Natural Home Remedies For Infertility In Women

Female Infertility is one of the prevailing problems in the society.

The good news is that you can get pregnant naturally without invitro fertilization and other Assisted Conception treatments by using natural and herbal remedies.

Just like Every other Diseases, Infertility in Women indicates a reproductive system problem that needs to be corrected. The body can often resolve the problem itself if given the necessary natural resources

What is Female Infertility

A woman is said to be infertile if for one reason or the other she is unable to get pregnant after a year of unprotected sexual intercourse.

Women who get pregnant BUT can’t stay pregnant probably due to miscarriages or other reasons may also be considered as infertile.

Getting pregnant is a process with the following steps

1. Ovulation: This is when the woman’s body releases egg from one of the ovaries
2. The released egg will then move through the Fallopian tube towards the uterus or womb
3. A sperm must swim up the cervix to fertilize the egg along the way
4. Implantation: The fertilized egg will then adhere or attach itself to the inside of the uterus.

Infertility in women can occur if there are problems with any of the steps of this process

Furthermore, Infertility may be classified as Primary Infertility or Secondary Infertility Depending on previous pregnancy history.

Primary infertility is defined as a couple who has never been pregnant.

Secondary infertility describes a couple who are having trouble conceiving again, even though they have previously achieved pregnancy.

Causes Of Infertility In Women

Various factors are responsible for infertility in women. Here are some of them.

Ovulatory Disorder

Kinds of ovulatory disorder are Anovulation (no ovulation) and Oligovulation (irregular ovulation). Without ovulation, there are no egg to be fertilized. Ovulatary Disorder is a common cause of infertility in women which occurs in up to 40% infertile women. Ovulatory Disorder is often characterized by absent or irregular menstrual period

Causes of ovulatory disorder

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS): This is the most common cause of ovulatory disorder. PCOS is a condition marked by many cyst in the woman’s ovaries (ovarian cyst) It has to do with hormone imbalance problem.
• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency or Premature Ovarian Insufficiency(POI): This is a situation in which the woman’s ovary stops working normally before she is 40
• Hypothalamic Dysfunction: This is when the production of the two hormones that stimulates ovulation is affected by stress or substantially high or low body weight.

Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tube

When this occurs, sperms are often prevented from reaching the egg or the fertilized egg is prevented from reaching the uterus.

Causes of blocked or damaged Fallopian Tube

• Pelvic Infections (PID): A situation in which Fallopian tube and uterus are affected as a result of sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea etc.
• Endometriosis
• Prior surgery in the pelvic region for ectopic pregnancy, or hysterectomy may lead to scar formation and fallopian tube damage.

 

Cervical Problems

This can also cause infertility in women by preventing the sperm from passing through the cervical canal towards the fallopian tube.

Causes of Cervical Problems

• Abnormal mucus production preventing the sperm from swimming into the uterus
• Cervical narrowing which is often caused by damage to the cervix or inherited malformation

 

Endometriosis

This is at times a painful condition in which the tissues that normally grows in the uterus starts growing in other locations outside the uterus. This tissue growth itself or the surgical removal can lead to scarring and adhesions which may cause blockage of the fallopian tube. Similarly, Endometriosis causes Endometriomas (Ovarian Cyst) which is often associated with fertility problems.

A woman with endometriosis MAY have painful periods, pain during or after sexual intercourse, pain with bowel movement.

 

Uterine Causes

These are often due to abnormal anatomy of the uterus (abnormal shape) and Presence of polyps and Fibroids.

However, many women with polyps and fibroids get pregnant but may not stay pregnant due to the high likelihood of miscarriage.

 

Unexplained Infertility

This is when the cause of the infertility cannot be determined using the currently available method of investigation. This problem may correct itself with time.

 

Symptoms of Infertility in Women

There aren’t any specific symptoms of infertility in women apart from the major symptom which is not getting pregnant. However, there may be symptoms which often depends on the underlying cause of the infertility. Here are some symptoms that may indicate infertility problem in women.

