Holistic Treatment For Infertility

Infertility affects one in six couples. These numbers are continuing to rise as sperm counts drop worldwide and undiagnosed thyroid problems increase—so you are not alone.

- Jacob Teitelbaum, MD

The good news is that there are many natural ways to improve all steps of the reproductive process. Many studies have successfully explored the use of individual nutritional and hormonal therapies, resulting in women with unexplained or untreatable infertility often getting pregnant. Remember, it is important for both men and women to address the following issues.

For the man

Avoid the following from now until after your partner gets pregnant, as they can cause infertility. Do the best you can, it is OK to not be perfect.

When convenient, avoid meat with estrogen (get your meat from a natural food store).

Avoid soy-based foods (tofu, tempeh, soy cheese and soymilk). Even modest intakes drop sperm counts by 40 percent.

Avoid melatonin, testosterone, Verapamil and Nifedipine (the latter two are heart/blood-pressure medications) which can cause reversible infertility.

Avoid alcohol and tobacco.

Sperm do poorly at temperatures above 96 degrees (which is why the testes hang below the rest of the body). Wear boxer shorts and avoid briefs and tight jeans. Avoid hot tubs, rowing and ski machines, treadmills, and jogging if possible.

Avoid aspirin, Motrin or similar medications which block the hormone prostaglandin (prosta glandins in the seminal fluid may assist sperm. Tylenol is OK in moderation.

Make the following dietary additions from now until after your partner gets pregnant.