Watch the Video TV Central News Interview Fertility Infertility and Preconception Nutrition

Jaine Kirtley Interviewed by Janene Furlong

The vast changes in diet and in the environment in the last few decades have coincided with a rise in problems in conceiving and early miscarriage. Many studies have shown a decline in sperm count in men over the last 50 years.

The huge increase in chemicals used in farming such as fertilisers, pesticides, growth stimulants (hormones) and antibiotics, mean that even a traditional diet of  meat and two vegetables is not the same as it was 50 years ago. In addition, there is a widespread use of convenience and fast food, which deplete nutrients further. This leads to a poor availability of nutrients and a potential build up of toxins in the body.  It is no wonder that reproduction falters as the body uses all available nutrition just to keep going.

Research by the charity Foresight in England, over the last 30 years has provided evidence of the importance of nutrition, and detoxification of the prospective parents. Their results are both impressive and loveable.

So what supplements, if any should be taken to boost fertility? The nutrients lacking often include vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin E, and zinc. The list could go on and on, as all known nutrients are needed for a healthy baby to be conceived. So it is important to have an individual assessment of the needs of the couple. Assessment may include hair, blood or sweat analysis. Hair analysis favoured by Foresight can indicate deficiencies as well as point to toxic levels of some substances such as lead. Vitamin C and Garlic can be used to detoxify the body if necessary.

Including more organic food in the diet not only increases the nutrient content of food but decreases the amount of unwanted chemicals in the diet.  

To regulate the womans hormones, herbs such as Vitex agnus castus may be used. Other herbs may be used to rebalance and heal other parts of the body, as the general health of both the man and the woman plays a big part in conception. Screening for genitourinary infections, which affect fertility is important, as symptoms may not be obvious, and can cause infertility. Screening can be done through your own doctor of through the Family Planning Clinic.

Toxins in the environment can cause infertility. Not all of these are under our control, however, it is possible to avoid harmful chemicals such as smoking, street drugs and alcohol, garden pesticides and flea spays.

Although some couples choose quite happily not to have children, for others the inability to have children causes immense sadness. Many couples are reluctant to tell family and friends of their distress. So the very people who could be supportive increase the strain by encouraging the couple to think about having children.

For some couples this empty grief may be something they have to live with, despite all the intervention. However, by helping the body become as balanced and healthy as possible, the grief may be easier to deal with. The option of fostering or adoption is one that deserves some real consideration as it may help meet the needs of both the couple and children all desperate for a loving family.

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