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Hope for Infertility – Fertility Options on the Path to Parenthood

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
July 17, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

In the past, an infertile couple’s only chance at having children was to adopt (which is still a great way to make a family). We live in an extraordinary time, where ever-advancing technologies and expert help can make an infertile couple’s dreams to have a baby come to fruition.

We understand that being diagnosed with infertility can be extremely overwhelming. After all of the information and testing you are given, it is easy to feel confused and uncertain of which direction to take. Lucky for you though, we are here to help you sort all that out. A large part of the work we do here at www.natural.fertility.info.com is educate our followers and clients about their best options for realizing their dreams of having a child of their own. While we wholeheartedly feel that natural fertility options should be utilized as your foundation for achieving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy, we also realize that achieving pregnancy naturally isn’t always possible for all people.

Even in circumstances we feel that natural options are best tried first, we value a “plan B”. Being open to change is being adaptable and, in the end, will leave you more satisfied and happier when working toward achieving your goals. Should you try and fail, with a “plan B” in place, you know you can fall back on that and move forward in a new direction. Without a “plan B” in place to fall back on, you may be left frustrated and confused on what your next steps could be.

The following information is designed to help you to start thinking towards your future. What are you willing to consider in order to achieve your goal of becoming a parent? There are many paths to parenthood, and not all options are for every couple, but they are there to help you, should you need assistance. Some you may already know about; others, you may not even realize were an option. The goal here is to provide you with the information you need to get started on formulating your personalized path to parenthood.

Natural Fertility Treatment Options

When it comes to natural fertility options, we’ve got you covered. Every day we are discussing natural fertility therapies to help you achieve your dreams of becoming parents. We provide extensive information on alternative and complementary methods such as dietary changes, acupuncture, and herbal remedies which can help pave your path to parenthood. We even have a private consultation program for more detailed guidance.

Sometimes all it takes is understanding more about the world around you (both the good and bad in terms of toxins/nutrients) and becoming more in tune with your own cycle. You might be surprised at how effective focusing on these simple things can be in reaching optimal health, boosting fertility, and achieving pregnancy.

For those couples who cannot achieve pregnancy naturally, we want to express the importance of utilizing natural fertility therapies as a way to prepare for upcoming parenthood, regardless of how you get there. You may be thinking, why? Well, a healthy body is more likely to respond positively to medical treatments. Thoughtful, natural preparation often tips the scales in a couple’s favor, especially when it comes to preparing for IUI, IVF, and surrogacy.

No matter what path to parenthood you take, stress levels are likely to become elevated. There are important steps you can have in place to help you prepare your body and mind for becoming a parent. It is also important to have healthy dietary habits in place prior to becoming a parent, so you can pass these good habits on to your child/ren. Good dietary and lifestyle habits will help ensure your child has a healthy life.

Medical Fertility Treatment Options

As committed as we are to natural health remedies, we are the first to recognize that for some infertile couples – there is a need for integrative medical treatments as well. Western medicine has a plethora of options available to those who need a little assistance in trying to conceive. Starting with medicated cycles that will assist in ovulation, and going all the way to In Vitro Fertilization (where eggs are combined with sperm in a lab and healthy embryos are then transferred directly to your uterus), there are medical interventions which can typically improve your chances of conception a great deal. Once the root cause of your infertility is understood, a reproductive endocrinologist can discuss the best treatment options for your particular situation.

Egg and Sperm Donation

Over the last 30 years, sperm and egg donation has become a viable option for those who are unable to contribute these biological materials on their own. For some, past illnesses or medical treatments may have rendered one or both partners sterile, and for others, life circumstances – such as being single or in a homosexual relationship – may mean that only one half of the genetic equation is available. In these circumstances, sperm and egg donation can help to create the child that otherwise would not have been able to exist for an infertile couple.

There are several sperm banks throughout the country, with most shipping purchased vials of sperm directly to your clinic location. These banks offer hundreds to thousands of options in terms of choosing a donor. Should you choose to use a sperm donor for your conception efforts, your clinic can put you into contact with the banks and you will be granted access to browse their donor profiles. These profiles typically include information about a donor’s interests, hobbies, and physical characteristics. Baby pictures are sometimes also available, and you have the option of seeking out “Open ID” donors: those donors willing to have contact at some point in the future should your child decide they want to know who their biological donor was.

