Introduction
Millions of people worldwide who are of reproductive age struggle with infertility. Unexplained infertility accounts for about 20% of all fertility cases. It is defined as infertility when testing doesn’t show an apparent reason why you’re having fertility issues. According to estimates, unexplained infertility affects 15 to 30 percent (Between 48 million couples and 186 million) of couples. A lack of cervical mucus, stress, energy blockages, severe inflammation, a lack of Qi and blood, and a shortage of Yang (warmth) in the kidney and spleen are a few possible causes. Complementary therapies such as herbal medicine and nutrition are used instead of conventional treatments to treat it.
If you want to read about unexplained infertility and how to conceive using acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition, then continue reading this blog.
How acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition are helpful for unexplained infertility?
Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) like drugs, surgery modification of anatomical flaws, or artificial insemination are common Western therapies for infertility, but they have drawbacks. There have been reports of infertile women using alternative therapy in Korea, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. A study conducted in Australia revealed women employed complementary therapies to enhance their welfare and combat the adverse effects of ART. Studies in Korea also revealed about 63.5% of infertile women reported using complementary therapy.
Complementary treatments, including acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition, treat unexplained infertility and help conceive. These three are given below;
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Acupuncture for Unexplained Infertility
It has been demonstrated that acupuncture increases blood flow and reduces stress. An acupuncturist inserts very tiny, narrow needles to increase blood flow to certain locations on the body. It increases blood flow to the reproductive system, controls cortisol levels during stressful situations, and controls irregular menstrual cycles. In 2010, a study on women with “unexplained infertility” was done over six months. The study’s methodologies included acupuncture and herbal therapy; the findings showed a pregnancy rate of 60.9% for ladies.
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Herbs for Unexplained infertility
Numerous herbs can be used to boost men’s and women’s fertility health and to prepare for pregnancy. Numerous plants contain phytoestrogens, which have estrogenic activity in animals. These substances, including formononetin, genistein, daidzein, and biochanin A, are most likely to have higher affinities to the estrogen receptor than others. Additionally, substances found in medicinal plants like flavonoids and isoflavones help reduce blood sugar and enhance lipid profiles by lowering triglycerides and LDL and increasing HDL, which is crucial in reproductive cycles. The following herbs can increase fertility;
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Tribulus(Tribulus terrestris)
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Vitex, Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus)
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Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
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Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)
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Trifolium pratense (Red clover)
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Phoenix Dactylifera (Date palm)
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Nigella sativa (Black seed‐ Ranunculaceae)
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Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice‐ Liquorice)
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American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
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Goji berry, dried fruit (Lycium barbarum, L.chinense)
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Maca root (Lepidium meyenii)
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Milk Thistle seed (Silybum marianum)
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Tribulus, aerial parts and fruit (Tribulus terrestris), and many more are included
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Nutrition for Unexplained Infertility
A nutritional-full diet is essential for enhancing your body’s inherent capacity to conceive. Nutritional deficits can lead to an unbalanced menstrual cycle in women and can reduce sperm production. These micronutrients include fatty acids (saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFS), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), docosapentaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, linoleic acid, omega-3, and omega-6) as well as antioxidants (family of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients).
Dark leafy greens, beans, lentils, and grass-fed red meat are foods high in iron. Vegetarian foods high in iron include fortified cereals, long-grain enriched rice, and whole grains. Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, bell peppers or berries, tomatoes, broccoli, and strawberries. Foods high in calcium, including broccoli, almonds, beans, lentils, and sardines, can be used as a nutrient-rich diet. A nutritious diet that supports reproductive health should include foods like goji berries, mushrooms, and black fungus because they are low in calories and high in protein.
Conclusion
Globally, many couples face unexplained infertility in which the causes are unknown. It is even more difficult than knowing the cause and getting treated for it. Acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition provide their respective benefits to males and females who have difficulty conceiving. Therefore, these complementary therapies are necessary and beneficial to health to treat unexplained infertility with minimum or no side effects.