Statistics show that about a quarter of couples experience a period of infertility lasting more than a year, and some continue to experience difficulties for longer. The NHS states: ‘Infertility is when a couple fail to conceive (get pregnant) despite having regular unprotected sex. Although one in seven couples has difficulty conceiving, the number of couples who are actually infertile is relatively low.’ (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk)

The British medical system diagnoses infertility if you have not managed to have a baby after two years of trying. If you have never conceived a child, it is known as primary infertility. Secondary infertility is when you have had one or more babies in the past, but you are having difficulty conceiving again.

Often a cause for infertility cannot be found.

Natural Fertility Programme:

If you are reading this the chances are that you have been trying to conceive for a while and are now looking for help. I am trained in a fertility programme based around homeopathic remedies and herbal supplements devised by Liz Lalor, an Australian homeopath who practises in Melbourne. As of Spring 2008 Liz had worked with 168 women and achieved an astonishing 144 births – an 85% success rate!

The focus is on naturally creating the best possible environment for pregnancy to occur and covers:

• lifestyle and diet
• any adverse effects of the Oral Contraceptive Pill and any other medications
• support of the reproductive system, balancing the hormonal system, regulating periods and ovulation
• treatment of any issues such as PCOS, thrush, fibroids or endometriosis
• improving the quality of vaginal mucus
• support where there is history of miscarriage
• emotional support to address any emotional blocks to conception

The programme is based on four sessions at six week intervals. Women can come alone or with their partner. If pregnancy has not been achieved after these four sessions then we can discuss other possible forms of assistance, either medical or complementary. In such cases women usually leave the programme in a more balanced state of health than at the outset and this provides a beneficial base for other treatments.

I have found that as long as the first session is a face to face consultation then follow ups can usually be conducted via telephone. Where distance is not an issue then I do prefer to all sessions to be face to face if possible.

Here are some potential issues that could be affecting you/and your partner:

Women:

The Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) is a controversial issue. Many women find that ovulation can cease for up to two years after stopping the OCP. Just because you have a menstrual bleed does not necessarily mean that you are ovulating, or if you are ovulating it doesn’t mean that this is occurring at the expected part of your cycle.

Quality of vaginal mucous is an important factor and many things can affect this, eg. thrush creams, diet, etc. Candida can also be a result of using the OCP or asthma medications.

Low sexual energy can suggest progesterone imbalance.

Recreational drugs have a major effect on Luteinising hormone.

Men:

Even if a woman treats thrush the chances are her partner also carries it and so both partners need to treat the problem at the same time.

Performance issues can be a major problem for men and the pressure to perform to order can be debilitating.

These are just some of the issues that may cause problems for a couple trying to get pregnant. The Liz Lalor programme aims to provide practical, physical and emotional support during this very stressful time. Please do contact me for a chat if you are facing fertility problems and would like to find out more.

NB: Sessions are charged at the usual rates with homeopathic remedies included, however, there are optional supplements involved in this programme and these are charged separately.