24/01/2018
Dr Dee:
When talking about infertility we often think of the big things.. PCOS, fibroid Infection etc but some little things wreck more havoc than the big one......
*CERVICAL MUCOUS*
Let's start with cervical mucous
Did you know that cervical mucous is important for fertility? most women think its just for the ease of penetration for intercourse, I'm wet " or "my body is moved,," but its not only for that. Cervical mucous a woman produces actually helps in conception efforts. Here’s how…
The cervix produces different types of mucous depending on where a woman is at in her menstrual cycle. Just after menstruation, the cervix produces a fluid that is thick and acidic which is designed to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. This is known as infertile mucous.
Fertile cervical mucous (CM), also known as cervical fluid (CF) is produced by your cervix as ovulation approaches. Cervical mucous is necessary for allowing the sperm to swim freely through the cervix.
In order to support healthy cervical mucous production we must consider herbs that supply essential fatty acids, especially omega-6. Herbs that are demulcent and bitter are supportive of mucous membrane function. We must also be sure to stay hydrated When talking of hydration, water green tea, roobios tea are good. Carbonated drinks are a No! No!!
Herbs that increase circulation to the genitals may also be helpful.
Like
Borage seed oil (Borago officinalis): High in omega-6 essential fatty acids, Borage seed oil works to increase cervical mucous and balance hormones.
Dandelion leaf and root (Taraxacum officinale): This bitter herb is stimulating to the mucous membranes, which causes them to secrete fluids. Dandelion is a very nutritive herb, helping to support liver health for hormonal balance.
Evening Primrose Oil, cold pressed seed (Oenothera biennis): This oil is high in omega-6 essential fatty acids. It works to increase cervical mucous and balance hormones.
*CERVICAL MUCOUS CONT*
For women that have low or no cervical fluid, it is harder for the sperm to reach the vagina and beyond for conception. In some cases there may not be a friendly environment for the sperm to sustain themselves. A woman may have
developed antisperm antibodies, (ASA)
have some type of infection (yeast or bacterial infection, STD)
, or may eat a diet high in acidic foods which may cause Cervical Hostility.
CAUSES OF LOW CERVICAL MUCOUS
Not enough water intake each dayPoor circulation to the reproductive organs; sedentary lifestyle.
Hormonal imbalance may cause changes to the entire menstrual cycle, which may inhibit production of fertile cervical mucous.
Both low progesterone and estrogen levels may cause low cervical mucous production.
Fertility medications containing hormones can alter fertile cervical mucous production.
Cervical fibroid (very rare) also can be a factor
NATURAL OPTIONS FOR INCREASNG CERVICAL MUCOUS
▶Drink a lot of water throughout the day. This may be all you need, drink more water. Cervical mucous is made up of 90% water so drink up to 8 glasses a day
▶Be sure you are getting enough essential fatty acids each day in your diet. If you cannot get these through the foods you are eating, you may want to consider taking a complete omega supplement which contains omega 3, 6 and 9.(Omega plus)
▶Supplementation of L-Arginine helps to promote cervical mucous by supporting the production of nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels and helps to increase blood flow to the uterus, ovaries, and genitals. (SH&N)
▶Many herbs can support the health of our mucous membranes, including how they function. Many of those same herbs also support hormonal balance, which is necessary for appropriate cervical fluid changes.
Asparagus, St Johns Wort, Dandelion, Borage oils Spirulina, wheat germ ( 40+ women, Omega +, Buchu, royal jelly and immune booster)
If at all you use a lubricant to aid sex avoid perfumed lubricants and opt for a natural brand
Remember the. production of healthy cervical mucous is vital for conception, as it supports the sperm in reaching the ova.
SLEEP DEPRIVATION AND INFERTILITY
When talking to couples don't be afraid to ask about their sleep patterns
You spend the night thinking about TTC, you toss and turn and by morning you are drained.....you are sleep deprived. Recent research is demonstrating a rather clear connection between sleep deprivation and infertility. It looks like one of the best things you can do for your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing – including your fertility prospects – is to get a good night’s sleep..
*Sleep deprivation affect FSH levels* Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) controls the menstrual cycle and (ideally) is at its highest levels right before a woman ovulates. Studies that track women’s sleeping habits have drawn a correlation between the two. Women who average a healthy amount of sleep each night (about 7 – 9 hours) had FSH levels as much as 20% higher than women who averaged six or fewer hours per night. This relationship exists regardless of the women’s ages or weight
Don't let your affinity for late night TV affect your fertility
A fact that is not well known is *light pollution can affect egg viability* When you sleep your body produces melatonin – a hormone that regulates sleeping and waking cycles. Did you know that, melatonin is also
responsible for protecting eggs when they are close to ovulation, guarding against free-radicals and other degenerative entities. If you are someone who sleeps with lights on, who checks their cell phone every time it buzzes, or has the TV on non-stop, your body’s melatonin cycles get all screwed up. This, in turn, can prevent your egg from getting the protection they need, resulting in damaged eggs that are then rejected by the body or can wind up being the cause of a miscarriage.
Please let's stop worrying and make the necessary changes to establish a healthy sleep pattern and get your circadian – and hormonal – rhythm back on track.
*SPERM COUNT AND HEALTH*
When it comes to infertility people assume its ithe woman who is to blame for problems or delays in conceiving a baby.
