The journey of infertility can be a difficult one, and it can often feel like there is no end in sight. While seeking medical advice is always the best option, there are also some home remedies that can help couples on their fertility journey. This blog post will discuss some of the home remedies that can be used to help couples facing infertility. We will explore the benefits of natural remedies, such as herbal supplements, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes, as well as the potential risks associated with them. Finally, I will provide advice on how to choose the right home remedy for your specific needs. With the right home remedies, couples can find the strength and support needed to tackle infertility and move forward with their lives.
What Exactly is Infertility?
Infertility is also known as (Scientific Binomial Name), Not getting pregnant / aphoria / barrenness / infecundity / unproductiveness (Common English), (Unani), baanjhapan / garbhaavastha samasya (Hindi / Urdu), Karuvuramai / Karppa piraccanai (Tamil), Vandhyatva / Garbhadharana samasya (Marathi), (Sanskrit), Usarata (Bengali), Vandhyatvam (Telugu), Banjetanakke / Garbhadharaneya samasye (Kannada), Vandhyata / garbhakalatte prasnam (Malayalam), Bu yun bu yu / Huaiyun wenti(Chinese), Esterilidad (Spanish), Infertilidade (Portuguese), besplodiye (Russian), Agonia (Greek), aleiqm (Arabic), Funin (Japanese), Infecunditate (Latin), Onvruchtbaarheid (Dutch), Infertilita (Italian), bezpliddya (Ukrainian). Infertility is now generally defined as an inability to conceive after six months to one year of trying. An estimated 20 % of couples have trouble conceiving. To many couples, pregnancy seems like a simple matter so simple that not getting pregnant is their chief concern. But after years of protected sex, who decide they want children may discover that conception is a far more complex process than they realized.
Natural Fertility Process
Here’s an extremely simplified version of what must happen: First, a woman secretes several hormones, each at the correct time, that cause one of the eggs in her ovaries to mature and to be released into the Fallopian tube. A man must then contribute enough sperm (tens of millions of them) that have the ability to travel up into the tube, where the egg is fertilized. The egg makes it way to the uterus and implants itself in the uterine wall. If anything goes wrong with any one of these events, the couple will not conceive. Because the process is so complicated, it often takes a number of months of trying before a woman can become pregnant. But if a couple has had regular, unprotected sex for at least a year and still cannot conceive, the partners are considered infertile.
Female Sterility
Sterility in case of the female refers to the incapacity to conceive and give birth to a living baby. Sterility or failure to reproduce must be distinguished from frigidity which denotes failure to perform the sex act or performing it imperfectly. It may be relevant to first examine the mechanism of conception. The sperms of the male are injected into the vagina during sexual intercourse. At the very same time an alkaline fluid is secreted from the vaginal walls. The sperms are able to move up the womb and through the Fallopian tubes to fertilize the ova or the female egg only when this fluid is present. Two factors are important in ensuring a normal secretion of this fluid. Firstly, there should be an adequate nerve supply to the vagina ducts. This is the reason why very nervous women fail to conceive. The nervous system in such cases must be strengthened by adequate rest, relaxation and a proper diet The second important factor is to ensure that the fluid flowing from the vaginal walls is alkaline. If this is not so, the sperms are destroyed by the acidic fluid, usually present in the vaginal canal and womb. To ensure the necessary alkalinity of the fluid, it is essential to take a predominantly alkaline diet, with a liberal intake of raw vegetables and fruits, and also to eliminate acid forming foods.
Male Infertility
Although a lot of focus with fertility is on the female partner, keep in mind that studies show that approximately 40 percent of infertility cases are due to men’s sperm abnormalities. These include low sperm count, decreased sperm motility, or abnormal sperm shape. While it appears that falling sperm counts may be part of the problem, rising maternal age is certainly a factor, and as women are having babies later in life, the risk of infertility rises. Dozens of factors can cause infertility. Some common causes are poor nutrition and nutritional deficiencies, stress, sexually transmitted diseases, environmental toxins, congenital abnormalities, hormonal problems (especially low thyroid or low progesterone), eating disorders, especially anorexia, overly intense exercise, obesity or toxic metals.
