortening, cookies, crackers, and many
other packaged/processed foods.
According to the study, the best fats to improve fertility are monounsaturated fats as well as the Omega-3s mentioned previously.
Sources of monounsaturated fats include olive oil, nuts, avocado, and
seeds.
Exercise In this study, exercise was also shown to boost fertility, and I
have already addressed this topic earlier in chapter 4.
Overall, many of the observations in the Harvard study do make a lot of sense,
especially the idea that certain foods may influence levels of hormones involved in
ovulation and conception. Many of the dietary recommendations are consistent with the
type of healthy diet that is recommended for women who have PCOS, which I discuss in
Chapter 7. However, the issue of milk/dairy and soy is controversial as it conflicts with
other recommendations to avoid soy and dairy products.
74
75
Conclusion: There is a lot of information in this chapter that will allow you
to make good choices in the foods you eat which will have a positive effect
on your fertility. Many fertility experts believe that changing your diet is
one of the easiest ways to significantly boost your odds of getting pregnant.
While most of the experts agree on how to do this, there are some areas
where there is some controversy, such as with soy and dairy. In those cases,
it may be best to eliminate those foods that are controversial from your diet
and then if you dont see results after a reasonable period of time, you can
try adding them back in to your diet in limited quantities only.
76
Chapter 6:
When Infertility Is an Issue Dealing with the
Tests, Emotions, and Outcome of a Diagnosis You
Didnt Want!
Youve tried for a year to conceive and it just
isnt happening. Whats wrong? Is it me or is it
him? Your emotions are raw and exposed and
you may have entered a low point in your life
and/or relationship.
You may want to use this guide by putting
some of the methods and strategies into
practice for some time, before pursuing fertility
testing. Alternatively, if its been over a year,
you may want to have some fertility testing to look for medical issues that might be
causing the difficulty. And then, you can go back and put some of the tips into practice.
Either way, here is all the information you will need to understand about the various
infertility tests.
If testing for a solution or diagnosis is imminent, youre probably both on edge
about it. I know what youre going through because I went through it myself. I had
several miscarriages before conceiving my children and went through the seemingly
endless round of emotions that youre going through now.
People who tell you to just take one day at a time may overlook the fact that
depression keeps you from seeing that light at the end of the tunnel. You want answers
and you want them now!
If you find yourself on an emotional roller coaster during this frustrating of all
times, know that there are ways to deal with it effectively. You dont have to feel isolated
or misunderstood.
And, most of all, you dont have to let those perfectly normal and understandable
emotions have a negative impact on your relationship with your partner. Find out all you
can about what you might be experiencing and how to turn it into a positive by learning
a little about yourself.
77
Journaling -- Writing down your thoughts can help you gain an understanding of
the feelings and emotions that are bombarding you on every level.
Journaling is especially helpful when you find the subject of infertility too painful
or difficult to talk about with your partner, friend or family member.
Talk to others who are having difficulty conceiving Support groups or a new,
online friend going through a similar situation can help you cope with your
feelings right now. Even though your circumstances may be different from theirs,
the bottom line is that neither of you has been able to conceive.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about feelings of anxiety or anger. He or she may be
able to offer some helpful advice.
78
Focus on an activity or hobby As simple as it may sound, any activity that can
get your mind off of fertility issues, even for a few moments, could be an
enormous coping tool while youre going through this traumatic time in your life.
The most important thing to realize during this upheaval is that youre in it
together as a couple. Turn to each other for support and understanding whenever you
can.
Empathizing with each other will help prepare you for what youre going to
endure during testing and afterward and to develop a bond that will be so important to
raising your future child or children.
Estradiol This blood test measures hormone levels and can determine if
a woman is ovulating or not or if you have ovarian cysts.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) This test is given to both men and women
to determine menstrual regularity and pituitary disorders in the ovaries or
testes. If you have PCOS, then you may have higher levels of LH.
79
HSG (Hysterosalpingogram)
HSG is an x-ray thats usually performed in the radiology department of a
hospital. Dye is injected into the uterus through the vagina and cervix.
The dye fills the tubes and spills into your abdomen. It outlines your uterus and
fallopian tubes, making it easier to see abnormalities, such as blocked fallopian
tubes. Polyps, scar tissue and fibroid tumors in the uterus can also be seen and
analyzed.
This test can be somewhat painful, causing cramps. How painful it is will be
different for everyone depending on your tolerance for pain and whether or not
your doctor has to force more dye into your tubes if theyre blocked with debris.
Take an ibuprofen before you go to your test.
If you have gonorrhea or chlamydia, then the doctor may not perform the test
since it can spread the infection as the dye is pushed through the fallopian tubes.
Youll have to be on antibiotics beforehand. Another reason they may not
perform the test is if youre allergic to shellfish or contrast dye.
When the test is over, you may have a small amount of bleeding, sometimes
mixed with the clear dye, which is normal. Its best if someone can drive you to
and from your appointment in case your cramping is moderate to severe.
Hysteroscopy
If your doctor thinks you may have small polyps or fibroids inside your uterus, he
may order this test. Its an outpatient procedure where they insert a small tube
through your cervix and into your uterus. They inflate your uterus with carbon
dioxide to give them a better view of the surroundings.
If he sees signs of fibroids or polyps, then he may conduct an operative
hysteroscopy where he removes the tissue. If it requires extensive work, he may
hospitalize you to perform the procedure.
The pain can be moderate to severe, so the doctor will usually administer a local
anesthesia or give you a Valium before the procedure. If youre hospitalized, then
you will probably get an epidural.
80
Laparoscopy
Doctors use laparoscopy as a tool to help them examine the pelvic organs and
determine if there are problems with your uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries that
might contribute to your inability to conceive.
