Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. This condition may be the result of biological factors which affect either the male or female partner. There are several vitamins, minerals and herbs which may play a role in the management of infertility. Health care This condition requires supervision by a medical practitioner. Always consult your Doctor for a diagnosis and advice. This information is in no way intended to replace the advice of a medical practitioner. A complete medical examination should be performed on the male and the female partner. Hormone drugs or other medication may be prescribed depending on the cause of the infertility. Structural problems, such as a blocked fallopian tube, may require minor surgery. Vits/mins/herbs - Folic acid A folic acid deficiency may cause infertility in women. Decreased histamine levels may affect ejaculation in males and orgasm in females. Supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B3 may raise blood histamine levels. - Vitamin b6 Vitamin B6 may increase progesterone levels and benefit female infertility. Vitamin B6 is required for RNA and DNA synthesis. - VITAMIN B12 A deficiency of Vitamin B12 may be associated with male infertility. - VITAMIN B5Vitamin B5 may help maintain sex hormone production. It may also help manage stress, which is often an associated problem with infertility. - B COMPLEX Supplementing with a vitamin B complex may be important for reproductive gland function. - VITAMIN C Vitamin C may protect against oxidative DNA damage to sperm. Vitamin C may also protect sperm from cigarette smoke damage. Vitamin C is thought to prevent sperm from clumping and improve sperm motility. - ZINC A deficiency of zinc is believed to be associated with oligospermia (insufficient sperm in the semen), decreased sperm motility and decreased testosterone levels. These problems may result in male infertility. - IRON Low iron levels in women may result in infertility. Iron supplementation is most effective when given with vitamin C. - ARGININE A deficiency of arginine may be associated with decreased sperm count and sperm motility. Caution must be taken if the patient suffers from the herpes virus. Alternatively, supplementing with ornithine may solve this problem. Ornithine does not promote herpes and is converted to arginine in the body. - SELENIUM Deficiency of selenium may lead to a reduced sperm count. Selenium may be linked to sterility in men and infertility in women. - VITAMIN E Vitamin E is required for balanced hormone production. Vitamin E is known as the 'sex vitamin' because it carries oxygen to the sex organs. - BETA CAROTENE Natural beta carotene may be important for reproductive gland function. - PABA (Para-aminobenzoic acid) PABA may play a role in restoring fertility in some women. PABA may help stimulate the pituitary gland. - FALSE UNICORN ROOT (Chamaelirium luteum) False unicorn root may help to normalise ovarian function when female infertility is associated with erratic ovulation. - STEROIDAL SAPONIN-CONTAINING HERBS These herbs may normalise the luteal phase in women. This may be useful for infertility which is associated with failure to ovulate. Such herbs include False unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum), Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) and True unicorn root (Aletris farinosa). - CHASTE TREE BERRIES (Vitex agnus castus) Some types of infertility may respond to vitex, particularly if associated with elevated prolactin levels. |
