Infertility

Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of
regular, unprotected intercourse. It may be a result of biological
factors affecting either the male or female partner.

DESCRIPTION

For a woman to become pregnant, a number of events need to
occur. A woman must produce an egg which develops normally and is
released (ovulation) to be fertilised by sperm. The resulting
embryo must be transported to the woman’s uterus and implanted
where it grows and matures. If any of these events do not occur, or
are disrupted, Infertility will result. 

Major factors which contribute to Infertility include problems
with male sperm, ovulation, internal tubes and cervical mucus. In
approximately 10% of cases, no specific cause can be
identified.

 

Male factors

• Exposure to high temperatures. It takes 72 to 74 days for sperm
  cells to develop. Optimum growth occurs at 34 degrees Celsius (93.2
  degrees fahrenheit). Higher temperatures (excessive heat or fever)
  may affect fertility.
• Physical abnormalities.
• Poor blood drainage from the testes (resulting in higher
  temperatures). 
• Ejaculation into the bladder.
• Hormone disorders. 
• Genetic disorders.

 

Female factors

• Inability to produce eggs.
• Failure to ovulate. 
• Blocked fallopian tubes.
• Scarring of the uterus.
• Inability to produce cervical mucus in sufficient quantity or
  of sufficient quality.

 

Lifestyle factors

• Obesity.
• Tobacco.
• Alcohol.
• Caffeine (tea, coffee, caffeine containing soft drinks).
• Dieting, fasting and malnourishment can also cause temporary
  Infertility. 
• Stress.
• Exposure to industrial or environmental toxins.
• Recreational drug use.
• Exposure to stilboestrol or anabolic steroids.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

• As with all conditions, your Doctor should be consulted to
  diagnose and treat this condition. Identifying the cause of your
  infertility is important as it may affect the choice of
  treatment.
• A complete medical examination should be carried out on both
  the male and the female partner. See the Infertility Tests topic
  for more information on the diagnosis process
• Structural problems, such as a blocked fallopian tube may
  require minor surgery.
• Your Doctor may prescribe fertility drugs to stimulate
  ovulation.
• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) includes treatments such
  as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic sperm
  injection (ICSI) etc
• See the Infertility Treatments topic for more detailed
  information
• Avoid smoking, exposure to toxins, stress, excessive alcohol
  and other recreational drug intake.

DIET HINTS

• There is no particular diet that will directly enhance
  fertility, however, maintaining good health through sensible eating
  and regular exercise may help to encourage conception.
• Include plenty of vitamin E-rich foods such as almonds,
  sunflower seeds, raw wheat germ and wholemeal bread.
• Use olive oil as a base for cooking rather than butter or other
  fats. 
• Include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in the diet. Five
  servings per day are recommended.
• Try to drink between 6 to 8 glasses of freshly filtered water
  each day. 
• Include foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, seafood and lean
  red meat. Folate is also important and is found in dark green leafy
  vegetables.
• Avoid drinks which contain caffeine such as coffee, tea and
  cola drinks.
• Adequate protein is important for people who are trying to
  conceive. Lean red meat, skinless chicken and fish are good sources
  of protein. Vegetarians may need to combine grains and legumes
  (beans, peas, lentils etc) in the same meal and take a B group
  vitamins supplement containing vitamin B12. Brewers’ yeast is a
  good source of B vitamins.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

See the topic Infertility – Supplements.

• A folic acid deficiency may cause Infertility in women..
• Vitamin B6 may increase progesterone levels and benefit female
  Infertility. Vitamin B6 is required for RNA and DNA synthesis.
• A deficiency of vitamin B12 may be associated with male
  Infertility.
• Vitamin C may protect against oxidative DNA damage to sperm.
  Vitamin C may also protect sperm from cigarette smoke damage.
  Vitamin C is thought to prevent sperm from clumping and improve
  sperm motility.
• A deficiency of zinc is believed to be associated with
  oligospermia (insufficient sperm in the semen), decreased sperm
  motility and decreased testosterone levels. These problems may
  result in male Infertility.
• Low iron levels in women may result in Infertility. Iron
  supplementation is most effective when given with vitamin C.
• Vitamin E is required for balanced hormone production. Vitamin
  E is known as the ‘sex vitamin’ because it carries oxygen to the
  sex organs.
• Natural beta carotene may be important for reproductive gland
  function.
• False unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum) may help to normalise
  ovarian function when female Infertility is associated with erratic
  ovulation.
• Some types of Infertility may respond to chaste tree berries
  (Vitex agnus castus), particularly if associated with elevated
  prolactin levels.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

1. If you need help to stop smoking, ask your Pharmacist about the
   range of anti-smoking products available.
2. Consider some nutritional supplements if the diet is
   inadequate. Studies have indicated that vitamin E and other
   antioxidants may help to enhance male fertility by reducing the
   destruction of sperm in the body by oxidation. Evening Primrose Oil
   and the herb Vitex agnus-castus, taken regularly, may help to
   regulate the female menstrual cycle.