Fertility
Conceiving and not concieving
All other things being equal , or in satisfactory balance ( which of course they never are), physiologically, optimum fertility for a woman will be connected to the rhythm and hormonal balance of her cycle; the ease of passage of the ripe eggs along the fallopian tubes to the location of conception, the uterus; and the capacity of the uterus to nourish and sustain the embryo(s).
In men is about mechanical function (erection), and motility, quality, and quantity of sperm.
A herbal medicine practitioner will support fertility, initially by helping to rule out and/ or address reproductive system pathology , weakness or imbalance. Then by nourishing and promoting function at a tissue level , while supporting individuals holistically to optimise their general health.
At a home remedy level promoting fertility will generally be about optimising nutrition , reducing inflammation and improving circulation.
Herbal medicine, through helping promote a regular cycle, with distinct phases of mucous and predictable ovulation times, makes it easier for women to take control of their fertility, including pin pointing the time when not to have sex.
As with the rest of this website, clink on the image to the left of the blurb, for links to more information
Links
Information on Herbs and nutritionThere are many websites and forums with natural fertility advice. Most are also selling products and vary in integrity and reliability. This American site, Natural Fertility Info.com is a positive example. It sells its own products, but is full of good articles, relevant information and about herbs,nutrition, causes of infertility and potential solutions for men and women. It has a very go...
Fertility and gluten intoleranceWhile extra nutritional support is important to fertility, so is knowing what not to eat. This article by Aviva Romm explores the connection between infertility and gluten intolerance. There is not an inevitable connection - but for some just the change in diet that flows from avoiding gluten can make all the difference. It is definitely something that I would also always consider.
Acupuncture and female reproductive healthThis a literature review of all the studies involving acupuncture and female reproductive health. In the course of the review, experimental animal models are mentioned which took me by surprise . If my understanding is correct, insulin resistance and (induced) poly-cystic ovaries in rats may be ameliorated by acupuncture!
This strange fact aside, the conclusion of the review is that acupunct...
The Infertility Network UKThe information on this side does not particularly lean towards herbs or nutrition, but as a significant Uk patient voice in the area or conception and fertility, it links to broader information and support.
Polycystic Ovaries syndrome, the Natural PrescriptionThis blog article from Aviva Romm's website gives solid , clear, referenced advice on natural solutions to balancing hormones and optimizing the possibility of viable ovulation. Romm details the connection between PCOs and insulin resistance. She makes recommendations for changes in diet; appropriate supplementation including vitamin D; strategies for managing stress including herbal adaptogen...
Prelmiinary evidence that cinnamon improves menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndromeThe small trial reported in an article in the American journal of obstetrics and gynaecology suggests that there is preliminary evidence that cinnamon improves menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. In previous trials ( although interestingly not in this one)cinnamon has been shown reduce insulin resistance and the theory is that it helps to balance sugar levels and ad...
Vitex Angus CastusMost of the evidence base in relation to Vitex angus castus is composed of studies relating to pre menstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms. This link summarises the information and links to 70 trials. There is less peer reviewed evidence of vitex ‘regulating cycles’, but based in their clinical experience many herbalists would consider the plant a key tool in this process. However at a ...
The Billings MethodThe Billings method was developed by a husband and wife team of Australian scientists in the 1950s. The method of natural contraception that focuses on observation of mucous has been researched for over fifty years and trialed by the world health organisation with a claimed 90% success rate. This is the uk based site with links to educational materials and free e-books.
The Fertility Awareness MethodThe Billings method was developed by a husband and wife team of Australian scientists in the 1950s. The method of natural contraception that focuses on observation of mucous has been researched for over fifty years and trialed by the world health organisation with a claimed 90% success rate. This is the uk based site with links to educational materials and free e-books.
Online charting /monitoring softwareMany websites now offer free online ovulation charting software or phone apps. Some also sell products including the urine analysis ovulation predictor kits or the saliva testing kits. All these tools are helpful - especially in the early days of mapping - you can 'triangulate' your results across different methods, to build up confidence in your conclusions. This US based website is a good exa...
What do the different types of cervical mucous look like?This is from a website called baby centre.com, which is off putting if you are looking for contraception solutions - but is is helpfully graphic in its illustrations of what cervical mucous looks like through the cycle.
4.Reproductive health and politics
Our Bodies OurselvesOur Bodies Ourselves was the seminal feminist reproductive health book published by the Boston Women's Health book Collective in 1971. Over 40 years later, this website is a testament to the ongoing work.
Our Bodies Ourselves (OBOS) is now a nonprofit, public interest organization based in the US, that develops and promotes evidence-based information on girls’ and women’s reproductive health ...
The Beautiful Cervix ProjectThis website is incomplete and work in process in places, but it is a great site , in true seventies feminist tradition.Quoting their introduction:
"The Beautiful Cervix Project is a grassroots movement celebrating the beauty and intricacies of women’s bodies and fertility. This website provides accessible information about women’s fertility and menstrual cycles and showcases photographs doc...
