In Australia, one in six couples are reported to have fertility issues and around 25% of these cases are diagnosed as unexplained infertility. Unexplained infertility is defined as an inability to fall pregnant, despite the results of standard fertility evaluation being normal.

Unexplained infertility can be an extremely frustrating and heartbreaking diagnosis to receive from ones health professional, and the reason why a couple receive a diagnosis of unexplained infertility is a highly individual one.

The reason for one couples hurdle to parenthood is completely different to the next, though there are often similarities to look out for. Couples will often be stressed, frustrated, angry and feeling guilty, especially if they have started their fertility journey later in life. This stress may in turn lead to adrenal exhaustion, a loss in sexual enjoyment and in some cases, erectile dysfunction in men.

So what can you do if you receive this challenging diagnosis?

1. Look at your eating plan:

Alcohol, caffeine, and sugar all rob your body of the essential nutrients needed to create a healthy pregnancy. Go gluten and dairy free if possible. Gluten and dairy create inflammation in the body and may also affect your bodies’ nutrient levels. Increase good fats such as oily fish, a good quality olive oil, avocado, nuts & seeds. Good fats support the reproductive systems and can help reduce inflammation.

2. Reduce toxic exposure:

Avoid your exposure to things such as harmful plastics, household chemicals, pesticides and cigarette smoke. Some toxins can mimic the bodies hormones and reduce egg and sperm quality.

3. Reduce stress:

Stress induces the ’fight or flight’ hormones cortisol and adrenalin, which suppress reproduction. The regular practice of yoga and meditation have been proven to reduce the production of cortisol and adrenalin, but if that’s not your thing, simply sitting down in a quite space or going for a walk can help. Find your zen and make time for it.

4. Exercise:

Among the many other health benefits, exercise can reduce stress, help clear your body of toxins and help with healthy glucose metabolism. Just 30 minutes a day can have a positive impact.

5. Seek help:

The herbs, synthetic hormones or new craze diet that worked for your sister, workmate or couple down the street with their fertility troubles, may not work for you, and in the worst case scenario, may in fact lead to further issues or imbalances. Seek the help of your local naturopath to carry out appropriate in-depth diagnostic testing, assist with dietary modifications and help customise supplementation for your individual needs.

For many, a diagnosis of unexplained infertility doesn’t have to be the end of a couples dream to become a parent. Some simple diet and lifestyle modifications, together with the advice of a natural health professional, couples can optimise their reproductive health and perhaps go on to fulfil their dream of parenthood.

Have you had unexplained infertility? SHARE your experience with us in the comments below.

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