Homeopathy for infertility

‘When month after month brings disappointment, why not turn to homeopathy? I have treated numerous individuals and couples struggling with infertility, and to their great joy and surprise, they often conceive with homeopathic constitutional treatment,’ says Mary Aspinwall, a registered homeopath in California.  Yeah, why not check out homeopathy?

Infertility has an intense psychological effect leading to depression,anxiety and stress. Stigma of being unable to conceive is an added stress factor. And stress is supposedly one of the main causes of infertility. The other causes include abnormal sperm production or function, problems with sperm delivery, ovulation problems, blocked fallopian tubes, exposure to toxins, alcoholism, drugs, radiation and certain diseases.

The condition may be treated with medicine, surgery, intrauterine insemination or assisted reproductive technology via conventional therapy, but the results are positive only in a limited number of cases.

How does homeopathy work for infertility?

Homeopathy is a holistic medicine, that is, to cure diseases it focuses on the person as a whole. Homeopaths believe the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical factors are interconnected, and no single factor is taken in isolation while determining the treatment.

Homeopathy works on the principle that substances that can produce symptoms in a healthy person can also cure those symptoms in a sick person. Homeopathy medicines are prepared using a technique that involves two processes – dilution and succussion. Succussion is the method of vigorous shaking and striking against a surface. You may wonder how effective a medicine can be if it is diluted to a one-hundredth of its potency! But experts think the process of dilution and succussion leave an imprint of the original substance’s energy pattern in the medicine, which in turn stimulates the body’s healing energy system to start working.

Homeopathy uses the same principle for treating infertility. It rectifies the cause of infertility by going to the root of the problem. For example, if your infertility is mainly because of problems with your hormones, your homeopath will give medicines to rectify the imbalance.

Similarly, homeopathy works by –

• Improving ovulation cycles
• Increasing sperm count and improving sperm mobility
• Helping remove emotional blockages and negative thought processes that may affect fertility
• Reducing stress
• Helping to deal with depression and anxiety
• Curing the side effects of conventional therapy

A study published in the journal Homeopathy revealed that homeopathic treatment is a useful alternative to conventional treatment, especially in men with low sperm count and low sperm mobility levels. The researchers further found that the effect of homeopathy is more than a mere placebo effect. [2]

To understand what the root cause of infertility is your homeopathy doctor may you ask you questions about your

• Age
• Duration of inability to conceive
• Nicotine, alcohol, coffee or tea consumption
• Previous genital diseases including inflammation, surgery and trauma
• Any other conditions including hereditary conditions
• Dental status as determined by your dentist
• Exposure to pollution or toxins such as chemicals, radiation, heat or noise
• Stress levels according to you

You may need to get some tests done to check for any hormone disorders, problems in the fallopian tubes, uterine fiibroids etc., if you are a woman, and sperm studies if you are a man.

Although there is no guarantee that homeopathy will help you conceive, a well selected remedy will definitely improve your wellbeing and you will be more likely to conceive naturally.

Remedies for infertility

The key to a successful homeopathy treatment is the selection of the right medicine that suits your constitution and condition. Following are some common remedies for treating infertility. However, visit a certified homeopath for treatment of infertility. The remedies given below are for information only.

1. Sepia:
   • Useful in cases of a tendency to miscarry
   • One of the most important uterine remedies
   • Prolapse of uterus and vagina
   • Late and scanty periods, irregular periods, early and profuse periods
   • Irregular or absent ovulation
   • Low sex drive in men

2. Sabina:
   • Recommended for women with recurrent miscarriage
   • Also recommended for women who have a miscarriage in the third month
   • Inflammation of ovaries and uterus after abortion
   • Profuse, bright red periods

3. Silica:
   • Used to boost the immune system and increase chances of getting pregnant

4. Aurum:
   • Recommended when infertility is caused by depression, feelings of self-condemnation and worthlessness
   • Increased blood pressure
   • Uterus enlarged and prolapsed
   • Pain and swelling of testicles

5. Phosphorus:
   • Recommended when infertility is because of uterine polyps
   • When anxiety and stress contribute to infertility

6. Medorrhinum:
   • Recommended in cases of sterility in women
   • Treats impotence in men

Interestingly, in homeopathy there is no one-size-fits-all medicine Remedies are very specific to the cause of the problem. For example, sometimes your doctor may not find the cause of what is causing your infertility. Deeper seemingly unrelated investigation may, however, reveal the cause of infertility. Here are a few not so common remedies for infertility.

Natrum carb: Used in cases of non-retention of semen by the woman after intercourse

Agnus: Use to treat infertility caused by suppressed periods and with loss of sexual desire

Thyroidinum:  Used for infertility caused by low sperm count and hyperthyroidism

Graphites: This remedy is suggested when the woman is fat, constipated, and with delayed periods

Most of the times, remedies are given in combination depending upon the symptoms. They may also be given one by one after a specific period of time. Your doctor may change the remedy based on any developments.

Who can or should not use homeopathy for infertility

Homeopathy can be used by anyone for infertility, even those who are afflicted by other diseases and disorders along with infertility because many times, these conditions are responsible for infertility.

How soon can you expect to see results?

If the cause of your infertility is determined accurately and right remedy is given to you, you may find yourself conceiving within 6 months to a year or two. Sometimes it may take longer if you are suffering from some other condition as well.

Side effects of homeopathy for infertility

Since homeopathy remedies are ultra-diluted, there is practically no scope for side effects. ‘Highly diluted homeopathic remedies, taken under the supervision of trained professionals, are generally safe and unlikely to cause severe adverse reactions’, says the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). [3] However, the organization warns – ‘Like any drug or dietary supplement, these products could pose risks if they are improperly manufactured’.

Originally published on www.healthsite.com