For many couples, the inability to conceive a child is one of the most stressful and heartbreaking times of their relationship. At the beginning of the 21st century we are faced with problems of exposure to environmental estrogens, low sperm counts and a wide range of other factors that affect fertility.

There are many causes of infertility for couples. Some are from the physical body and others are from the emotional, mental and spiritual body. It is beyond the scope of this article to cover them all. As many infertility treatments are expensive and time consuming, I would recommend consulting an intuitive doctor or other healing professional before beginning standard infertility treatments such as fertility drugs or IVF.

Infertility occurs almost equally in men and women. 30% of infertility is attributable to women and 30% to men. An additional 30% is attributable to both partners and the remaining 10% is unknown. A recent study published by the CDC indicated that one in 132 men in the US is infertile.

What are the causes of female infertility?

There are many physical body reasons for infertility in women. Some of these are anovulatory cycles (a menstrual cycle that has varying degrees of menstrual gaps and the absence of ovulation and a luteal phase). amenorrhea (suppression or absence of menstruation), luteal phase defects, premature ovarian failure and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and excessively high prolactin levels.

Sometimes anatomical problems in the fallopian tubes of women due to previous surgery or past pelvic inflammations will prevent eggs from traveling through the tubes.

Other factors, such as uterine growths, fibroids, and endometriosis, are common causes of infertility in women. Thyroid conditions, diabetes, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease can also cause infertility.

Also, alcohol and certain hormones, antibiotics, antidepressants, and pain medications will affect conception.

What can a woman in general do to improve her fertility?

Get a hair analysis test. This test will show what exposure you have to toxic metals and/or other chemicals that will reduce fertility.

Limit exposure to secondhand smoke, as cigarette smoke contains toxic metals known to have negative effects on fertility.

Avoid caffeine.

Taking an organic acids metabolic profile test will also show your exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants.

Nutritional supplementation to improve female fertility

Note: Unless otherwise stated, all dosages described in this article can be divided and taken with food. Folic Acid – Increases cervical health and also interferes with HPV infections, 800-1200 mcg per day. B Vitamins: A full-spectrum B-complex that includes 100mg of each of the B vitamins and 100mcg of B-12 (methylcobalamin). Iron – As part of your normal blood tests, ask your doctor to order a ferritin test and a complete blood count (CBC) which will show how much iron you need. The best form of iron is iron carbonyl. Take iron with vitamin C. Vitamin C: 1000 mg per day of vitamin C will help increase ovulation. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus castus) 500-750 mg per day. It reduces the release of prolactin and lengthens the luteal phases and improves the production of progesterone in the body. Natural Progesterone Cream: Rub into smooth skin areas. Massage well into the skin. Use in the morning and at night. Works well with chasteberry to improve female fertility. Tribulus terrestris fruit extract (standardized to 40% total saponins) 500 mg 3 times daily. Tribulus terrestris increases the incidence of productive ovarian cycles. Prenatal Vitamins: Prenatal vitamins are great to use while a woman is trying to get pregnant. Many studies have shown that women who used prenatal vitamins had a significantly higher number of conceptions.

What are the causes of male infertility?

Male infertility is caused by problems with the production and delivery of sperm. Sometimes a man may have an anatomical problem such as one or more tests that do not descend, or a ductal obstruction due to infection or inflammation. Hormone dysfunction is also a common cause of male infertility.

As discussed above, just like with women, certain medications can also cause infertility in men. Common high blood pressure, arthritis, and digestive medications affect sperm production and motility. STDs will also affect male fertility.

What can a man do in general to improve his fertility?

Note: Unless otherwise stated, all dosages described in this article can be divided and taken with food. Zinc (zinc monomethionine): 30 mg daily. Multiple studies have shown that low zinc levels have a very negative effect on sperm production. Antioxidants (selenium, vitamins A, C, and D) Selenium (selenomethionine): 200 mcg per day, vitamin A (natural beta-carotene) 1,500 IU per day, vitamin C 1,000 mg per day, vitamin D 1,000 IU per day, and vitamin E 1,000 IU per day. The male body needs antioxidants for sperm function and viability and to increase sperm count. Glutathione: 500 mg per day on an empty stomach. Glutathione is a molecule synthesized in the body from the three amino acids L-glutamic acid, L-cysteine, and glycine. Glutathione is one of the most powerful and important antioxidants in the body. The male body needs both glutathione and selenium to obtain a protein that allows sperm motility. Coenzyme CoQ10: 200 mg per day. CoQ10 increases fertilization rates and sperm count motility. Arginine: 3000 mg per day on an empty stomach. Arginine significantly increases sperm motility.

Bail: Do not use Arginine if you are diabetic, have cancer, or have had eye or brain herpes. In some people, a high level of arginine will cause the reactivation of herpes viruses in the body, such as cold sores or genital herpes. Also, people with phenylketonuria (PKU) should not use Arginine. Korean Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) 900 mg per day. Multiple studies have shown that the use of Panax Ginseng will increase sperm count and motility. Pygeum africanum: 100 mg per day. Pygeum africanum affects male fertility by aiding the survival of sperm outside the male body. It also helps with the pH balance of the prostatic fluid.

**Disclaimer** The material in this presentation is provided for informational purposes only and does not contain or convey medical advice or instructions. Always check with your doctor or other medical professionals before making any changes to medication, diet, or exercise.