Improving Semen DNA Fragmentation
Maryanne (36) and Al (42) had had been trying to conceive for over a year and had done two unsuccessful IVF and one unsuccessful ICSI cycles before being recommended to a naturopath. Maryanne had a regular menstrual cycle and Al had an average semen analysis. Their specialists could see no specific reason for their lack of conception but were sure it would not take them long.
They came for a naturopathic fertility consultation with their recent blood and semen results which were analysed and discussed along with diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. They were already quite aware of when Maryanne was fertile and had been attempting every second day during this time. Their naturopath could not see any immediate cause for their situation and suggested that they change to a higher quality IVF clinic and request a SCSA (DNA fragmentation test for sperm which tests whether the genetic material in the sperm if healthy or damaged).
The SCSA result from the new clinic came back as being high or containing a high proportion of genetically damaged sperm. Maryanne and Al found out that even a man with a good semen analysis can have a poor SCSA result. The couple had already been prescribed herbal and nutritional medicines from their naturopath and added to this was very high doses of a range of specific antioxidants for Al. He was also given a list of foods that were high in antioxidants and it was suggested that they attempt conception every day during Maryanne’s fertile times and that Al ejaculate regularly to improve the DNA of his sperm.
In three months, they had still not conceived and Al had another SCSA test. The DNA fragmentation had reduced significantly and was well into the healthy range. After another three months, they had still not conceived and decided to try an IVF cycle at the new IVF clinic. They were successful on the first cycle and are due to give birth soon!
Miscarriage Prevention
Tina (33) and John (36) came to the clinic after trying to conceive for the past three years, trying numerous unsuccessful IVF cycles and suffering two miscarriages at 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. They had never been to a naturopath before but felt they needed to try something different. John had poor to average semen parameters but Tina had been diagnosed with ‘unexplained infertility’.
After discussing their combined medical histories, specific diet and lifestyle changes were suggested to improve their fertility. Tina and John were given blood and urine tests to complete. The blood results showed that Tina was a homozygous carrier for the MTHFR gene mutation which impairs the body’s ability to metabolise and absorb folic acid or folate. John was found to be a heterozygous carrier. Tina and John were surprised that this had not been investigated before and felt happy that the mutation was relatively common and that other couples had been successfully treated before them.
Tina and John were each given specific herbal medicines and nutritional supplements to balance and enhance other aspects of their health and fertility in addition to receiving high doses of a particular, broken-down form of folate that their bodies would be able to absorb and use. They were advised to use contraception for at least three to four months while they were undergoing treatment. They thought that this was quite funny considering that they felt they were unable to conceive naturally at all!
Seven months later, Tina was pregnant from a natural conception. Her naturopath monitored her pregnancy using blood and urine testing and changed the supplements according to results and trimesters of her pregnancy. Tina suffered mild nausea and fatigue during the first trimester and went on to deliver a healthy baby boy.
Fertility After Miscarriage
Tina first went to see Rebecca for carpal tunnel syndrome. After her course of visits, not only were her hands feeling a lot better but she felt refreshed and recharged and was keen to continue to help preserve her health and wellbeing.
Tina had a break from the clinic after her carpel tunnel improve however came back after she’d experienced a miscarriage because she wanted some support physically and emotionally to try to conceive again. Her husband also started coming for treatment at this point which ensured they were both in peak condition for conception.
We recommended an appropriate diet as well as pointers on what would help with conception this time around. This involved “warming” Tina’s womb with acupuncture and moxibustion as it was “cold” which doesn’t help fertility from a Chinese medical perspective.
We treated Tina throughout her pregnancy and in the lead up to her birth. Her birth “was a breeze” and she said she was so glad she placed herself in our care. She would not have done it any other way. She said we were very gentle and she always felt a wonderful energy when arriving and leaving her appointment. She looks forward to doing it all again with the next baby.
Pre-Conception & Pregnancy Care ~
The Brett’s Story
“My husband and I were planning to conceive our first child and we wanted our baby to be as healthy as possible. We were also concerned about my fertility, because for years I had experienced a long and sometimes irregular menstrual cycle.
Belinda (Naturopath) helped us improve our preconception health and treated me with herbs and supplements, and recommended some dietary and lifestyle changes to shorten my menstrual cycle and improve my fertility. She also helped me understand my body’s natural rhythms and recognise the signs of fertility.
Conception was easy! We followed Belinda’s advice and we were able to pinpoint ovulation. I fell pregnant quickly and I felt wonderful! My skin glowed, my hair shone, I had lots of energy and an overwhelming sense of joy. I’ve never felt better! We are now the proud parents of a beautiful, healthy little boy.
Since the birth of our little boy, Belinda has helped me overcome a range of breastfeeding difficulties, like mastitis, and helped me introduce my little boy to healthy, toddler-friendly foods. Our whole family is healthier and happier thanks to Belinda’s warm, caring ways and professional advice.” K Brett 2009
Pre-Conception & Pregnancy Care ~
Stephanie’s Story
Stephanie and her husband longed for a healthy, happy little baby. She’d heard acupuncture could help her prepare and so came to our clinic. We educated her about the importance of both partners preparing to conceive. As part of that preparation process she undertook fortnightly acupuncture sessions to assist with regulating her cycle after years of using the contraceptive pill and gave her info on diet and lifestyle that they could both take on board.
During the later stages of her pregnancy, we assisted Stephanie with getting the baby into the correct position for a natural delivery. It was breech but turned nicely so she was able to have the birth she’d hoped for. The techniques were fully supported by her Obstetrician. She gave birth to a healthy baby girl at 41 weeks.
IVF
We have many case studies to share on this… they are coming soon.
Where to from here?
Discover how Belinda can help you to prepare for conception with Naturopathy
Read up on Psychotherapy and how this can benefit you on your special journey