Try to view it as a way to reconnect with your partner as opposed to another stressful activity (possibly “failed attempt”). It is important to aim to still make sex fun! It certainly is a delightful way of strengthening the intimacy and bond with your significant other. It also relaxes mind and body while helping to ease stress. Even the pleasurable conclusion of the experience plays a role in the reproductive aspect of it all. While the sexual response of a man is physically gratifying for him, its role in conception (ejaculation of sperm) is quite obvious. However, the reproductive value of female orgasm has been the subject of much debate in both biological and psychological studies for decades.

While female orgasm is not necessarily required for conception, it does greatly increase the chances of becoming pregnant. Proper arousal causes an increase in female secretions, and reaching climax increases them further; these fluids make it easier for sperm to reach their destination. Scientific studies now show that the muscle contractions which occur during orgasm create a type of suction, pulling fluids (and sperm) closer to the womb. The enjoyable bodily sensations along with the positive emotional effect on the relationship are incentives to keep doing the deed: imperative for those wishing to conceive.

Getting there is half the fun…

For women in particular, arousal prior to intercourse can be a determining factor in their level of enjoyment. The arousal stage increases blood circulation to the pelvic region (which increases sensitivity), increases secretions and makes intercourse physically comfortable and pleasurable. Embracing, caressing and kissing are comforting and intimate displays of affection which affect emotions and initiate feelings of arousal. Many couples like to employ more explicit foreplay techniques to heighten arousal further.

When it’s not fun…

Sadly, there is a significant number of women world wide who experience “sexual difficulties”; this means they have difficulty becoming aroused and/or cannot reach orgasm. This has a profound, negative psychological impact on a woman libido and often leads to relationship problems as well. Causes of dysfunction can be physical, psychological or both.

Possible causes of difficulties

:: Pressure around trying to conceive or long standing infertility
:: Psychological and physical traumas such as sexual assault/abuse
:: Injury to genitalia
:: Illness
:: Hormone imbalances
:: Stress
:: Relationship problems (especially where distrust is evident)
:: Substance abuse
:: Prescription medications (consult with your doctor before making any changes)
:: Menopause

Treatments for difficulties:

:: Emotional Freedom Technique
:: Meditation
:: Counseling/Therapy for psychological traumas
:: Stress management
:: Relationship counseling (if this is an issue)
:: Discontinuation of recreational drugs/alcohol/tobacco
:: Topical applications and/or lubricants designed to increase sensitivity and comfort

Herbal remedies:

:: Bach Flower Remedies, FES Quintessentials (For emotional healing)
:: Maca
:: Dong Quai
:: Damiana
:: Ginseng
:: Wild Yam
:: Sarsaparilla
:: Ginkgo Biloba
:: Gotu Kola

A word of caution…

Self-prescription is not recommended; consult with a competent and qualified naturopath or herbalist before starting on any form of herbal treatment. Many herbs can not be used during pregnancy or with other medicines. If you have a health condition, are on medication, are pregnant or trying to become pregnant it is imperative to consult a professional when considering herbal remedies. DO NOT use herbs, topical applications or change medication dosages without consulting your health care professional first. Too much of a remedy may harm you, too little will not give you the desired effect and you may miss out on the great benefits of natural treatment.

One of the most noticeable ways stress can wreck havoc on fertility is by dampening the romance factor. It can cause libido in both men and women to plummet. It can make one very tired and lethargic, and as we all know, lovemaking requires a certain amount of energy! Stress also makes people very cranky; and it’s difficult for some to bond with their partner or become aroused when they’re bombarded by negative emotion and thought. Sometimes stress makes us just want to be left alone!

However, stress also directly impacts the hormones and reproductive organs in both men and women. It increases the production of a chemical called cortisol, which in turn negatively affects sex hormones and the reproductive activity within the body. High levels of cortisol have been associated with infertility problems and weight gain.

