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Infertility

By Áine Marie Reilly 
BSc(hons), MNIMH, MCPP, MIIMH, DipCoun  

Many people who are planning on starting a family expect that becoming pregnant is the most natural thing in the world, but the fact is that around 1 in 7 couples in this country experience problems conceiving, and that number seems to be increasing.    One of the most common causes of infertility in women is hormone imbalance which prevents ovulation from occurring. This may be due to a problem with the reproductive hormones themselves, or it may be the result of another health problem such as thyroid disease or being very underweight or overweight.   

In some cases infertility may be caused by the woman’s immune system attacking her partner’s sperm, or by insufficient circulation to the uterus which prevents a fertilised egg from implanting properly.   Another common cause of infertility is damage to the reproductive system by infections such as chlamydia, or chronic urinary tract infection.  Other factors which can reduce fertility in both partners include stress, nutritional deficiency, exposure to chemicals such as pesticide residues, food additives, smoking, and excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption.   Many couples who have problems conceiving opt for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment in which eggs are removed from the woman’s body, fertilised in a laboratory, then introduced back into the uterus.  For some people this treatment is very successful, but it is certainly not an easy or a guaranteed way to become pregnant.  

The treatment itself  consists of daily injections and endless blood tests.  The first stage involves shutting down the reproductive system, which can have the same side effects as the menopause.  This is followed by treatment to stimulate egg production which can cause fluid retention, nausea and vomiting.  However most women who undergo IVF treatment would agree that the physical side effects are usually nothing compared to the emotional rollercoaster ride of anticipating the treatment, wondering if it has been successful, and all too often, the terrible disappointment of a failed attempt.    Each cycle of treatment costs thousands of Euros and carries only around a 25% chance of success.  Of course IVF can only ensure that eggs are produced and fertilised.  If the problem is due to poor health of the reproductive organs or failure to implant, IVF will have no effect whatsoever.  

If you are trying for a baby naturally or considering IVF treatment, there are ways to boost your fertility and increase your chance of becoming pregnant .   Ensure your diet includes in plenty of organic fruit and vegetables, oily fish, nuts, and seeds such as pumpkin and linseeds.  Nutritional deficiencies such as insufficient vitamin E, vitamin B complex, zinc and magnesium have been linked to infertility.  It is therefore advisable to take a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement which is specifically designed for women who are trying to conceive.  These supplements also contain the recommended level of folic acid which is essential before and during early pregnancy to prevent spina bifida, and low levels of vitamin A which can be damaging in early pregnancy.  

Use household cleaning products such as Ecover which don’t contain harmful chemicals.  Avoid non-organic food and any food which contains additives. Stop smoking, and limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine.   If you are experiencing problems conceiving, a medical herbalist can assess the causes of infertility and provide an individually tailored blend of herbs and detailed nutritional advice. For example, herbs such as agnus castus and false unicorn root help to regulate hormones, and others such as raspberry leaf help to ensure the reproductive organs are healthy.  Immunological rejection of sperm can be corrected with herbs such as Echinacea, and circulatory stimulants such as yarrow and ginger ensure a healthy blood supply to the uterus.  Herbal medicine can also help with the stress which is associated with infertility.   Herbal medicine can be used alone or in combination with IVF treatment to increase the chance of success.  Herbal medicine can also be combined with other therapies which help to increase fertility such as acupuncture.  Here at The Lismore Clinic we have treated many women who went on to become pregnant and give birth to healthy children after experiencing problems such as polycystic ovaries, unexplained infertility, repeated failure of IVF and recurrent miscarriage.

  Áine Marie Reilly is a qualified medical herbalist practising in Lismore.  To make an appointment for a private consultation telephone 058 53200 or 087 934 5910.

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