by Joe Rote
A couple with no specific physical abnormalities, that do everything right to conceive for a reasonable length of time without a positive result, can be considered to have a fertility problem.
Many couples affected by infertility spend months or years of treatment for fertility problems without a positive outcome.
The inability of a couple to conceive and the exact causes of infertility are very hard to pin down, and may have many underlying single or multiple causes. Therefore it may be wise to try to remedy the problem by maximizing many of the bodily functions needed for a successful outcome.
Natural herbal remedies have come a long way since their ancient origins, and are making new strides every day, with remedies to increase fertility and enhance functioning of the male and female reproductive systems.
Herbal remedies use botanicals (plants) either singularly or in compounds, and sometimes animal by-products to prevent and correct targeted conditions.
Many new natural herbal products have been compounded to remedy infertility for example for:
Females to: *Promote regular ovulation *Correct hormone imbalances *Regulate menstrual cycles *Increase libido
Males to: *Improve the functioning of the (prostate, seminal vesicles, testes, and penis) *Increase, testosterone levels, sperm production and, motility *Enhance sex drive, and strengthen erections
Stress, poor nutrition, bad habits such as smoking, over use of alcohol, and drug abuse, emotional and psychological problems, a number of prescription medicines, can all adversely affect fertility, and may require some lifestyle changes.
Natural remedies optimize reproductive health without adding to the risks of multiple births, and many other problems of other approaches to overcoming infertility problems.
A natural herbal remedy could be the answer to your problem.
The FDA does not regulate the manufacturing of herbs, common sense and a little research can help assure that you are buying a quality product. Check the name of the manufacturer or distributor, and the facts label for, amount, daily usage values, and active ingredients.
About the Author
Joe Rote has spent 18 years in the health field, and is the webmaster of Natural Health Products that will point you to high quality information, and natural herbal remedies produced under pharmaceutical conditions to ensure the highest degree of potency.
Sunday, 28 October 2007
Saturday, 22 September 2007
Can diet improve the quality of sperm?
BBC.CO.UK
Over the past 50 years, sperm counts around the world have fallen from an average of 113 million sperm per ml to between 66 and 76 million. Scientists have suggested that male infertility is the leading cause of infertile couples.
A number of studies have shown that a good dietary intake of antioxidants and micronutrients is critically important for normal semen quality and reproductive function. Healthy men with a higher antioxidant intake from both diet and supplements are likely to have more sperm and their sperm will be more motile.
"antioxidants and micronutrients are important for semen quality"
We undertook an ambitious, ground-breaking experiment to determine whether changing diet could improve the numbers and quality of a man’s sperm. To add some jeopardy, and to make sure they would stick to the diet, we set them on the Great Sperm Race to see who’s sperm would cross the finishing line first.
Six sub-fertile men whose sperm counts were between 5-20million were put on a high nutrient smoothie diet to see if they could improve their levels of motility, morphology, sperm count and DNA fragmentation with the aim of reaching the 100% target.
Mid-way through the study, one couple had conceived and by the end there was a consistent improvement in the quality of all of the men’s sperm, especially in the sperm DNA levels.
Have a look at the smoothie recipes.
The tests were conducted by Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in Andrology and the diets were devised by Fiona Ford, research dietician, both from the University of Sheffield.
Suggested recipes from BBC Food
Fresh oysters with sauce pauvre homme
Steamed broccoli with lemon
Over the past 50 years, sperm counts around the world have fallen from an average of 113 million sperm per ml to between 66 and 76 million. Scientists have suggested that male infertility is the leading cause of infertile couples.
A number of studies have shown that a good dietary intake of antioxidants and micronutrients is critically important for normal semen quality and reproductive function. Healthy men with a higher antioxidant intake from both diet and supplements are likely to have more sperm and their sperm will be more motile.
"antioxidants and micronutrients are important for semen quality"
We undertook an ambitious, ground-breaking experiment to determine whether changing diet could improve the numbers and quality of a man’s sperm. To add some jeopardy, and to make sure they would stick to the diet, we set them on the Great Sperm Race to see who’s sperm would cross the finishing line first.
Six sub-fertile men whose sperm counts were between 5-20million were put on a high nutrient smoothie diet to see if they could improve their levels of motility, morphology, sperm count and DNA fragmentation with the aim of reaching the 100% target.
Mid-way through the study, one couple had conceived and by the end there was a consistent improvement in the quality of all of the men’s sperm, especially in the sperm DNA levels.
Have a look at the smoothie recipes.
The tests were conducted by Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in Andrology and the diets were devised by Fiona Ford, research dietician, both from the University of Sheffield.
Suggested recipes from BBC Food
Fresh oysters with sauce pauvre homme
Steamed broccoli with lemon
Soya 'link' to male infertility
BBC NEWS / NORTHERN IRELAND
The humble soya bean may play a role in the problem of male infertility, a team of researchers in Belfast has found.
Soya contains the female hormone oestrogen and too much of it is being linked to poor quality sperm.
Dr Lorraine Anderson says she found the link in research carried out at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
"What many men do not realise is that soya is not just consumed by vegetarians, it is contained in a lot of everyday processed foods.
