More and more couples are seeking non-medical assisted reproductive technology (ART) options. If infertility is due to a genetic cause or a structural cause, then medical assisted reproductive treatment may be necessary. The following are 9 excellent natural approaches to infertility.
1. Relaxation
Stress can take away the essential nutrients to create a healthy pregnancy. Relaxation can help to reduce stress and improve the chance for conception.
2. Quit Smoking
There are several published studies indicating the adverse effects of smoking and fertility. In vitro fertilization (process of fertilizing egg cells outside the womb by sperm) patients who smoked showed lower number of follicles. The nicotine hampers egg maturation and causes egg abnormalities. Egg quantity and egg quality is decreased, as is sperm quality and quantity for men who smoke. Women who smoke also have higher rates of miscarriages.
3. The Missionary Position
The missionary position is often used in order to allow for deeper penetration and for the sperm to be deposited in the closest vicinity to the cervix as possible. By placing a pillow under the hips, the woman can assist to keep the sperm inside and increase the odds to get pregnant naturally.
4. Yoga
Exercise can lower stress levels, but surprising new studies indicate that exercise can lower the chance to conceive. When conducting in vitro fertilization studies, medical reports indicated that women who exercised for a total of 4 or more hours per week were 40 percent less likely to get pregnant or carry a baby to term. Yoga is considered to be a milder form of exercise to reduce stress.
5. Weight Loss
Medical studies indicate that being overweight is linked to ovarian problems and affects the menstrual cycle and the ability to conceive. Reports show that 30 to 45 percent of women who are overweight have menstrual difficulties. Other research also indicates that obesity can lead to miscarriages.
6. Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years to increase fertility. When infertility is due to natural causes, such as a hormonal imbalance or sperm or egg quality and quantity problem, herbal remedies may often help. It is important to always speak to a health care provider before beginning the use of any new herbal supplement to achieve fertility.
7. Acupuncture to Assist Reproduction
Acupuncturists balance energies throughout the body with the use of relaxation techniques and fine needles. German medical studies in 2002 showed that 42 percent of women going through in vitro fertilization became pregnant versus only 26 percent for those that did not receive acupuncture for fertility.
8. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been known to help to regulate menstrual cycles, which in turn could assist with reproduction in a natural way. The way in which it helps to regulate menstruation is because of its relaxation benefits. When stress is relieved, a pregnancy is more likely to occur.
9. Hydrotherapy (Hydropathy)
Hydrotherapy is a method of relaxation treatment with the use of water. It has been used for many years to relieve burn pain, arthritis, and several other muscular disorders and injuries. Medical research shows that hydrotherapy treatment and the use of water pressure may be of benefit with conception, as muscles and body become relaxed and tension and stress is relieved. Several wellness centres and spas have various hydrotherapy treatments available to achieve a calmer overall healthy body, and may be a good option as a non-medical assisted reproductive technology option.
