We know that infertility affects both partners psychologically and emotionally. So it was interesting to find some research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine[1] . It highlights how infertility can have a huge impact on men, and shows that the diagnosis of infertility significantly increases social strain in male partners.
One of the researchers, Dr Paul Turek, said: “Since male infertility is such a common problem, it is important to understand the real impact it has on male health and relationships. This study makes clear, for the first time, that male infertility is a ‘disease’ like any other, silent or not, and can have a serious effect on the overall well-being of the individual, the couple, and the family.”[2]
But remember, a diagnosis of male infertility is not necessarily permanent, as fresh sperm is produced every 90 days. So by taking action now for the next three months, you can improve your future sperm levels.
There are a number of natural treatments available to improve male fertility and sperm health. At Juno Natural Fertility, we can test your mineral and toxicity levels which may be affecting your sperm, and then devise a tailor-made combination of homeopathic and herbal remedies plus nutritional supplements to increase the number and improve the quality of your sperm.
For further advice on sperm health, see our earlier blog post “Healthy sperm for male fertility”.
[1] http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122509275/abstract
[2] http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157496.php
If you’re trying to conceive, it’s tempting to have a glass or two of your favourite tipple to relax and de-stress.
But research in the British Medical Journal[1] shows that for women, alcohol can disrupt the hormonal balance during the menstrual cycle and reduce the chances of getting pregnant by half.
For men too, drinking can reduce sperm count and motility, and increase the levels of abnormal sperm. Importantly, alcohol also inhibits the body’s ability to use zinc - one of the most important minerals in male fertility.
Radio presenter, Zoe Ball talked about trying for a second child on the Ken Bruce show last month.[2] She and her husband gave up alcohol earlier this year and announced in July they’re now expecting a baby after five years.
So to give yourselves the healthiest eggs and sperm, and the best chance of becoming pregnant, leave the alcohol alone for three months before you try to conceive. It really will be worth it.
[1] http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/317/7157/505
[2] 6 August 2009; BBC Radio 2.
If you have long-term fertility problems or other menstrual symptoms, taking the herb Agnus Castus over several months could help.
Agnus Castus (or the Chaste Tree berry) has been used as a phytomedicine for centuries to restore hormone balance and improve fertility.
Taken as a herbal supplement, the tincture acts on the pituitary gland to balance hormone fluctuations in luteinising hormone (LH) and is also useful for women with high prolactin levels or excess oestrogen. It can encourage ovulation and maintain a pregnancy once you have conceived - but you must check with a qualified practitioner before continuing to take it once you are pregnant.
It can also be beneficial for men with fertility problems, such as low sperm count - so it’s a truly unisex herb.
In Germany, women are often treated with phytomedicines in preference to conventional medicines for a whole range of menstrual problems, as there are relatively fewer side effects and the cost is lower.[1]
Agnus Castus is available as a liquid tincture or in capsule form. You may need to take it once a day or more, depending on the strength of the extract - simply follow the directions on the bottle.
If you’d like to know more about Agnus Castus and other natural hormone-balancing remedies, send us an email or call us on 0845 423 8962 - we’ll be pleased to help.
[1] http://www.stevenfoster.com/education/monograph/vitex.html
Folic acid is in the news this week. The Scottish Spina Bifida Association is suggesting that women of childbearing age should take a folic acid supplement for three months before they try to conceive. They believe this could cut the risk of an embryo developing spina bifida by 75 per cent.
But what is folic acid and how does it work? In its natural form, folate and vitamin B12 are needed to produce DNA and RNA, which form part of every cell in the body. If you’ve been using the contraceptive pill, it can take three months for your body to regain adequate folate levels for pregnancy. So you can see it’s vital for healthy foetal development.
The Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health recommend that you take 400 micrograms a day of folic acid for three months before conception and on into the 12th week of pregnancy - we recommend you take a multi-vitamin and mineral that contains this level of folic acid. You should also eat folate-rich foods like dark green leafy and root vegetables, broccoli, whole grains, pulses, avocado, organic meat and fish.
Read the news story here.