"It is contained in foods such as pizzas, any of those foods that you add hot water to, to reconstitute them, or some of the pre-packaged dinners like steak and kidney pies," Dr Anderson said.
" If men are consuming large amounts of soya products, for example, there is a negative relationship between that and the quality of their sperm " Dr Sheena LewisQueen's University, Belfast
"You'll find that a lot of the meat is not really meat, it is soya protein because it is cheaper and soya has the highest percentage of oestrogens compared to any other foods."
The director of reproductive medicine at Queen's University, Belfast, Dr Sheena Lewis, said the findings were clear.
"What we have shown is that if men are consuming large amounts of soya products, for example, there is a negative relationship between that and the quality of their sperm.
"If they already have a slight problem in that area, then it might be better for them not to consume so much."
Dr Lewis said that the way to avoid excess oestrogen was to eat fresh produce.
"In our fast food diets, we are inclined to eat lots of meals and we really don't know what the ingredients are," she said.
"If we eat fresh fruits, if we make fresh food at home ourselves, which I know is very difficult in today's busy lifestyle, then we are really aware of what the ingredients are."
However, the research does not simply have implications for men who wish to start a family.
Dr Anderson said if boys eat a lot of soya when they are growing up, it can damage their reproductive capability.
"The key time for that is when a male foetus is developing and in the early toddler years and up to puberty.
"All through that period, if you alter the oestrogen that a man is exposed to, you can not only affect their sperm quality but affect the development of their reproductive tract, so that you can get an increase in structural abnormalities like undescended testes and you can also get other problems later in life, such as testicular cancer."
Dr Anderson recently came runner-up in a prestigious competition for her work on the link between male fertility and oestrogen in the diet.
The humble soya bean may play a role in the problem of male infertility, a team of researchers in Belfast has found.
Soya contains the female hormone oestrogen and too much of it is being linked to poor quality sperm.
Dr Lorraine Anderson says she found the link in research carried out at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
"What many men do not realise is that soya is not just consumed by vegetarians, it is contained in a lot of everyday processed foods.
"It is contained in foods such as pizzas, any of those foods that you add hot water to, to reconstitute them, or some of the pre-packaged dinners like steak and kidney pies," Dr Anderson said.
" If men are consuming large amounts of soya products, for example, there is a negative relationship between that and the quality of their sperm " Dr Sheena LewisQueen's University, Belfast
"You'll find that a lot of the meat is not really meat, it is soya protein because it is cheaper and soya has the highest percentage of oestrogens compared to any other foods."
The director of reproductive medicine at Queen's University, Belfast, Dr Sheena Lewis, said the findings were clear.
"What we have shown is that if men are consuming large amounts of soya products, for example, there is a negative relationship between that and the quality of their sperm.
"If they already have a slight problem in that area, then it might be better for them not to consume so much."
Dr Lewis said that the way to avoid excess oestrogen was to eat fresh produce.
"In our fast food diets, we are inclined to eat lots of meals and we really don't know what the ingredients are," she said.
"If we eat fresh fruits, if we make fresh food at home ourselves, which I know is very difficult in today's busy lifestyle, then we are really aware of what the ingredients are."
However, the research does not simply have implications for men who wish to start a family.
Dr Anderson said if boys eat a lot of soya when they are growing up, it can damage their reproductive capability.
"The key time for that is when a male foetus is developing and in the early toddler years and up to puberty.
"All through that period, if you alter the oestrogen that a man is exposed to, you can not only affect their sperm quality but affect the development of their reproductive tract, so that you can get an increase in structural abnormalities like undescended testes and you can also get other problems later in life, such as testicular cancer."
Dr Anderson recently came runner-up in a prestigious competition for her work on the link between male fertility and oestrogen in the diet.
Causes of Low Sperm count - An ayurvedic View
by Dr.Savitha Suri
Low sperm count, reduced sperm motility and malformed sperms are main causes for male infertility. There are various biological and environmental factors which affect sperm count, motility and morphology. Many of these factors have been mentioned in ayurvedic texts. The causes of low sperm count are briefly explained below.
Age : Innumerable researches have been conducted to determine the effect of ageing process on male fertility. A decrease in male fertility has been noted as age progresses. Maintenance of good health by following healthy lifestyle and diet retards ageing process. The rate of fertilization starts falling down for men who are above 40.
Hence " Vajikarana Therapy" is recommended in ayurveda for men who are above 20 and below 70 to maintain optimum sexual activity and number of healthy sperms. Vajikarana Therapy recommends herbal preparations which are aphrodisiac. Vajikarana therapy increases sperm count, sperm motility and quantity of semen. This therapy is helpful in erectile dysfunction.
Overheating of testicles:
Overheating of testicles due to high fever, hot water bath, saunas, tight pants or under garments can cause low sperm count. The Testes (two egg-shaped structures) remain in the Scrotum, outside the body, where the temperature is about 3 degrees C, cooler than the body internal temperature (27 degrees C. Sperm development in the Testes Requires the Lower Temperature.). Hence any factor which increases the temperature of testicles causes low sperm count.