Stress in men can create a condition called oxidative stress which results in low sperm count, weakened sperm motility, fragmented DNA within the sperm cells, and abnormal sperm. It can also cause impotence and ejaculation problems. Stress in women can result in a cessation of both ovulation and menstruation (while menstruation can be unpleasant, it is essential for good female sexual health). It can negatively impact the chemical and physical processes of egg maturation and release. Even if an egg is successfully fertilized, stress can cause chemical changes and spasms in the fallopian tubes and uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting. It can also cause miscarriage after successful implantation.

Unfortunately, couples faced with fertility issues often find themselves in an ugly cycle of stress on top of stress! Stress may be causing their infertility, which in turn causes disappointment and more stress, which keeps fertility further hindered. So what to do? How can you break the cycle? It’s sometimes easier said than done, but stress must be dealt with if fertility is to be restored. Step one is to identify sources of undue pressure; write it down, make a list if you must. Once you know the sources you’ll have a better idea about how to approach them.

Scientific research presented to the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology indicates that certain types of “talk therapy” can reduce stress and increase chances of conception. Research at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) found that women who had ceased to ovulate regained fertility after cognitive behavioral therapy. Other research indicates that laughter can reduce stress and increase ones odds of conception. Below is a list of tactics to fight stress:

Emotional Freedom Technique – An amazing relaxation tool with benefits — it can be used to ‘turn off’ (like a switch) practically any negative emotional that is currently afflicting you.

Time Management - Schedule your daily activities in a way that you have time to really unwind.

Music - While cleaning house or cooking or just doing nothing, put on some music that heightens your mood, relaxes or soothes you (and your partner).

Massage - This is something you and your partner can do for each other. You don’t have to be a professional masseuse; just the touch of the hands is soothing, reassuring and a sensuous prelude to lovemaking. However, a trip to a day spa for professional deep tissue massage is well worth it, and some spas offer couples’ packages.

Yoga - Very effective for relieving stress! If you don’t belong to a fitness club, you can rent or buy instructional DVDs.

Meditation - Carve out a quiet space in your day to silence mind chatter and do some deep breathing.

Talk It Out - If you don’t have a trusted friend on board whom you can vent to, it may be worth it to see a counselor. It will allow you to let it all out and perhaps give you a fresh perspective.

Tea Time - Eliminate caffeine. Treat yourself to a relaxing herbal tea such as chamomile, hibiscus, lemongrass or linden.

Think Positive - If you keep telling yourself “I’ll never get pregnant” then you won’t! Replace that negative voice in your head with positive imagery. Visualisation has been shown to have deeply effective, physical benefits for fertility.

Romantic Getaways - A little romantic getaway with your partner can have such a refreshing, reinvigorating and rejuvenating effect on you, your partner and the relationship. It doesn’t have to cost a lot, it can even be in your own city but it can be really fun. Enjoy each other!

Your nutrients on the other hand are essential and should definitely be taken throughout the whole process. By nutrients I mean vitamins and minerals. The catch is that in order to get the best benefit out of taking your nutritionals is that they must be good quality products with high therapeutic dosages. As a general rule practitioner only products are much, much better than anything you will buy over the counter in a supermarket or health food store. This is a time and situation in your life that you want to ensure you get the absolute best advice—so seek the help of a competent and qualified naturopath or integrative medical practitioner who truly understands supplementation requirements during the IVF process.

Also, of course that when you and your partner are as healthy as possible prior to a conception attempt naturally or through IVF the likelihood of your desired outcome will be increased and studies show that the increase can be as much as 47.1%! You may think this is amazing but all it really takes is a little guided and consistent effort on your part—ideally for at least 120 days prior to a conception attempt or the start of a new IVF cycle.

However if you are starting an IVF cycle next week and don’t have that much time, you and your partner will still make a positive impact on your baby making cells by putting in place a healthy lifestyle. Really what both you and your partner need to do in order to have the best results is to pretend you are both pregnant right now and start acting as such! (I know this is difficult for the boys to visualise, but you see, right now, sperm is no more, no less than ½ of that baby you are yearning for…).

