Pregnancy is often said to be the most natural thing in the world; however, many couples have trouble conceiving. The number of couples seeking fertility acupuncture treatment is increasing as people delay marriage and children into later stages of life. Fertility treatment can be a scary word that brings up images of testing at a medical spa Springfield MO and drugs with terrible side effects. The good news is that there are now many natural fertility-boosting supplements available over the counter.
What Are Fertility Supplements?
Fertility supplements contain natural ingredients that increase fertility. These supplements are available in different formulas for both men and women. Supplements for women often contain additional vitamins and minerals that increase fetal health if conception is successful. Many women with hormonal conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, find that these supplements decrease their symptoms as well as increase their fertility.
How Do Fertility Supplements Work?
Fertility supplements for women work by balancing hormones, encouraging ovulation, and making the uterus a better environment for implantation. Chaste tree berry is a common fertility supplement ingredient that balances estrogen and progesterone levels and stimulates the production of luteinizing hormone, which triggers ovulation. Other common ingredients are black cohosh and red clover.
Men’s fertility supplements are usually more simple, consisting of a vitamin and mineral blend along with a few select herbs to improve sperm quality and increase sperm production. Ginseng and egg protein are common ingredients in fertility supplements for both men and women because it promotes the development of egg follicles as well as sperm.
Why Choose Fertility Supplements Over Medications?
Natural fertility supplements are a good place to start for couples who have trouble conceiving and have already tried other hormone treatment options. They come with fewer risks and less cost than medical fertility intervention. Fertility medications also come with an increased risk of a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, or more), while natural supplements do not increase the risk of multiples at all.
Choosing the Best Fertility Supplement
Not all fertility supplements are created equal. Try to find one made with organic ingredients if possible. Women should choose a supplement that also contains prenatal vitamins like folic acid to help prevent birth defects and promote fetal health if they conceive. Some fertility supplements are targeted at special needs, such as balancing hormones or increasing libido. These are a great choice for people who have specific issues that are impacting their fertility.
Ingredients to Avoid
The most important ingredients for women to avoid when it comes to fertility supplements are ingredients that can cause harm to a fetus. Some ingredients used in fertility supplements may increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects. The FDA does not regulate supplements the same way that medications are regulated, so it is important to be informed.
Other ingredients to avoid when choosing a fertility supplement are fillers, such as corn starch, cellulose, and gelatin. These ingredients reduce the quality and potency of the supplement. Some fillers may cause allergic reactions in some people. Wheat and gluten ingredients, which many people react to, are common fillers used in supplements. Read labels and allergen statements carefully if you have an allergy or intolerance.
Can Fertility Supplements Be Taken in Combination with Fertility Drugs?
Fertility drugs can be taken together with some supplements, but there are many herbs that may interact or interfere with other medications. If you are taking any other medications, including fertility drugs, you must discuss fertility supplements with your doctor before adding them to your daily regimen.
Maximizing the Effects of Fertility Supplements
The best way to maximize the power of fertility supplements is to use them in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. Overall health is especially important for women who are trying to conceive because a healthy body is not only important for conception but for pregnancy and childbirth too. Eat a healthy diet rich in nutrients, protein, and fiber, but don’t try to lose weight because cutting calories will reduce your fertility.
Another way to get the most out of fertility supplements is to use them under the supervision of a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or fertility chiropractor. A knowledgeable health professional can give you the guidance you need to select the right supplements, monitor your progress, and suggest any changes that might be helpful along the way.
The Bottom Line
When used properly, quality fertility supplements can make the difference between conceiving a child and not conceiving. They can also make conception happen faster for young, healthy couples. If you are one of the millions of people trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant, fertility supplements are worth a try before you resort to costly and risky medical procedures. Do your research and consult with your doctor or pharmacist to get started.