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DESCRIPTION
Infertility is usually defined as the failure to conceive after a year or more of regular sexual activity during the time of ovulation. It may also refer to the inability to carry a pregnancy to term. An estimated one in every five couples in the United States experiences infertility, and pinpointing the exact cause of the problem can be difficult. Ovulation, fertilization, and the journey of the fertilized ovum through the fallopian tube and finally into the uterus are highly intricate processes. Many events must work together perfectly for pregnancy to occur.
For men, infertility is most often the result of a low sperm count or an anatomical abnormality. A variety of factors can result in a low sperm count, including exposure to toxins, radiation, or excessive heat; testicular injury; endocrine disorders; alcohol consumption; recent acute illness or prolonged fever; and testicular mumps. The most common anatomical abnormality that leads to infertility in men is a varicocele, a dilated vein of the spermatic cord.
For women, the most common causes of infertility include ovulatory failure or defect, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Some women develop antibodies to their partner's sperm, in effect becoming allergic to them. Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease that strikes 4 million Americans a year, causes many cases of infertility. Psychological issues, such as stress or fear of parenthood, may contribute to infertility as well.
OVULATION TIMING SELF-TEST
If you wish to become pregnant, there are a number of tests available over the counter that can help you determine the best time to attempt to conceive. These tests predict the time of ovulation by detecting the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn triggers the release of the egg.
A chemically treated dipstick detects the LH in urine samples. If the hormone has been released, the stick changes color. After a positive result, ovulation takes place within 12 to 36 hours. First response from Hygeia Sciences and ClearPlan Easy from Whitehall Laboratories are test kits that can be purchased at your drugstore. Keep in mind, however, that no test is 100 percent accurate.
OVULATION TEST LINKS:
Amazon.com: ClearBlue Easy Ovulation Test Pack
BuyPregnancyTests: Ovulation Predictors
BabyHopes.com: Low Cost Ovulation Detection Test Kits
United Kingdom: International Branded Ovulation Tests
TestCountry: Ovulation Testing Kits
Meditests.com: Ovulation Tests, Pregnancy Tests and more
Infertility Resources: Fertility Monitors & Ovulation Tests
ClearPlan Easy Ovulation Test Pack Fist Response 1-Step Ovulation Predictor Test
NUTRITION SUGGESTIONS FOR INFERTILITY
Nutrients Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Essential Selenium 200-400 mcg daily. Deficiency leads to reduced sperm count and has been linked to sterility in men and infertility in women. Vitamin C 2,000-6,000 mg daily, in divided dosages. Important in sperm production. Keeps the sperm from clumping, and makes them more motile. Vitamin E Start with 200 IU daily and increase gradually to 400-1,000 IU daily. Needed for balanced hormone production. Has been known as the "sex vitamin" that carries oxygen to the sex organs. Zinc 80 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg from all supplements. Important for the functioning of the reproductive organs. Use zinc gluconate lozenges or OptiZinc for best results. Important Dimethylglycine (DMG) ( Aangamik DMG from FoodScience Labs As directed on label. Increases oxygen supply in the blood to all tissues. Use a sublingual form. Liver Extract Injections As prescribed by a health care provider, twice weekly. Found to be beneficial in promoting function of the sex organs. Octacosanol As directed on label. The heart of wheat germ. Aids in hormone production. Helpful Essential fatty acids As directed on label. Essential for normal glandular function and activity, especially for the reproductive system. L-Arginine
Plus
L-Cysteine
And
L-MethionineAs directed on label. Increases sperm count and plays a role in sperm motility. Sulfur-containing amino acids that are effective free radical destroyers and chelating agents that protect glandular and hormonal function. Plus
L-Tyrosine500 mg daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption. Alleviates stress and aids in stabilizing moods. See Amino Acids for more information. Caution: Do not take this supplement if you are taking an MAO inhibitor drug. Manganese As directed on label. Take separately from calcium. Maintains sex hormone production. Proteolytic enzymes As directed on label. Take between meals. Aids in the breakdown of foods. Facilitates absorption of nutrients. Raw ovarian glandular As directed on label. For women. Supports ovarian function. See Glandular Therapy for more information. Vitamin A
Plus
Natural beta-carotene
Or
Carotenoid complex (Betatene)15,000 IU daily.
15,000 IU daily.
As directed on label.Important in reproductive gland function. Vitamin B complex
Plus extra
Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5
And
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
And
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)50 mg daily.
As directed on label.
50 mg 3 times daily.
50 mg daily.Important in reproductive gland function.
Maintains sex hormone production. Helpful for stress
Needed for the synthesis of RNA and DNA.
Plays a role in restoring fertility in some women.
HERBAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
HERBS
Astragalus extract has been reported to stimulate sperm motility. Caution: Do not use this herb in the presence of a fever.
Damiana, ginseng, sarsaparilla, saw palmetto, and yohimbe enhance sexual function in men. Do not use ginseng if you have high blood pressure.
Damiana, dong quai, false unicorn root, ginseng, gotu kola, licorice root, and wild yam root are good for women. Caution: Do not use ginseng or licorice if you have high blood pressure.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Avoid vigorous exercise, hot tubs, and saunas, as they may lead to changes in ovulation and reduced sperm count.
Avoid all alcohol; it reduces sperm count in men and can prevent implantation of the fertilized egg in women.
Rest until the rash and fever have disappeared.
Do not take any drugs except those prescribed by your health care provider.
Do not smoke, and avoid being around cigarette smoke.
A balanced diet is important. Do not consume animal fats, fried foods, sugar, or junk foods. Do eat pumpkin seeds, bee pollen, or royal jelly. Caution: Do not use bee pollen if you have allergies to pollens. Bee pollen may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Start with a small amount, and discontinue use if a rash, wheezing, discomfort, or other symptom occurs.
Investigate the possibility of heavy metal intoxication, which may affect ovulation. A hair analysis can reveal heavy metal poisoning. See Hair Analysis for more information.
Infertility is stressful, but do all you can to reduce the stresses in your life. Learn stress management techniques to help you deal with stresses that cannot be avoided. See Stress for more information.
CONSIDERATIONS
Because there are so many causes of infertility, in most cases the opinion of a qualified health care provider is needed.
Sperm factors account for approximately 40 percent of all cases of infertility. Some causes of sperm inadequacy (exposure to heat, recent illness, endocrine disorders) may be temporary or reversible, but others are not. Except for artificial insemination, orthodox drug therapy is ineffective in such cases.
Varicoceles are treatable with surgery.
Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet has enabled some previously sterile men to become fathers. A gluten-free diet has also enabled women who were previously unable to conceive to become pregnant. See Celiac Disease and Gluten-Restricted Diet for more information.
A deficiency of selenium can lead to sterility in men and infertility in women.
The transdermal use of natural progesterone cream may benefit infertile women.
Caffeine consumption may prevent some women from becoming pregnant.
Researchers at Britain's Medical Research Council and Edinburgh University scientists have found a new clue to male infertility: gene defects that interfere with proper sperm production. Located on the Y chromosome, these genes are involved in producing a protein that contributes to fertility. Infertility results when a mutation disrupts its normal functioning. More research may lead to new infertility treatments including gene therapy.
Recent advances in the treatment of infertility have focused on making existing techniques more comfortable, as well as expanding treatments to include people who would not have been candidates in the past. One new development is the use of donor eggs to impregnate women who cannot conceive on their own, whether because of damage to the ovaries, age, or some other factor. This is a controversial procedure, and it is being done in select clinics in the United States. It is also extremely expensive.
The ulcer medications cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac) may decrease sperm count and even produce impotence.
If a woman has developed antibodies to her partner's sperm, it may help to have him use a condom for at least 30 days. The sperm antibodies should then decrease, and intercourse without the use of a condom during the time of ovulation may lead to conception.
A woman who suffers from pre-menstrual symptoms such as bloating and breast tenderness is probably ovulating, so if she is having difficulty becoming pregnant, the cause probably lies elsewhere.
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) stimulates the pituitary gland and sometimes restores fertility to some women who cannot conceive.
More women are waiting to bear children in later reproductive years. However, a woman's fertility begins to decrease when she reaches her thirties.
Procedures known as transcervial balloon tuboplasty (TBT) and selective fallopian tube canalization have roughly 90 percent success rates in removing obstructions of the fallopian tubes. TBT is similar to the artery-clearing technique called angioplasty. A tiny balloon is inserted into the tube by means of a catheter; when the catheter reaches the blockage, the balloon is inflated to stretch and clear the blocked section of the tube. The procedure may be performed in about 15 minutes under either a local or general anesthesia. Because this procedure is relatively non-invasive (no incision required), the risks involved are few. However, there is a chance that a tube may become blocked again. This happens in approximately 20 percent of the women who undergo this procedure. Fallopian tube canalization produces similar results to those of TBT.
A University of Michigan study indicated that intense exercise may result in a drop in the production of hormones involved in potency, fertility, and sex drive.
A study conducted at the University of Washington in Seattle found that stress may contribute to infertility. Researchers found that women with hormonal problems also reported less emotional support (close friends or family). The results suggest that stress resulting from a lack of emotional support may affect the hormones involved in fertility.