Here are some things you can start doing now:

• Reduce stress;
• Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate), alcohol, cigarettes and recreational drugs completely;
• Get professional advice about appropriate and beneficial nutritional supplementation;
• Acupuncture treatments embryo transfer and before egg collection have been shown to have a positive effect for IVF treatments;
• Avoid toxins, chemicals and radiation as well as airplane flights for as long as possible (ideally 120 days) before a cycle and during pregnancy;
• Drink only filtered water;
• Eat only organic foods wherever possible;
• Base your meals on vegetables and good quality protein—and be sure to eat every 3 hours;
• Find creative activities that make you happy and do more of them, more often—it’s extremely important to be happy and relaxed during this time!

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body because it governs approximately 500 metabolic processes to ensure optimum health. These are categorized into nine main ones and include: Carbohydrate metabolism — assisting to maintain blood sugar levels; fat metabolism and cholesterol balance; protein metabolism including disposing of and re-making blood as well as other body building blocks; storage of blood; bile salts production to assist digestion; storage of vitamins (A, D, E, K, B, C) and minerals (iron, potassium, copper, zinc); production of heat, breakdown and elimination of hormones essential for hormonal balance and detoxification.

The liver is the largest human internal organ and one of the few capable of natural regeneration — as little as 25% of remaining liver can regenerate into a whole liver again. Ensuring the liver has what is required for optimum function is essential for peak general health and fertility.

Ways of ensuring this include a low toxin lifestyle: a healthy, clean diet; low alcohol consumption; avoidance of chemicals, recreational substances, smoking and any other things which have been shown to negatively affect general heath as well as adding in other things which can be beneficial — such as the recipe I share with you below.

The Whole Lemon Drink is a recipe that was shared with me by my esteemed colleague and author, Peter De Ruyter. I have used it for various areas of health with excellent results (including and not limited only to digestion and digestive system function).

It’s simple and it tastes great. For improved health and digestion, all you have to do is drink it twice daily.

The Whole Lemon Drink is ideal for:

• Detoxification
• Enhanced immune function
• Liver health
• Assisting with hormonal balance
• Nourishing and strengthening cells and cell membranes
• Improving and normalising digestive health

Some of the benefits of the Whole Lemon Drink (observed in over 20 years of clinical practice):

• It decreases blood acidity and alkalises the system – despite lemon juice being acidic;
• The oils provide essential fatty acids that boost immune function, benefit cell integrity, and improve skin health (resolving dryness), etc;
• The D-limonene in the lemon peel has anti-cancer properties;
• The pectin in the lemon helps to emulsify oils and chelate toxins from the bowel
• Lemon peel contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) – powerful antioxidants with antihistamine effects;
• Lecithin acts on healing and detoxifying the liver (it’s wonderful to address fatty liver) and nervous system (peripheral neuropathy) as well as the kidneys and brain, and enhances fat absorption;
• Lecithin helps normalise cholesterol and triglycerides;
• The choline in the lecithin and the oils in the citrus skin glands help liver detoxification pathways to work more effectively;
• The drink helps decrease swollen glands, increases energy, as well as lift depression and anxiety;
• It helps with insomnia and increases the appetite (only when it is poor);
• It assists in weight normalisation;
• It frequently raises CD4 cell counts (fighting cells of the immune system);
• It helps to decrease tumour necrosis factor (TNF), inflammation and wasting.

One amazing brew - cheap, simple, safe, and effective!

Whole Lemon Drink Recipe

• 1 whole organic lemon, well scrubbed to remove any wax or residues
• ½ cup filtered water
• 1-3 dessertspoons cold-pressed organic flaxseed oil
• 1 heaped dessertspoon lecithin (egg based—not soy, but only if you are not allergic, otherwise exclude)
• 1 capsule of vitamin E (whole into the blender)
• 1 knob of fresh ginger (approximately golf ball size)

Cut lemon into small pieces, combine all ingredients and blend for 30-45 seconds. Strain and discard the pulp. Consume ½ of the liquid before or with breakfast and the rest for dinner. Store the remainder in a clean glass container* in the fridge. Always consume the total amount within 24 hours to prevent rancidity and too much oxidation.

