Key Causes of Infertility and How to Address Them

Key Causes of Infertility and How to Address Them

Apr 11, 2022

Female Causes of Infertility 

  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance resulting in lack of ovulation, irregular periods and infertility. It is characterized by the appearance of small cysts in ovaries. PCOS is closely linked to insulin resistance (key cause of type 2 diabetes). 

  • Irregular or abnormal ovulation can be attributed to 25% of all female infertility issues. 

  • Fibroids are non-cancerous, oestrogen-dependent benign tumours growing in the uterus that can cause infertility and recurrent miscarriages. 

  • Endometriosis is a process in which the tissue from uterus that lines the inside of the womb is found outside the uterus. The scar tissue formed by this condition often leads to infertility. 

  • Oestrogen dominance (and deficiency progesterone) is believed to be a possible frequent cause of infertility as it leads to endometriosis and fibroids. 

  • Blocked fallopian tubes. They are usually blocked by scar tissue or pelvic adhesions that can be caused by an inflammation of the fallopian tubes leading to female infertility. 

  • Premature Ovarian Failure (POF). 

  • Candida albicans overgrowth and deficiency of probiotic bacteria. 

 

Male Causes of Infertility 

Azoospermia (complete absence of sperm), oligospermia (few sperm cells produced), and low sperm count often lead to infertility and are the most common causes of male infertility. 

 

Lifestyle and Nutritional Causes 

  • Vitamin D is really a hormone, and its deficiency may contribute to infertility, endometriosis, PCOS, cystic fibrosis, and other conditions. According to a 67-year literature review, published in October 2013, endometriosis (frequent cause of infertility) is associated with low vitamin D levels. One of the research papers suggests that “since vitamin D is an effective modulator of the immune system, it may have a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.” 

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency is a very common problem and frequent cause of infertility. 

  • Deficiency of B Vitamins (especially B5 & B6), Magnesium and Zinc leading to insufficient production of female and male sex hormones and to hormonal imbalance may contribute to infertility. 

  • Studies show that Zinc deficiency can negatively affect the early stages of egg development, reducing the ability of the egg cells to divide and be fertilized. Selenium and zinc may also help to reduce the size of the fibroids according to some studies. 

  • High levels of toxins, especially mercury, lead, and fluoride. 

  • Several studies have shown that stress and negative emotions can contribute to infertility. 

  • Bad lifestyle, an unhealthy diet high in sugar, processed refined foods (white flour products), animal foods, nutritional deficiencies, artificial sweeteners, lack of exercise, use of stimulants, drugs, etc. 

  • Deficiency of omega 3 healthy fats (found in chia seeds and flaxseed) and consumption of trans fats (margarine, etc.), and unhealthy proinflammatory refined oils may increase the risk of infertility. 

 

Solution 

Address listed above possible causes of infertility such as insulin resistance and chronic high blood glucose levels, deficiency of progesterone and oestrogen dominance, deficiency of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, unhealthy diet and lifestyle, chronic stress, high levels of toxins, etc. 

 

Nutritional and Lifestyle Recommendations 

  • Energetic exercise (such as fast walking in nature) at least 30-60 minutes twice daily. 

  • Reduce Candida by avoiding antibiotics (present also in meat and dairy), sugar, and refined carbohydrates. At the same time consume more raw vegetable salads or vegetable smoothies, and take good live probiotics such as DailyProbio, FemProbio, or UltraProbio. 

  • Eliminate all junk food, refined sugar, processed food, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, and anything with bad preservatives and chemicals. Go on a healthy plant-based unrefined diet for 6 months. Eat especially plenty of raw vegetable salads and raw vegetable juices avoiding stimulants (caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.). 

  • Use glass bottles because Bisphenol A (BPA) which is found in plastic bottles and cans (lined up with plastic) disrupt the endocrine system. 

  • Avoid chlorine, fluoride (toothpaste with fluoride, tap water, etc.), and bromine. For 6 months drink and use for cooking only distilled water (with pinch of sea salt) or at least properly filtered water. Not all water filters remove fluoride and some other toxins, so make sure the one you have does. Otherwise use only distilled water (buy a water distiller). 

  • Increase consumption of omega 3 fatty acids in the form of ground flax seeds, chia seeds. 

  • Increase intake of healthy fats such as raw coconut oil, avocado, chia seeds (soaked for at least 30 minutes or overnight), and ground flaxseed. 

