5 alternative fertility treatments for conception

5 alternative fertility treatments for conception

Fertility acupuncture

Fertilization treatments are accompanied by stress and strain, leading to the secretion of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which disrupt the likelihood of successful embryo implantation. Acupuncture reduces stress, lowers the level of the stress hormones, and increases blood flow in the body – and so facilitates blood flow to the uterus and the ovaries. Acupuncture opens up blockages and releases obstructed energy so supporters of these treatments believe that acupuncture helps embryos to implant in the endometrium and with their proper development in the uterus.

Also, because acupuncture stems from a holistic worldview, that is, treating the female body as a whole, the acupuncturist also examines and treats other problems that may be affecting the patient’s reproductive system.

According to research, using Chinese acupuncture to treat fertility problems yields excellent results for both men and women. Acupuncture can be considered a treatment that successfully restores the patients’ fertility by enhancing sperm quality and ovarian functioning and balancing the hormonal system.

A pilot study that explored multidisciplinary fertility acupuncture found that acupuncture does indeed have a positive effect on women compared to women who only changed their lifestyle. It increases their awareness of their fertility and improves their well-being. Women who fell pregnant did so in half the time compared to the group that only changed their lifestyle but did not undergo acupuncture.

It’s important to mention that some studies claim that that acupuncture doesn’t help women who are trying to improve their fertility; however, there’s a great deal of evidence from women who were satisfied with it and the treatment did succeed for them, so it’s definitely worth giving it a try.

Reflexology for fertility

Reflexology is an alternative treatment method that is performed by applying pressure to the feet. According to this method, the foot contains a map of all the organs and systems of the body. Various impaired bodily systems can be treated through physical contact with the foot. Every organ in the body is associated with a different spot on the foot so applying pressure to that spot causes the flow or release of energy in the associated organ.

The reflexology approach also helps to get rid of toxins, to achieve a hormonal balance, and to reduce stress, and, by doing this, it bolsters fertility and improves the state of the eggs.

Castor oil treatment (for external use only)

Castor oil is extracted from the castor oil plant. Its effectiveness is attributed to its quality of warming the area it is rubbed on and increasing the flow of blood to it. Some people claim that it helps to heal and mend the tissues on the inner side of the skin and by stimulating the liver and the lymphatic system, and therefore cleanses toxins from the body.

Castor oil is used externally only. It can be used to massage the uterus or by simply dipping a piece of material into the oil and placing it on the skin of the lower stomach. The oil should be covered with a nylon bag and a hot water bottle placed on top of it. You can lie down like this for between half an hour and an hour. It’s important to be careful not to smear it on damaged skin so that the oil does not penetrate into the body.

Castor oil should not be used during menstruation or after ovulation, and not while undergoing hormonal treatment.

Massaging the uterus

A massage of the abdominal area by a certified masseuse or by oneself increases the flow of blood to the uterus and to the endometrium, which is built mainly from blood vessels and therefore there must be a constant flow of blood to it.

When the flow of blood to the uterus and the pelvis improves, more oxygen can reach the cells and nourish them with the right nutrients. Implantation of the embryo depends a lot on the amount of oxygen that reaches it through the endometrium and on the quality of the blood during the embryo’s first weeks in the uterus. Massaging the uterus facilitates the flow of blood and oxygen to the uterus.

A study was conducted in the US to examine the natural effect of an abdominal and pelvic massage on female fertility, as well as on IVF results. According to the results of the study, an abdominal and pelvic massage significantly improves the woman’s chances of in vitro conception both naturally and as a supplement to IVF.

Massaging the area of the abdomen can only be done only during the period between menstruation and ovulation – not during menstruation and not after ovulation.

Because this is an external and not an evasive technique and has almost no side effects, it’s worth considering including the method in the treatment of fertility problems.

Medical herbs for fertility

Vitex Agnus Castus (Abraham’s balm)

Vitex agnus castus is a medicinal herb. The fruits of the plant produce extracts that help cure hormonal diseases.

Research has revealed that Vitex agnus castus is effective in helping cases of infertility among women as well as among men. It also helps to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other hormonal conditions.

The components of the plant are known in the medical world to help women with progesterone hormone balance problems.

