The World Health Organisation defines infertility as, no conception within one year of unprotected sex. It is thought that approximately 50% of the time, infertility is related to the woman’s reproductive dysfunction, approximately 40% of infertility is related to sperm defects and approximately 10% is of unknown origin. Sperm counts have fallen from an average of 113 million in 1940 to 66 million in 1990 – a 40% drop. Counts between 20-40 million are considered sub-fertile and counts below 20 million are associated with infertility. So guys, you have a role to play in fertility too.

There are many possible reasons for infertility. In males and females it can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases, genito-urinary bacterial infections (such as mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas), heavy metal toxicity, alcohol, smoking, nutritional deficiencies, nutrient absorption problems, low thyroid function, stress and stage of life.

In males, problems with the reproductive organs, ingestion of xeno-oestrogens, weight and intake of drugs such as cannabis can lead to infertility. According to an article in the Lancet 1994, the incidence of disorders of the male reproductive tract is rising, and has more than doubled in the last 30 to 50 years. About 70% of male infertility is due to low sperm count. If a male has low sperm count, but normal, motile sperm, the likelihood is that pregnancy will eventually occur. Abnormal sperm or low motility may present a greater challenge. Other causes of male infertility are bacterial infections (such as mycoplasmas) or abnormal blood vessels around the testicles, called a varicocoele, which causes overheating of the testicles and can result in abnormal sperm. Another more unusual problem, occurring in about 5 % of male infertility cases, is the production of antibodies to their own sperm. The reason for this is not yet fully understood.

Female infertility may be due to, amongst others, problems of the reproductive organs such as failure to ovulate, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis, fibroids or polycystic ovary syndrome.

A Nutritional Therapist will seek to uncover the underlying factors of infertility, by assessing your individual symptoms. A nutritional assessment can include testing for levels of sex hormones, adrenal hormones, thyroid hormones and insulin levels (in cases of overweight or obesity) – all of which are important for fertility. One of the more comprehensive tests is a Female Hormone Panel to analyse levels of progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone using saliva samples collected over a 28-day period .The test can be an indicator of anovulation and infertility, as low progesterone in the second half of the cycle may be linked with anovulation. Saliva has been found to be more accurate than blood and urine samples in measuring hormone levels.

A Nutritional Therapist may seek to determine whether your “master glands”, the pituitary and hypothalamus, which control the release of hormones, are regulating your hormones effectively. Other areas of health they may need to correct are gastro-intestinal health, gut permeability, imbalance in gut flora or yeast infections, IgG food intolerances, presence of infectious diseases and liver function.

Some substances encountered in the environment or ingested are teratogenic (cause developmental defects in the embryo) or mutagenic (cause damage to the genetic material of the living cell) and need to avoided to maximise fertility. These include the ‘social poisons’, alcohol, caffeine and smoking, and environmental toxins such as heavy metals, chemicals, drugs, some pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers, and viruses. A hair mineral analysis or urine test can determine whether heavy metals (such as mercury, lead, cadmium) are present in your body.

A healthy, balanced lifestyle and good nutrition practice is one of the key factors required for fertility. A good diet forms the foundation of optimal health and provides the building blocks needed for the reproductive system to function properly. Key nutrients required for a healthy pregnancy include: vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin D3, vitamin E, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc, Omega fats – that’s pretty much all of them. Optimal protein levels are also important to maintain pregnancy. In females, deficiencies of individual amino acids can cause damage to the genetic material of cells and can lead to reduced egg production. Low protein levels can retard the synthesis of DNA and increase the risk of embryonic deaths. Arginine, an amino acid or protein building block, is found in large amounts in the head of the sperm and is essential for sperm production. Various research studies have found that supplementing L-arginine has lead to an increase in sperm count, quality and motility. Arginine is found in almonds, cashew nuts, pulses, wholegrain bread, beef and chicken.

The process of preparing for conception and getting the body as healthy as possible by eating well, reducing stress and supplementing appropriately, should start 120 days before conception. This is a critical time for men and women due to the length of time it takes to produce sperm and ova. Sperm takes approximately 120 days to be formed before it can fertilise an egg. It is vulnerable to damage during this entire period. Females take a minimum of 30 days to produce an egg, before it is released for ovulation. Planning ahead can maximise your fertility. The better you treat your body, the better chance you have of bringing a new body into the world.

Bibliography
Mark, K. Dr., Kelly-Rivers, B. 2004. BCNH: MODULE 5 - Preconceptual Care, Fertility, Pregnancy and Nutrition. BCNH: London

Here’s a smoothie that will help balance your hormones, add loads of enzymes, assist in alkalinity and boost your immune system. A great start to your day.