Optimizing Fertility

Many women need support in preparation for and during their pregnancy. Basic concepts to enhance this process include improving ovulation, supporting fertilization and implantation of the egg, tonifying the uterus, improving circulation, and providing optimal uterine health. Some of the herbs used have been time honored in traditional botanical usage and others have been studied in modern research for their ability to stimulate ovulation, normalize progesterone levels, and improve pregnancy rates.

• Excessive consumption of coffee and caffeine is associated with decreased fertility. It is recommended that women trying to become pregnant avoid coffee and minimize other caffeine.
• Exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and estrogen-like substances in plastics can decrease fertility. Consumption of fish contaminated with PCB’s can as well. See: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/oehas/fish/advisoriesmap.htm
• Being greatly overweight or underweight can decrease fertility. Maintain healthy weight.
• Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking are associated with decreased fertility.
• A multivitamin-mineral can increase fertility.
• Pregnancy Prep from Vitanica contains Tribulus, Rhodiola, Chaste tree, raspberry leaf, alfalfa, dong quai, motherwort, unicorn root, and digestive enzymes.
• In a study of infertile women with luteal phase defect, supplementation with 750 mg of vitamin C per day for up to six months resulted in a pregnancy rate of 25%, compared with a rate of 11% in an untreated control group, a statistically significant difference.
• Vitamin E deficiency in animals leads to infertility. In a preliminary human trial, infertile couples given vitamin E (200 IU per day for the female and 100 IU per day for the male) showed a significant increase in fertility.
• In preliminary research, even a subtle deficiency of iron has been tentatively linked to infertility. Women who are infertile should consult a doctor to rule out the possibility of iron deficiency.
• Some previously infertile women have become pregnant after supplementing with PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), 100 mg QID. PABA is believed to increase the ability of estrogen to facilitate fertility. PABA interferes with sulfa drugs (a class of antibiotics) and therefore should not be taken when these medications are being used.
• Supplementation with L-arginine (16 grams per day), has been shown to improve fertilization rates in women with a previous history of failed attempts at in vitro (test tube) fertilization. Arginine may increase the chance of herpes outbreaks. Women with herpes should take equal amounts of lysine if they take arginine.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and suggestions are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.