The Healthy Way

Monday, March 05, 2007

Baby making woes

Q: My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for the last nine months and we are having no luck. Are there any natural ways to promote fertility?

Signed, B.A.B.Y.

A: Some couples are content to stop their contraception and just see what happens; others find themselves in a monthly cycle of expectation and disappointment.

Most GPs won't start fertility investigations or refer you to a specialist until 12 months of trying. The reason for this can be understood when we look at how efficient normal fertility actually is.

Even for a healthy, fertile couple, the per-month success rate is around 15 to 20 per cent, so it is not at all uncommon for it to take some months to conceive. Overall, around 70 per cent of couples will have conceived by 6 months, 85 per cent by 12 months and 95 per cent will be pregnant after two years of trying. As you might expect for couples where there actually is a problem, the pregnancy rate is lower.

The causes of infertility can be considered as follows:

Ovulation problems: 10-15 per cent

Tubal blockage or endometriosis: 30-40 per cent

Male (sperm) problems: 30-40 per cent

Unexplained: 15-20 per cent.

You should start by getting tested if you have not succeeded within 12 months of trying. Both you and your husband need to do it. Also, another problem can be the "stress" of trying. Often it is good to take a vacation and relax.

Supplements such as a good digestive enzyme taken on empty stomach can be helpful because it can eat away at any debris that may be blocking "the way," it can also soften the egg capsule and allow more ease for the egg to release from the ovary.

Vitamin E, C and beta-carotene can increase sperm count and motility. Taking 30 to 60 mg of Zinc per day can also increase sperm count. Hormonal homeopathic remedies such as Hormeel or Folliculinim are often included in the regiment to regulate female hormones important for conception.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online here