Your health care provider must get your consent before performing diagnostic tests to determine the cause of infertility. There may be risks involved any time you penetrate the body using a tube, needle, or viewing instrument, or expose the body to the radiation, drugs, anesthetics, and dye materials used in certain imaging techniques. The risks of any given procedure vary depending on your age and health status, and the skill of the practitioner. Be thoroughly informed about any test or procedure before you consent to having it performed on you.
MALE INFERTILITY SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS
Information, supplements and products for infertility (male),the inability for a couple to achieve conception after a year of unprotected intercourse.
Maca (Lepidum meyenii) Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Today Maca is used to increase energy and support the immune system. Maca can help a number of conditions from fatigue to frigidity.Male Performance Formula, TestoJack NOW Foods 100 - 60 Vcaps
The combination of ingredients in TestoJack 100 provides enhanced energy levels without the anxiety or insomnia that accompanies other energy supplements, as well as overall support for men's health.Vitamin C 1000 with Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000mg - 250 Vcaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.Gokshura Powder (Tribulus terrestris), 100% Organic - 8 oz. Bulk
The increase in testosterone levels by Tribulus will promote protein synthesis, positive nitrogen balance as well as faster recuperation and recovery from muscular stress.Selenium 100% Natural, 200mcg - 100 Caps
Selenium is an essential component of glutathione, the body's most potent natural antioxidant system. It is a popular choice in many antioxidant regimens.Selenium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm - 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Selenium is pure liquid Selenium supplement. Selenium promotes normal body growth, enhances fertility, encourages tissue elasticity and is a potent antioxidant that naturally reduces the retention of toxic metals in the body. Selenium is crucial for the proper functioning of the heart muscle and there is evidence that it can help the body fight cancer.Vitamin E, d-alpha tocopherol 400 IU - 100 Softgels
Vitamin E has potent antioxidant activity, supplies oxygen to the blood, aids in strengthening capillary walls, and plays a beneficial role in cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention, anti-aging benefits, circulation, wound-healing, immune function, nervous system function, PMS, hot flushes, diabetes, vascular disease, eye health, tissue repair, athletic performance, leg cramps, skin and hair health, and alleviating fatigue.Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way 30mg - 100 Caps
Zinc is present in all tissues, organs and secretions of the body. Nature's Way chelated zinc is 100% natural chelated with an advanced amino acid complex for superior absorption.Fish Oil / Fisol, EPA DHA, Enteric Coated, Nature's Way 500mg - 90 Softgels
Scientific research confirms the important role of Omega-3 essential fatty acids in maintaining healthy blood triglyceride levels, as well as supporting the heart, skin and joints. Fish Oil contains an abundance of two-key Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids, EPA and DHA.L-Methionine, 500mg + B-6, 10mg - 100 Caps
L-Methionine is an essential sulfur amino acid. The body cannot produce L-Methionine, which must be obtained from food or supplement sources.Astragalus Root Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Astragalus root is used to stimulate the immune system and astragalus root improves adrenal gland function and digestion.Horny Goat Weed w/ Maca, 808mg - 60 Caps Standardized Formula for Men & Women
Horny Goat Weed provides a serious boost to men or women who need it. Based on the latest scientific research into performance and well-being. Each safe, highly potent capsule contains a unique and powerful complex of herbs formulated to support libido and sexual activity. Horny Goat Weed is an all-natural phyto-aphrodisiac.Spermarize Male Fertility Supplement Formula - 90 Tabs
Spermarize Male Fertility Supplement has been developed and used in China to increase male sperm count and the mobility of human sperm.Chromium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm - 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Chromium is a pure liquid chromium supplement. Chromium helps the body regulate metabolism, regulate insulin and blood sugar levels, helps the body lose weight by stimulating enzymes that metabolize glucose, burns fat. Chromium deficiencies may contribute to Infertility and decreased sperm count.Tribulus Terrestris Organic Standardized Extract, 1000mg - 30 Tabs
Tribulus is Nature's master hormone regulator for men and women and has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of health problems including loss of libido (sex drive), impotence, infertility, edema, liver, kidney and heart problems, PMS, menopause, and more. Tribulus is a safe, non-hormonal food supplement prepared from the herb, Tribulus terrestris.Multi Mineral Complex w/ Iron -Nature's Way 100 Caps
Nature's Way Multi Mineral Complex with Iron offers a complete carefully dosed blend of minerals vital to the body. This multi-mineral provides nutritional support for normal bone development, muscle function, reproduction and metabolism.Alive! Whole Food Energizer Multi-Vitamin & Mineral with Naturally Occurring Iron (No Iron Added), Nature's Way - 90 Tabs
No other supplement contains more life-giving nutrients than Nature's Way ALIVE! It is better absorbed into your blood stream because its tablets disintegrate up to 5X faster than other leading brands.
