Still trying to get pregnant and looking for natural remedies that help the reproductive system?More natural and organic products are being displayed on the shelves at local supermarkets and specialty food stores than ever before with an array of healing assurances and natural cleansing and detoxifying options.

photo/Petr Kratochvil

Offering promises of increasing ovulation, sperm count & motility and ultimately conception, it is only natural we research some of these organic remedies as additional sources to consider utilizing on your journey into parenthood.

One product that seems to be a favorite is called FertiliTea. According to the manufacturers ingredients listed on their packaging, the tea contains only the following natural and organic ingredients.

• Chasteberry (Vitex) - stimulates the hormones involved in ovulation and helps restore female hormonal balance

• Red Raspberry Leaf - helps tone the reproductive organs

• Green Tea - is a powerful antioxidant that promotes fertility • Ladies Mantle – helps regulate your monthly cycle

• Nettle Leaf - is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and calcium

Fertility expert and creator of the all-natural organic product, Dr. Amos Grunebaum, says “FertiliTea is the only herbal tea that offers a complete spectrum of carefully selected fertility enhancing ingredients.”

Maca Root Supplements

Another natural and organic supplement that offers claims of successfully increasing fertility is called maca (Lepidium meyenii). It comes in the form of a tablet or powder and appears to be receiving high accolades. This root-like vegetable, shaped like a turnip grows at 12,000 feet above sea level. It is grown in the higher altitudes of the Andes. Native Peruvians have successfully used maca root for hundreds of years in an effort to affect fertility at higher altitudes. This supplement can be used by both men and women.

Numerous small studies have been conducted on the use of maca. One study included nine men who received maca tablets between 1500 and 3000 mg/ day) for 4 months depending upon their weight and size. Their levels were measured before and after treatment.

After using a maca supplement for four months, their seminal volume increased as did their sperm count per ejaculation. Sperm motility showed positive response as well.

Progesterone levels in women are essential to carry a healthy pregnancy to term. Maca root supplements work for women by attempting to control estrogen levels from becoming too high, thus causing progesterone levels to plummet and possibly lead to miscarriage.

If you or your partner are looking to increase egg health and viability, normalize hormonal balance, increase seminal volume, increase sperm count and motility, this supplement may be for you. The cost of 100 tablets runs approximately $25 and about $20 for the powder.

DIM (Diindolylmethane)

DIM balances hormones by breaking down estrogen and removing excess levels from the body. Excess estrogen is a major problem for some women trying to conceive. PCOS, endometriosis and ovarian cysts are sometimes linked to higher estrogen levels and may be remedied with regular use of this supplement. Available in tablet form at 100mg, this product runs about $20 per bottle.

L-Arginine

This 1998 Nobel Prize winning supplement is an amino acid that promotes synthesis of Nitric Oxide (NO). Nitric Oxide is produced naturally in the body and is important for blood dilation, increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries and is known to increase sperm count and motility, too.

According to researchers from the Mayo Clinic, an estimated 10 percent to 15 percent of couples are classified as infertile, which means that they’ve been trying to get pregnant with frequent, unprotected intercourse for at least one year with no success. In about half the cases, male infertility is  a factor.

photo credit/Alan Toniolo de Carvalho

There are of course many causes of male infertility known to the medical establishment today; however over the last twenty years, two newer potential causes are currently being examined further and believed to be associated with fertility issues in men; the laptop computer and the cell phone.

A study was done on the negative impact of laptop computer usage on 29 healthy male volunteers between the ages of 21-35 under the direction of Dr. Yefim R. Sheynkin, an Assistant Professor and Director of the Male Infertility and Microsurgery Program at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York and a summa cum laude graduate of Moscow Medical Academy.

Gradually declining sperm production has been noted in recent decades and the laptop computer may have a negative effect on fertility and sperm production.

Using 4 different brands of laptop computers, the study revealed that after one-hour of perching it atop the legs, balanced on the thighs, the bottom of a laptop rose from 88 degrees Fahrenheit to almost 104 degrees, thus causing the scrotum temperature to rise and adversely affect the health of the sperm. When scrotal temps rise by a mere 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit, sperm concentration may drop by up to 40%. This discovery is huge for laptop users!

