Positive Health Online

During the 19 years I have been in practice, I have encountered a number of women who have experienced problems with fertility. As a Homeopath, the main course of treatment has always been to take a full case history so that emotional and physical problems can be identified, ensuring that at the end of the consultation a homeopathic remedy will be prescribed selected according to the client’s individual needs.

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive in a woman, or in the case of the man, the inability to induce conception.  Primary infertility is the term given to a couple that have never had a child, even though they have been enjoying regular sexual intercourse without using any contraception for two years, and the woman has been unable to conceive providing, of course, that there is no other underlying reason.

Secondary infertility is the term given to a couple where the woman having successfully conceived previously is unable to conceive again.  There may be no obvious cause for secondary infertility, but it could be due to an infection.

There may be a number of reasons why a woman finds it difficult to conceive, ranging from polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, tube defects, hormonal imbalances, Chlamydia etc., or the man may experience problems with a low sperm count or slow motility of the sperm - any one of these could affect the chances of conception taking place.  In the majority of cases it is the female who will be investigated and treated conventionally.

Once all other attempts at conception have failed, couples explore the possibility of IVF treatment.  In the UK, the NHS will cover the cost of up to three cycles of IVF providing couples fulfil the eligibility criteria. If this proves unsuccessful and treatment at a private clinic is sought, the cost is between £4000 and £8000 per treatment cycle.

As I work with couples that are experiencing fertility issues, I have discovered a common theme runs through their stories.  Naturally, as they are distressed about the inability to conceive, their feelings of guilt, inadequacy and anxiety are highlighted, partly because they feel the need to be ‘normal’ but what is normal?  Sometimes the inability to conceive may be so deeply seated emotionally that the woman does not feel ready to stop her career and start a family, and may feel pressure from others who have developed an expectation of her and her partner. I have listened to a number of women in this situation, and once they openly acknowledge this, they tend to relax more, and providing there is no medical reason why they cannot conceive, they become settled and ready to accept a child into their lives and conception occurs.

Male partners often feel daunted at the need to ‘perform’ at specific times and consequently the fun and enjoyment of lovemaking becomes dimmed for both parties.

If IVF is undertaken, the routine treatment for a woman is a prescription of Clomid to stimulate ovulation, female eggs are fertilized outside of the womb, and upon successful fertilization are transferred into the uterus in the hope of a successful pregnancy.  Should IVF prove successful, the joy of a newborn entering the lives of the couple is immense.

If IVF is not successful or decided against, couples will seek alternative methods, as an approach towards promoting the woman’s chances of conception; this is where homeopathy and nutrition can be beneficial.

In 1950 French Homeopath Dr Leon Vannier developed a homeopathic system for fertility issues that was based on the assumption that once toxic accumulation caused by lifestyle, drugs, suppression of ovulation by the oral contraceptive pill etc., has been cleared, homeopathic remedies would be more effective. Australian homeopath, Liz Lalor adapted his method with great success which is the method that I now use with my female clients. I have found that prior to commencing the programme the client attends for two consultations so that we can address her general health and emotional needs, i.e. anger/resentment, grief etc., as this has been extremely beneficial. The programme is designed for use over a six-month period, although in some instances it may take less time; in others more time is needed.  Remember that each person is individual and so are their needs.  Male partners are also seen preferably separately so that they can express their feelings; appropriate homeopathic remedies are prescribed alongside nutritional advice and support.

A woman will be able to recognize the signs that she is ovulating by the appearance of a thick, sticky mucous; this is an ideal medium for sperm to attach themselves to. Women who have been using the contraceptive pill may not be aware of this mucous and as it may be a sign of low progesterone, the sperm will have nothing to climb up or attach themselves to.  The aim of this programme is to use homeopathic remedies to stimulate ovulation and develop a healthy mucous. Although I have used this as a stand-alone programme, couples that are undergoing IVF have also found it supportive to their general wellbeing and of the conventional IVF treatment itself.

In terms of homeopathic prescribing I will always look for the constitutional remedy and one such remedy could be Natrum Muriaticum.  This is useful for the person who keeps their emotions under control and has that ‘stiff upper lip’ demeanour to the outside world, as they would feel embarrassed if they cried in front of anyone.  At home though they will cry in private. When this remedy is given it helps to release the emotional barriers and help reduce the levels of anxiety associated with being unable to conceive. When a woman begins to feel indifferent to sexual intercourse, as can happen when under emotional pressure, the remedy Sepia has been known to lift their mood and help them regain interest again.  Ignatia helps with the tearfulness due to the high emotion the woman is liable to experience at this time.

The Australian Bush Flower Essence, She Oak has proved to be very supportive with clients with fertility issues irrespective of the type of treatment they have chosen, conventional IVF, or the homeopathic fertility programme.  In his book on Australian Bush Flower essences, Ian White says that “..from a naturopathic point of view, many cases of female infertility are due to a dehydration of the uterus.  She Oak essence can help clear mucous blockages of the fallopian tube and create normal healthy mucous.  Aside from fertility issues, I have successfully used She Oak for feminine complaints.”

Nutritional factors will also play an important part and I give below some dietary suggestions for both couples trying to conceive.

Take a whole food approach to the diet and where possible choose organic produce.  Avoid processed foods and include nuts, seeds plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat, poultry and oily fish.  It is beneficial to increase your intake of water, remove caffeine and alcohol and avoid any so-called recreational drugs.

Supplements are required since it is not always possible to get optimum levels of nutrients from your daily diet, so enhance the diet with a good quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement with added zinc, fish oils and for women folic acid.  Men may also require extra Vitamin C and Co-Q10.

Stress levels can be reduced by including some form of relaxation into your daily routine such as walking, yoga, meditation and laughter.

Women who have taken repeated antibiotics may experience abdominal bloating and discomfort, some of the signs associated with Candida overgrowth; I have recently had the fortune to come across a book called Candida can be Fun, by Rebecca Richardson containing some delicious and nutritious recipes. [Reviewed on PH Online: www.positivehealth.com/review/candida-can-be-fun-a-survival-guide-for-yeasties

I am pleased to report that a multi-discipline approach to health has resulted in successful pregnancies and as with any suggestions made here, one should always seek professional advice because of the individuality involved in selecting the appropriate homeopathic remedies and nutritional supplements.

References:

White, Ian, Australian Bush Flower Essences

Murphy,Robin ND, Nature’s Materia Medica 3rd Edition

Richardson, Rebecca, Candida Can Be Fun – A Survival Guide for “Yeasties”. 2011. www.positivehealth.com/review/candida-can-be-fun-a-survival-guide-for-yeasties