According to German researchers, vitex agnus castus can help fertility problems. Clinical research has investigated the effect of ingesting a herbal formula in which the main component is vitex agnus castus essence, on 96 women with a variety of fertility problems. The participants in the research suffered from secondary amenorrhea, a defect that appears in the luteal phase (progesterone deficiency) or had unexplained infertility. The use of vitex agnus castus did not lead to a change in their hormonal levels, but it nonetheless contributed to an improvement among those women with secondary amenorrhea or a defect in the luteal phase. The experiment was conducted over a three-month period and showed that the number of women who conceived easily as a result of using vitex agnus castus was double that of the group that received a placebo.

Repeated miscarriages occur in 1% of couples, and is defined as three pregnancy losses in a row.  Although it is disputed, there is evidence that normal levels of progesterone could be an important cause of sustained pregnancy and that an increase in the levels of progesterone could increase the probability of success.

Studies report a case of repeated miscarriages in which low levels of progesterone were observed. Taking the vitex agnus castus supplement for one month led to a successful pregnancy with normal levels of progesterone and live birth after a full-term pregnancy. The second pregnancy was successful, also with the use of the vitex agnus castus supplement even though it’s not possible to confirm the exact role that Vitex agnus castus played in this case. This reinforces the evidence of the hypothesis that this plant can be used as an effective intervention in cases of repeated pregnancy loss and especially in cases in which there is a low level of progesterone.

Angelica sinensis

This plant is considered to be one of the most important plants in Chinese medicine. The plant improves blood flow to the uterus, it is rich in iron, which is essential for normal blood, it builds up the endometrium, regulates the menstrual cycle, helps with irregular bleeding, helps cases of polycystic ovaries, prevents pre-menstrual migraines and, in addition to all of this, increases sexual desire and improves mood.

Maca (lepidium meyenii)

This edible medicinal plant originated in Peru and is considered to be a superfood, and is well-known all around the world for its unique ability to improve sexual functioning, fertility, hormonal balance among women, and energy levels. Maca is very rich in important vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. It contains traces of elements, such as potassium, iron, iron, magnesium, and zinc. It is also the source of the Vitamin B complex.

Studies show that the maca root increases sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm volume among men, and thus improve the chances of conception. This is due to maca’s ability to aid hormonal balance where needed. In addition, it provides nutrients to the body that are beneficial to cell health. It should be borne in mind that there is evidence that maca contributes to an improvement of sperm functioning but the evidence is limited.

Maca also helps to balance and regulate sex hormones in women. Maca influences the production of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, and helps to balance them when necessary, without containing the hormones themselves.

—–

Maca also contributes to follicle health. Maca can help to stimulate the maturation of the follicles in the ovary (as seen in studies conducted on animals). It also contributes to the health of the egg. Maca offers a platform of nutrients that support the health of the body at the level of the cells but also ensures a healthy hormonal balance that contributes to healthier eggs.

Maca improves the body’s ability to cope with fertility problems related to vaccinations. Immunity-related fertility problems cause the body to identify some of its reproductive functions as being hostile, causing the body to send natural killing cells to attack them. Maca helps the body maintain a normal immune response.

Maca also helps to ensure a healthy menstrual cycle, a healthy endometrium, and ovulation. This is the result of Maca’s ability to support a hormonal balance, to nourish the endocrine system (that controls hormonal functioning), and to increase blood flow to the pelvic area.

Maca also benefits thyroid health. Some reports show that 10 grams of maca root contain 52 micrograms of iodine, while darker roots contain more iodine than light roots. Iodine is an essential substance for ensuring proper thyroid functioning. Maca has a balancing and nourishing effect on the hypothalamus (which controls, stimulates, and balances the other endocrine glands: pituitary, adrenals, ovaries, testicles, thyroid, and pancreas) and, as a result of this action, Maca can, in response, help someone who has thyroid problems.

There are different types of maca. When it comes to improving the quality and quantity of male sperm counts, there is a preference for the black maca tuber. The maca supplement can be taken in different forms, like pills or powder. The powder is often mixed into shakes.

—–

To remove any doubt, the contents of this article are intended to serve as a general overview only, and the information in it does not relate to a product nor is it intended to provide guidance, it does not comprise a certified medical recommendation, and it is not intended to instruct the public or to be used by it as advice, instruction, or a recommendation for the use, modification, or stopping use of any medication, and does not comprise a substitute for personal or other medical advice. Pregnant women, lactating women, children, and anyone taking prescription drugs must consult a doctor before using dietary supplements.