The external pouch of skin that contains the testes is external for a reason. It allows sperm to develop at a lower temperature than the rest of the body. This is necessary for development of healthy sperm.

Fertility experts regularly advise their male patients avoid saunas, hot baths and whirlpools as well as not wear tight undergarments or shorts, as these too will increase scrotal temperatures and lead to a reduced number of viable sperm.

Copyright GetPregnant.org 2011

Cell phone and infertility has become a topic of debate in recent years. As the controversy presses on over the subject of cell phones and health, many couples struggling to conceive are wondering if cell phone usage really can cause infertility.

In a study published in the medical journal, Fertility and Sterility, Dr. Ashok Agarwal, PhD, Head of the Andrology Laboratory and the Director of Center for Reproductive Medicine at the Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, reported a link between cell phones in talk mode and their adverse affect on sperm.

The report states researchers collected semen samples from 32 subjects, including nine patients and 23 healthy donors, and divided the samples into two parts to allow for both a test group and a control group. Specimens from the test group were then placed 2.5 centimeters from an 850 MHz cell phone in talk mode for 1 hour. Researchers identified this distance as being the typical distance between the testes and pant pockets; a common place for men to store their cell phones while talking on a hands-free earpiece.

Special equipment measured and monitored the radio-frequency electromagnetic waves emitted by the phone. Then, researchers measured the levels of reactive oxygen species (harmful free radicals), total antioxidant capacity and DNA integrity of the sperm cells, and compared them to the control group.

The findings showed that cell phone radiation increased the amount of reactive oxidative stress (or free radicals) and decreased the amount of antioxidants in semen to levels that have a negative impact on the motility and viability of sperm.

Additionally, back in 2004, the members of the research team conducted an earlier observational study and reported on 361 men who were undergoing infertility evaluations, at the median age of 31. They were divided into four test groups consistent with their daily cell phone use: group A: no use; group B: <2 h/day; group C: 2–4 h/day; and group D: >4 h/day.

According to the study, semen samples were collected by masturbation in a sterile wide-mouthed calibrated container after an abstinence period of 5 days.

After the samples’ separation into their respective category of cell phone usage; according to the test subjects themselves; analysis was performed by researchers according to World Health Organization guidelines to evaluate eight sperm parameters: volume, liquefaction time, pH, viscosity, sperm count, motility, viability, and percentage of normal morphology.

This studies’ findings also revealed that use of cell phones do in fact decrease the semen quality in men by decreasing the sperm count, motility, viability, and normal morphology by up to 40% depending upon the duration of daily exposure.

Endometriosis is a medical condition in women in which endometrial like cells appear and flourish in areas outside the uterine cavity. Though they have been found in other regions of the body, they are commonly reported to be on the ovaries. Lined by endometrial cells, the uterine cavity is always under the influence of female hormones during reproductive years.

These endometrial-like cells in areas outside the uterus (endometriosis) are influenced by hormonal changes and respond similarly as do those cells found inside the uterus. Symptoms often worsen over time with the menstrual cycle.

Endometriosis is typically seen during the reproductive years and effects 5% to 10% of women of which approximately 30% have fertility problems. Symptoms may depend on the site of active endometriosis. Endometriosis is a common finding in women with fertility related issues.

Normally, at the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle; if a woman is not pregnant; tissue lining the inside of the uterus is built up and shed or discharged as a menstrual flow. However with endometriosis, endometrial-like tissue forms on the exterior wall of the uterus inside the abdominal cavity and unlike normal dispelling of menstrual flow, this has no place to go when it breaks apart, bleeds or sheds, thus it often remains in the abdominal cavity causing inflammation and swelling. Later on, endometrial tissue may become lesions, nodules, growths or implants. Less than 1% report cancer-related issues due to endometriosis.

Some studies report that once a woman modifies her diet, adds supplements that aid in creating optimal uterine health and gets pregnant, the endometrial disease is gone thereafter.

The Cause?

