August 29, 2008, Newsletter Issue #179: Fighting Infertility

Tip of the Week

An estimated 15 to 20 percent of American couples are infertile. The causes of infertility are about equal between men and women, although in about 20 percent of cases, infertility is attributable to a combination of both male and female factors.

If you and your partner are experiencing trouble getting pregnant, the following steps may help increase your chances of conceiving:

*Quit smoking. It can affect sperm mobility, sperm production, and smoking has been linked to altered Fallopian tube function and damaged eggs in women.

*Eat a healthful diet rich in zinc, which is important for fertility in both sexes. Zinc can be found in dried beans, garbanzos, black-eyed peas, lentils, peas, soy products, and whole grains.

*Reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol. Both have been linked to infertility.

*Maintain a healthy body weight. In women, especially, being over- or underweight can affect ovulation.

*Avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear. This can reduce sperm production in men.

*You may also want to consider the traditional Chinese remedy ho shou wu. This herbal treatment is said to be a powerful sexual tonic when consumed regularly by men, and is believed to increase sexual energy, improve sperm production, and promote fertility in women. Consult a practitioner of Chinese medicine for dosage and preparation methods before using it.

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