A small incision is made in the abdominal area so that the doctor can insert the
laparoscope, which acts as a camera. The camera can then help the doctor
examine the pelvic organs. If there is endometriosis or scar tissue, theyll remove
it at that time. They can also remove infected fallopian tubes.
This is an outpatient procedure thats performed at a surgical center or hospital
and the pain afterwards is mild. It takes about a week to recover from a
laparoscopy.
Postcoital
A postcoital test (also known as Huhner test) determines whether or not sperm
can survive in your cervical mucus. Within 24 hours after intercourse, the woman
visits the doctors office where the cervical mucus is analyzed.
If the doctor determines that there are dead or stagnant sperm, hell then test for
an antibody problem. Hell be looking to see how the mucus looks, too, and if its
a viable climate for the sperm to swim through.
Semen Analysis
A semen analysis is performed when the fertility of the man is in doubt. A semen
sample is gathered in the doctors office by the man masturbating into a container.
If the results are to be reliable, they must be tested within 2 hours of collecting the
specimen.
Male infertility accounts for about 40% of all infertility cases. The doctor will
analyze the sperm to see if all three components are intact the head (which
contains the genetic material), the midpiece (which has the energy needed to help
the sperm swim), and the tail (which catapults him through the cervix and
fallopian tubes and toward the egg.
Ideally, your partners sperm sample should be 1.5-5 ml (a teaspoon), should have
20 million or more sperm/ml, should have 60% mobility, and 30% intact for size
and shape (morphology). What this basically means is that you have sufficient
81
number of sperm, that they move well and in the right direction (motility), and
that they are fairly normal in size and shape, ie. not deformed (morphology).
Theyll also be checking the Ph of the sample, the presence of anti-sperm
antibodies, and their ability to penetrate a hamster egg. This is known as the
zona-free hamster-egg penetrating test. If the sperm can penetrate a hamster egg,
it can penetrate your egg as well!
Of the millions of sperm in the ejaculated semen, only about 200 actually reach
the egg in a woman's fallopian tube. But, just one is needed to fertilize the egg.
Unfortunately, what the analysis will not tell you is whether the sperm contains
too many toxins or not enough nutrients to form a healthy embryo. Often, poor
motility or lots of irregular shaped sperm can be an indicator that these issues may
need to be addressed.
Keep in mind that since it takes 3 months for your partners sperm to produce,
you have to consider what his life was like at that time. Was he sick? Did you
both go hot-tubbing frequently? These kinds of things can affect his test results.
Sonohysterogram
A Sonohysterogram is used to diagnose tubal obstruction, detect fibroid tumors,
polyps or abnormalities in the uterus and fallopian tubes. A doctor can also
evaluate incompetent cervix in women who have had several miscarriages.
The test is usually performed in the early stage of a menstrual cycle because it
should not be performed on a pregnant woman. A saline solution is inserted
through the cervix into the uterus and allows the doctor to better see
abnormalities.
This is an outpatient procedure performed in your doctors office and isnt painful
for most women.
Thyroid
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, you need to make sure you dont have
a problem with your thyroid. A blood test determines if your thyroid levels (TSH
and T4) are under control. In the next chapter I will cover how thyroid conditions
can have an impact on your fertility.
82
Endometrial Biopsy
This procedure is conducted to take a sample of the lining inside of the uterus,
known as the endometrium. They can use this procedure to rule out a luteal phase
defect. If youve suffered repeated miscarriages, then an endometrial biopsy can
be performed to see if this is the reason your body isnt supporting a pregnancy.
For infertility testing, it has to be performed at a specific time, three days before
your period. Its conducted either at your doctors office or in the hospital and
you are usually instructed to take a mild pain medication like Motrin or Aleve
before the procedure.
You may also get a local anesthesia injected directly into your cervix. A tube will
be inserted into the uterine cavity to extract a piece of the lining for examination.
This can be somewhat painful and result in a small amount of bleeding
afterwards.
83
The results predict fertility potential and your likelihood of conceiving. If you
have an abnormal CCCT, the doctor will probably tell you that the chances of
conception and delivering a baby with your own eggs is improbable.
Immune Disorders
Your doctor may recommend testing for the following immune disorders:
a) ASA Antisperm Antibody: This test determines if sperm are not being
produced because of problems in the systemic immune system. Women will
be tested through a blood sample while mens samples will be tested through a
semen sample.
b) APA Antiphospholipid Antibodies: This is a popular test to see if these types
of antibodies are circulating in your bloodstream and preventing the blood
from flowing properly.
If youve suffered multiple miscarriages, then your doctor will probably order
this test. Its treatment can be as simple as taking a baby aspirin or other blood
thinner such as Heparin.
c) ANA Antinuclear Antibodies: A test that measures abnormal antibodies that
harm or work against the bodys tissues. If you test positive, it can mean that
you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This can increase your risk for
a miscarriage but can be treated with steroids.
84
Begin by acknowledging that this is going to be a fearful and anxious time for you
both individually, and as a couple.
Keep the lines of communication open and dont be afraid to express your
emotions.
Support each other through the testing process by attending appointments together
and talking about them afterward.
85
Dont force yourself to go to baby showers or a childs birthday party. This may
be too painful for you at this stage and its perfectly understandable for you to
want to avoid these types of gatherings.
Search the web, the bookstores and any other means of locating information about
fertility, options and treatments.
Make copious notes and jot down questions that you want to ask the doctor at
your next appointment.
You should always find quiet times for yourself to think about whats happening
to you your body and your mental state. Tell yourself over and over that what youre
feeling is normal and that youre taking steps to correct the situation whatever that may
be.
