Infertility is a problem that affects many couples, and aside from complex medical interventions to treat the causes, there are also many natural ways to increase fertility. Surprisingly, these natural methods in many cases are simply a case of evaluating life style and making necessary changes.
Infertility: Common Causes
There are several causes of infertility in females, the most common being:
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Early Menopause (premature ovarian failure)
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Pituitary Tumor
Although all of the above causes are apparent due to medical problems, the risk of some of them can be reduced by practicing natural ways to increase fertility.
Natural Ways to Increase Fertility: It's Easy, Really
For some couples, the cost of embarking on expensive fertility treatment can be profound. Not only is this type of action expensive, it can cause physical and psychological strain on both the male and female, which is not helped by the fact that no fertility treatment offers 100 percent guarantees of success.
The following are simple and--in most cases--cost-free natural ways to increase fertility:
Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Maintaining a body mass index (BMI) of between 18.5-24.9 will allow an individual to sit comfortably in the 'normal' weight category. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome are known to increase body weight, thus causing the primary infertility problem. Therefore, maintenance of an acceptable BMI reduces issues relating to the increased production of unwanted hormones as a direct result of being overweight.
Keep Fit and Active
Current recommendations state that 30 minutes of exercise five times per week that makes you moderately out of breath is sufficient activity to enhance fitness and avoid unnecessary weight gain. This level of activity will enable calories to be burnt, thus reducing excess body fat. Keeping generally fit and healthy is a sure way of working towards making your body a 'temple'.
Stop Smoking
Nicotine inhalation, by smoking or passive smoking, can significantly affect both sperm production/quality and ovarian function/egg production. It is crucial that couples who smoke or have close contact with cigarette smoke quit the habit or the associated risk in the pre-conception period.
Limit or Stop Intake of Alcohol
Pre-pregnancy advice on the consumption of alcohol changes all the time. To be on the safe side, it is advised that females drink no more than one alcohol unit per day in the pre-conception stage and during subsequent pregnancy. Many women adopt the total abstinence attitude as a result of the knowledge that ovulatory function can be disrupted by alcohol.
Attend Regular Pap Smears
It is logical to suggest that safeguarding the female reproductive system from cancers, such as those that affect the cervix, can only enhance overall fertility and chances of conception. Not only do Pap smears detect pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, but many clinics also routinely test for infections at the same time.
Avoid Sexually Transmitted Disease
Conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are often caused subsequent to an STD. The avoidance of contracting such infections is crucial to female fertility. For a female who may have had an infection such as chlamydia at the age of 20, she may not realize that the effects of such an infection (particularly if left untreated) can contribute to infertility several years later. Practicing safe sex and being tested regularly for STI's is a responsible way of working towards good levels of fertility when the time comes to conceive.
Refrain from Taking Drugs
Both prescription and recreational (illegal) drugs are believed in many cases to have detrimental effects on both male and female fertility. When trying to conceive, it is advisable to refrain from taking any drugs unless under strict medical guidance. Not only can fertility be reduced, but there may be a risk of birth defects if you conceive.
Natural Remedies
Compared to the cost of fertility treatment, many couples choose a course of natural remedies prior to conception. The ability to harmonize and balance both the body and mind is believed to contribute significantly to a couple's chance of conception. Many causes of infertility can be corrected or made less prevalent by use of therapies such as acupuncture, reflexology, and homeopathy.
Taking steps to keep fit and improve mind and body wellness can only increase chances of fertility. For many couples, pregnancy can be achieved in 6 to 12 months if all of the above are taken into account and fulfilled to their greatest potential.
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