*Ideally the glass container should be as full of the drink as possible to decrease the amount of air, which speeds up oxidation.

© Gabriela Rosa and Natural Fertility & Health Solutions P/L

The best way to safeguard your fertility and the health of your family is to find alternatives to plastic products wherever possible.

Here are some ways you can do that:

• Replace plastic bottles with glass jugs or bottles;
• Buy food natural unpackage foods, however when you need to buy foods in packaging choose glass or ceramic containers where you can — particularly for foods high in fat content;
• Avoid heating food in plastic containers, or storing fatty foods in plastic containers or plastic/cling wrap;
• Do not give young children plastic teethers (dummies) or toys;
• Use natural fiber clothing, bedding and furniture;
• Avoid all PVC and Styrene products.

The table below will help you indentify common places where dangerous plastics are used, giving you the opportunity to avoid them helping to boost and protect your fertility and health — as well as the future of your children:

Table Contents Source: The Ecology Center website

Common And Well Established Infertility Treatments
Are Unlikely To Improve Fertility

Long established medical interventions to help couples with infertility problems do not seem to improve fertility, according to a study published on bmj.com. These findings challenge current practice in the UK and national guidelines should be reviewed in the light of this evidence, say the authors.

One in seven couples in the UK experience infertility. Unexplained infertility affects a quarter of these couples and common interventions to help them have been used for many years in line with fertility guidelines issued by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

A team of researchers led by the University of Aberdeen compared the effectiveness of two specific interventions with expectant management (no treatment).

They recruited 580 women who had experienced unexplained infertility for more than two years from four teaching hospitals and a district general hospital in Scotland. The women were randomised into three groups-one group of women were encouraged to try naturally for a pregnancy and had no medical interventions; one took oral clomiphene citrate (CC) which is believed to correct subtle ovulatory dysfunction; and the other had unstimulated intra-uterine insemination (IUI) of sperm.

Overall, 101 women became pregnant and had a live birth during the course of the study.

The researchers found that women who had no interventions had a live birth rate of 17%, the group taking oral CC had a birth rate of 14%, and the group having unstimulated IUI had a birth rate of 23%.

They point out that to have a meaningful and significant improvement in the live birth rate, the difference in live births between unstimulated IUI and no intervention would have to be much higher than the 6% reported in this trial.

Side effects for women including abdominal pain, bloating, hot flushes, nausea and headaches were highest in women taking oral CC, affecting 10% of women. (My comment: And this does not take into consideration the potential long term negative effects of the drug).

Interestingly, women on active treatments (CC and IUI) were reassured by the process of treatment while women who had no interventions were less satisfied, despite it being equally effective.

The researchers conclude: “These interventions, which have been in use for many years, are unlikely to be more effective than no treatment. These results challenge current practice, as endorsed by a national guideline in the UK.”

In an accompanying editorial, Tarek El-Toukhy and Yacoub Khalaf from the Assisted Conception Unit at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, say: “As a direct result of the lack of evidence, many couples with unexplained infertility endure (and even request) expensive, potentially hazardous, and often unnecessary treatments.”

They call for high quality clinical trials to guide policymakers and to inform patients about the best treatments, and the cost effectiveness and the adverse effects associated with these interventions.

In addition, they suggest that current NICE guidelines, which endorse the use of up to six cycles of IUI without ovarian stimulation in couples with unexplained infertility, be reviewed in the light of current evidence.

BMJ-British Medical Journal

Drug therapy for treatment of infertility like clomiphene has been around for a while, yet its efficacy just like other assisted reproductive methods is questionable. And it’s no wonder since on their own (i.e. without natural and holistic support) their aim seems to treat “individual body parts” as opposed to a bigger whole.

I am not in anyway against assisted reproductive technologies, in fact I believe it has its place and sometimes I even refer patients who truly cannot fall pregnant any other way. In addition, I support a lot of couples going through IVF with natural methods, so I am no stranger to these methods. However I believe couples in general are equivocally led to believe science is more effective than their own body’s wisdom. They lose faith in the fact that their body can heal and change and adapt to create the baby of their dreams—even in cases where all hope had previously been lost.