1. Irregular Periods: When the number of days between each period varies monthly
2. Absent or Suddenly stopped period.
3. Too long menstrual cycle (35 days or more) or too short (less than 21 days)
4. Very Painful Period
5. Repeated miscarriages
6. Pelvic Inflammatory diseases
7. Milky white discharge from nipple which does not relate to pregnancy
8. Skin changes which often includes more acne
9. Change in libido
10. Pains during or following intercourse

 

Factors that can increase the risk of infertility in women

• Age: Women have finite number of eggs. Therefore as a female grow old, the quality and the quantity of the egg reduces. At mid 30s, getting pregnant becomes more challenging and there is increased risk of miscarriage.
• Alcohol: Excess drinking has been associated with higher risk of ovulatory disorders and endometriosis
• Smoking or being exposed to passive smoke: This increases the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, damages the cervix and the fallopian tube. Smoking is also assumed to cause aging in the ovary, Hence depleting eggs prematurely.
• Stress: Either emotional or physical stress both tend to increase the chance of ovulatory disorder and hormonal imbalance.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections:  STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea etc can damage the fallopian tube. Having unprotected intercourse with multiple partners increases the risk of contacting a sexually transmitted disease.
• Weight: Getting to a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) has been proven to increase ovulation frequency and likelihood of pregnancy. Hence, normal ovulation may be prevented by being over weight (BMI more than 29) or being underweight (BMI less than 19)

 

Diagnostic Tests for Infertility in Women

Before natural or herbal home remedies are administered for female infertility, there is need for diagnostic tests so that the root cause of the infertility can be known and addressed Testing for infertility in women usually begins with a health care provider doing a physical examination and asking about your medical history. Fertility tests may include

• Ovulation Tests: A woman may track the occurrence and pattern of ovulation by checking cervical mucus, recording of basal temperature, or using home ovulation prediction kit which are available over the counter. If you don’t have a positive home ovulation tests, then a blood test for progesterone (a hormone produced after ovulation) can prove that you’re ovulating. Other hormone levels, such as prolactin, may as well be checked.
• Imaging Tests: A Pelvic ultrasound or other imaging tests to check for uterine or fallopian tube disease.
• Hysterosalpingography: This is done to check if the fallopian tubes are free and normal. Either dye or saline and air are injected into the cervix and travel up through the fallopian tubes while the movement is monitored by X ray. In some women, Hysterosalpingography itself can improve fertility, possibly by flushing out and opening the fallopian tubes.
• Laparoscopy: This is a minor surgical procedure involving the insertion of a slender tube fitted with a fiberoptic camera through a small incision just below the navel, giving the doctor a clear view of all pelvic organs. Laparoscopy may identify endometriosis, scarring, blockages or irregularities of the fallopian tubes, and problems with the ovaries and uterus.

 

Natural Tips to Boost Fertility and Likelihood of Pregnancy

 

For thousands of years natural and holistic treatments have been used to enhance fertility in women.

Treatments such as herbal and homeopathic remedies have a proven effectiveness Once infertility has been diagnosed and the root cause of the problem is known

For Women trying to get pregnant, Here are some nutritional and life style changes to be made.

• Avoid the risk factors
• Eat healthy: Eat more of natural foods, healthy fats, organic diary and proteins.
  As much as possible, avoid processed foods, Sugar and Starches from diet
•  Drink Plenty of water daily. Avoid Alcohol and carbonated drinks
• Find time to relax well on daily basis so that you can get rid of both emotional and physical stress.
• Get adequate exercise: Minimal to Moderate exercise is required for fertility. Creating few hours a week for recreational activities such as swimming, dancing, walking, and other fun activities tends to improve fertility.

 

 

Fertility Herbs and Supplements

[sociallocker id=”963″]Enhanced fertility and high chance of getting pregnant can be achieved with the aid of fertility herbs and supplements.

Here are common ones with proven and outstanding effects.

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus):

Also known as chasteberry or chaste tree. Its a very important herb that is used in infertility treatments in women.

Vitex works to maintain the hormonal balance by lowering prolactin and raising progesterone, promote ovulation and improves timing of the menstrual cycles. Nourishes the pituitary gland and helps lengthen the luteal phase.

For some women, Vitex alone will increase fertility and the likelihood of pregnancy.

 

Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris):

Aerial parts and fruits have the potentials of normalizing ovulation in infertile women when used prior to ovulation.

One study performed on 36 women who were not ovulating, showed that that 67% realized normal ovulation after  2-3 months of consistent use.

Tribulus has also been found to be a nourishing tonic for the female reproductive system as a whole, especially as regards the ovaries health.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii):

A herb well known for its vitality and fertility.

The root of Maca is a nourishing food for the endocrine system it aids the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands (all involved in hormonal balance.)

Generally, maca roots supports hormonal balance by keeping the right estrogen/progesterone levels, for overall menstrual cycle support.

