Infertility
Infertility is thought to be present when a couple fails to start a pregnancy within 18 months of trying. Over the last 20 years there has been a significant rise in couples experiencing fertility problems, with a quarter of all couples who are planning a baby having trouble conceiving. It is not uncommon for a couple without any fertility problems to take 2-3 years to conceive. There are many variables in achieving a successful conception. Nutrition has proved to be highly successful in helping couples conceive; in the Foresight programme, which is designed to optimise nutritional status there, is an 89% success rate.
How can Nutritional Therapy help?
By improving general health the quality of both eggs and sperm can be improved. It is important to identify:
Allergies or food intolerances
Poor digestion
Stress
Exposure to alcohol, tobacco, environmental chemicals and heavy metals
The following may also need to be considered:
-
Medical conditions - endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease or polycystic ovaries.
-
Weight - being the ideal weight for your height is key
-
Genito-urinary infections - these can affect pregnancy outcome, both partners can be affected and so re-infection is easy. Ask your GP or local GU unit to test you both.
-
Excessive exercise – may lower sperm count due to testosterone deficiency, and in women normal periods may be affected. Limit aerobic exercise to three times a week.