How can I be so sure? I’ve seen this happen too many times to doubt it. My patients often experience miracles in the eyes of those who simply don’t understand or believe in the unchangeable laws of nature. What they experience are not miracles because nature never deviates from its established laws. Our bodies have immense wisdom, ability and regeneration power — given the right circumstances and the right sort of encouragement — optimum fertility can be restored. It is just a matter of time.

The amount of time required for optimum results is at least 120 days of what I like to call pristine living — because this is approximately how long it takes for the egg to mature and the sperm to form. And if the sex cells are developing in the best possible environment the chances of a healthy conception are at the very least doubled. Pristine living is easier than you think but it does require that you and your partner do the absolute best you can day in, day out pretty consistently for a while.

Eating a healthy diet on its own it not enough, you need to avoid all toxins (environmental, dietary and recreational), ensure you dose up on your good quality nutrients, get enough sleep, exercise and relaxation; naturally balance your hormones, emotions and priorities. When you and your partner do these things you automatically put yourselves in the best possible position to ensure your chances of a live birth are increased beyond the 17% in the above mentioned study. Foresight, the Association for Preconceptual Health Care in the UK shows at least 78% increase in the numbers of babies being taken home by ‘previously infertile’ couples who follow such an approach.

Take back your power and start making better choices for yourself and the long term health and wellbeing of your family now. You all deserve it!

© 2008 Gabriela Rosa and Natural Fertility &

Have you missed the beginning of the case study? No problems, view Part 1 or Part 2 or Part 3  here.

Subsequent consult — 8 Weeks Later

On the previous visit we had ascertained some major changes upon reviewing all recent blood test results:

• IgA + IgG for Candida were normal
• Positive IgM for Cardiolipin antibodies went from high positive to undetected.
• Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) went from positive to undetected
• Prolactin was normal.
• Haemoglobin levels were back to normal.
• All liver enzymes were normal
• B12 normal
• Day 21 progesterone normal
• Gliadin Antibodies (EIA) undetected.
• Mercury levels went from 50 times higher than normal to 7 times higher than normal.

Susan had discussed things with Peter and they decided they wanted to start trying to conceive. The mercury had not decreased any further, she didn’t’ undertake the far-infrared sauna treatments, but had been doing the baths. She was feeling positive that most things had been resolved over the past few months and they wanted to try. She had decided if she was to miscarry one more time, then she would seek further treatment for the mercury levels.

I reviewed her supplementation, changed her herbs, which she was to take up to about 14 weeks to with the aim to maintain her progesterone levels nice and high and prevent miscarriages. And I discussed conception timing with her.

One week later Susan conceived. Susan and Peter were of course ecstatic! All that nice work had paid off, now of course we needed to ensure the treatment was focused at keeping the pregnancy to term. She continued on her supplements and anti-miscarriages herbs until 14 weeks.

She had a non-remarkable pregnancy, which in other words was totally remarkable! She experienced no problems apart from blocked nose and ears early on. Throughout Susan’s pregnancy she was one of the most glowing pregnant women! At 34 weeks she was started on a ‘partus prep’ mix and after a four-hour labour (with her first baby!!!) she gave birth to a healthy baby boy!

Needless to say that after such anticipation Susan and Peter were both over the moon!

In 2008 Susan has given birth to her 3rd healthy child and Peter and Susan now feel their family is complete, although they contemplate a 4th!

Have you missed the beginning of the case study? No problems, view Part 1 or Part 2 here.

Third Visit — 4 weeks after 2^nd visit

Susan and Peter were going well with everything, except Peter had issues taking herbs and did not want to continue (taste problem). He was taking all nutrients and following the diet as recommended. All other lifestyle factors had also been addressed and he was not drinking any alcohol etc. Susan’s temperatures were not too low or too high in general, mucus changes were more apparent this month. She ovulated on day 16, however in her luteal phase there were frequent down spikes, often indicative of poor progesterone uptake or levels. Susan was still on chelation therapy and experiencing some constipation due to it, I discussed extra dietary changes with her to assist bowel motions. Peter did not require chelation therapy.

