Functional fertility

by Dr. Stephanie Bonn, DC

Balance is the key to proper hormonal function in the many stages of a woman’s life, especially during the exciting “baby-making” years. Not so exciting are the challenges of infertility and the stress and emotional strain it brings. With the number of infertile couples growing, so is the research on natural approaches for the treatment of infertility. Along with nutritional and supplement support, exercise and stress-relieving techniques, optimal nerve function is integral for the hormonal balance needed for conception.

What infertility means

Infertility is defined as a couple’s inability to become pregnant after one year of intercourse without using contraception. However, “normal fertility” is defined as the ability to naturally conceive within two year’s time. Statistics report that infertility may be caused by ovulation dysfunction, fallopian tube problems or other pelvic and hormonal problems.

How a holistic approach can help

Conventional fertility treatments are unavoidably expensive and invasive – with the safety and affordability of alternative medicine, many couples are choosing to give it a try. This integrative approach not only supports your body’s physiology but complements medical intervention to increase its effectiveness.

The mental, physical and emotional stressors of today’s work and lifestyle habits of many women contribute to this tension. Regular exercise, yoga and meditation and even proper ergonomics will help to minimize this strain:

• try 30 to 45 minutes of enjoyable physical activity such as running or swimming three to five times a week
• at your workstation, make sure you are sitting with a 90-degree angle at your elbows, hips, knees and ankles and take water breaks often
• incorporate 10 minutes of deep breathing before bed every night following a relaxing lavender epson salt bath

Nutrition and dietary factors also have an important role. We know that women who hope to conceive should take a prenatal vitamin with the essential amount of folic acid needed for proper neural tube development following conception. What many don’t know are how the other components of a prenatal supplement affect fertility:

• B vitamins produce the genetic materials DNA and RNA
• zinc helps your body attract and hold the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone
• selenium prevents chromosome breakage, which can contribute to birth defects and miscarriages
• Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene is essential for healthy eye, testes and diaphragm development
• essential fatty acids has a profound effect on the reproductive system and are crucial for healthy hormonal function

The final consideration to this holistic approach in reducing spinal tension and optimizing hormonal balance is chiropractic care. Studies have shown that by decreasing the nervous system stress through specific adjustments, hormonal function is regulated and fertility is positively affected (please refer to www.icpa4kids.org for studies and references). It comes down to helping your brain communicate with your body when we can’t avoid the stressors in life that adversely affects our fertility. A natural way to help nature along.

For questions on the chiropractic approach to fertility or other family health and wellness issues, please contact Dr. Stephanie at www.bonnchiropractic.com.

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