- Naturopathic treatments for infertility often work when conventional treatments have failed.
- Naturopathic treatments are gentle and non-invasive, which is why they are often recommended as the first line of treatment.
- Naturopathic treatments can help to improve the overall health of both partners, which can improve fertility rates.
- Naturopathic treatments can be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as IVF or IUI.
- Naturopathic treatments are affordable and often covered by insurance.
If you are struggling to conceive, naturopathic treatments may be a good option for you. Naturopathic treatments are gentle and non-invasive, which is why they are often recommended as the first line of treatment. Naturopathic treatments can help to improve the overall health of both partners, which can improve fertility rates. Naturopathic treatments can be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as IVF or IUI. Naturopathic treatments are affordable and often covered by insurance. To learn more about naturopathic infertility treatments, contact a naturopathic doctor in your area.
10 Things to Try Before Seeing a Doctor
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When to See a Fertility Doctor
Fact: It takes an average young couple 4-6 months to conceive, with 85-95 percent of couples getting pregnant after a year of trying. Serena H Chen, MD, director of reproductive medicine at the Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science in New Jersey on behalf of Fertility Authority, says that for some with “a serious medical illness, previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, a personal or family history of PCOS [polycystic ovary syndrome], endometriosis, or premature ovarian failure,” seeking the help of a fertility specialist right away may be the best route.
But for the rest of you, if you want to increase your chances of getting pregnant faster, consider these tricks you can try at home before making an appointment with a fertility specialist.
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Sperm Friendly Lubricant
When selecting a lubricant, read the label and look for one that says it is sperm-friendly.
Many lubricants contain spermicide, a substance that kills sperm. Before you go out and buy a new bottle of lube, think about what you already have at home. Vegetable oil, believe it or not, is a safe and effective lubricant that has no effect on sperm.
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Supplement With Myo-inositol
Taking Myo-inositol may help regulate your cycles and get you pregnant faster if you have PCOS or aren’t ovulating on a regular basis. Myo-inositol improves insulin sensitivity and may be beneficial to patients, particularly those suffering from ovulatory infertility.
Supplements, such as Premama, which contains 2000 mcg of Myo-inositol, are one way to increase your intake. Alternatively, you can include foods high in Myo-inositol in your diets, such as grapefruit and navy beans.
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Extra Vitamin B6 and Zinc
Vitamins and minerals are important for your overall health—as well as your fertility. [Vitamin B6] aids in the regulation of the luteal phase [of your cycle], or the time between ovulation and menstruation. The daily recommended dose is 100 mg.
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Acupuncture
If you’re having trouble conceiving, it’s recommended that you try acupuncture for three to six months to help increase “blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, stimulating the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.”
Acupuncture can help regulate hormones in the body, which may be one of the factors preventing pregnancy. A 2003 Cornell study confirmed acupuncture’s fertility-boosting benefits.
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Sex a Few Times a Week
There is some confusion about how much sex to have, but it isn’t as complicated as some make it out to be.
Having sex a couple of times per week should suffice. The precise timing of intercourse does not improve success rates, and attempting to time intercourse precisely has the unintended consequence of increasing stress.
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Drink More Water
Water is essential for fertility because it aids in the removal of toxins from the body and the production of sperm-friendly cervical mucus. Dehydration can also cause fatigue, and it’s difficult to get in the mood when you’re tired.
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Get Familiar With BBT and OPK
Tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) can give you an inside look at what your body is doing by determining when you’re ovulating and when you’re most fertile. An ovulation predictor kit (OPK) can also be useful.
Use the kit on day 10 of your cycle, and it will tell you when you’re having a positive [hormonal] surge, indicating when you might be ready to ovulate. This is a better predictor than a body temperature chart because it will tell you before you’re going to ovulate, versus after.
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Examine Your Diet
When it comes to fertility, what you eat can have a big impact. Chronic dieting, low body weight/fat, insulin resistance, irregular periods, and PCOS are all common conditions that can reduce fertility. Eat fertility-friendly foods, and if you’re still having trouble, consult a nutritionist.
By consulting with a dietitian early in the process, patients can determine the extent to which their diet and metabolic health influence fertility before committing to more extensive and costly fertility treatment.
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Hit the Right BMI
We all know that maintaining a healthy weight and exercising are important for overall health, but they are also critical for fertility. Being overweight or underweight can have an impact on fertility.
Being too thin (BMI less than 18.5) or too overweight (BMI 25 or higher) can have an impact on your fertility.
Do You Need a Naturopathic Doctor Specializing in Fertility in Gilbert, Arizona?
Atlas Health Medical Group in Gilbert, Arizona specializes in providing Naturopathic Fertility Treatment to the East Valley including Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, San Tan, and Queen Creek. When women with PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome start thinking about becoming pregnant, they find that it can be challenging and they may suffer from infertility. Infertility is defined as struggling to become pregnant after trying for 1 full year, or if you are over 35 years old- after 6 months of trying. Some women have even been told by their ob/gyn that they won’t be able to have a baby without IVF or a fertility specialist. However, we have worked with many women diagnosed with PCOS and I have been able to help them reach hormone balance in order to naturally conceive! We pride ourselves on setting the standards of patient care and result-driven treatments. This approach has allowed us to become the leading Naturopathic clinic in Gilbert, Arizona. Our patients return to health and live the life they intended. Contact us today for your first appointment!
