Combining Natural and High-Tech Methods to Maximize Fertility

Most women prefer a natural approach to fertility, at least initially before embarking on uncomfortable, expensive high-tech procedures.  There are lifestyle choices you can make to improve your fertility.  For example, a well-balanced diet helps to regulate hormones and nourish your reproductive system.  Maintaining a healthy weight and participating in moderate exercise make it easier to conceive because they balance your hormonal metabolism.  Here are some additional ways to naturally maximize your fertility:

• Avoid artificial lubricants
• Don’t douche
• Make sure your partner keeps his testicles cooler than the rest of his body (by wearing boxers not briefs, for example)
• Pinpoint your fertile time (day of ovulation and days surrounding) by using a natural family planning technique such as rhythm, basal body temperature, or cervical mucus method
• Have sex during your fertile time
• Try the missionary position to maximize penetration
• Have your partner remain inside your vagina for several minutes following ejaculation
• Elevate your hips and remain in bed for 30 minutes following sex

Another way to naturally boost your fertility is to consider alternative medical treatments.  Such treatments are not typically recognized by the traditional U.S. medical community because they may lack scientific data.  Nonetheless, surveys indicate about 20 percent of infertile couples consult alternative practitioners because of dissatisfaction with conventional treatments.  Alternative medicine therapies include aromatherapy, massage, acupuncture, and herbal remedies.  These treatments may boost fertility by reducing stress, improving blood flow, and easing muscle tension.  While we don’t completely understand how they work, many U.S. physicians believe that alternative medical treatments have some merit.

Sometimes, you decide to seek the advice of a fertility specialist and find yourself facing high-tech fertility treatments.  Fertility medications are prescribed for almost every woman under the care of a fertility specialist.  These medications work to boost fertility by altering hormones and inducing ovulation.  Unfortunately they are expensive and may have unpleasant side effects.  Additionally, your doctor may recommend a high-tech fertility procedure such as intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization.  These procedures may have a high pregnancy rate.  However, they require a large financial commitment and may also take their toll, both mentally and physically.  That’s why it’s important for you to understand why natural conception hasn’t worked for you and which high-tech fertility treatments are best suited for your situation.  It’s also important to educate yourself about the risks and benefits of each option.  

Doesn’t it make sense to combine the best of all worlds – the high technology science with the high touch of alternative medicine and healthy lifestyle?  This approach is termed integrative medicine and was pioneered by (my former medical school professor) Dr. Andrew Weil.  Integrative medicine encourages you to explore all treatment options because they can work together to improve your success.  For example, you may combine acupuncture with in vitro fertilization.  After all, the goal for both of them is the same - to help you have a baby.

Of course, it’s important to choose a competent, well-trained practitioner, no matter what treatments you choose.  It’s also critical to understand the limitations of each treatment option.  For example, if your fallopian tubes are blocked, herbs and aromatherapy will almost certainly not open them.  However, if you are taking ovulation medication, you may find aromatherapy and massage helpful in reducing your emotional stress.  Whatever you decide, make sure your caregivers are aware of all treatments you receive.  Working with both conventional and alternative practitioners will provide you with the best of both worlds.  You may achieve your goal of having a baby sooner and with more comfort and serenity.

Susan Warhus, MD is a physician and a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist.  She co-founded the largest all female practice in the state of Arizona.  During her clinical practice, she had the pleasure of delivering more than 3000 babies.