Causes of Female Infertility
Sterility in a female may be due to physical defects, physical debility and functional faults. Physical defects or structural abnormalities of the genitals and reproductive organs may be congenital or accidental and can result from malformation or sagging of the womb, collapse of the fallopian tubes and the rigidity of the hymen. Sterility due to physical debility can result from poor health as a consequence of certain acute or chronic diseases. These diseases may affect not only the physical body but also the genital organs. Complaints like gonorrhea, syphilis and inflammation of the fallopian tubes also come under this category. Chronic anemia, constipation and leucorrhoea aggravate these conditions. There is a strong connection between endometriosis and infertility, although it is unknown whether the excess tissue actually prevents conception, or if infertility somehow creates conditions hospitable to endometriosis. Sterility may also be caused by loss of essential glands or organs of reproduction or a decrease in their functions, brought about by a variety of factors such as surgical injuries, tumor, excessive radiation and lack of normal menstrual cycle. Obesity or emaciation due either to dietetic errors or faulty metabolism are yet other factors which can contribute to female sterility. Psychological factors like emotional stress, tension, mental depression, anxiety and fear may also result in psychosomatic sterility. This conditions generally temporary and can be corrected by psychotherapy.
Infertility Home Treatment To Get Pregnant
Treating infertility has become a huge medical industry during the past few decades, with doctors doing everything from prescribing fertility drugs to arranging for test-tube babies. Structural defects can be ascertained by a thorough physical examination and radiology and can be set right by surgery. Physical debility and the functional faults of organic nature can be cured by simple and effective methods of natural treatment. These methods include hygienic living, optimum nutrition and following all the laws of nature. While some infertility problems in women can be addressed by having children earlier, men need to try some tactics to raise their sperm counts. The following section highlights primarily the natural alternatives that can be helpful.
- Ashwagandha For Male Infertility: Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medicine of India, regard this root as the Indian answer to ginseng for the male libido. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), they claim, can help treat impotence and male infertility. But do not take this particular herb every day, try just occasionally. Try a cup or two of tea made with five teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Ayurvedic physicians feel about this herb the way the Chinese do about ginseng, that it’s a tonic for the male libido and sexual function, particularly erection problems.
- Increase Fertility with Vitamins: People who advocate micronutrient supplementation often recommend vitamin B6 for infertility. The best sources of this nutrient, in descending order of potency, are cauliflower, watercress, spinach, garden cress, bananas, okra, onions, broccoli, squash, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, peas and radishes.
- Body Fat Matters: If you have some pounds to shed, your desire to conceive should be a real motivator. Body fat can produce estrogen, and if your estrogen level is too high, it can throw off your ability to conceive. Being too thin is another cause of infertility in women. Without enough body fat, you may not ovulate normally, or your uterus may be unable to accept implantation of a fertilized egg. If you worry that you’re too thin to conceive, add more healthy calories to your diet lean protein, whole grain foods, and beneficial oils such as olive oil.
- Chaste Tree to Restore Progesterone: Chaste tree is good for women having difficulty conceiving. Chaste tree extracts, used daily for at least 3 months, can restore progesterone levels, which may improve female fertility. However, more investigation needs for this recommendation. OR Take chaste berry each morning at a dose of 175 milligrams in capsule form or 40 drops of tincture. This herb, mimic the effects of the female hormone progesterone, and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. That can make ovulation a bit more predictable. Chaste berry also contains substances that strengthen the uterine lining. As soon as you think you might be pregnant, stop taking it.
- Ginger to Increase Sperm Count: According to reports of research with animals in Saudi Arabia, ginger significantly increased sperm count and motility. Ginger is so safe and tasty. If you troubled by a low sperm count or poor sperm motility, then try ginger tea, ginger ale, gingerbread and dishes spiced with this tangy herb.
