Fertility supplements for women

Infertility is, unfortunately, a growing medical issue in both men and women. It affects millions of couples in America, due to physical reasons in reproductive health or simply waiting too long to try and get pregnant. After discovering infertility, the first thought is to want treatment right away; a quick fix for a large problem. While continuing to try for about a year is fairly common practice recommended by medical doctors, many people desire treatment sooner. On the downside, there is a huge problem of cost that is inevitable in any fertility treatment. Standard fertility treatments, such as injections of drugs, in vitro, and artificial insemination can run anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. No matter the method, the ultimate goal is to increase chances of conceiving. The difference, however, between those listed above and fertility supplements, is that supplements simply enhance the body’s natural capabilities of reproducing by working on hormone imbalances in a gradual manner. A plus: supplements are a heck of a lot cheaper per month than other fertility treatments and are a great first step to starting a family if a little help is needed. The foremost thing on your mind on the journey to conceiving is to do the least invasive thing to your body that you can; fertility supplements serve that purpose.

Types of Fertility Supplements
The important thing in conceiving is that women have hormone balances to promote regular ovulation, maturation of the ovarian follicle, and the healthy development of the reproductive organs and tissues. There are two types of fertility supplements for women: those that have a combination of ingredients and those that focus on a single ingredient. In both types, the ingredient(s) are of utmost importance because the different elements have different targets in the body. For women, the most common single ingredient option, vitex, is an herbal supplement that works specifically on restoring the pituitary gland to its proper functioning level, regulating periods, and balancing progesterone and estrogen levels. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium prevent free radical damage that can affect DNA, sperm, eggs, and reproductive organs. Folic acid is also a good supplement to start taking while trying to conceive because it is needed in large amounts during pregnancy anyway to prevent neural birth defects. Taking it earlier can boost your chances of not delivering a baby prematurely.

Are Fertility Supplements Better Than Other Treatments?
Fertility supplements, as well as other “hands-on” fertility treatments are scientifically-backed with supporting evidence. Whether or not they are actually better is still up for debate, but the fact is that they are less invasive and can’t really harm you because they are supplements meant to enhance other factors of your reproductive health. This does not mean that they can be taken on a whim. It is important to remember to consult with your physician first, just like you would have to do with other types of fertility treatments. Liking this type of treatment is strictly up to the individual, but here are some definite positive things to think about.

  • The cost difference is impossible to ignore. Fertility supplements that can be bought over the counter can run as low as $30 for one month, while drug treatments or other assisted treatments administered by physicians can cost thousands of dollars.
  • Many people like the idea of not having to resort to a drug, at least not right away. The prospect of going the “au naturel” route is very enticing because it is less frightening to inject your body with unknown substances. At least, in supplements, the ingredients are often vitamins that are put into the body already, and the supplements themselves are just meant to boost that amount to improve your chances of fertility.
Last updated on Mar 13th, 2011 and filed under Reproductive Health, Women's Health. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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