-IBIS-1.7.6-
tx
reproductive system
Infertility: male
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.

In males, a malfunction of the testicles, particularly low sperm production, represents a common causes of infertility. Other causes may be premature ejaculation and urinary and prostrate problems. 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 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 and the prostrate gland.

5. Beta-carotene – 50,000 Units per day.


HERBS USED FOR INFERTILITY:

For men:

• Ginseng Root is a tonic for the male reproductive organs and may help with hormonal imbalances – 1 standard dose twice daily. See the product label. Avoid commercial teas made of the leaves, which are less effective .


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.