The process of using an egg donor is slightly different, in that more information is typically available and the cost can be a great deal more expensive than purchasing sperm. This is because the procedure for extracting eggs is fairly invasive, and donors are required to inject themselves with hormones in the month leading up to the egg extraction. There are donor agencies throughout the country that will grant you access to their donor profiles, which are typically more in-depth than sperm donor profiles and often include recent photos. With egg donation, donors usually wait to begin their donor cycle until after being selected, so that a fresh egg IVF cycle can be completed with either you or a surrogate. If you are the one who will be carrying the baby, you will often be on a hormone regimen of your own at the same time as your donor.

Sperm and egg donation are typically done on an anonymous basis, with no face-to-face contact and all communications taking place either through the bank or agency.

Embryo Donation

There are two types of embryo donation options. With the first option, embryos are donated from couples who have completed past IVF, and now have surplus embryos; this is referred to as “embryo adoption”. The second option, sometimes referred to as “double donor” embryo donation, utilizes embryos created from two separate anonymous donors; one sperm donor and one egg donor.

Embryo donation scenarios can have varying levels of openness, with complete anonymity in some cases, and regular contact in others. For an infertile couple, this option provides the ability to still carry a child for those who are willing to forgo the genetic link.

There are many legal and psychological aspects to be considered in this type of conception. Fertility clinics providing this service often require and offer services to educate couples in these areas prior to going through their program.

Surplus Embryos
When couples have remaining embryos after completing their own IVF cycles, they have three options for how to proceed with those embryos. They can either:

Most clinics have a waiting list for donated embryos, and unlike donated eggs or sperm – there can be no money exchanging hands for these donations. Studies show that couples who used a screened donor (egg or sperm or both) are more likely to donate their surplus of embryos.

“Double Donor”
Not as well-known as the first type of embryo donation discussed, this type of donation allows infertile couples to choose an embryo created from two separate, anonymous donors. Couples can specify specific criteria for their choice of donors, such as age, ethnicity, religion, physical description, health history and geography. This type of embryo donation is much easier and requires less wait time finding a match.

Surrogacy

Under certain circumstances, it is not safe or possible for a woman (or either partner in the relationship) to carry a baby. When this is the case, surrogacy can still provide the possibility of a genetic child and the ability to feel invested in the pregnancy from beginning to end for an infertile couple. Surrogates agree to carry a child for the duration of the pregnancy, allowing you to attend doctor’s appointments and abiding by your rules in terms how you would like the pregnancy to be maintained. This can offer infertile couples some level of the control they have lost, while still providing the opportunity for that genetic connection. Surrogacy agreements are typically fairly pricey, and it can be important to have a lawyer involved to ensure that all parties are protected. But when having a genetic link to your child is important, this can be a viable option for creating the family that may otherwise seem impossible to build.

Adoption

For some individuals and infertile couples, the goal is simply to have a child, and the genetic connection feels minor in the pursuit of that goal. In those cases, adoption can often provide the road to family building that you have been seeking. There are several options in terms of adoption, including foster care adoption, domestic adoption, private adoption and international adoption. While many people hope to adopt infants from birth, there are also thousands of older children currently in our foster care system looking to find the right home, for those willing to open their hearts to less traditional adoptions. Barriers to adoption can sometimes feel difficult to overcome, including steep expenses and the fear of a birth family changing their mind after placement, but no two adoption scenarios are the same and there are usually accessible options available for every family hoping to pursue this path to parenthood.

Closing Thoughts

No matter which path to parenthood you decide on, natural fertility treatment options will be a healthy foundation for pregnancy preparation and beyond. Not only will natural fertility treatments increase your chances of success, they will help you to build life-long positive health habits such as improved diet choices, stress reduction techniques and alternative medicine choices for daily health maintenance.

We are here for you no matter what direction your path leads. Contact us for further guidance, should you find you need support.

References

  • Fertility Treatments – What to expect. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.whattoexpect.com/preconception/natural-fertility-treatments.aspx
  • Christiano, D. (n.d.). Fertility Treatment Options. Retrieved from: http://www.parents.com/getting-pregnant/infertility/treatments/guide-to-fertility-methods/
  • Embryo Adoption | Embryo Donation | Adoption Options. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.embryoadoption.org/
  • Donor Options. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://resolve.org/what-are-my-options/donor-options/
  • Surrogacy. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://resolve.org/what-are-my-options/surrogacy/
  • Adoption Guides See All 22 How to adopt a child. Adopting a baby, international orphans or foster children. Domestic, open adoption process. Find adoption agencies. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.adoption.com/
  • Fast Facts About Infertility. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://resolve.org/infertility-101/what-is-infertility/fast-facts/
  • Taylor, S. (n.d.). Embryo Donation – PVED. Retrieved from: http://www.parentsviaeggdonation.org/embryodonationresources.php

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About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000's of women on their journey to Motherhood.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

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Jan 31

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👇3 Ways To Naturally Support Ovulation 👇

Lack of ovulation is one of the most common causes of infertility.