Continued on the same herbs and nutrients.

Fourth Visit — 3 weeks later

Susan spent a night in hospital almost 2 weeks ago, after arriving at the hospital’s emergency department presenting with abdominal pain, which was initially thought to be ovarian (cyst) related but later diagnosed as constipation. She was still experiencing some constipation, and still needed to be on chelation treatment for another 2 weeks. She felt under the weather when on chelation, but when off DMSA, felt “brilliant”!

I changed herbs to support bowel elimination until treatment finishes. She continued on immune herbal mix.

Fifth Visit — 12 weeks later

Susan was glowing! Her mercury levels were still higher than they should be, had 2 courses of DMSA, which did not change mercury levels, she was no longer responding to treatment and was wanting to stop chelation. Wanted to try to conceive with her current levels, which had decreased substantially, however were still seven times higher than normal and could still be a problem with her history of recurrent miscarriages. I explained this to her. She agreed to have some far-infrared sauna sessions, which had aided in the decrease of heavy metal levels for other patients. In addition to this I encouraged her to have hot baths (Peter was no allowed these) with bicarb soda and Epsom salts – to increase sweating and eat yet even more coriander and garlic, increase her levels of multi-mineral intake as well as selenium.

Her cycles had shortened to 30 days (before it was never before 32 days – sometimes longer), ovulation was happening consistently at days 14 and 15, her temperature and mucus changes were ‘textbook’ by this time, she had no more down spikes in her luteal phase with a nice and strong temperature rise immediately following ovulation. She had no PMT and was feeling really good.

Peter was feeling energetic, less stressed; digestion was good, had lost weight and was taking all his nutrients. He didn’t want to repeat blood tests or sperm analysis.

On today’s account, the review of recent blood test results were as follows:

• IgA + IgG for Candida were normal
• Positive IgM for Cardiolipin antibodies went from high positive to undetected.
• Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) went from positive to undetected
• Prolactin was normal.
• Haemoglobin levels were back to normal.
• All liver enzymes were normal
• B12 normal
• Day 21 progesterone normal
• Gliadin Antibodies (EIA) undetected.
• Mercury levels went from 50 times higher than normal to 7 times higher than normal.

To be continued…

© 2008 Gabriela Rosa and Natural Fertility & Health Solutions P/L

Second Visit

Click here to view Part 1—last week’s feature.

Susan brought in her husband and all results from previous investigations. She was starting to feel better now, felt unwell in the first 2-3weeks after her first visit. Susan was able to implement all the lifestyle changes I suggested to her in the initial consult. Her temperatures were good, mucus changes were undetectable and she was not ovulating.

Relevant findings for Susan:

• Normal chromosomal assessment of parents and products of conception post D&C
• High positive IgA + IgG for Candida.
• Positive IgM for Cardiolipin antibodies
• Positive Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
• Very high prolactin levels (1886 mIU/L)
• Decreased haemoglobin
• Elevated globulins (GGT had gone back to normal) (liver function test)
• Low B12
• Low day 21 progesterone
• Positive Gliadin Antibodies (EIA) (gluten intolerance)
• High fasting blood mercury levels (later established mercury and lead—heavy metal toxicity)

Peter, BMI 30 (31 y.o. General Manager – Retail) accompanied Susan, he was able to bring his blood results as well as sperm analysis and completed questionnaire.

Relevant findings for Peter:

• Overweight
• Stressed
• Nutritional deficiency symptoms
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• High cholesterol
• High insulin levels (pre-diabetic state)
• Elevated liver enzymes
• TSH low end of the range
• Sperm analysis surprisingly good, despite some sperm clumping and low levels of sperm antibodies being detected.

Treatment

They were both to follow the diet. Peter needed to detoxify, exercise, implement some stress management techniques, which were discussed and lose some weight. He was able to decrease the amount of interstate flying every month.

