Fertility

Alternative therapies

Many people use alternative therapies to improve their overall physical and emotional health. This could include medicines such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, homeopathic medicines, other supplements, and treatments such as Chinese medicine, chiropractic, osteopathic, acupuncture, homeopathy, reflexology and aromatherapy.

There are very limited data in the literature that demonstrate the beneficial effect of complementary and alternative drugs and treatments on fertility. While improving your general health is clearly beneficial, we do not recommend using these therapies to improve your ability to conceive. If you would like to try alternative treatments, it is important to inform your physician, because some supplements may inhibit your ovulation.

Acupuncture and the use of vitamin supplements are considered compatible with most medical treatments for (IVF, insemination).

Acupuncture and fertility

Acupuncture is considered to:

• reduce stress and improve quality of life,
• stimulate blood flow to the womb, affect the period and ovulation.

There is limited evidence in the literature that acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer during IVF can improve implantation rates.

Multivitamins and fertility

Nutrients that can help fertility are the following:

• Antioxidants: Protect cells from damage caused by free radicals to environmental and other toxins,
• Vitamin A: participates in the creation of DNA. In small amounts, it is essential for the healthy development of the embryo, especially for the immune system and the eyes. However, excessive intake of vitamin A should be avoided,
• Vitamin C: is an important antioxidant in the ovary. Growth and maturation of the egg requires vitamin C while at the time of ovulation even more vitamin C is used,
• Vitamin E: is an antioxidant that can improve the circulation of the reproductive system, including the placenta,
• Vitamin B12, B6 and Folic Acid: are three important vitamins of the B complex for the reproductive system,
• Coenzyme (Q10): is an important antioxidant and constitutes the “nutritional energy” within each cell,
• Zinc: is one of the most important nutrients for a healthy reproductive system,
• Manganese: is an enzyme involved in functions with antioxidant action,
• Selenium: is an antioxidant that supports normal conception,
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Essential for the developing embryo and a healthy pregnancy.