BUT you can help support your body to regularly ovulate again when hormonal health is found.

Here are some steps you can take to support yourself….

1️⃣ Eat healthy fats like avocado, chia, flax, nuts & seeds

2️⃣ Eat an abundance of whole foods 🥦🍉🥗🍇

3️⃣ Increase circulation to the reproductive system through exercise, Self Fertility Massage and castor oil packs.

👇 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the steps you can take to support your fertility cycle. 👇

#ovulation #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Jan 30

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🌱 Ashwagandha is one of my favorite herbs for stress support while trying to conceive. 

It is easy to use and the calming effects can be felt pretty quickly after starting the herb. 

➡️ The hormonal support results take a bit longer, as with any hormone supportive herb, but is wonderful for both women and men who are experiencing high stress and hormone imbalances. 

Type ASH in the comments below and I will share which Ashwagandha I recommend and how to use it for fertility support. 👇👇

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Jan 30

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Q: I have a 24 day cycle. What is this saying about my fertility?

A: Swipe left for our answer...

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Jan 30

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⭐ 3 Benefits of Vitex for Fertility…

1️⃣ Regulates hormones: Vitex, also known as chasteberry, is known to regulate the production of hormones such as luteinizing hormone and prolactin, which can help to balance out estrogen and progesterone levels, promoting fertility.

2️⃣ Improves ovulation: Vitex can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve ovulation in women with irregular cycles or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

3️⃣ Decreases symptoms of PMS: Vitex can also help to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as cramps, breast tenderness, and mood swings, which can improve overall health and well-being.

Want to know which Vitex I recommend and how to use it? Type VITEX in the comments below 👇

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Jan 29

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🌱 Red raspberry leaf has been used by midwives for fertility for generations. Some of the most well known benefits of raspberry leaf for reproductive support include… 

1️⃣ Regulating menstrual cycles: Red raspberry leaf is believed to help balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles, making it easier for women to conceive.

2️⃣ Strengthening the uterus: Red raspberry leaf is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin C, which are believed to help strengthen the uterus and prepare it for pregnancy.

3️⃣ Improving egg quality: Some studies suggest that red raspberry leaf may improve egg quality and increase the chances of conception.

4️⃣ Reducing morning sickness: Red raspberry leaf is also believed to help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness, which can be especially beneficial for women who are trying to conceive.

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Jan 29

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🧪 Xenohormones are chemicals that mimic the effects of hormones in the body. 

They can disrupt the endocrine system, which controls the production, transport, and function of hormones. 🚫

This can lead to a variety of health problems, including fertility issues. 

Examples of xenohormones include certain pesticides, plastics, and phthalates. 🕯️

Exposure to these chemicals can affect the production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which play key roles in fertility. 

Xenohormones can also affect ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg, leading to infertility. 

It would be best to avoid these chemicals as much as possible. 

👇👇To  learn more about which chemicals to avoid and which products are most important to replace type in ‘TOXIC’ in the comments below to get my guide to Creating a Healthy Home for Fertility Pregnancy & Family 👇👇

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Jan 28

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5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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Jan 28

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The body is always giving us feedback to what is happening inside. How regularly you go to the bathroom shares a lot about your digestive health.... as does a bloated belly or gas. Your period or monthly cycle can share a lot about your hormonal state. Your skin can share how your liver is doing. And so on. What have you learned from listening to your body?

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Jan 28

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🕯️Chemicals in candles, such as paraffin and phthalates, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. 

Some research suggests that certain VOCs, such as phthalates, may disrupt hormone balance by mimicking estrogen and other hormones in the body. 🚫

It’s always a good idea to choose candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, which produce fewer VOCs. 🐝

naturalfertilityinfo

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Jan 27

Open
5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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Jan 27

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Preparing for pregnancy is one of the best steps you can take for a healthy pregnancy and child. Here are some steps to help you get started…. 👇

1️⃣ Eat a diet high in fiber. More fruits and veggies

Fiber helps the body to get rid of excess hormones and fruits and veggies are packed with fiber. They also are very hydrating and have lots of nutrients. All are useful for someone with heavy cycles. 