Red Raspberry leaf  (Rubus idaeus):

Raspberry leaf works to tone the uterine muscles and normalize blood flow during menses.

This fertility herb has been proven to be essential during pregnancy.

This is one of the best normalizing herbs for the female reproductive organs. Raspberry leaf is astringent, contracting and shrinking internal and external body tissues. May help prevent hemorrhage excessive bleeding. Helps to reduce bleeding of endometrial tissues

 

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis):

The root of Dong Quai is essential for infertility treatment in women by helping with proper circulation. This is achieved by bringing  in fresh healthy blood to remove excess tissue growth, heal tissue damage, limit scar tissue and adhesion formation.

Proper and healthy circulation ensures natural cleansing of the body by getting rid of toxins, dead tissue, diseased tissue, metabolic waste from our bodies.

This fertility herb is very important for women with uterine fibroids or polyps.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale):

Rich in vitamins and minerals. Dandelion is a bitter herb stimulating to mucous membrane secretion

The leaves are slightly diuretic, helping to get rid  of toxins from the body.

The roots supports liver health for hormonal balance.

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa):

The root of black cohosh enhances regulation of the entire menstrual cycle, reduces spasm and pains.

Black cohosh also has an Anti-inflammatory effects which makes it essential for women with a uterus that feels inflamed or irritated.

 

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense):

A nourishing food herb that is very rich in vitamins and trace minerals. It is one of the best blood purifying herbs.

High in both calcium and magnesium which are necessary for proper smooth muscle function and general health of the uterus

Red clover increases cervical mucous hence aiding vagina dryness

Nettles (Urtica dioica):

Very rich in minerals, vitamins and chlorophyll content. Enhances gentle cleansing of the liver, lungs, intestines and kidneys.

Essential before and during pregnancy because it supports proper blood formation through its high iron content.

 

Herbal Treatment For Common Causes of Infertility In Women

Ovarian Cyst

Types of Ovarian cysts include endometriomas (chocolate cyst) and  Cystadenomas. They often lead to polycystic ovaries

Ingredients:

1. 20 leaves of Vernonia (Bitter Leaf, Iron weed)
2. 20 leaves of Newbouldia laevis (fertility plant)
3. 20 leaves of Gmelina Arborea (Beechwood, Kashmir tree, Gamhar)
4. 5 glass of water
5. 1 bottle or jar of honey.

Equipments: Blender and a sieve

Instructions: Blend 1, 2, 3, 4 together and sieve off unblended  particles to get your juice. Add 5 to taste.

Dosage: Take a glass 2 times daily for about 2 months.

 

Fibroid and polyps

Ingredients:

1. 30 pieces of palm kernel nuts
2. stem bark of spondias mombin (Hog plum) OR 30 pieces of the seed
3. 7 litres of water
4. 1 bottle or jar of honey

Instructions: Macerate 1 and 2 by boiling in 3. After which you allow to cool for about 12 hours after which the decoction can be extracted by sieving. Add 4 to taste.

Dosage: Take half a glass 3 times daily for 2 months.

Also read this important post on natural remedies for fibroids

 

Anovulation and ovulatory disorder

Ingredients:

1. Stem bark of Newbouldia laevis (fertility plant)
2. Powdered Zingiber officinale (Ginger)

Instructions: 

Dry the stem bark of (1) and grind into powder. Pour one teaspoon into a teacup of hot water, then add half teaspoon of (2) and allow to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes.

Dosage: Take one teacup two times daily for a period of five (5) weeks.

 

Irregular and Painful Menstruation

Ingredients:

1. 5 bulbs of Garlic
2. 5 fingers of Ginger
3. 2 bulbs of onions
4. 10 pieces of capiscum frutescens (African red devil pepper)
5. 50cl of water
6. 1 bottle or jar of honey

Instructions: Blend all (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) together. Add (6) to taste.

Dosage: Take 2 desert spoon 3 times daily for 1 month.

 

Unexplained Infertility

Ingredients:

1. Leaves of Mistletoe
2. 1 bottle or jar of honey

Instructions:

1. Collect fresh leaves of mistletoe, rinse in water and dry in a shady but airy place for about 8 days.
2. Soak 3 desert spoons of dried and powdered leaves into a glass of hot water and allow to infuse for 14 to 15 minutes.
3. Add honey to taste.

Dosage: Take 2 cups daily for 2 months.
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