The fact is about half of all infertility obstacles are contributed by men.
Secondly it is believed that sperm health is just about numbers – or sperm count. And while a healthy sperm count is a vital dimension of male fertility, there are clearly many other physiological factors like motility and morphology (called sperm parameters) that are equally important
*Sperm count*is the number (or concentration) of sperm that should be present/measurable in a given sample. The W H O provides that the benchmark for a “normal” count is *20 million sperm per milliliter* – given a total semen volume of 2 ml Sperm count is considered lower than normal if you have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen
While sperm count is clearly vital, numbers are not everything. Sperm must be
able to swim in a sustained, forward manner.
They must be normally shaped.
And they must exhibit metabolic attributes that promote longevity, speed, or endurance.
A low sperm count is a called *oligospermia* A complete absence of sperm is called *azoospermia*
*DIAGNOSIS OF LOW SPERM COUNT & QUALITY*
Men have very few tests but should endeavor to do at least
🔸Sperm analysis (SFA)
🔸Culture test
🔸Hormonal assay
🔸Prostate specific antigen (PSA)
🔸Blood work to test for autoimmune disorder or anti sperm antibody.
These tests can give an insight into how to get started with your fertility treatment.
Factors that can cause any of the sperm parameters to be out of synch can be medical, environmental or life style choices
*MEDICAL*
Low sperm count can be caused by a number of health issues and medical treatments. Some of these include:
Varicocele. is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle.
Infections (STI's ) can interfere with sperm production/ health
Ejaculation problems .
Retrograde ejaculation
Certain medications might result in ejaculatory problems. (Blood pressure medicine)
Antibodies that attack sperm. (ASA)Anti-sperm antibodies
Tumors. Cancers and nonmalignant tumors
Surgery, radiation or chemotherapy
Undescended testicles.
Hormone imbalances.
Defects of tubules that transport sperm.
Chromosome defects Inherited disorders such as Klinefelter' disorder or cystic fibrosis
Celiac disease. A digestive disorder caused by sensitivity to gluten.
ENVIROMENTAL
Extended exposure to industrial chemicals
Heavy metal exposure.
Radiation or X-rays exposure
Overheating the testicles. Elevated temperatures impair sperm production and function. Please note
sitting for long periods,
wearing tight clothing
or working on a laptop computer for long stretches of time can increase the temperature
*LIFESTYLE*
Drug use. Anabolic steroids cause the testicles to shrink and sperm production reduces
Alcohol use. Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels and cause decrease sperm
Occupation. Certain occupations might be linked with infertility, e.g welding truck driving , okada riders and many desk jobs
Tobacco smoking.
Emotional stress.
Weight. Obesity can impair fertility in several ways.
A sperm defect is present when sperm are irregularly shaped, have poor motility or low sperm count. It takes more than looking at sperm under the microscope to assess the ability of the sperm to fertilize the female's eggs.
When a semenal analysis is done, normal semen levels have been defined as follows:
Volume: 1ml to 5ml or more
Concentration: 20 million/ml or more
Motility: 50% or more
Morphology: 30% or more normal shapes (WHO criteria)
Clumping: minimal
Presence of white or red blood cells: minimal
No hyperviscosity (Thickening of seminal fluid)
Results outside of these parameters probability that there is a case of male factor infertility, but it does not provide any guarantees.
Very frequent intercourse can lead to the demand exceeding the supply. There are quite a number of infertile men whose sex drive is such that they must ejaculate 2-3 times a day thus giving them a lower sperm count.
The following herbs have been shown to increase not only sperm count, but the overall health, motility and morphology of sperm.
*Ginseng root* (Panax quinquefolius): Ginseng may support a healthy sex drive, help with erectile dysfunction and enhance sexual performance in men. It strengthens the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis, aiding hormonal balance, stress management and immune function.
*Bee Propolis*: Bee propolis(royal jelly) has been shown to be extremely anti-inflammatory and promotes proper hormonal balance in males and female.
It not only increases libido
• Support egg and sperm health
• Diminish and reduce the signs of aging
• it reduces inflammation caused by illness or injury
• and naturally boosts the bodies immune system Antisperm antibodies can be present in woman as an allergic reaction to sperm, thus triggering immune response to attack the sperm. These antisperm antibodies can also be present in men as well, where their bodies attack their own sperm Bee propolis prevents destruction by ASA
*Horny goat weed* (Epimedium grandiflorum): An aphrodisiac, Epimedium increases sexual desire and performance. The active ingredient Icariin has been shown to increase nitric oxide; increasing circulation to the extremities. It has also been shown useful in aiding a sustained erection.
*Ginkgo leaves* (Ginkgo biloba): Ginkgo is considered the #1 remedy for erectile dysfunction. It increases circulation and is high in antioxidants.
*Maca root *(Lepidium meyenii): Men who use maca have been seen to have an increased libido and healthy sperm. Additionally, increased seminal volume, sperm count per ejaculate, and sperm motility have been observed.
*Saw Palmetto* (Serenoa repens): Saw Palmetto is traditionally used for improving prostate health, impotence, testicular atrophy and improved sex drive in men..
Men should take care of their semen and sperm the trace element ZINC is essential and will be looked at
Before that
Rev up , Royal jelly , memovite and 40+ men are essential to sperm health.
Double power for libidos
Immune booster for boosting immune system to provide healthy sperm. For more info pls call 08099637493
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