Lack of concentration
Extreme anger
Lack of self-esteem
86
The science of infertility has made such amazing progress that infertile couples
have a wide array of available choices. It may involve surgery to remove cysts or
something as simple as taking hormone-boosting herbs or drugs. If infertility is your
problem, todays medicine, both Western and alternative, can usually provide an answer.
The most devastating of diagnoses that theres no way you can become pregnant
as a couple requires even more serious consideration from you, as a couple. How badly
do you really want children? Now what?
Sometimes these decisions are overwhelming for a couple. This is when open
lines of communication with each other becomes a tremendous ally in your quest to make
the right decision for you both.
Some topics that youll want to talk about include:
88
Your insurance plan might cover fertility treatments to some extent or you may
need to talk to them and negotiate. If you do decide to pay for part or all of the
treatments, prepare for the fact that it may not work.
Which fertility treatments are you willing to try and which wont you even
consider?
In the next chapter, I discuss the plethora of fertility treatments available and the
possible side effects and outcome of each. Study these methods carefully and
research them on your own before you make a decision on acceptable fertility
treatments.
Optimism is important.
No matter what you decide, by all means practice optimism. Even if the diagnosis
wasnt what youd hoped for, the next stage will require optimism as you delve
into the options that are left.
You may want to try fertility treatments in the future, but right now youre
not sure of anything. Its okay to delay making a decision until you feel sure that you
can come to an honest and well thought out conclusion to your dilemma.
If your fertility testing leaves you with an undesirable diagnosis, youre
bound to feel let down or depressed about the outcome. You may find yourself having
a good cry if a friend or family member calls to tell you shes pregnant.
The strain of making it through the past months, years or however long
it took to reach this point has taken a toll on you. Try not to be discouraged.
Building a family can be an option for you no matter what the tests proved.
Now, its time to focus on other matters your job, your relationship
you!
89
90
Chapter 7:
When A Condition Is Identified What Does It
Mean And What Can You Do?
Its quite possible that you are familiar with a
condition you may have that could affect your
fertility even before actually trying to get
pregnant. Perhaps you have never had regular
menstrual cycles, or you were told years ago
that you have endometriosis. In this chapter, I
will discuss the various conditions that can
have a tremendous affect on your ability to
conceive and what your options are to
effectively treat these conditions.
91
Irregular menstrual periods are often the result of hormones that have been thrown
out of balance. Having an irregular cycle on occasion is nothing to be concerned about.
Some of the reasons why you may have an irregular cycle occasionally or more often
include:
Illness
Travel
Stress: Worrying or feeling anxious can cause a hormonal imbalance.
Diet: A poor diet, extreme weight loss or gain, being overweight or underweight,
as well as eating disorders can all cause hormone imbalances.
Exercise: Intense, strenuous exercise often causes irregular periods.
Recreational Drug Use
Breast-Feeding: Many women dont have regular periods while breast-feeding.
Peri-Menopause: Many women realize they are in perimenopause when they are
in their forties and their cycles become irregular.
If any of the above seem like they might be the cause of your irregular cycles, you
can make appropriate changes which will have a positive impact on your cycles.
Changes in diet and dealing with stress for example, are covered elsewhere in this ebook
(so be sure to read it ALL!!).
While the above are likely causes of anovulation/irregular cycles, it is important
to rule out any of the following medical issues which may be causing the problem. If
your doctor determines that you have any of the following conditions which are causing
you to have irregular cycles/anovulation, then proper treatment should correct the
problem.
Hormone imbalances
Liver Disease
Diabetes
Problems with glands pituitary, adrenal, thyroid
Ovary issues (PCOS
92
The only way to determine what might be causing the anovulation is to talk with
your doctor and have them run tests to make sure that nothing else is wrong. If you are
noticing particularly irregular periods, or have gone a year or more with missed periods,
see your health care professional. If you experience extreme cramping, heavy period
bleeding, dizziness, nausea, or fainting you should also visit with your health care
provider.
Metformin
Metformin (glucophage) has been used in the treatment of diabetes for about 40
years. The effects of the drug are therefore well known. It is a category B drug in
pregnancy (safe, no known fetal malformations in humans). In the liver it suppresses
gluconeogenesis (production of glucose), and in muscle and fat cells it enhanced glucose
uptake and utilization. This effectively lowers glucose and insulin levels. In studies
performed in 1998, 34% of patients taking metformin alone ovulated (compared to 4%
taking a placebo); and when metformin was combined with clomid, 90 % of the patients
ovulated compared to only 8 % that took the placebo. Thus, the combination of
metformin and clomid markedly improved ovulation in PCOS patients by correcting the
underlying metabolic problem.
Often, benefits begin to appear after months, not weeks.
Metformin is a very safe drug. However, it does have some degree of toxicity.
Kidney toxicity, and less commonly, liver toxicity, is possible.
To avoid nausea, it may help to start with a low dose and increase the dose very
slowly. Nausea often goes away with time. If you start out at some dose and experience
nausea then talk to your doctor about lowering your dose temporarily and slowly
increasing after you give your body a chance to adjust. Just because you can't tolerate a
particular dose now doesn't mean it's just wrong for you or that you will never be able to
tolerate it. Maybe, maybe not, but unless you give it a chance, you won't know.
Metformin may also cause diarrhea. A study notes that, unlike nausea, diarrhea
may occur later even when the dosage has been stable over a long period.
-Take with B12, Folic acid and Calcium
Clomid
As noted above, the combination of Metformin and Clomid is often used to treat
PCOS. To read more about Clomid, go to Chapter 8.
