Supporting IVF

Natural support for reproductive technologies

Subfertility or infertility now affects one in six couples. There are many possible causes and contributing factors. Investigating these through both orthodox and alternative methods will improve the chances of correcting any problem and achieving a healthy pregnancy and baby. As well as medical interventions couples can also choose to use natural medicines and methods to enhance their fertility. Ideally this should start four to six months before beginning any artificial reproductive intervention to ensure the best possible health of the eggs and sperm. However beginning at any time will benefit your general health while improving fertility and success of IUIs, IVF etc.

Conditions causing sub fertility in women

disorders of ovulation
disorders of fallopian tubes
endometriosis
disorders of mucus
other mechanical causes such as fibroids

in men

disorders of sperm
disorders of sexual intercourse

20% of subfertility is unexplained in men and women

Possible contributing factors to infertility:

· Poor nutrient status: Macronutrients, esp. Protein, Micronutrients

· Anxiety and depression: Possible impact on ovulation, implantation

· Blood deficiency: Pale, thin and unhealthy hair, pale menstrual blood

· Body weight: Possible impact on hormone levels and ovulation

· Toxicity: Heavy metals, Pesticide residue

The Natural Options

After taking a detailed case history, a treatment plan and prescription will be tailored to your needs. A general treatment plan would cover the following factors

Nutrition
Exercise
Reducing toxicity in lifestyle and environment
Supporting emotional and physical stress
Addressing attitude, fears, pressures
Focus on a loving relationship
Addressing the apparent cause of sub fertility
Treating undiagnosed medical conditions

Specific considerations:

· Maximize ovum and sperm quality: ensure adequate micronutrients, and antioxidants, eliminate heavy metals and hormone disrupting chemicals

· Attend to “uterine factor” causes: Implantation, hormone levels, uterine pathology, uterine micro-environment, “hostile” environment

· “Ovarian factor” causes

· Ovulation, hormonal receptivity

· Luteal phase defect

It is important to seek the advice of a professional herbalist when using herbs with reproductive technologies. Herbs may be able to:

· Initiate ovulation in pre-treatment phase of Down Regulation cycle

· Possibly cause ovarian cysts

· “Liver” herbs which increase activity of cytochrome P450f enzymes might reduce drug levels and therefore effectiveness

· Other interactions with drugs unknown, but possible to: 1)Exacerbate tendency to ovarian hyperstimulation.2)Amphoteric ovarian herbs could potentially interfere with action of FSH drugs (Puregon and Gonal F)

Some herbs should not be used with fertility drugs as they may counter act or increase the action of the drug.

We can safely use:

· Herbs: Blood and energy tonics, Nervine tonics and sedatives, Uterine tonics and spasmolytics

· Nutrition

· Energy medicine

· Attitudinal and emotional methods

Natural support for artificial reproductive technologies

On Down Regulation Cycle:

Nervine tonics and sedatives
Uterine tonics and spasmolytics, low dose all month and after transfer. Continue treatment to improve ovum quality.

On IVF Thaw cycle

Ovarian and uterine tonics

After an unsuccessful ART cycle:

Uterine and ovarian tonics to recover normal cycle and support the body after stress.
Liver support is helpful for the elimination of hormonal drugs
Immune system support is useful, as repeated IVF attempts increases chances of zona pellucida antibodies forming which affect the penetration of the sperm into the egg.

Once pregnant:

Traditional anti miscarriage support (nutritional/herbal etc).
Herbal support of progesterone production
Natural remedies for morning sickness and other minor conditions of pregnancy