- Avoid Physical and Mental Stress: If you’re already making lots of physical demands on your body, it may be less capable of “accepting” the demands of pregnancy. In particular, exercising for more than an hour a day can interfere with ovulation. If you usually exercise strenuously, take it down a notch. Go easy on your work schedule. Research shows that women who work at a hectic pace in stressful jobs have trouble getting pregnant. Set reasonable work goals, and try to leave office stress behind when you head home. Consider meditation or yoga as a way of keeping stress in check.
- Royal Jelly as a Sexual Rejuvenate: An amazing study on the wonderful sexual rejuvenating properties of royal jelly has been reported. Doctors in Cairo, Egypt administered royal jelly to a number of male patients known to be relatively sterile. Not only did the royal jelly increase their sperm count and make it more active, but also promoted growth of their genital organs as well. Ejaculations also seemed to be more frequent, too. Royal jelly may be found at any local health food store. An average of 20 milligrams daily is recommended for infertility and poor sexual performance.
- Vitamin C Treatment for Male Infertility: For treatment of male infertility caused by sperm abnormalities or clumping, vitamin C supplementation is effective. Try vitamin C rich food such as guava, bitter melon, emblic, rosehips, bell pepper, red peppers and watercress.
- Men should snack regularly on pumpkin seeds. They’re an excellent source of zinc, a nutrient that’s an important part of male reproductive fluids.
- Chinese Herbalism: The Chinese herb cangzhu (Atractylodes lanced) dominates two formulas widely prescribed in China for male infertility. One, called hochu-ekki-to, contains 4 grams each of cangzhu, astragalus and ginseng; 3 grams of Japanese angelica; 2 grams each of bupleurum root, jujube fruit, citrus unshiu peel (a Japanese citrus fruit); 1.5 grams of Chinese licorice root; 1 gram of black cohosh; and 0.5 gram of ginger. In one study, this formula boosted sperm concentrations and motility considerably after three months. A similar formula called ninjin-to contains three grams each of cangzhu, ginger, ginseng and Chinese licorice. If you’d like to try either of these formulas, consult a Chinese herbalist.
- Indian Ayurveda Solution: Try tender roots of the banyan tree. These roots should be dried in the shade and finally powdered. This powder should be mixed five times their weight with milk and taken at night for three consecutive nights after the monthly periods are over. No other food should be taken with this. It should be repeated after the completion of menstrual cycle every month till conception takes place.
- Herbal Formula for Women: Take two tablespoons each of chasteberry, Chinese angelica (also called dang-quai) and false unicorn root and one to two teaspoons of blessed thistle steeped in a quart of boiling water for 15 minutes. Drink two to three cups a day four or five days a week.
- Animal meats are loaded with chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen, a hormone that in excess can decrease sperm count and fertility. If you must eat meat, make sure it’s organic.
- Several studies suggest that zinc deficiencies may be tied to male infertility and poor sperm quality. Good sources of zinc include spinach, parsley, collards, brussels sprouts, cucumbers, string beans, endive, cow peas, prunes and asparagus. Simmer most of these together in a big pot, and you’ve got the makings of a good soup.
- Best Remedy for Sterility and Miscarriage: An infusion of the fresh tender leaves of jambul fruit (jamun) taken with honey or buttermilk, is an excellent remedy for sterility and miscarriage due to ovarian or endometrium functional disorders . The leaves presumably stimulate the secretion of progesterone hormone and help the absorption of vitamin E.
- Avoid alcohol, which reduces the number of normal sperm in men and generally weakens the health of both sexes. Alcohol in a woman’s bloodstream compromises the egg’s ability to move. In men, alcohol can impair ejaculation. Smoke can dramatically reduce your fertility and will also harm a growing fetus. If you’re trying to get pregnant, you must avoid smoke of all kinds. Smoking not only decreases fertility in both sexes but also increases the risk for miscarriage. The number of healthy eggs in the ovaries dwindles more quickly in smokers than among nonsmokers. In men, sperm counts decrease, and there are more damaged sperm.
