Infertility is a frustrating problem for couples trying to have a baby. With the costly expenses of fertility specialists and fertility drugs, herbal supplements and remedies are becoming more sought after. It should be noted that herbal remedies are not a proven way to increase fertility. Moreover, herbal drugs have limited regulation by governmental agencies, so safety in the production and ingredients is not certain. Herbal drugs may also have negative interactions with other fertility medications.
L-Carnitine
According MayoClinic.com, a study found that l-carnitine can increase motility in sperm. This study was published in the "Journal of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine" in February 2003. The results showed an increase in pregnancies in the study participants, attributed to sperm concentration and mobility of the sperm. L-carnitine is an amino acid complex used in fat metabolism and has no proven effect on fertility. L-carnitine is available in pill form and is available at most pharmacies and online.
Chasteberry
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NCCAM, suggests that chasteberry has been used to increase fertility in women. A study released in the "Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health" in December 2006 reported an increase in the number of midwives using chasteberry and other alternative medications to help treat fertility issues. This herb is taken in liquid form and available for purchase in pill form in health food stores and online. Chasteberry is not for everyone, though. The NCCAM reports that it may cause hormonal and neural side effects. Chasteberry's effects on fertility are not proven and may cause negative side effects and negative drug interactions.
Shen-Replenishing Herbs
Chinese shen-replenishing herbs may help infertility caused by polycystic ovarain syndrome. A study published in "Chinese Integrated Medicine" in December 2006 reported on the increased use of shen-replenishing herbs in combination with Western fertility treatments. Shen-replenishing herbs can be taken in tea form. Check your local health food store for availability. Eastern medicine suggests combining these herbs with acupuncture for the best overall outcome. However, shen-replenishing herbs are not guaranteed to aid in fertility, more research is needed on the subject.
Co Enzyme Q10 and Folic Acid
MayoClinic.com reports that these two nutrients may help increase sperm count and motility in men. These two supplements are available in pill form and can be found in most pharmacies across the United States. More research needs to be done to prove these findings.
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Fertility Herbs
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Chasteberry
- "Journal of Midwifery and Womens Health"; The Use of Herbsnext term and Dietary Supplements in Gynecology: An Evidence-Based Review, Cathi E. Dennehy, Volume 51, Issue 6, December 2006.
- "Chinese Integrative Medicine"; Progress of integrative Chinese and Western medicine in treating polycystic ovarian syndrome caused infertility, Song JJ, Yan ME, Wu XK, Hou LH, December 2006.
- "Journal of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine"; Use of carnitine therapy in selected cases of male factor infertility: a double-blind crossover trial; Lenzi, Andrea et. al.;Volume 79, Issue 2, 2003.
