Dr. Clickner's Quick Guide to Natural Preconception

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I have worked with numerous couples trying to conceive and each time it is a puzzle that has to be slowly pieced together to realize what the issues are that are preventing pregnancy. This is also true if there has been a history of miscarriage and carrying a pregnancy to term seems an insurmountable task. Between 10 and 15% of couples are having difficulty conceiving, but the scary thing is that this rate is actually much higher than it was just a few decades ago. And yet we have such incredible advances in medical care? But the conventional medical community’s approach to infertility and high risk pregnancy is relatively unchanged in all that time. So many couples turn to good old-fashioned horse sense … natural conception.

Let’s look at just a few of the potential causes of infertility, some of which you may know and many of which you may be completely unaware. Both men and women have infertility issues in relatively equal amounts and rarely is it just one causative factor. Instead it is much more likely that there are numerous factors acting at varying degrees of effect.

Women’s Infertility:

  • Irregular ovulation

  • Disorders of the Fallopian tubes

  • Pelvic disorders such as pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis

  • Disorders of cervical mucous

  • Structural or mechanical issues such as cysts or fibroids

  • Abnormal pap smear which may mean cervical dysplasia

  • Thyroid or pituitary dysfunction (this is often undiagnosed)

Men’s infertility:

  • Disorders of the sperm including quantity and quality

  • Disorders of copulation

  • Genito-urinary or prostate issues including inflammation and STDs

  • Varicocele (testicular varicose vein)

Couple’s infertility

  • Nutritional deficiency (especially zinc deficiency)

  • Allergies

  • Unresolved infections

  • Excessive toxic burden and exposure

  • Electromagnetic radiation exposure

  • Stress

  • Smoking

  • Alcohol and/or caffeine consumption

  • Residual effects of pharmaceuticals

  • Dysfunctional or hyperreactive immune reaction

  • Age

  • Gastrointestinal absorption problems

Often there is an issue in the combining of the couple that creates a hostile conception environment. This can occur because of an immune reaction. Are there any symptoms in one of the partners shortly after intercourse? Does either partner experience fevering or flushing? Is there a large amount of mucous during intercourse? This can often be corrected with the following protocol:

Ganoderma and Shitake mushroom extract - both partners 2 before breakfast and dinner.
Echinacea Premium - both partners 2 before breakfast and dinner.
Tribulus - male partner 2 before breakfast and dinner.
Albaplex - female partner 3 with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Another common factor is the female reproductive cycle. If you have any of the following issues, then doing some preparatory work to clear up these chronic issues would be vital:

  • Irregular periods - particularly if your cycle is shorter than 27 days or longer than 31 days.

  • Irregular ovulation, no ovulation

  • Hormonal imbalance of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone

  • Amenorrhea - no menstruation.

  • PMS symptoms

  • Dysmenorrhea - painful, debilitating periods with multiple symptoms.

  • Menorrhagia - heavy, clotted blood or frequent break-through periods.

  • Recurring vaginal infections

Along with all of these considerations there are nuances to conception and pregnancy that are little discussed, but present big obstacles to be thought about and may need a conversation or two. I often recommend hypnotherapy for many couples experiencing infertility to identify any mental or emotional blocks to parenthood. Many of us come from childhood experiences that have colored us for life at a very deep level. You may not realize how much this can interfere not only with relationships, but conception and parenthood. Try initiating a conversation with these questions:

  • Do you feel completely at ease in your bedroom?

  • Do you have any insomnia issues?

  • Do you enjoy sex?

  • Do you feel relaxed and safe during sexual encounters?

  • Do you want to have a child and do you want to have a child with this partner?

  • Are you prepared, ready and excited to be a parent?

  • So you already have other children? How will they be affected by a new baby in the house?

  • Do you experience any nightmares?

  • When you think of your own childhood, are they happy memories?

  • Do you have time in your life for parenthood?

  • What financial demands will be made with a new child in the house?

  • Do you have any fear in your life?

  • What kind of a parent will you be?

  • What are you willing to change to be a good, healthy parent and partner?

  • Is there anything in your lifestyle now that wouldn’t work with your role as a parent?

Evaluating all of these factors can really point out some areas that may be creating blocks to the conception process. Bringing together your partner, your physician, your endocrinologist and your naturopath can work in your favor by supplying you with all the important information to be a healthy parent of a healthy child.

Karen Clickner