Enhancing Fertility: What Works?
(continued)
Exercise: Extreme exercise can lead to reduced sperm production in
men and can interfere with ovulation in women. Normal or even vigorous exercise
will not affect fertility in most couples. The most effective way to treat
fertility problems associated with excessive exercise is to decrease or modify
the amount of exercise.
Naturopathic & Herbal Remedies: Many couples trying to conceive are
motivated to try everything, and this includes "alternative" remedies based
upon herbal preparations, Chinese medicines, or acupuncture. While most of
these interventions are considered safe, they have not been tested or studied
with the standards of prescription or over-the-counter medicines. If this
is something you want to consider, speak with your health care provider first.
Even providers of naturopathic medicine agree that these preparations are
not for everyone. Women with tubal blockages, for example, cannot be
helped by herbs.
One supplement that has been tested as an aid to fertility is Fertility Blend™
for Women, a supplement that includes chasteberry (vitex agnus-castus), folic
acid; green tea; vitamin E; selenium; L-arginine; vitamins B6 and B12; iron;
magnesium; and zinc. Drs. Polan and Wesphal published the results of their
pilot study in The Journal of Women's Health and Gender Specific Medicine
(April/May 2002). Twenty-nine (29) women, age 24-46 years, who had tried unsuccessfully
to conceive for 6 to 36 months completed the randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled,
three-month trial. None of the participants received any pharmacological treatments
for infertility during the course of the study and for one month prior. Of
the 29, 15 received placebo and 14 received FertilityBlend™. After 3-months,
4 of the 14 women in the supplement group were pregnant (29%), and none of
the 15 women in the placebo group were pregnant (p=0.02, statistically significant).
The supplement group also demonstrated an increase in the average number of
days in cycle with basal temperatures over 98F during luteal phase (6.8 to
9.7 days, 42.6% increase, p=0.04), and an increase in mean mid-luteal phase
progesterone levels (from 8.2 to 13.1 ng/ml, 59.8% increase, p=0.08) at the
end of the three months. The placebo group did not show any notable changes,
before or after treatment, in any of the parameters studied. No significant
side-effects were noted. While this was a very small study, the results are
encouraging. This pilot study is currently being expanded to a multi-center
study, with the goal to evaluate at least 100 women. Evaluation of a FertilityBlend™
Formula for Men is also in progress to determine its effect on sperm concentration
and motility.
Naturopathic preparations often recommended include:
"natural" progesterone: for the treatment of luteal phase defects, which
involves a deficiency of progesterone, the hormone responsible for preparing
the lining of the womb for a pregnancy. Check with your gynecologist to see
if you have this problem first.
sarsaparilla: an herb that helps increase progesterone levels
bitex agnus castus or "vitex": has a progesterone-like effect
"uterine tonics": unicorn root, black cohosh, alfalfa, and licorice root
Massage: Some women may have recently heard about a massage technique
("Site specific massage") that increases fertility by breaking down adhesions
(scar tissue) in the abdomen. This has only been studied in a very limited
number of patients and should only be practiced by certified massage or physical
therapists.
One in five couples who have a complete infertility evaluation are diagnosed with unexplained infertility - no specific cause is identified. 