- Eggplant for Functional Sterility: The eggplant is also useful in overcoming functional sterility. Cooked tender eggplants should be eaten with butter-milk everyday for a month or two for this purpose. It increases the capacity to absorb vitamin E and stimulate the secretion of progesterone.
- Caffeine consumption has been linked to fertility problems, including miscarriage. Avoid coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, black and green teas, and pharmaceutical medications containing caffeine.
- Yoga to Overcome Female Sterility: Certain yogasanas which help tone up the gonads should be practiced regularly for overcoming female sterility. These asanas are sarvagasana, matyasana, ardhamatsyendrasana, paschimottanasana, and shalabhasana.
- Rose oil is said to improve sperm’s ability to travel through the female reproductive organs to a waiting egg. Although no one has verified this via scientific method, it certainly can’t hurt to use a little rose in a massage oil or a bath, especially since the essence also has calming and sensuous qualities. If you become pregnant, stop using essential oils.
- Oats are calming, and can help with the effects of stress, as well as toning the body. Eat as often as possible.
FAQs
Q. What is infertility?
Infertility is the inability to conceive a child or to carry a pregnancy to full term. It can be caused by a variety of factors including hormone imbalance, anatomical issues, lifestyle habits, genetic factors, or a combination of these.
Q. What is the main causes of infertility?
The main causes of infertility are age, ovulation disorders, fallopian tube damage or blockage, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, sexually transmitted diseases, premature ovarian failure, and male infertility.
Q. Why does polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cause infertility?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause infertility because it can interfere with the regularity of ovulation. When ovulation does not occur, it can prevent the release of a mature egg for fertilization. PCOS is also associated with higher levels of androgens, which can disrupt the release of hormones necessary for successful ovulation and fertilization. In addition, PCOS can also cause changes in the uterus lining which can make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.
What are different types of infertility?
- Primary Infertility: This is when a couple has never been able to conceive a child after trying for at least one year.
- Secondary Infertility: This is when a couple has been able to conceive at least one child, but are unable to conceive again.
- Unexplained Infertility: This is when a couple has tried to conceive for at least one year without success, and there is no apparent cause of infertility.
- Male Infertility: This is when the male partner is infertile due to a low sperm count or a physical abnormality that prevents conception.
- Female Infertility: This is when the female partner is infertile due to a physical abnormality or hormonal imbalance that prevents conception.
- Tubal Infertility: This is when the female partner’s fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, preventing conception.
- Endometriosis: This is when the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus, preventing conception.
Q. What things increase a woman’s risk of infertility?
- Increasing age: Women over the age of 35 are more likely to experience fertility issues.
- Smoking: Smoking can damage the fallopian tubes and ovaries, leading to fertility problems.
- Alcohol consumption: Even moderate amounts of alcohol can reduce a woman’s fertility.
- Weight: Obesity or high weight can result into hormonal imbalances that make it harder to get pregnant.
- Stress: Stress can interfere with the hormones needed to ovulate, leading to infertility.
- Exposure to toxins: Exposure to toxins such as BPA and other chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and solvents can increase the risk of infertility.
- Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, and thyroid problems can increase a woman’s risk of infertility.
Q. Does Ayurveda help fertility? How to improve fertility in Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a traditional system of Indian medicine that dates back to ancient times. It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a balance between the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurveda has been used to treat infertility for centuries. It is believed that infertility can be caused by an imbalance in the body’s doshas, or energy systems. Ayurveda uses herbal remedies, lifestyle changes, and detoxification to restore balance and improve fertility. Ayurvedic herbs that may be used to treat infertility include ashwagandha, shatavari, shilajit, and amalaki. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, stress management, and proper nutrition can also be beneficial. Detoxification therapies such as panchakarma may also be used to cleanse the body and restore balance.
Q. Which Ayurvedic medicine is best for infertility?
There is no single Ayurvedic medicine that is best for infertility. The best approach to treating infertility with Ayurvedic medicine is to create a personalized treatment plan based on the person’s individual needs and health history. Commonly used Ayurvedic treatments for infertility include Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Gokshura, Tribulus terrestris, Bala, Lodhra, and Vidari.
