Mouthpiece: Natural help with conception

Published on Friday 18 March 2011 11:11

Fertility problems can be stressful and upsetting

MAKING babies may seem simple but getting pregnant isn't always easy. There are just a few days each month when a couple can achieve pregnancy and the chances of conception during any month of unprotected intercourse are only about 18 per cent.

When couples find themselves unable to conceive it can be upsetting and stressful. Not least, having to deal with the frustration and hurt of fertility issues; but also considering whether to try IVF, a big decision with potentially huge implications both financially and for the relationship.

Most of the couples that I see have been diagnosed with "unexplained infertility" - a label I strongly object to. People are only truly infertile if they have blocked fallopian tubes or if there's no sperm. Unfortunately, when told they have "unexplained infertility", people start to lose hope.

Few couples' problems really are "unexplained". Most women and men we see are older and their egg and sperm quality have already diminished. Stress and poor nutrition are also major factors, as are gynaecological issues like irregular or painful periods.

Undoubtedly, IVF has helped millions of couples conceive, but there is some debate as to whether it's prescribed too readily, and I would agree.

But natural methods and IVF can work well together. From improving nutrition to managing stress and anxiety and helping to regulate hormone levels with acupuncture, there is a range of options. It's about taking an all-round approach.

• Rachael Forrest, BA, Dip.Ac. MBAcC, Acupuncture and Abdominal Massage expert, The Natural Fertility Centre, Edinburgh. The Natural Fertility Centre is hosting a joint event with Glasgow Centre for Reproductive Medicine on March 27 in the Apex International Hotel in the Grassmarket (10am-2pm). For further details go to www.thenaturalfertilitycentre.com.