-IBIS-1.7.6-
tx
reproductive system
Infertility: female
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
Infertility is the inability to conceive a child after 1 year of regular sexual activity without the use
of birth control. Use of the IUD, hormonal dysfunction, environmental pollutants, drug abuse,
and a past history of sexually transmitted diseases are often associated with the development of infertility.
Common causes of female infertility include scar tissue from pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, abnormalities in the uterus or fallopian tubes, diseases of the cervix and the rest of the reproductive tract, and an allergic reaction to sperm. In about 15 to 20 percent of the cases, infertility has no observable physical cause.
If infertility is accompanied by other persistent physical problems, consult a physician. Curing infections may also clear up infertility. It is often helpful to seek sexuality and emotional counseling for issues related to infertility.
If you have been unable to conceive children for more than a year, both you and your partner should have complete physical examinations and evaluations for possible courses of treatment.
The following course of action can be used at any time during the attempt to become pregnant. This will more than likely not clash or interfere with other medical approaches to fertility and are safe. Unless otherwise stated, these are for use by both partners.
THE FOLLOWING ARE SUPPLEMENTS COMMONLY USED FOR THIS CONDITION:
1. Vitamin E 500 to 1,500 Units per day in divided doses for several months. Vitamin E taken by the male partner may also be helpful in preventing birth defects.
2. Calcium 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams per day, taken after meals.
3. Magnesium 500 milligrams per day.
4. Zinc 10 to 15 milligrams per day. This is important for proper development of the reproductive organs.
5. Beta-carotene 50,000 Units per day for 2 weeks, starting from the day menses begins. Then 15,000 Units is taken until the period (or through pregnancy).
NOW, ABOUT THE HERBS USED FOR INFERTILITY:
For women:
Angelica tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract, taken with Licorice Root tincture 25 drops of each tincture per day may help regulate menstrual periods. Do not use during menstruation.
Steep 1/2 ounce of Red Clover blossoms, 1/2 ounce of Raspberry leaves, and 2 teaspoons of Peppermint leaves in a quart of boiling water for 20 minutes. Drink 1 or more cups per day for several months.
False Unicorn Root is used as a uterine tonic 15 to 20 drops of the tincture per day. If there is a problem with repeated miscarriages, 3 drops of the tincture 5 times per day are taken during the entire first trimester.
Sometimes, infertility involves a history of repeated miscarriages. If there is persistent cramping or bleeding, indicating a threatened miscarriage, call your physician and take the following mixture. Simmer in 1 quart of water for 20 minutes: 1 ounce of Wild Yam Root, 1 ounce of Squaw Vine Leaf, and 1 ounce of Cramp Bark. Take 1/4 cup every 4 hours until symptoms cease.
REGARDING THE PROPER DIET:
1. Mantain an overall healthy diet Use fresh foods as close to the natural state as possible, avoiding prepackaged and processed foods. Eat daily servings of leafy green vegetables, whole grains (such as brown rice and rolled oats), fresh fruit, and proteins with a minimum of animal fat. Avoid sugars (such as in pastries and candy) and refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and white rice). Drink at least 8 cups of fluids daily. For more information, refer to the article on healthy diet.
2. Emphasis in cases of infertility should be put on avoiding artificial colorings and flavors commonly added to food. Read the labels to become acquainted with the product content.
3. Avoid caffeine-containing foods such as coffee, tea, sodas, and chocolate.
4. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and the use of recreations drugs.
REGARDING STRESS REDUCTION:
Stress Reduction is essential You may not be able to eliminate stressful situations in your life (such as a busy schedule or a stressful relationship), but you can learn to cope better with the stress by following these guidelines:
Regular physical exercises at least 30 minutes 3 times per week.
Relaxation exercises 20 minutes once a day. Tapes can be purchased at one of your local bookstores. Yoga, practiced on regular basis, can serve the same purpose.
Deep Breathing most of us tend to hold our breath or breathe shallow breaths during stressful situations. This can cut down the amount of oxygen available to the body with every breath. Try to have a few 1 minute intervals of breathing and relaxation during the day. At these times, pay special attention to relaxing your shoulder muscles and breathing deeply.
HOMEOPATHY:
Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with infertility. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.