In addition to being pre-disposed to the disease due to heredity, one theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) cites endometriosis as a disease which is caused by the stagnation of blood.

The stagnation may occur due to one or more abortions and/or lower abdominal or pelvic surgeries, engaging in sexual intercourse during the menstrual cycle, stress, physical or emotional abuse and the all important diet.

How do I combat endometriosis?

To combat or remedy endometriosis, studies have shown women have had great success with one or more of the following suggestions.

•Avoid Cold Foods

Ingestion of cold foods and drinks can congeal (solidify or thicken) blood and thus contribute to blood stagnation that is known to cause endometriosis. Ice cream, frozen yogurt, frozen drinks, ice in drinks and cold food products.

•Avoid Sexual Intercourse During Menstrual Cycle

TCM doctors theorize the possibility of blood stagnation during sexual intercourse, thus the correlation between that and endometrial issues.

•Eliminate Caffeine & Poor Foods Choices

Consider ceasing all forms of caffeine from the diet permanently. Restrict sugars, alcohol, salt, acid forming foods such as red meats, eggs, fried foods and dairy products to prevent estrogen production. Avoid chocolates. Think vegetables and fresh fruits.

•Reduce Stress

Stress is known to exacerbate endometriosis and cause reproductive issues.

Although the following list is not regarded in any way by the U.S. FDA, the supplements listed have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries to aid women in creating optimal reproductive health. With that said, always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

•Dong Quai

How safe is it to get a mani-pedi in a busy nail salon while pregnant?

A high exposure to Acetone during early weeks of pregnancy may increase the chances of miscarriage according to scientific research and studies.

Prevalent throughout a nail salon, Acetone, is found in nail polish remover at every station.Either by inhalation or through the skin and nails, a woman’s contact with Acetone can affect the nervous system of the unborn, thus leading to developmental delays in her offspring or even miscarriage.

In 2005, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, USA conducted experiments that concluded phthalates could, in fact, affect the reproductive health of males in utero.

The European Union has banned both phthalates and formaldehyde from use in cosmetics, including nail polish whereas these ingredients are still used in the United States.

A study conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta tested 289 adults for phthalates and found all 289 to be positive, with women of childbearing age (unfortunately) being affected the most.

Concerned about the use of acrylic nails while trying to conceive?

Methyl-methacrylate (MMA) is one of the ingredients found in acrylic nails and the United States FDA has concluded that methyl-methacrylate (MMA) does pose a health risk and may cause allergic reactions. Additionally, chemicals used to apply acrylic nails can seep into the natural nail. Some nail salons are opting for using ethyl-methacrylate (EMA) instead of MMA as it is currently considered a safer alternative to MMA.

Women who choose to continue their regular visits to the manicurist may want to consider the following.

• Request the first appointment of the day

• Select a salon with built-in ventilation system

• Do not go to the nail salon during first trimester

Before spritzing your body with seductive scents certain to capture your partners attention, you may want to reconsider.

Scientists from Analycen Lab in Sweden (who were acquired in 2007 by Eurofins Scientific, a life sciences company operating internationally to provide a comprehensive range of analytical testing services to clients from a wide range of industries including pharmaceutical, food and environmental sectors with over 6,000 staff in more than 100 laboratories across 27 countries) discovered links between colognes and cosmetics, and reproductive health issues, especially in young males.

Analyzing 34 leading brands of cosmetics, the researchers found more than three-quarters contained diethylhexyl phthalate or other phthalates, used to prevent fragrance loss. And, according to the study, damage to the reproductive system is possible in the adult male and female as well as the male unborn child. Impairment can occur as early as the first four to eight weeks of gestation. Scientists believe the phthalates can be absorbed into woman’s bloodstream through the epidermis or inhalation, thus causing severe health issues for some.

Concerned about the rising levels of testicular cancer in young men, some researchers assert the significance of the phthalates correlation. Other genital abnormalities noted were undescended testicles and malformation of the urinary tract.

