Female Infertility

What you need to know

Infertility must always be investigated - and both partners must be tested. It’s only comparatively recently that men have been examined early in the process; in the past that often didn’t happen until the unfortunate woman had suffered a battery of unpleasant and invasive investigations, which found nothing abnormal, that the quick and simple examination of the sperm was performed.

Before commencing the lengthy testing procedures - unless there are obvious signs of underlying illness - it’s always worth trying simple things first. Stress, Anxiety, tension, lack of privacy and opportunity for sex may be the only problem. A relaxing break in new surroundings, a good meal and a bottle of wine - though not too much for him - might be enough to do the trick. Remember Shakespeare’s warning that, as far as men are concerned, drink inflames the desire, but reduces the ability.

Good nutrition is the vital key to successful conception, and it should start with pre-conceptual planning at least three months before you even start trying for a baby. Of course it’s essential to have intercourse at the appropriate time of the month, which is a bit more difficult if your periods are irregular. Beware, however, the trap that many couples fall into.

They want a baby so much that sex loses its passion and becomes an obsessive activity to be performed on certain days only. A 3pm phone call to your partner because your temperature has gone up by 1 degree and he’d better get home NOW is hardly likely to help.

You’ll find nutrition advice for men who think they may be infertile on the men’s genital tract pages (male Infertility).

The most useful Supplements:

Iron	15mg to 40mg per day
Selenium	100mcg to 200mcg per day
Soya isoflavones	50mg per day
Vitamin C	200mg to 1,000mg per day
Zinc with Copper	15mg to 30mg and 1mg to 2mg per day

A good multivitamin and mineral supplement taken on a daily basis will help to correct any dietary deficiencies you may have.

If prolactin levels are too high take Vitamin B6 at 100-200mg for 3-12 months. Must be combined with Magnesium and Zinc.

The most useful Herbs:

There are several herbs:

Agnus Castus	500mg 3 times per day
Borage	1gm to 3gm per day
Red Clover	500mg 3 times per day
Sage	500mg 3 times per day

Aromatherapy

Using Aromatherapy oils - as a massage or in the bath - will help you relax. The best in these circumstances are:

Geranium
Lavender
Rose

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

Women should:

Cut down on alcohol - no more than two glasses of wine, 2 pub measures of spirits or one pint of beer or lager a day
Eat large amounts of oily fish
Increase their intake of trace minerals by eating lots of nuts and seeds
Get to a sensible weight. Being too fat - or too thin - reduces your chances of conception
Keep Iron levels up to avoid Anaemia by eating Meat (but not liver) Poultry, dark green leafy vegetables, dates, raisins, dried bean
Increase their intake of plant hormones (phyto-oestrogens) by eating soya products like tofu, soya milk or soya beans.
Try to cut your caffeine intake down.

Other useful advice

Take regular but gentle exercise
Get sufficient sleep
Take time to relax
Do not smoke!

The complementary therapies Naturopathy, Yoga, Acupuncture, may also help.

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The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.