Factors involved in successful conception:
> Sperm transport — sperm must be deposited and transported to the site of fertilization.
> Egg transport — Ovulation must occur and the egg must be "picked up" by the tube.
> Fertilization & embryo development — Union between sperm and egg must result.
Issues affecting female fertility
1/ Ovulation disorders Ovulating infrequently or not at all accounts for most cases of infertility. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes a hormone imbalance, which affects ovulation. It's the most common cause of female infertility. Hypothalamic dysfunction. Two hormones, FSH and LH, stimulate ovulation each month. Excess stress or very high/low weight can disrupt their production - irregular or absent periods are the most common signs. Primary ovarian insufficiency - the ovary no longer produces eggs, and it lowers oestrogen production in women under 40. Too much prolactin - reduces oestrogen production and can cause infertility. 2/ Damage to fallopian tubes Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes keep sperm from getting to the egg or block the passage of the fertilized egg into the uterus. Pelvic inflammatory disease - infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes due to STI. Previous surgery in the abdomen or pelvis - including ectopic pregnancy. 3/ Endometriosis Endometriosis occurs when tissue that typically grows in the uterus implants and grows in other places. This extra tissue growth — and the surgical removal of it — can cause scarring, which can block fallopian tubes and keep an egg and sperm from uniting. 4/ Uterine or cervical causes Several uterine or cervical causes can interfere with the egg implanting: Benign polyps or tumors can block fallopian tubes or interfere with implantation. Unusually shaped uterus. Cervical stenosis or narrowing - caused by an inherited malformation or damage. Cervical mucus - inadequate mucus to help sperm travel through cervix into uterus. 5/ Unexplained infertility In some cases, the cause of infertility is never found. A combination of several minor factors in both partners could cause unexplained fertility problems.
My Thoughts The following suggestions are general ideas and not specific - remember we are all individual and protocols are adapted accordingly! Aims may include: [1] balance blood glucose, [2] balance the microbiome, [3] reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, [4] increase nutrient assimilation, detox and elimination, [5] Balance stress response Nutritional Protocol may include: X Protein with each meal X Oily fish X rainbow of vegs X Fruit X Nutrient dense wholefoods – soups (bone broth base) /stews/juices/smoothies X Nuts and seeds X Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices –ginger, turmeric, bp, rosemary, cinnamon, garlic. X Increase hydration X Herbal teas (spearmint, passionflower, green) Supplements may include: 1/ Myo-Inositol 2/ Multi Vitamins and Minerals 3/ Magnesium 4/ Vitamin D 5/ Chromium, Cinnamon + lipoic acid complex (Photos and adapted from: www.healthline.com ; www.naturopathy-uk.com; www.mayoclinic.org; www.drug.com; www.britishfertilitysociety.org.uk)
Comments