IUI fertilization

Intrauterine insemination, too, is sometimes used for men with poor sperm quality. By implanting “washed” sperm directly into the woman during her ovulation period, IUI has an average pregnancy success rate of between 6 and 25%. Success rates at or above the higher end of this range occur when the sperm count is between 20 to 30 million per ejaculation and are reduced significantly when the count falls below 5 to 10 million.

IUI is typically not successful in cases of:

• Low sperm count

• Low sperm motility

Clomid

In April 2009, the journal Fertility and Sterility published a study that found that men who took Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) along with vitamin E for six months showed an increase in both sperm count and motility. The men in the study had a 37% success rate of impregnating their partners versus men who took a placebo. Those in the placebo group had a 13% success rate. A study by the World Health Organization several years ago did not show a great increase in fertility in men taking Clomid vs a control group taking a placebo, so it appears that the combination of vitamin E and the Clomid hormone makes the difference.

Natural Fertility Treatments

In many cases, natural fertility treatments can be performed at home such as changes in diet, exercise routines and general health will increase a man’s sperm count and motility.

Decrease temperature of sperm

Sperm do not thrive in constant, overly warm temperatures. Therefore, a man trying to conceive should avoid hot tubs, prolonged warm temperatures and heated blankets. Also, avoid sitting with a laptop on your lap for long periods. (Purchasing a cooling fan that fits under the laptop and runs on power from the PC will protect your sperm count and your computer.)

Many medical professionals say the “boxers or briefs” choice makes little difference, but like many natural treatments, switching to boxers while TTC couldn’t hurt.

Lifestyle changes

In general, any lifestyle changes that positively impact a man’s health can also impact his sperm production. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, avoiding illegal drugs, keeping your weight in check, and engaging in moderate exercise can all help increase sperm production and energy levels.

Excessive bicycling – for more than three hours a week – on a narrow bicycle seat can lead to reproductive problems. Avid cyclists need not give up their habit, though, as cycling is a healthy lifestyle choice. Simply invest in a wider, cushioned seat, and stand frequently to shift your weight.

Vitamins
Certain vitamin deficiencies can lead to low sperm count and motility. For improved reproductive health, men should take vitamin supplements and eat a diet rich in the following nutrients:

• Zinc

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin B12

• Selenium

• Flaxseed oil

You may find a blend of these vitamins in natural fertility supplements designed for men.

Herbs can increase sperm production

As herbal remedies grow in popularity, more reputable companies are introducing herbal supplements. However, herbs have no FDA regulation, and you can’t always determine the potency or reliability of an herbal supplement. Do your research to insure you’re purchasing from a reputable source and you’re not just wasting your money on what are, essentially, sugar pills.

Additionally, take herbs with caution, following the manufacturer’s recommended dosage. As with any medicine or supplement, do not take more than the recommended dose. Pay close attention to your body and stop taking the supplement if you experience any unusual side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any interactions between herbs or with any prescription drugs.

Popular herbs to improve fertility in men include:

• Ginseng or Panax Ginseng

• Astralagus

• Saw palmetto

Stress Reduction

Coping with infertility can lead to additional stress on top of life’s everyday stressors. A couple trying to conceive can learn methods to cope with stress together. If you recently experienced a major, life-changing event that causes stress, such as a death in your family, job loss, purchasing a home or moving, you may want to cut back on the TTC efforts for a while. In other words, “stop trying,” have sex regularly and only when you feel like it for fun, and wait until the emotional ordeal passes to renew your efforts.

Author: Dawn Allcot

If you use any hormone-based birth control methods, which offer protection from pregnancy by preventing ovulation, you should talk to your doctor before you begin trying to conceive.

Here is an explanation of what it takes to conceive after using many common forms of birth control.

Oral Contraceptives (The Pill) – Most oral contraceptives (and there are many on the market!) contain estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation. Some women can get pregnant right away after going off the Pill. For others, it may take as long as three months for their menstrual cycle to return to normal. Fertility rates for former Pill users are about the same as the national average; 90 percent of all women get pregnant within one year of coming off the Pill. Most doctors recommend waiting one or two cycles before trying to conceive after you come off the Pill, because of a very small risk of birth defects if the hormones are still in your system.

According to NuvaRing, there is no need to wait one cycle before TTC with this hormone-based, insert-able ring. A clinical study indicated that most women’s cycles return to normal quickly, with ovulation occurring within 13 to 28 days after the ring is removed.

Mirena and other IUDs – This intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) is estrogen-free and, as with any IUD, you can begin trying to conceive immediately after its removal. Your fertility should return fairly quickly.

Permanent Birth Control

Tubal Ligation (Tubes Tied) – This is the most “permanent” of any birth control method for women and is not easily reversed. Chances of a successful reversal range from 20 to 70 percent, depending on the type of tubal ligation and the health of your fallopian tubes.

A tubal ligation reversal is major surgery, where the surgeon rejoins the remaining sections of the fallopian tubes. If both fallopian tubes are at least four inches long and are equal in diameter, the chances of a successful reversal are higher. IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is another option for women who want to get pregnant after having their tubes tied.

Vasectomy – The success rate of a vasectomy reversal for your partner is even lower than tubal ligation reversal. You’ll only want to consider permanent forms of birth control if you both feel fairly certain you do not want to conceive any more children.

Author: Dawn Allcot