94
95
Low glycemic:
barley
black beans
broccoli
cashews
cherries
chickpeas
grapefruit
green leafy vegetables
kidney beans
lentils
milk
peanuts
peanut butter
pears
plums
soybeans
strawberries
tomatoes
tomato soup
wild rice
plain yogurt
96
carrots
garbanzo beans
grapes
honey
ice cream
kidney beans
navy beans
oranges
peaches
pears
pinto beans
potato chips
puffed wheat
sweet corn
white bread
So just to recap, eating well is vitally important when you have PCOS. Your diet
should be based around protein and vegetables, with carbohydrates being the low GI
type. Heres a great video to watch to give you the top 7 Diet Tips for PCOS:
Watch this Video
98
also low in fat, contains essential fatty acids, numerous vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
But soy contains phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) which can mimic estrogen in
the body and have the potential to alter a woman's menstrual cycle. Women with PCOS
(and other conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis), tend to be estrogen dominant
and the consumption of soy can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance.
Although more research needs to be done, it is probably best that you limit your
intake of soy products, especially soy milk If you are going to consume any soy, restrict
it to the fermented forms such as tempeh, miso and soybean sprouts rather than soy milk,
soy cheese and other processed varieties
Exercise may be the single most important lifestyle factor for both preventing and
reversing insulin resistance. Exercising results in the loss of abdominal body fat and
reverses the loss of muscle mass associated with insulin resistance. Even an exercise
routine as simple as incorporating brisk walking four times weekly dramatically improves
endurance fitness, decreases body fat stores, tends to reduce food consumption, and
decreases insulin resistance.
A 2005 study showed that insulin resistance was improved by up to 25% in
sedentary women with PCOS and insulin resistance following a 5-month moderateintensity exercise program.
99
sources, but it tends to be deficient in women with PCOS and older women, and restoring
it can help regulate insulin enough to restore normal ovulation and assist with weight
loss.
Myo-Inositol is a key ingredient found in the follicular fluid of healthy eggs, so
women who are deficient tend to have lower quality eggs. So in effect inofolic will help
with egg quality and improve ovulatory function as it helps in balancing hormonal levels
that are required for healthy ovulation in all woman.
Inositol is very safe so there's no harm in trying it, but if you're already on a
diabetes drug (Metformin) talk to your doctor first. If you want to get off Metformin, do
it gradually and under your doctor's supervision.
Myo-inositol is being used by top fertility clinics to help improve egg quality in
women undergoing IVF, especially when poor embryo quality is a concern.
Here's the research that supports the use of myo-inositol-- 2 small studies that
look very promising:
In a double-blind study published in the Sept-Oct 2007 European Review for
Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 92 women were split into two groups,
and the placebo half got folic acid, while the test group got folic acid plus 4 gms daily of
myo-inositol, for 14 weeks. The myo-inositol group had a much higher rate of ovulation,
and they lost weight.
In the other study, published in the Dec 2007 journal Gynecological
Endocrinology, 25 women with PCOS took a combination of folic acid and inositol for
six months. The results were that twenty-two out of the 25 (88%) patients restored at least
one spontaneous menstrual cycle during treatment, and 18 (72%) continued to ovulate
normally during the follow-up period. 40% of patients became pregnant.
There is also a clinical trial underway (started February 2011) to study the
potential effects of Inofolic Plus on abnormal ovarian reserve. Inofolic Plus contains
myo-inositol, folic acid plus melatonin.
Based on the studies, myo-inositol seems to be a very effective treatment for
PCOS, and for restoring fertility. Even better, it doesnt have side effects and its
relatively inexpensive, so definitely seems worth trying. Don't forget, if you have PCOS,
it is also important to combine this treatment with proper diet (low glycemic) and daily
exercise program.
100
About Chromium
Chromium is an essential mineral that is needed for insulin activity in
carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Numerous clinical trials have shown that
chromium as chromium picolinate reduces insulin resistance and improves blood sugar
control.
Many women will have side effects from glucophage such as bloating, cramping,
diarrhea, flatulence and nausea and Chromium might offer an alternative to Metformin.
Chromium picolonate is of possible interest in the treatment of PCOS patients due
to its possible effects in improving insulin resistance. A few small studies have been
performed in which women with PCOS were given chromium.
A pilot study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) examined the
effects of chromium picolinate at a dose of 1000 mcg. per day. PCOS patients were given
chromium but were instructed not to change their diet or exercise level. These PCOS
patients experienced a 38% mean improvement in a measure of insulin resistance. These
authors concluded that chromium picolinate, an over-the-counter dietary product, may be
useful as an insulin sensitizer in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.
While your testosterone levels will go down while being treated with Progyluton
and this can treat your irregular cycles, the drug won't address other issues related to
PCOS, such as insulin resistance. As stated earlier, Metformin is sometimes prescribed
for this. Always keep in mind that women with PCOS need to adjust their lifestyles to
include eating a more appropriate diet plus daily exercise for their condition. Women
with PCOS who want to go off their meds so they can get pregnant often find they
become polycystic again, if they haven't made lifestyle changes such as a low-sugar diet.
study of 150 women with PCOS has shown that NAC appears to make Clomid more
effective when taken together.
Many women with PCOS are more likely to develop high blood pressure and high
blood cholesterol. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center,
studies have demonstrated that fish oil supplements (which contain Omega-3 fatty
acid) can lower a person's blood pressure and also increase HDL cholesterol
("good" cholesterol) while lowering LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol).
Actually, a number of studies show that adding 3 grams of fish oil a day can
significantly reduce a person's blood pressure.
Fish oil can also alleviate the symptoms of stress and depression which can be an
issue for those struggling with PCOS and fertility problems.
More Benefits:
Also significant, the group that took the fish oil had reduced levels of cortisol, a
stress hormone that contributes to increased fat, especially in the mid-section.
The finding was particularly significant for PCOS sufferers because women with
polycystic ovarian syndrome often have elevated cortisol levels.