Professor Richard Sharpe, of The Medical Research Council’s Human Reproductive Sciences Unit in Edinburgh concluded “If you wanted to produce a list of environmental causes of the reproductive health problems in boys, phthalates would be pretty near the top of the list.”

Some of the products containing diethylhexyl phthalate or other phthalates noted in the study were the cologne Tommy Girl, Chanel No 5, Christian Dior’s Poison, Eternity from Calvin Klein and Tresor by Lancome. Other toiletry products like Impulse Body Spray, Nivea Deo Compact, Sure Ultra deodorant, Shockwaves hair mousse and hairsprays including Pantene Pro-V Extra Hold and Vidal Sassoon.

Some women who are trying to get pregnant may be having difficulty due to a pH imbalance. You can check your level at home and remedy the issue through many foods, spices and drinks.

For optimal hormonal functions in women, it is important to factor in the alkaline/acidity level balance when trying to conceive. Bear in mind, proper pH balance in women is vital to ones overall health and not just for conception and pregnancy.

A simple at home urine test can determine whether or not a woman’s pH balance is acceptable. Using Medical pH Test Strips one can determine levels quickly and easily. These strips determine ones urinary pH, which is generally a good indicator of how acidic total body pH is. An acceptable urinary pH range should be between 6.5 in the a.m. and 7.5 by evening.

Studies indicate hostile cervical mucus environments, often caused by high acidity levels in women, can hinder sperm and reduce the viable number of sperm considerably. To combat this dilemma, there are numerous dietary choices that can reverse high acidic levels and raise a woman’s alkaline level to an acceptable one or neutral one, thus allowing sperm to travel through the cervical mucus more easily.

The following vegetables are suggested by many experts as veggies that help reduce acidity levels and raise alkaline levels naturally.

Asparagus, artichokes, radishes, leeks, spinach, garlic, broccoli, tomato, cabbage, onions, peas, watercress, carrots, cucumber, chives, avocado, lettuce, cauliflower, red cabbage, turnip, green beans, celery and beet root.

The following fruits are suggested by many experts as fruits that help reduce acidity levels and raise alkaline levels naturally.

Lemon*, watermelon (neutral), apricot, cantaloupe, grapefruit*, pears, figs, muskmelons, lime*, rhubarb, bananas, grapes, oranges*, pineapples, dates*, grapefruit, apple, nectarines, berries, honeydew melon, peaches, strawberries, raisins and tangerines*.

(*These fruits mistakenly thought by many to have an acidic effect on the body actually offer an alkalizing effect once metabolized.)

The following proteins are suggested by many experts as proteins that help reduce acidity levels and raise alkaline levels naturally. Although any meat raises acidic levels, if one is a meat eater, it is wise to go organic.

Tofu (fermented), millet, organic meats (generally less acid-forming than non organic), almonds, hemp protein, tempeh (fermented).

The following spices and herbs are suggested by many experts as spices and herbs that help reduce acidity levels and raise alkaline levels naturally.

The big ‘O’. What might the affect of a female orgasm have on fertility?

Well over 100 years ago, doctors actually prescribed an orgasm as a method to help couples conceive. The theory was a female orgasm just after a male ejaculation would help guide the semen from the cervix into the uterus. It was called an “up suck”.

The dynamics of a female orgasm are complex with a series of involuntary contractions of the muscles of the genitals. Medical research indicates the rich vaginal fluids created during arousal and an orgasm help guide sperm more easily.

It is wise to note that certain medications, including some over-the-counter antihistamines or diseases such as diabetes, will inhibit a women’s lubrication, thus making it more difficult for semen to travel viably.

Can plastic food packaging and plastic containers really be harmful to reproductive organs and possibly lead to miscarriage? 

Bisphenol-A (BPA), an industrial chemical that makes plastics hard and transparent has been linked recently to recurrent miscarriages in a report released by scientists in Japan.

Interestingly enough and not surprising, women with a history of recurrent miscarriages were tested and found to have a higher level of the [food packaging] compound bisphenol-A in their bodies.

Although the information is based on a small preliminary study, it warrant serious cause for concern not only for a couple trying to conceive but for the health and safety of the unborn child.