Infertility in men and women affects 10 – 15% of all Americans. 15% to 30% of all couples trying to conceive are infertile. Infertility is defined as not being able to conceive after at least a year of trying. It can be an emotional roller coaster for couples struggling to successfully conceive. Luckily, there are some natural ways you can improve your health and increase fertility without drug therapies or medical intervention.
Common Causes of Infertility in Men and Women
Either partner can experience infertility. In 66% of infertility cases, it is due to the woman’s fertility and 33% of cases are due to fertility in men. However, it can also be a combination of factors that cause the inability to conceive.
Causes of Infertility in Women
Infertility in women is caused by issues with either ovulation or releasing the eggs, fertilizing the eggs, or implantation.
These issues can be brought on by:
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Age. After the age of 37 fertility in women greatly declines.
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Stress. Infertility can cause mental and physical distress in addition to feelings of shame, depression, and isolation.
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Smoking and secondhand smoke increase the risk of fertility issues by damaging cells in a woman’s eggs or a man’s sperm. It also increases the risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
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Alcohol. For women, drinking alcohol even lightly can increase the time it takes to get pregnant and it affects ovulation.
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Obesity puts women at high risk for complications during pregnancy, miscarriage, and issues with their menstrual cycle.
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STDs when left untreated can cause scarring or damage to the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes.
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Fibroids in the uterus can affect implantation.
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Endometriosis can cause scarring to the tissue and discomfort around your uterus which may also make it difficult to conceive.
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Scarring of tubes or environment where implantation needs to happen.
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PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances which may make it more difficult to conceive.
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Pelvic Discomfort. Bacteria associated with PID can cause scarring that makes it difficult for sperm to fertilize the egg.
Causes of Infertility in Men
Infertility in men can be caused by libido, ED, sperm count, motility, and testosterone levels. Factors that can contribute to these conditions are:
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Obesity in men can cause hormone imbalances that reduce fertility
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Stress can reduce libido
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Soy. Studies show that soy can have a negative effect on male reproductivity. It can lower sperm count, sperm quality, and motility.
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Alcohol can lower testosterone, cause impotence, and reduce libido and the quality of sperm.
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Smoking and secondhand smoke can cause damage and lower sperm count.
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Age, after the age of 40 fertility decreases
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Autoimmune conditions such as celiac can contribute to infertility
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Hormone imbalance such as low testosterone or higher levels of estrogen.
8 Ways to Naturally Increase Fertility in Men and Women
Unfortunately, it is not possible to reverse every case of infertility especially if there are genetic defects at play. But for infertility induced by environmental factors or lifestyle choices, you can clean up your lifestyle, avoid certain toxins and un-diagnose yourself from conditions that may warrant harmful medications to improve fertility. Here are the top 8 natural ways to increase fertility.
1. Avoid Medications and Drugs
Antidepressants, chemo, calcium channel blockers, steroids, marijuana, and cocaine are drugs that can cause harm to your reproductive organs. If you’re currently using any variation of these drugs, it may help to look into a drug interaction checker to see if this could be the root of your issues.
2. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb known for supporting stress. Studies have also validated ashwagandha as a true aphrodisiac that can improve fertility, especially in men. Studies have also shown that ashwagandha can enhance testosterone, improve sexual behavior and increase sperm counts by 167%.
3. Hormones
To keep hormones in check, men should avoid which creates estrogen and lowers sperm count and quality. Excess fat from insulin and trans fat can create excess estrogen in both men and women. It’s important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits that contribute to a normal BMI and healthy blood sugar.
4. Timing
Timing is everything if you want to get pregnant. It’s important for a woman trying to conceive to track and be aware of her menstrual cycle. Monitors, temperature tracking, or even apps can help you know your fertile window. Once an egg is released during the menstrual cycle, it is available for fertilization in the fallopian tube for only around 24 hours. Sperm can survive in the fallopian tube for about 5 days. So, sex before or after your most fertile window is unlikely to result in conception.
5. Herbal teas
Herbal teas like green are high in antioxidants that help to reduce and protect reproductive cells from oxidative stress in men which aids in sperm concentration and motility. Green tea can also increase the quality of reproductive cells in women and men.
6. Maca Root
Many women who are prescribed serotonin-inhibiting medications for depression also experience anti-depressant-induced sexual dysfunction which can contribute to infertility. Studies show that maca root can enhance motility and sperm count in men and enhance fertility in women, especially women that experience mood disorders and low libido.
7. Vitamin D
A 2019 study reviewed showed that nutrients such as zinc and vitamin d are important for men’s sexual health. Men with high levels of Vitamin D had increased fertility.
8. Omega 3s
Studies show that supplementation of Omega 3 Fatty acids can contribute to better fertility in women and men. For men who experience issues with low sperm count or motility, the DHA and EPA found in high-quality omega-3 fatty acids can improve motility. For women wanting to conceive at an age where fertility is rapidly declining, omega-3 fatty acids may help to protect their reproductive lifespan by delaying aging and improving the quality of their eggs. There are many low-quality and overly processed-fish oils on the market. It’s important to go with a supplement that is high quality and contains the necessary EPA and DHA.
Summary
Infertility is a frustrating, challenging, and deeply emotional process for men and women across the US but, it is not hopeless. With key nutrients and improving your lifestyle, there is great hope for renewing your reproductive system. You may be able to achieve your family’s dream without drugs and medical interventions.