103
This study also revealed that Omega-6 may actually increase androgen
testosterone levels. Omega-6 fatty acids can be found in the following oils, and
should be reduced if not completely avoided: corn, soy, sunflower, and safflower
oils.
104
*Warning
You should not take any herbs if you are taking birth control pills, fertility drugs,
hormonal treatment or other medication unless they are recommended by a qualified
practitioner.
Thyroid Dysfunction
If you are having difficulty getting pregnant, before you move on to invasive
fertility tests or expensive treatments, you need to make sure you dont have a problem
with your thyroid.
The thyroid gland which is located in the lower front of the neck, produces
hormones which are very important for regulating your metabolism. An underactive
thyroid is called hypothyroidism. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid can include
weight gain, constipation, dry skin, brittle nails, and hair loss. An overactive thyroid is
called hyperthyroidism and can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and palpitations.
Most of the problems with fertility occur with hypothyroidism, or an underactive
thyroid.
Hypothyroidism can cause an elevation in the hormone prolactin, the hormone
that causes the production of breast milk in a woman after she gives birth. Excess
prolactin can sometimes effect ovulation by suppressing the release of the hormones LH
and FSH, causing low estrogen levels and lack of menstrual periods (amenorrhea).
Another symptom of high prolactin is galactorrhea - milk production from the breast
when you are not pregnant.
Some women with hypothyroidism experience a luteal phase defect which also
prevents pregnancy from occurring. This is because the embryo cannot implant properly
if the endometrial lining is not built up properly as a result of a too-short luteal phase.
A simple blood test for TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is the best way to find
a thyroid abnormality. If you are diagnosed with an underactive thyroid gland, thyroid
hormone replacement can be very effective to restore fertility. Generally, it will take
about 2 or 3 months to stabilize your thyroid hormones and you should not try to
105
106
Alternatively, when you stop taking birth control pills, your cycles tend to resume
fairly quickly. It doesnt matter how long youve been on the pill. Once the hormones
are out of your body, your cycles will begin to get back to normal.
It is even possible to get pregnant after stopping the pill before youve had a
period. In fact, some women are most fertile during the three months after they stop
taking the pill.
For most women though, it takes a few months for your menstrual cycles to be
back to normal. But remember, your cycles will go back to being as normal as they
were before you started the birth control pills. So if you had irregular cycles before
birth control pills, they are likely to still be irregular after you stop.
The reason some doctors advise to wait until youve had a few normal cycles
before attempting a pregnancy is not because there are any lingering effects that need to
be washed out. Rather, if you wait for your cycles to completely return to normal, you
can more predictably determine the length of your cycle, identify your fertile days, and be
able to better date when you conceived once you actually do get pregnant.
107
Excessive exercise
Moderate exercise is actually good for your fertility as well as your pregnancy,
however overly strenuous exercise can upset the natural balance of your
hormones and cause anovulation. If you are doing strenuous exercise and your
cycles are irregular, it would be a good idea to cut back some.
Fibroids
It is difficult to know just how many women have fibroids, since unless they
cause a problem, a woman may not realize she has them. It is estimated that fibroids
occur in up to 25 percent of women over the age of 30 and in nearly 40 percent of women
after the age of 40.
Uterine fibroid tumors ( myomas ) are a product of estrogen dominance (too much
estrogen). Estrogen stimulates their growth, and lack of estrogen causes them to
diminish.
The good news is that most women who have fibroids will not have any
problems conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term because of their fibroids. A minority
of women will have problems with infertility and pregnancy complications. There are two
ways that fibroids can effect your fertility. The first is an inability to get pregnant at all;
and in the second instance, although pregnancy occurs, it ends in miscarriage.
One of the most common types of fibroid is called a submucous fibroid. This type
occurs just beneath the lining of the uterus and can displace the lining as it grows. If a
woman is unable to get pregnant and an evaluation determines that she does have a
fibroid and no other apparent fertility issues, a myomectomy (to remove the fibroid) may
be performed. This procedure does have a high success rate at curing this problem--up to
a forty to eighty percent increase in fertility after the procedure. However, it is very
important to make sure that there arent other infertility issue before having a
myomectomy since the procedure itself, can cause scarring which could result in further
fertility problems.
It should be noted that one quarter to half of the women who have a myomectomy
can expect to eventually develop additional tumors.
Aside from surgery, another option that is being tested is the use of the drug
leuprolide acetate (Lupron) to shrink the fibroids. This drug is the synthetic form of the
naturally occurring substance known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (also called
GnRH). In several scientific studies, most of the women who have used the drug had
108
their fibroids shrink to half their starting size, so it may help women who are trying to
become pregnant. However, it is important that you DO NOT get pregnant while taking
the Lupron as it can cause birth defects. It also can cause some potentially bad side
effects so make sure to discuss the pros and cons of the risks with your doctor.
It is also possible to eliminate fibroids by altering your diet and adding herbal
supplements/vitamins to control the hormonal imbalance (excess estrogen). Much of the
diet recommendations in this ebook to improve overall fertility are especially helpful
when dealing with fibroids such as increasing fiber intake (complex carbohydrates),
eliminating processed foods and bad fats, reducing sugar, alcohol and caffeine, etc.
Also, many of the vitamin supplements suggested are especially helpful when you
are dealing with fibroids. Rather than list everything again here, I have found a very
comprehensive article which summarizes the best ways you can make changes in diet,
vitamins and supplements to help reduce fibroids and keep them from growing further.
Here is the link-- be sure to read this informative article: Natural Healing for Fibroids
I also discovered a fibroid cure that is offered online which you may want to
check out as well--you can go here to take a look at this option for removing fibroids. I
dont have any personal experience with this product, so you have to decide for yourself
if its something you want to consider trying.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue (the uterine lining) is found outside
the uterus. The tissue continues to react to the woman's menstrual cycle, building up,
breaking down, and shedding, regardless of its location in the body. This results in
internal bleeding and inflammation which can cause severe pain, scar tissue, bowel
problems, and sometimes, infertility. However, not all women with endometriosis related
infertility experience pain.
