October 1, 2014 by patricia
Natural Fertility in Rhode Island
Rhode Island natural fertility Blog, brought to you by the Center Of Balance. Today more and more women and men are seeking help with their fertility issues through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). ART was originally designed for people with structural issues who would not be able to conceive without medical intervention to overcome the structure impediment causing their infertility. However, in the last decade, a growing percentage of women and men with “unexplained infertility” have been turning to ART for their “sub” fertility solutions. Unfortunately, for a large number of these people it may not be necessary.
Fertility problems fall into two basic categories: The first is structural problems impeding the process, such as blocked fallopian tubes in women or in men an obstruction i.e. scare tissue effecting sperm quality and count; the second is Hormonal Imbalances and or Nutritional Deficiencies, which lead to things like “unexplained infertility” or PCOS in women and decreased sperm, count in men.
When the problem is structural often times western medical assistance is necessary however even in these cases studies have shown (Source: http://www.healthcmi.com/acupuncturist-news-online/691-acupunctureinfertilityivfpid) that using acupuncture for fertility, herbs and nutritional enhancement increases your chances of becoming pregnant.
For the second problem, hormonal and or nutritional issues, using natural methods can restore the rhythm of your reproductive system and help you achieve a healthy pregnancy, naturally. Acupuncture, appropriately prescribed herbs, supplements and extensive nutritional counseling are natural, effective methods to reach this goal. Before a couple considers reproductive endocrinology and the use of artificial means to become pregnant I believe we should all give our bodies the tools and the opportunity to regain health and conceive naturally.
While every situation is unique, there are a few basic things that everyone should consider when experiencing “sub” fertility.
I recommend first having a thorough medical exam including minor procedures to confirm that there are no structural problems also blood tests to determine if your thyroid is working normally and that your FSH and LH (these are specific reproductive hormones) are in the right ratio with one another. In addition, I have all of my patients chart their cycle which includes basal body temperature, using ovulation predictor kits and recording cervical mucus changes. This information gives the practitioner great insight into the workings of the woman’s cycle and what the problem may be. With this information the correct course of treatment can be planned.
The other part of the natural fertility enhancement protocol is nutrition. You are what you eat and your baby is too, even before conception. What you put into your body is affecting the quality and the strength of your eggs and sperm, many months before you even try to conceive. There are general food guidelines that everyone should follow, there are particular fertility foods that should be added to your diet and there are depleting and toxic “food like substances” that should be avoided.
Foods like: carrots, parsley, dill, celery and parsnips are all considered fertility enhancing; sugar, excessive starchy carbs and coffee are not. The general rule with starchy carbs is—100 grams or less per day if you are at or close to your ideal weight, 70grams of less if you are overweight. Full fat dairy is another fertility enhancing food to benefit the quality of the eggs.
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