Fertility

Fertility is the natural capability of initiating, sustaining or supporting reproduction.  When the mind and body are in a state of wellbeing the body will naturally produce the conditions needed for reproduction.

Most people can get pregnant naturally within a year or two, but for some its not that easy.  Worldwide between 3% and 7% of couples are effected by infertility and affects 1 in 7 couples in the UK with 25% of issues unexplained, having no obvious cause (NICE 2013)

There are a number of factors that can affect fertility including mental and emotional issues as well as physical imbalances.  Stress is not an infertility diagnosis in itself, but it is a very significant, clinically-documented major contributing factor.  Stress causes tremendous changes in the body’s biochemistry and rhythms. Along with impacting overall health, stress or anxiety over a prolonged period of time can disrupt the production of the hormones needed for ovulation, implantation and sperm quality. Since the body’s priority is to keep us out of danger when we are experiencing a threat or stress, taking care of a foetus would only put us under unnecessary strain.

Lifestyle can also play a significant part in your ability to conceive, if we are less stressed we are able to make better decisions about our lifestyle.

The following lifestyle changes will have a positive effect on fertility:

  • Stop smoking: smokers are 50% more likely to miscarry and men who smoke have a lower sperm count and a 20% decrease in sperm mobility.
  • Stop drinking alcohol: alcohol may affect fertility and sperm quality. Even moderate drinking (less than three units a day) will decrease the chances of conception.
  • Eliminate drugs: cocaine constricts blood vessels and so can affect the placenta and cause menstrual irregularities. Marijuana lowers sperm count, decreases sperm motility and lowers testosterone in males.
  • Reduce caffeine: caffeine increases the chances of miscarriage and may increase the risk of developing endometriosis.
  • Avoid saunas: anything that raises the temperature of a man’s testicles can decrease sperm production and motility.
  • Exercise gently: some research has suggested that vigorous exercise (raising heart rate over 110 beats per minute) may decrease chances of conception. (Domar and Kelly, 2002,p271)

To be in a fertile state, we need to have mental, spiritual and physical balance, allowing the mind and body to be in a state of wellbeing and that’s where hypnotherapy can help.

  • To reduce stress
  • To reduce depression
  • Increase feelings of calm and relaxation
  • Restore physical, mental and emotional balance and wellbeing
  • Help you make any lifestyle changes that are advised.

If fertility is proving a challenge please get in touch, I offer a free initial consultation. I look forward to talking to you.