The only definitive diagnosis of endometriosis is through a laparoscopy. A
laparoscope is a tiny, lighted tube that is inserted into you through a small abdominal
incision. A surgeon is able to see inside of you through this tube.
Not everyone with endometriosis has fertility problems, but quite often, women
with the disease are more likely to have trouble conceiving. It is estimated that 40% of
women with endometriosis may experience fertility problems. Usually this is because the
endometriosis causes tubal blockages and adhesions which reduces fertility.
109
Endometriosis may also cause problems with egg fertilization, development and
implantation.
The cause of endometriosis is still not clear, although much of the current
research indicates a relationship with a woman's immune system. It has been determined
that endometriosis does tend to run in families, but research has not yet concluded
whether its actually a genetic or environmental cause.
Although there are a variety of treatments for endometriosis, there is currently no
cure. One treatment is surgery to remove the endometriosis through laparoscopy. Many
of the other treatments involve medications which stop ovulation, but you cannot attempt
to get pregnant when taking these medications which is usually for several months.
One treatment that might be promising is Pycnogenol. There's promising hope
that women who suffer from endometriosis might benefit from this powerful antioxidant
which has also showed promise for improving male fertility. A study published in the
Journal of Reproductive Medicine reveals that Pycnogenol significantly reduces
symptoms of endometriosis by 33 percent.
It is difficult to predict whether you will have trouble getting pregnant with
endometriosis or not. If your doctor does determine that you have infertility from
endometriosis, it is likely that he will recommend some form of advanced reproductive
technology such as IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF.
If you should decide you do not want to go down that road, there are some natural
alternatives you can try. You may know that many illnesses and diseases have responded
very positively to changes in diet, and endometriosis is no exception. Its possible that a
change in can help to minimize symptoms and control the pain.
Dietary Changes
One positive dietary change is to add good fats and eliminate bad fats. Simply
put, this means adding omega 3 fatty acids by using flax seed oil, walnut oil or evening
primrose oil and eliminating saturated fats, butter, and lard. Another positive change is to
add fiber to your diet. Good sources of fiber are whole grains (excluding wheat and rye),
beans, brown rice, fruits and vegetables.
Foods to be avoided are refined sugars and flours, meat and dairy products
(milk, cheese eggs), wheat and soy products. Of course you should also avoid the things
that I speak about later in chapter 5 that all women trying to get pregnant should avoid,
such as caffeine, alcohol and processed foods.
110
Adding kelp to your diet (or use supplement) and vitamin E can have very
beneficial results if you have endometriosis. Try adding wheat germ to your diet as the
vitamin E in wheat germ improves the healing of scar tissue caused by internal
endometrial bleeding. In general, women with endometriosis should stick to a high-fiber,
vegetarian based diet.
If you suffer from endometriosis and want much more detailed information than I
could possibly cover in this e-book, there is a website that I highly recommend you visit
which is devoted entirely to the subject of endometriosis. Here is the link:
http://www.endo-resolved.com/
the dye from going through. While it may look as though the tube is blocked, in reality
the dye is simply not getting through because of the spasm.
Also of note, sometimes after an HSG is done, a woman's fertility may be slightly
improved (assuming her results were normal). It's suggested that this may occur because
the dye going through the tubes may itself remove any minor debris and also the
procedure may temporarily widen (dilate) the tubes as it is going through.
Some of the causes of blocked tubes include adhesions, infections, PID (pelvic
inflammatory disease), scar tissue, and endometriosis. The number one cause of blocked
tubes is a Chlamydia infection which some women never even knew they had.
A tube can be blocked at the beginning (near the uterus) or at the end (near the
ovary). Generally if the blockage is near the uterus, there is a higher success rate with
surgery.
One common types of blockage is called hydrosalpinx, which is a collection of
watery fluid within the fallopian tube, usually as a result of damage at the far end of the
tube, near the ovary. In most cases, a hydrosalpinx indicates that the fallopian tube is
totally blocked at the far end. Whereas some women with a hydrosalpinx display no
symptoms, many suffer from severe, chronic pain..
It not only causes the affected tube(s) to be totally ineffective, it may also lessen
the effectiveness of various infertility treatments (e.g. in vitro fertilization [IVF]).
Hydrosalpinx also increases the likelihood of miscarriage. Fluid from a tube which spills
into the uterus would be toxic to embryos; therefore it decreases the chance for the
embryo to implant successfully in the uterus. For this reason, fertility specialists often
advise patients to have the affected tube(s) removed prior to undergoing IVF. Also, a
hydrosalpinx in one tube often affects the other, resulting in two abnormal tubes.
The procedure in vitro fertilization (IVF) was originally developed about 30 years
ago to help women with blocked tubes to conceive. It is generally recommended as the
best treatment option if it is found that you have blocked tubes. While surgery is also
another option, it will be up to your doctor to determine if surgery can clear the blockage
and /or repair the tube. This will depend on such factors as what caused the blockage,
where it is located, and the extent and type of blockage. The less blockage there is, the
more successful the surgery. Some blockages are just at one end of the tube and they
have the highest success rate of becoming unblocked.
If a woman has had a Chlamydia infection, there tends to be more extensive
damage and blockages. Blockages due to Chlamydia have the lowest success rate of
becoming unblocked.