According to Sushrutacharya Testicles are made of Kapha and Medha (fat). Increased heat imbalances kapha and medha , thus affecting sperm production.
Addictions
* Cocaine and Marijuana reduce sperm motility and sperm count by as much as 50%. * Smoking reduces sperm count, sperm motility and also causes genetic changes. Smoking causes low sex drive, erectile dysfunction or impotence. * Alcohol can damage sperms. Hence alcohol intake should be reduced to increase fertility.
Diet and Life Styles:
* Stress at work place or in family, strained relation ship, lubricants or spermicides used in condoms and physical stress can temporarily cause low sperm count. * Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies cause low sperm count. Deficiency of Vitamin C, Zinc, selenium etc can reduce sperm count. * Bicycling can cause low sperm count, as testicles and scrotum may get injured during riding. * Some studies have revealed that obesity may be a cause for low sperm count.
Genetic factors :
1. Malformed organs or tissues in male reproductive system. 2. Obstruction of semen carrying tubes. 3. Persons with 1 extra X chromosome (Normal chromosome in man is 1 X and 1 Y chromosome)
Environmental factors :
1. Overexposure to toxins, chemicals and infections. Pesticides, hydrocarbons and mumps in adult hood can cause low sperm count. 2. Chronic exposure to heavy metals like lead, arsenic or cadmium can cause low sperm count. 3. Radiations and X-rays affect sperm producing cells.
Varicocele :
Vericose vein in the cord of the testicle can cause low sperm count.
Acharya Charaka in his ayurvedic text, mentions the following factors as causes for low quality of semen.
Jaraayaa Chintaaya shukram vyadhibhihi karmakarshanaat Kshayam gacchatyanashanaat sthreenaam chaatinishevanaath
* Old age * Worry * Diseases * Exertion * Fasting * Over indulgence in sexual act * Grief * Strained relationship.
About the Author
Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of Ayurhelp.com Read article at Causes for low sperm count drsavithasuri@gmail.com
Low sperm count, reduced sperm motility and malformed sperms are main causes for male infertility. There are various biological and environmental factors which affect sperm count, motility and morphology. Many of these factors have been mentioned in ayurvedic texts. The causes of low sperm count are briefly explained below.
Age : Innumerable researches have been conducted to determine the effect of ageing process on male fertility. A decrease in male fertility has been noted as age progresses. Maintenance of good health by following healthy lifestyle and diet retards ageing process. The rate of fertilization starts falling down for men who are above 40.
Hence " Vajikarana Therapy" is recommended in ayurveda for men who are above 20 and below 70 to maintain optimum sexual activity and number of healthy sperms. Vajikarana Therapy recommends herbal preparations which are aphrodisiac. Vajikarana therapy increases sperm count, sperm motility and quantity of semen. This therapy is helpful in erectile dysfunction.
Overheating of testicles:
Overheating of testicles due to high fever, hot water bath, saunas, tight pants or under garments can cause low sperm count. The Testes (two egg-shaped structures) remain in the Scrotum, outside the body, where the temperature is about 3 degrees C, cooler than the body internal temperature (27 degrees C. Sperm development in the Testes Requires the Lower Temperature.). Hence any factor which increases the temperature of testicles causes low sperm count.
According to Sushrutacharya Testicles are made of Kapha and Medha (fat). Increased heat imbalances kapha and medha , thus affecting sperm production.
Addictions
* Cocaine and Marijuana reduce sperm motility and sperm count by as much as 50%. * Smoking reduces sperm count, sperm motility and also causes genetic changes. Smoking causes low sex drive, erectile dysfunction or impotence. * Alcohol can damage sperms. Hence alcohol intake should be reduced to increase fertility.
Diet and Life Styles:
* Stress at work place or in family, strained relation ship, lubricants or spermicides used in condoms and physical stress can temporarily cause low sperm count. * Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies cause low sperm count. Deficiency of Vitamin C, Zinc, selenium etc can reduce sperm count. * Bicycling can cause low sperm count, as testicles and scrotum may get injured during riding. * Some studies have revealed that obesity may be a cause for low sperm count.
Genetic factors :
1. Malformed organs or tissues in male reproductive system. 2. Obstruction of semen carrying tubes. 3. Persons with 1 extra X chromosome (Normal chromosome in man is 1 X and 1 Y chromosome)
Environmental factors :
1. Overexposure to toxins, chemicals and infections. Pesticides, hydrocarbons and mumps in adult hood can cause low sperm count. 2. Chronic exposure to heavy metals like lead, arsenic or cadmium can cause low sperm count. 3. Radiations and X-rays affect sperm producing cells.
Varicocele :
Vericose vein in the cord of the testicle can cause low sperm count.
Acharya Charaka in his ayurvedic text, mentions the following factors as causes for low quality of semen.
Jaraayaa Chintaaya shukram vyadhibhihi karmakarshanaat Kshayam gacchatyanashanaat sthreenaam chaatinishevanaath
* Old age * Worry * Diseases * Exertion * Fasting * Over indulgence in sexual act * Grief * Strained relationship.
About the Author
Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of Ayurhelp.com Read article at Causes for low sperm count drsavithasuri@gmail.com
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