Most women want to have a child at some point in life but these days the decision to have a child is often delayed and that puts big pressure on a woman’s fertility.
In modern Australia, economic and social considerations are making many women delay the decision to have a baby. Currently, 10 percent of women have their first child after the age of 35 and that figure is increasing. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 75 percent of women trying to conceive before the age of 30 will fall pregnant within one year. After age 35 only 66 percent will conceive in one year of trying and after 40 only 44 percent. So being in your best reproductive condition is an absolute priority when you do try. Fortunately there are some natural ways to get yourself in peak fertile condition.
The herbs and the bees
The “birds and the bees” may know all about love but it is the “herbs and the bees” that you need when it comes to fertility.
A monk’s herb
A study (1) has found that a herb once favoured by monks can help otherwise infertile women to conceive. Vitex agnus-castus is also known as Monk’s Pepper or Chasteberry as it was used by medieval monks to reduce their libido. This study gave a blend of Vitex, green tea, arginine and vitamins and minerals to a group of women who had been unable to conceive for between six months and three years. After three months 26 percent of the women using the supplement became pregnant compared to none in the placebo group. The researchers thought the most benefit probably came from the Vitex as it increased progesterone levels causing the uterus to prepare for the implantation of an embryo.
The Bees
Bees make a substance called propolis that has been found to boost fertility in women with endometriosis. In one study (2), 60 percent of women with endometriosis taking 500mg of bee propolis twice daily became pregnant compared to only 20 percent in the placebo group.
Fertility food
Good nutrition is very important for successful conception. It is probably a good idea to take a quality multivitamin at this time to make sure that you are getting all the nutrients you need. Above and beyond this are some specific nutrients that you should focus on.
Iron
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health analysed diet information for 18,555 pre-menopausal women who became or attempted to become pregnant over an eight-year period (3). During the study, women who reported using iron supplements were 40 percent less likely to have ovulation-related infertility than non-users.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E deficiency in animals can lead to infertility. In humans around 200iu per day can improve fertility.
Calcium and Magnesium
These two minerals are important for general health but they also support the rhythmic contractions of the fallopian tubes that help sperm on their journey.
Green desire
It is one thing to be a picture of health but if your libido deserts you then a baby will not be along any time soon. You could wait for pharmaceutical companies to develop a female “Viagra” or you could eat your greens. A study (4) has reported that a combination of green foods can improve sexual activity and desire. A combination of barley grass, brown rice, wheat grass, chlorella and kelp was tested on rats and was found to improve ability to maintain and initiate sexual activity.
1) Journal of Reproductive Medicine April 2004
2) Fertility and Sterility December 2003
3) Obstetrics and Gynecology November 2006
4) Medical Science Monitor February 2003
Fertility Checklist
Vitamin E
Iron
Calcium
Magnesium
Multivitamin
Vitex agnus-castus
Propolis
Green food supplement
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