112
There is also a new therapy showing some promise but unfortunately it is only
available in very limited places in the U.S. because it requires trained therapists in a
technique called "Wurn". This therapy (Wurn technique) has been shown to open tubes
and return the ability to conceive naturally for women with hydrosalpinx and blocked
fallopian tubes, regardless of the location of the blockage. Their success rate with these
cases (61%) compares favorably with medical techniques, but without the risks or side
effects of drugs or surgeries
The company is called Clear Passage, and they have locations in the U.S. in Iowa, Florida
and California. Go to: http://www.clearpassage.com for more information.
Uterine Abnormalities
There are some congenital deviations of the uterus that can effect an embryo's
ability to implant and develop within the womb. If a woman has an abnormally formed
uterus, this can cause a higher incidence of miscarriage or be an obstacle to carrying a
pregnancy to full term. In women experiencing unexplained recurrent miscarriages, it is
important to rule out the possibility of a uterine anomaly as the possible cause. Women
with uterine anomalies can also experience higher rates of preterm labor, bleeding during
pregnancy, and diminished fetal growth.
A typical uterus is shaped like a small pear and has a hollow, triangular cavity. If there is
failure of the uterine body to fuse completely, the uterine shape will be abnormal. The
development of the ovaries is not affected by these uterine defects. There is a wide range
of uterine abnormalities, and the effect on fertility varies:
Bicornuate Uterus
One of the most common abnormalities is a
bicornuate uterus. A bicornuate uterus has two
uterine horns. Pregnancy within a bicornuate uterus
typically occurs within one of the horns and
pregnancy outcome is usually as normal as for a
fully developed uterus. Surgery is not necessarily
required to fix this abnormality although it can be
performed successfully.
113
Unicornuate Uterus
A unicornuate uterus is half the size of a normal uterus
and there is only one fallopian tube. Because of its shape,
it is described as a uterus with one horn. This
abnormality is quite rare. It develops early in life, when
the tissue that forms the uterus does not grow properly. If
you have a unicornuate uterus, you probably have two
ovaries, only one of which is likely connected to your
uterus. No surgery can be done and this malformation
can increase the risk of late 2nd and early 3rd trimester
loss because the uterus will "run out of room" and trigger
premature labor.
Septate Uterus
A septate uterus is most commonly associated with
miscarriages. In this abnormality, a midline septum
is present which mistakenly forms during the
hollowing process. Normal uterine lining does not
grow over the septum, so if the embryo implants in
the septum, it is unable to grow properly. A septum
can be removed by hysteroscopy, which can provide
a successful outcome.
Understanding the type of uterine defect one has is critical, because this will determine if
intervention is needed to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Miscarriage:
There are many possible reasons for a first trimester miscarriage, most of them
resulting from a chromosome abnormality. Unless there are complications, or you are
suffering from multiple miscarriage (like myself), there generally is no waiting
requirement to start trying again. The important thing to realize is that early miscarriage
is VERY common and generally is NOT a result of anything you did wrong nor is there
anything you could have done to prevent it or another one from occurring.
Your cycle will usually return to normal rather quickly, and you will probably get
your period about 4-8 weeks after the miscarriage if it was fairly early. While some
114
doctors may prescribe waiting out three cycles, it is advised more for emotional reasons
than physical ones.
Its always a good idea to wait until you have at least one normal period so you
are better able to determine when conception occurred. The time you need for an
emotional recovery is often much longer than the physical one, so use your own
judgement for determining when it is best to try again.
Intralipid Therapy
Intralipid Therapy is an exciting new therapy that has had some very good results
for women with high NK cells experiencing repeated miscarriages. It has also proven
helpful for women who have unexplained infertility and have experienced multiple IVF
failures (implantation failure). Often doctors assume this is related to poor embryo
quality, but it is worth exploring this therapy to address possible immunologic factors
causing the IVF failures.
115
Intralipids have been shown to lower the activity of the natural killer cells
component of our immune system. The method of administration is an IV infusion of 90
to 120 minutes duration and require that you are not allergic to soy or egg products, and
also do not have a history of high cholesterol or liver disease.
There are a few fertility centers in the U.S. offering Intralipid Therapy as well as
locations in the U.K. I expect more centers around the world will begin to use this
therapy as it gains popularity due to the fact that it is effective, inexpensive and without
significant side effects.
If this is something you are interested in, I suggest you visit this site with much
more detailed information (its a bit technical, but very informative):
Intralipid Therapy
116
Chapter 8:
When Medical Science Should Intervene
A Look at Todays Breakthrough Technology for
Increasing the Odds of a Baby
If your natural efforts havent worked and
youre ready to move on and give advanced
reproductive technologies (ART) a trial run,
you need to know how the procedures work
so youll be physically and mentally prepared
for it.
117
Your personalities have to mesh well. You may not like a doctor who takes your
case too seriously, preferring someone who can ease your fears and allay your anxiety.
Or, you might not like a doctor who jokes around with a topic youre taking very
seriously.
Any time you feel uncomfortable, its okay to move on and find a specialist that
has the same approach you have in mind. You can find some specialists online at sites
such as http://www.Resolve.org or http://www.inciid.org. These are great places to find
others who are going through the same thing as you are.
Treating infertility can be time consuming and costly, so weigh your options
carefully. Of course your treatment will also depend on your reasons for infertility. You
may feel like youre on a roller coaster, moving from something as simple as blood tests
and discussions about ovulation to injections and invasive surgeries.
Unfortunately, Clomid does have some side effects which can impair fertility. It
may have an adverse effect on your cervical mucus and cause your endometrial lining to
be too thin.
You only want to use these procedures when youre sure your body has produced
a good egg. To ensure this, your hormone levels will be monitored to see if your estradiol
has risen to 150-300 pg/ml. Youll also notice your LH surge right before the egg is
released so that you can time the procedures just right.
