As many as 7 million couples in the U.S., or one out of six, has trouble getting pregnant, according to Shady Grove Fertility. Many turn to herbs as a reasonably inexpensive alternative to infertility treatments. Infertility can occur if one or both partners have reproductive problems. While studies on herbs used to treat fertility are lacking, several herbs do show promise for treating fertility issues. Do not take herbs that promise to improve fertility without first discussing their use with your medical practitioner.
Chasteberry
Also known as "vitex" or "agnus-castus," chasteberry grows in Central Asia and around the Mediterranean Sea. Chasteberry lowers abnormally high prolactin levels. Some women with elevated prolactin levels don't ovulate because prolactin, a hormone released from the pituitary gland, inhibits ovulation. Lowering prolactin levels allows a woman to begin menstruating normally, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center. Women who have luteal phase defect, defined as a shorter than normal period of time between ovulation and the start of the next period, may also benefit from taking chasteberry, the University of Michigan Health System reports. In an older 1987 study, 48 infertile women took chasteberry for three months. During that time period, seven women became pregnant and 25 had progesterone levels normalize, UMHS reports. Progesterone maintains and prepares the uterine lining for implantation after ovulation. You must stop taking chasteberry immediately if you become pregnant. Discuss its use with your medication practitioner before taking this herb.
Panax Ginseng
Men with low sperm counts or poor sperm motility may benefit from taking Panax ginseng, a 1996 study published in "Panminerva Medica" found. Lead author G. Salvati of the University of Rome reported that 46 men with low sperm counts and 20 controls were given Panax ginseng extract. Men taking the herb experienced an increase in sperm count and motility.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is often suggested as an herb to increase cervical mucus at the time of ovulation. Thin, stretchy cervical mucus helps sperm move through the cervix into the uterus. If cervical mucus remains thick or scant, sperm have a harder time getting past the opening of the uterus and into the fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg. No studies on this benefit exist, but trying it and checking your cervical mucus will show firsthand if it benefits you. You must stop evening primrose oil after ovulation, because it can cause uterine contractions that might interfere with embryo implantation, The Labor of Love website warns. Take this herb only with your medical practitioner's approval.
