If you have been trying to conceive for six months or longer, fertility supplements may be a good option for you. The most common forms of fertility supplements are pills and teas. If you want to take pills, you can either take a supplement containing several herbs or the herbs you wish to take in separate pills. It is best to consult your doctor before taking any supplement. Even though they are natural, they are not necessarily safe for everyone. They may interact with drugs you or taking or diseases or conditions that you have. Most will also help lessen PMS symptoms and lighten menstrual flow. There are also some supplements that should be avoided while trying to conceive.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil, or EPO, is an essential fatty acid. It helps fertility by increasing the amount of fertile cervical mucus. Prior to and during ovulation, cervical mucus thins out and becomes stretchy and slippery. This helps sperm penetrate the cervix and move to the fallopian tubes. The usual dosage is 1500 to 3000 milligrams per day. Evening primrose oil should be taken from the end of menstruation to ovulation. Avoid taking EPO after ovulation, since it can cause uterine contractions in pregnancy and possibly miscarriage. You can detect ovulation using ovulation predictor kits, or by tracking your basal body temperature and cervical mucus.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry, also known as vitex, decreases prolactin production to help regulate the menstrual cycle and hormone levels. Although no negative effects of chasteberry during pregnancy have been found, it is generally recommended that you discontinue use after ovulation. It may also increse libido. Chasteberry takes time to build up in the body, so it may be necessary to take it for a few months before effects are noticeable. It should not be taken for longer than 18 months without consulting a doctor. It should not be taken in combination with the fertility drug Clomid, since it renders it ineffective. Although generally well-tolerated, chasteberry may cause dry mouth and dizziness.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil helps decrease prolactin production to boost fertility. It may also help with symptoms of endometriosis. It may also help improve uterine function. Flaxseed oil can be taken throughout the monthly cycle.
Red Clover
Red clover can help regulate the menstrual cycle, allowing more accurate prediction of of ovulation. Red clover is often taken in tea form. It must be used for several months before effects will be apparent. Red clover should not be taken by women with blood clotting disorders.
Agnus Cactus
Agnus cactus is a fruit from a mediterranean shrub. It helps to regulate hormones and improve cycle regularity. It can also help induce ovulation in women who do not ovulate due to hormonal imbalance. It can also help prevent miscarriage in women with a history of miscarriage prior to the twelfth week. Agnus cactus should not be taken with progesterone supplements.
Supplements to Avoid
Not all supplements are good to take while trying to conceive. There are many that decrease fertility. St. John's wort and ginkgo biloba are two popular supplements that impact fertility. Others to avoid are echinacea and wild yam. Caffeine and cigarettes should also be avoided to ensure that fertility is not obstructed.