Youll probably be asked to try artificial insemination 3-4 times while on Clomid
before moving on to injectable infertility drugs. After four tries with injectables, its
usually time to move on to IVF.
tissue, which can make some people squeamish. These are called an intramuscular
injection.
Some women are even using pumps similar to diabetic pumps to deliver their
hormones. Every 90 minutes it releases a small dose of GnRH. Your body reacts by
producing LH and FSH and stimulating the ovaries to release an egg.
You may also be injecting hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which matures
your eggs and helps them get a release from the follicles. This, too, is an intramuscular
drug but certain forms such as Ovidrel are now being released as subcutaneous.
There are some side effects to injecting these drugs. Some women experience
headaches, bloating, weight gain and mood swings. Its a normal result of altering the
hormone balance in your system.
If you notice any of the symptoms below, call your doctor immediately:
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty urinating
121
baby!) may be great, there are some great drawbacks to IVF that you need to be prepared
for.
Its not only an expensive option, but its time-consuming as well. If you hated
the injection phase, then you wont like IVF, either. Plus, you have to add on ultrasounds
and more blood work to the mix.
After undergoing all of this, you still wont have any guarantee that youll have a
baby in your future because IVF isnt predictable. What worries most women is that they
feel like after getting to this point, its the last hope.
But in reality, you can always repeat your earlier options again, which often
works for women who go through a second round. But you may find after IVF that you
want to look at other options, like adoption or using a donor egg or surrogate. These are
all options on the horizon if you choose to use them.
IVF is actually only used by about 2% of infertile couples. The success rate is
25% for women under age 35 per IVF cycle. Once you reach 35-37 your chances are set
at about 30%. It drops to 22% if youre between 38 and 40, goes to 12% if youre over
40 and after 45 youre usually looking at donor egg options.
For some reason, the more we spend on facing our infertility, the higher our
expectations. While our hopes may rise a bit with an over-the-counter ovulation
predictor kit, it isnt nearly as emotional as when you undergo an IVF cycle and then find
it didnt work.
123
After youve been on the injections for a few days, the clinic will probably ask
you to come in for some monitoring so that they can see if your follicles are responding
and if your estradiol is rising. If anything is amiss, they may change your medication or
the dosage.
Youll usually be monitored every couple of days using blood and ultrasound and
as you get closer to ovulation this may increase to every day. You have to take an
injection of a drug called hCG approximately 35 hours before you go in to have your egg
retrieval done. Your timing must be exact if they tell you to take the injection at 2
oclock in the morning, then make sure you do it at that precise time.
When you go in for your egg retrieval, youll be given an IV after changing into
your gown. Theyll go over your identity to prevent any mix-up with the eggs and then
theyll administer the medicine to make you go to sleep while the procedure is
performed.
The doctor goes in through your vagina with an ultrasound probe tipped with a
needle. He uses the ultrasound to locate your follicles and punctures them to suck out the
fluid, which is where your eggs will be when they look under the microscope.
Theyll continue doing this until they empty the follicles taking a total of 30-40
minutes. The embryologist will look for eggs that are round and mature. Even if the egg
is immature, it might mature within 24 hours.
During this entire process, your partner will be providing his semen sample.
Sometimes they use frozen samples, but they always prefer a fresh batch if possible. That
night, your eggs are incubated with your partners sperm in a petri dish.
When the staff comes in the next morning, they check for fertilization. Frozen
embryos are kept inside a liquid nitrogen tank temporarily until youre ready for their use
in a transfer.
The embryologists will make sure they only transfer good embryos. Youll
usually find out the day of the retrieval how many eggs were viable and the next day,
how many were fertilized. After a few days the embryos will be evaluated and your
doctor will decide how many to transfer back into you. Any leftovers can be frozen and
used at a later time if necessary.
124
Resist the urge to do a home pregnancy test. You may get a false positive or false
negative. As stated, your clinic will conduct a blood test to see if youre pregnant. If you
are, some clinics will continue monitoring you to ensure the pregnancy sticks. Theyll
monitor your hCG (pregnancy hormone) and progesterone levels to make sure the
pregnancy is proceeding normally.
laboratory, it occurs in the fallopian tubes, just like in a natural pregnancy. Both
eggs and sperm are put into the fallopian tubes and conception happens naturally.
127
Chapter 9:
Conception Isnt One Size Fits All
Mapping Out Your Blueprint for Making Your
Dream Come True
Everything youve learned about improving your fertility has to be applied the
way you feel is best. You dont have to do something just because it worked for someone
you know.
I simply feel that women should have all options available to them and should
know that sometimes its the simple things that can lead to major changes with regard to
your fertility things you can easily fix on your own without expensive procedures and
doctors visits.
When the day finally comes that you find yourself blessed with a baby, be sure to
remember everything you went through and try to balance your excitement with empathy
for those still struggling to find the right answer.
You, like me, may experience the ups and downs of discovering youre pregnant
only to end up losing the baby after several weeks of joy and bliss. When I look at my
children, I am so glad that I discovered so many treatments to try and that I endured the
emotional roller coaster that allowed me to eventually end up a mother after numerous
obstacles.
As you set out on your own personal path to pregnancy, remember that all of the
advice in the world wont be the answer to your hopes and prayer unless you follow
through on what you feel is best for your body.
128
Through it all, make sure you take care of yourself as you dedicate your life and
your time to finding your fertility. Ignoring your own needs wont help you get pregnant
any faster and in fact it may delay the process.
I wish you all the success in the world with your present and future journey and I
welcome each and every one of you to share your thoughts and success stories with me so
that others can learn what may work for them and deliver a bundle of joy to their waiting
arms one day.
The statements regarding any natural or herbal products have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure
or prevent any disease. The information on my website or in this e-book is designed for
informational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical advice or
care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or
illnesses without consulting your doctor.
129