Susan and Peter needed to undertake some further heavy metal diagnostic tests — and Susan’s integrative medicine doctor already started her on oral chelation therapy to detoxify from heavy metals.

Susan’s Supplements:

Individualised, high quality, therapeutic ‘practitioner only’ nutrients including and not limited to a good multi vitamin, fish oils, antioxidants, probiotics and more.

Susan’s Herbs:

Susan had lots of immune system related issues, and was given another customised herbal formula to address these issues in detail. In addition Susan as also prescribed another hormonal balancing mix focusing on liver health and eradicating high levels of candida from her system based on her blood tests and had had thrush soon after our last visit.

Peter’s Supplements:

Peter’s supplements were also Individualised, high quality, therapeutic ‘practitioner only’ nutrients focusing on overall metabolic health to optimise fertility including and not limited to vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, magnesium and chromium—these will also help to normalise his weight and blood sugar level issues.

Peter’s Herbs:

Peter’s customised herbal medicines were primarily focused on optimising liver health, prostate and sperm function, general wellbeing, energy levels and decrease stress.

To be continued…

© 2008 Gabriela Rosa and Natural Fertility & Health Solutions P/L

First Visit

Susan, BMI 21 (30 y.o, oil painter) came to see me on her own after having suffered her third consecutive miscarriage. She was understandably discouraged and very upset by this as her most recent miscarriage had only happened 5 days prior.

• 1st Miscarriage – 1990 – 6-7 weeks – no D&C required
• 2nd Miscarriage – 2002 – 8 weeks, blighted ovum – D&C, conceived again 1 month later.
• 3rd Miscarriage – 2003 – 9 weeks, blighted ovum – D&C  

Susan had regular periods that ranged from 32-35 days, normally would bleed for 5 days and considered her bleeding light, varying from bright to dark blood, with no clots. Ovulation was occurring in most cycles between days 17 and 18. She had been on the oral contraceptive pill from the ages 18-25yrs old and experienced an absence of periods for some time post cessation. Susan usually experience moderate to severe pre-menstrual symptoms such as fluid retention, PMT, fatigue and food cravings (sweets).

Other general symptoms she complained about included: palpitations, sinus congestion, numbness and tingling of extremities, occasional migraines (which had been particularly bad on the pill), skin rashes and hives (particularly following neurofen). In the previous year, she had had two elevated Gamma GT results (GGT – liver enzyme).

Susan had many investigations following her third miscarriage. I asked her to bring in those results with her next time. I also asked her to make an appointment with one of the doctor’s at the centre as we would need to do some further investigations for heavy metals and genito-urinary tract infections.

Treatment

Discussed the need to avoid radiation, electrical appliances in the bedroom, chemicals of any type, especially cleaning products – and this included a break from painting for at least 4 months (fortunately she could do this) as well as flying (this would be more difficult for her husband as it was part of his job) and anything else that could be detrimental for general health. I advised her and her husband to avoid alcohol and caffeine completely (they didn’t smoke or use recreational drugs – so, this was one less thing for them to do!).

Detoxifying, low allergenic (dairy and gluten free) organic diet wherever possible (particularly meats). She was to base her meals on vegetables and good quality protein sources and avoid processed, refined, fermented and sugary foods. Susan also needed to make sure she was drinking plenty of filtered water, at least 2L daily. She was already exercising and sleeping well.

Supplements:

  Individually customised supplementation regime for Susan.

Herbs:

  Individually customised herbal medicine prescription for Susan.

I asked her to bring her partner along next time and for him to have a sperm analysis through SIVF in the interim. I also asked for her to bring along any results she may have to her next visit. She would also begin charting her cycle.

Subsequent contact:

Susan called me to let me know she had thrush. I dispensed herbs for her to taken internally and do sitzbaths/douches daily, followed by local yoghurt and acidophilous applications.

To be continued…

© 2008 Gabriela Rosa and Natural Fertility & Health Solutions P/L