 

Beneficial Nutritional Supplements 

  • Take a daily dose of 4000-5000 IU of supplemental Vitamin D3 every day after breakfast. Deficiency of this vitamin is rampant and may contribute to infertility. Women with high levels of vitamin D are more likely to conceive than women with a vitamin D deficiency. The vitamin D receptor is present in the ovaries, uterus, and even the placenta. While using vitamin D3 supplements always remember to take also well-absorbed magnesium (such as citrate or bisglycinate 200mg twice daily) as vitamin D requires magnesium for its conversion in kidneys (without magnesium it will stay inactive and it will lead to magnesium deficiency, sleep difficulties, muscle problems, etc.). 

  • Supplement Magnesium (200 mg of elemental magnesium twice daily day). Millions suffer from Magnesium deficiency without knowing it. Magnesium deficiency is often misdiagnosed because it does not show up in blood tests as only 1% of the body’s magnesium is stored in the blood. According to Dr Norman Shealy, “Every known illness (including fibromyalgia) is associated with a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency may be responsible for more diseases than any other nutrient.” 

  • Zinc: 15-30mg after breakfast or good quality multivitamin and mineral formula which includes at least 10-20mg of zinc per tablet/capsule. 

  • Vitamin B12: 2,000 mcg a day under the tongue (must be sublingual Methylcobalamin). Many women with infertility have low levels of this very important vitamin. 

  • Vitamin B5, B6, D3, Zinc, and Magnesium are also necessary to increase progesterone and reduce oestrogen (oestrogen dominance is responsible for infertility when it leads to endometriosis and fibroids). Every day you need to take 50-100mg of B5, 25mg B6, 20mg of Zinc citrate, 5,000 IU D3 and two times a day 200 mg of Magnesium (such as citrate). 

  • Ashwagandha can help improve levels of sex hormones in both women and man by reducing cortisol levels. Stress has a negative effect on sex hormones because our body produces cortisol from the same precursors used to make reproductive (sex) hormones, and under stress, it will rather produce cortisol instead of testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen. Ashwagandha, therefore, by helping reduce high cortisol levels increases sex hormones. Usually, it takes about 3-6 months to balance hormones so be patient and do not give up. Ashwagandha may improve fertility also in men as it helps increase & normalises testosterone levels as well as sperm quality and count and may help improve the biochemical composition of semen (1,2). In a 3-month study, infertile men on Ashwagandha had reduced levels of reactive oxygen radicals, resulting in reduction of sperm death, and improvements in important minerals in semen, including zinc, iron & copper (3). Some studies demonstrated that Ashwagandha may help regulate hormones vital for male reproductive health (4). 

  • Alpha-lipoic acid (one of the strongest antioxidants and the best way to boost glutathione – the king of all antioxidants): 250mg before meals twice daily. 

  • Make sure the Multivitamin you take contains at least 50-100mcg Selenium. 

  • FemmeVit: Studies show that women who take a good multi-vitamin and mineral formulas have fewer signs associated with hormonal imbalance than women who don't. One of the nutritional supplements that can be recommended to help maintain normal hormonal balance is the FemmeVit. It is an excellent formula to support women through the difficult time of the month, due to its synergistic formulation with extensive ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, microelements, herbal extracts, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. By providing the body with B Vitamins, Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin C, which are required for Serotonin production, FemmeVit can contribute to the increased levels of this most precious feel-good hormone deficiency of which is linked to low mood and hormonal imbalance. Iron and Zinc. Iodine, found in FemmeVit, make cells less sensitive to oestrogen which makes iodine one of the most important aids in dealing with oestrogen excess and dominance which leads to hormonal imbalance. B-complex vitamins and Chromium in FemmeVit help maintain normal blood glucose levels and reduce sugar cravings. Since B Vitamins help deactivate oestrogen, their deficiency contributes to oestrogen dominance increasing the risk of infertility. FemmeVit is fortified with Chamomile, Ginger Root, Evening Primrose Oil (rich in Gamma Linolenic Acid), and Agnus Castus Extract (known as Vitex or Chaste Berry) regarded as very beneficial in maintaining healthy hormonal balance in menstruating women. 

  • Take good quality Omega 3 fish oil supplements: 1000-2000 mg a day with meals. 

 

Related Articles 

 

References 

  1. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males - PubMed (nih.gov) 
  2. Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility - PubMed (nih.gov) 
  3. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by combating oxidative stress and cell death and improving essential metal concentrations - PubMed (nih.gov) 
  4. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males - PubMed (nih.gov) 

 

Any information or product suggested on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Consult your primary healthcare physician before using any supplements or making any changes to your regime. 

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