2️⃣ Learn about your fertility cycle through tracking and charting

Fertility charting will help you to understand your current hormonal state, when or if you are ovulating and other information about your cycle that will help to bring clarity to your fertility path. 

3️⃣ Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

The first phase of the Fertility Cleanse is a great way to help support the liver in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones. The second phase focuses on the uterus and helping the uterus to cleanse and increase circulation.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Jan 26

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💡It can be completely normal for your menstrual cycle to vary in length slightly from month to month! 

Ovulation may come a day before or a day later even in normal some cycles. 

We actually expect to see natural variations between menstrual cycles. 

Early ovulation can be concerning, however, when/if it consistently happens. 

➡️ If you would like to learn what you can do to help balance a short follicular phase type EARLY in the comments below and I will send you a link to my guide….👇👇

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Jan 26

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Are you experiencing fibroids? 👇 Type FIBROID in the comments below and I will send you a link to my natural guide. 🌱

#fibroid #fibroids #naturalfertility #fibroidfertility #fibroiddiet

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Jan 26

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Intimacy may not be something at the top of your mind with everything else you are doing to TTC. But connection with your partner and you feeling.... good is important. Here are some natural ways to support libido if the stress of baby making has made things tense in the bedroom.

naturalfertilityinfo

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Jan 25

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When in doubt get it checked out. 

One of the most common reasons I suggest women to see their doctors is when they are experiencing  a heavy period that doesn’t stop after 5-7 days and has heavy flow. 

There are many different reasons this could be happening, but we first want to make sure it isn’t something that requires medical assistance before going on to healthy lifestyle support.

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Jan 25

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Ovarian cysts are more common than you think, and there are ways you can support your body naturally. Type CYSTS in the comments below and I will send you the natural steps you can take to support your self.

naturalfertilityinfo

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Jan 24

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🌱 One of my favorite ways to support fertility and hormone health is through herbs. 

Over the past 20+ years that I have been an herbalist I have seen what herbs can do to help turn someone’s health around. 

When it comes to fertility there are a lot of different herbs that you can use. But they all have different actions. There is no one herb that fits all for fertility. 

That is one of the reasons I make herbal blends & formulas. 

Three of my favorite herbs are vitex, maca and shatavari, but they each have different effects on the body. 

So the key to success with fertility herbs is to first figure out what is going on in your body and then you can pick the right herbal formula for you. 

You can do this by charting your fertility (I have a lot of posts about fertility charting on my feed as well as my website) and also paying attention to your period. 🩸

To learn more about my herbal formulas for fertility support type HERBS in the comments below and I’ll share a link to my formulas 👇👇

naturalfertilityinfo

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Jan 24

Open
👇READ THIS if you have a regular period but still haven’t gotten pregnant…. 

The answer is YES. The menstruation phase of a monthly fertility cycle is only one stage of the cycle. 

There are many other times of the month that are even more important like: 

🌸 Follicular phase: When the lining is growing and follicles are maturing

🌸 Ovulation: When the egg is released

🌸 Implantation: When the fertilized egg implants

🌸 Luteal phase: The time period between ovulation and the next cycle needs to be long enough for implantation to occur. 

Wondering how to start supporting your fertility naturally? 

👇 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the steps you can take to support your fertility cycle. 👇

#periods #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

naturalfertilityinfo

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Jan 23

Open
Endometriosis can impact fertility and having a healthy pregnancy. 

Preparing ahead of time and taking the steps can make a big difference. 

Type ENDO in the comments below if you would like my natural guide to supporting your fertility regardless of having endometriosis....💛👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jan 23

Open
🌱 One of my favorite ways to support fertility and hormone health is through herbs. 

Over the past 20+ years that I have been an herbalist I have seen what herbs can do to help turn someone’s health around. 

When it comes to fertility there are a lot of different herbs that you can use. But they all have different actions. There is no one herb that fits all for fertility. 

That is one of the reasons I make herbal blends & formulas. 

Three of my favorite herbs are vitex, maca and shatavari, but they each have different effects on the body. 

So the key to success with fertility herbs is to first figure out what is going on in your body and then you can pick the right herbal formula for you. 

You can do this by charting your fertility (I have a lot of posts about fertility charting on my feed as well as my website) and also paying attention to your period. 🩸

To learn more about my herbal formulas for fertility support type HERBS in the comments below and I’ll share a link to my formulas 👇👇
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