Q. What are 3 symptoms signs that you are infertile?
- Difficulty becoming pregnant after a year of trying
- No ovulation
- Low sperm count or poor sperm quality
Q. How does candidiasis cause infertility in women?
Candidiasis, or a yeast infection, can cause infertility in women in a few ways. First, if a woman has a yeast infection, it can lead to inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for eggs to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Second, yeast infections can lead to an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the vagina, which can interfere with conception. Third, candidiasis can cause an increase in levels of a hormone called prolactin, which can interfere with ovulation. Lastly, if a woman has recurrent yeast infections, it can lead to chronic inflammation in the reproductive system, which can make it difficult to become pregnant.
Q. Do all uterine diseases cause infertility in women?
No, not all uterine diseases cause infertility in women. Some uterine diseases, such as endometriosis and fibroids, can lead to infertility, while others, such as uterine prolapse and adenomyosis, may not affect fertility. It is important to speak with a doctor to determine if a uterine disease is impacting fertility.
Q. What is infertility and IVF treatment, and how does it work?
Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive a child after one year of unprotected intercourse. IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to treat infertility. In IVF, mature eggs are removed from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus in hopes of a successful pregnancy.
Q. What are the different treatments available for infertility?
- Medication: Medications such as clomiphene and gonadotropins can be used to induce ovulation, increase sperm count, and treat hormone imbalances.
- Surgery: Surgery can be used to repair anatomical issues, such as blockages in the reproductive tract, that may be causing infertility.
- Artificial Insemination: Artificial insemination (AI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into the uterus through a catheter.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF is a complex fertility treatment that involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them in a laboratory, and then transferring the embryos back into the uterus.
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): ART treatments involve the use of advanced laboratory techniques to help sperm and eggs join together outside the body.
- Donor Egg and Sperm: Donor egg and sperm treatments involve using eggs and sperm from a healthy donor to help couples become pregnant.
- Gestational Carrier: A gestational carrier is a woman who carries a baby for another couple. This treatment is often used when a woman cannot carry a pregnancy herself.
Q. What foods increase female fertility?
- Whole Grains: Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, barley, and brown rice are high in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, all of which can improve fertility in women.
- Leafy Greens: Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are rich in folate, a B vitamin that can help support reproductive health.
- Berries: Berries are packed with antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damaging free radicals that can impair fertility.
- Fatty Fish: Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for reproductive health.
- Avocados: Avocados are a great source of healthy fats, which can help balance hormones and improve fertility.
- Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are rich in nutrients like zinc, essential fatty acids, and fiber, all of which can help support fertility.
- Full-Fat Dairy: Full-fat dairy products like yogurt and cheese can provide the body with important nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins, all of which are essential for reproductive health.
Q. Could stress cause infertility?
Yes, stress can cause infertility. Stress can interfere with hormones needed for ovulation and can also have a negative impact on sperm production. Additionally, chronic stress can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation in the body, which can also have an effect on fertility.
Q. Can Ayurveda treat Infertility cases well?
Yes, Ayurveda can treat infertility cases well. Ayurveda has effective treatments for infertility, such as Ayurvedic herbs and lifestyle modifications. These treatments aim to improve the quality of the reproductive organs, balance hormones, and reduce stress levels.
Q. What are coping strategies for couples who are experiencing the emotional pain of infertility? How do you cope with the stress of infertility?
- Communicate openly and honestly with each other to share feelings and create understanding.
- Seek professional counseling to work through the emotional pain.
- Attend support groups and/or workshops to learn from others in similar situations.
- Take regular breaks from trying to conceive and engage in activities that help maintain connection and reduce stress.
- Exercise and eat a balanced diet to support physical and emotional health.
- Participate in activities that bring joy or relaxation, such as hobbies, hobbies, and travel.
- Take time for self-care, such as getting massages, yoga, or meditating.
- Consider alternative options for parenthood, such as adoption or surrogacy.