OTHER HELPFUL PRODUCTS & BOOKS - MALE INFERTILITY
FEMALE INFERTILITY SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS
Information, supplements and products for infertility, the inability for a couple to achieve conception after one year of unprotected intercourse.
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm - 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Zinc is a pure liquid Zinc supplement. Zinc moves through all the fluids in the body, it creates a defense against infection-causing bacteria and viruses trying to enter the body and stops bacterial and viral replication.Maca (Lepidum meyenii) Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Today Maca is used to increase energy and support the immune system. Maca can help a number of conditions from fatigue to frigidity.Sensual Lubricant TCM Formula, Guijiao Wenrun - (Female Sexual Lubricant) - 1 fl. oz.
The Sensual Lubricant - TCM Formula female sexual lubricant can activate blood circulation, remove frigidity and increase sexual desire.Vitamin E, d-alpha tocopherol 400 IU - 100 Softgels
Vitamin E has potent antioxidant activity, supplies oxygen to the blood, aids in strengthening capillary walls, and plays a beneficial role in cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention, anti-aging benefits, circulation, wound-healing, immune function, nervous system function, PMS, hot flushes, diabetes, vascular disease, eye health, tissue repair, athletic performance, leg cramps, skin and hair health, and alleviating fatigue.Zinc Lozenges w/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way 23mg - 60 Lozenges
Nature's Way Zinc lozenge boosts cold season defense with zinc, widely recognized as an important nutritional support during the cold season, and echinacea pupurea, clinically shown to support the immune system, and Vitamin C, a vitally important vitamin for general health maintenance.DMG Supplement N, N Dimethyl Glycine, NOW Foods 125mg - 100 Caps
NOW Foods' DMG Supplement is a methylated amino acid found in all cells. DMG is an antioxidant and methyl donor that has a number of beneficial effects. It has shown to have potential in increasing immune response to the flu and salmonella.Fish Oil / Fisol, EPA DHA, Enteric Coated, Nature's Way 500mg - 90 Softgels
Scientific research confirms the important role of Omega-3 essential fatty acids in maintaining healthy blood triglyceride levels, as well as supporting the heart, skin and joints. Fish Oil contains an abundance of two-key Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids, EPA and DHA.Manganese Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 30 +/- ppm - 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Manganese is a pure liquid Manganese supplement. Manganese, also called the "brain mineral," is important in the utilization of all mental facilities/functions.Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera) Powder - 4 oz. Bulk
Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera) is also known as Indian ginseng. Ashwagandha is useful for coughs, infertility, impotence and more.Infertility (Increase Female Fertility) Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
This Organic herb supplement has been developed to help increase female fertility.Saw Palmetto Berries Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Saw Palmetto may also enhance sexual functioning and sexual desire.Motherwort Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Research has shown that Motherwort is able to calm palpitations and irregular heartbeat.False Unicorn Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Many herbalists recommend False Unicorn for reducing menopausal symptoms, and treating ovarian cysts. It has also been used to normalize hormone levels following oral contraceptive use.Squaw Vine Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Squaw Vine is often used for both menstruating and pregnant women and may be used as a salve and be applied to sore nipples while nursing.Lobelia Herb, Nature's Way 425mg - 100 Caps
Lobelia has been traditionally revered for its soothing properties that nourish the nervous system. Lobelia also enhances the function of the respiratory system and has antispasmodic effects.Passion Flower Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Passion Flower is a powerful relaxant to the nervous system important in the treatments of anxiety, tension and insomnia.Tribulus Terrestris Organic Standardized Extract, 1000mg - 30 Tabs
Tribulus is Nature's master hormone regulator for men and women and has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of health problems including loss of libido (sex drive), impotence, infertility, edema, liver, kidney and heart problems, PMS, menopause, and more. Tribulus is a safe, non-hormonal food supplement prepared from the herb, Tribulus terrestris.
OTHER HELPFUL PRODUCTS & BOOKS - FEMALE INFERTILITY
NaturalChildbirth.org: Natural Remedies for Blocked fallopian tubes
Additional information available from the:
Fertility Research Foundation
877 Park Ave
New York, New York 10021
(212) 744-5500 (phone)
(212) 744-6536 (fax)
Website: www.frfbaby.com
Email: info@frfbaby.com
or
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
(Formerly The American Fertility Society)
1209 Montgomery Hwy
Birmingham, Alabama 35216-2809
(205) 978-5000 (phone)
(205) 978-5005 (fax)
Website: www.asrm.org
Email: asrm@asrm.org (Main)
Email: asrm@asrm-dc.org (Office of Public Affairs)
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