ARTICLE 1
Second Time infertility
Published in Families Magazine October 2005

Of all the reasons people consult me, failure to conceive is becoming an increasingly common one. Some women are unable to conceive at all and some have had a first child but have difficulty getting pregnant a second time. Whilst in some cases there are known conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis (both of which can be helped by dietary changes) quite often tests are normal and the infertility is unexplained.

What is a Balanced Diet?

Ask a medical fertility expert if diet will have any effect on conception and you are likely to be told to avoid alcohol and smoking and to eat a “balanced” diet. The first part of this advice is sound but the notion of a balanced diet is vague and most people don't really know what this is. Many people think they have a “healthy” diet when in fact there is much they can do to improve it. Unfortunately many conventional specialists discourage couples from trying a nutritional approach or, at best, tell them that it might have a placebo effect.

This attitude is short sighted. A study carried out on several hundred would-be parents with a history of miscarriages and infertility found that 81% went on to conceive healthy babies after following a holistic programme for several months. The programme focussed principally on diet, vitamins, detoxification and lifestyle changes

The folic acid story illustrates perfectly, the direct consequence of a simple nutrient deficiency. Scientists now accept that lack of this important vitamin leads to increased likelihood of a baby being born with spina bifida. The mineral zinc is vital for hundreds of enzyme systems, many of which affect sexual performance and fertility in men and women. Hair mineral analysis reveals that a very large number of couples who fail to conceive or experience miscarriages are low in zinc. Yet few GPs would suggest a check on Zinc levels for infertile couples, not to mention a host of other vital minerals.

The Limitations of Assisted Fertility Techniques

Often the first option given to women is IVF (in-vitro fertilisation). This technique developed some twenty years ago, is without doubt a remarkable scientific breakthrough and for some women it is their only chance of having children. However, many experts (including some of the IVF specialists themselves) believe that assisted fertility treatment is being offered to couples too readily without consideration of other options. With a fairly low success rate, endless invasive procedures, large doses of synthetic hormones and unpleasant side effects, not to mention the as yet unknown, long term effects of artificially engineered pregnancies on mother and child, the decision to have IVF is not one to be taken lightly.

Sarah's Story

31 year old Sarah already had one child aged 22 months and had been trying for a second child for 5 months. She had high stress levels in her life reflected in poor sleep, restlessness and anxiety, impatience and constantly feeling cold, which are all symptoms of adrenal stress. Despite a diet rich in organic fruit and vegetables she was constipated. This is undesirable as it leads to the collection of toxins and wastes in the abdominal area which can affect the reproductive system.

I advised Sarah to take a strong probiotic and made some subtle changes to her diet including increasing certain types of gentle fibre. I also gave her herbs for cleansing liver and bowel and adrenal support. Extra magnesium was also given as this mineral is lost in large amounts during stress and it helps calm nerves and muscles.

Sarah found her sleep and bowel regularity both improved and lost a few pounds in weight as an extra bonus. Even better, six weeks into programme she became pregnant and went on to produce a healthy baby.

Celia's Story

Another patient, Celia was 30 when she first came to see me and had been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant a second time, for the past eight months despite a perfectly regular cycle. She had a history of yeast infections due to many courses of antibiotics for poor skin and white spots on her nails with pallor of the face which suggest low zinc. She also experienced post lunch energy slumps and the need to eat sweet foods. Extra zinc and balancing up Celia's blood sugar levels with some dietary changes, including increased snacks and protein reduced cravings for cakes and biscuits. Balancing blood sugar in this way has a positive effect on hormone levels as well as energy.

Her partner who had a history of testicular problems took a supplement containing nutrients to optimise sperm count and motility. Five weeks into the programme Celia became pregnant.

Janet's Story

At 41, Janet was a little older than the other two women but had similar presenting symptoms such as stress, yeast infections, food cravings and mild constipation. Anxious about her age and not keen to undergo IVF, she had been trying to get pregnant with her second child for five months. Once again a successful pregnancy occurred after 6 weeks.

This article was originally published in Families magazine October 2005.

 

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These case studies show success with individuals clients. It is important to remember that we are all unique and an individually tailored eating and supplement programme is recommended to ensure an effective outcome.

Combining Acupuncture with Nutrition works well to increase fertility.

Penny Crowther recommends and works with Acupuncturist Richard Jackson.

Richard provides a specialised and personal service to increase male and female fertility, maximising the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Richard is a member of the British Acupuncturist Council and specialises in both Five Element and Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture. By Combining these treatments Richard provides the very best treatment available.

www.aculibrium.co.uk         Tel: 07715 409547 or 020 8670 9700