FERTILITY MANAGEMENT
By Yvonne Gattung
Naturopath, Medical Herbalist and
Fertility Management Specialist
Officially a couple is considered infertile if conception has not occurred within one year's unprotected intercourse. The number of couples in this category is increasing steadily in both Western and developing countries. Commonly quoted statistics state that one in ten couples are unwillingly infertile and one in six have difficulty conceiving. Normal conception rates for the average couple are surprising low. For the 20‑30 age group the chance of getting pregnant in any one month is around 20% and for the 30 -40 age group that chance is halved to 10%.
Causes of infertility in women:
1. Disorders of fallopian tubes ‑ 30%
2. Disorders of ovulation ‑ 20%
3. Endometriosis ‑ 15%
4. Disorders of mucus ‑ 10%
5. Other mechanical causes such as fibroids ‑ 5%
6. Unknown causes ‑ 20%
Causes of infertility in Men:
1. Sperm disorders (Quality and quantity) ‑ 50%
2. Disorders of sexual intercourse ‑ 30%
3. Unknown causes ‑ 20%
What can be done about it
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), principally IVF and GIFT are being used more and more. These techniques give rise to many ethical and moral concerns as well as involve vast amounts of money. These technologies offer at best a 20% chance of conception and only a 10‑ 15% chance of taking home a baby. As well as this, ART babies have a much higher incidence of prematurity and congenital abnormalities.
Natural Fertility Management ‑ what is it all about?
Natural approaches to fertility have been used for centuries and have the advantage of being non‑invasive and non‑traumatic. They offer couples the chance to feel more in control and able to contribute towards the solution to their problem. Natural Fertility Management methods can be used for either conception or contraception and gives people the information to use to suit their changing fertility needs.
The Natural Fertility Management (NFM) programme was devised by Sydney Naturopath, Herbalist and Hypnotherapist, Francesca Naish. She has written three books on reproduction and health and runs the first clinic in Australia to specialise in natural methods for fertility management, reproductive health and preconception care.
The Natural Fertility Management Programme:
The Natural Fertility Management (NFM) programme teaches people to understand and cooperate with your fertility cycles, through observing body signs such as cervical mucus, basal body temperature and combining this knowledge with their personal bio rhythmic lunar cycle. Where there is a fertility problem, a holistic approach is used to explore its origins, and natural therapies used to assist healing and normal reproductive functioning.
The NFM programme can be effective in cases of unexplained infertility as well as for specific conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian disease, ovarian cysts, hormonal imbalances, hostile cervical mucus and factors affecting male fertility.
A crucial part of the programme involves a 3‑4 month detoxification period before any conception attempt, this is commonly called pre‑conception health care and can set the age clock of parents back several years and lessen the risk of birth defects. It has also been documented that when naturopathic treatment and fertility awareness combines with an IVF conception attempt there is a higher chance of success.
The Programme Consists Of..
A personal consultation (preferably involving the couple), a CD and comprehensive printed material including a copy of "Natural Fertility" by Francesca Naish. These cover the following topics:
Instruction in optimizing fertility timing at mid‑cycle through observation of body symptoms (mucus observation and temperature) with monthly cycle charts to record.
Instruction in the use of the bio‑rhythmic lunar cycle, with individual computer calculated charts showing these potentially fertile times for the next 5 years.
Information on how to combine these methods to prepare for and make best use of your fertile times, with a personal relaxation CD for stress control. The synchronization of lunar and hormonal cycles for optimum fertility, a healthy conception, pregnancy and birth. Natural therapies, including dietary advice as preparation for conception and pregnancy. If required, counselling to assist the understanding and processing of issues and stresses of fertility problems.
Results:
The Natural Fertility Management programme results in the improved general health and well being of the participants. It is an empowering way of allowing couples to feel they have some control and are participating in overcoming their fertility problems or just preparing for a healthy and contented baby.
A study by Foresight Organisation for Preconception Health Care (In Britain) showed an 81 % success rate in treating infertility by natural methods..
References:
Naish, Francesca "Natural Fertility" Sally Milner Pub, Australia, 1991
Naish, Francesca, "The Natural Way to Better Babies",
and Roberts, Janette Random House, Australia, 1996.
Information for Prospective Clients
My clinic is situated at Rose Cottage, 83 Comries Rd, Hamilton, I have enclosed information about the programme, costs and timeframes and look forward to meeting you.
Please bring with you:
- The completed enclosed information sheet and questionnaire (if there is anything you do not know or understand, leave blank).
- Any hormonal charting previously done.
- All the medication and/or supplements you both take.
- Any appropriate medical records, exact figures where possible and letters from specialists etc.
Programme of appointments:
The first appointment is 1 ½ hours duration, preferably with both you and your partner. Ongoing appointments every 4-6 weeks are usually about half an hour, and can be via email or skype. Please remember to give at least 24 hours notice if unable to keep an appointment as this allows others the opportunity.
At your first appointment I will discuss with you your situation, the treatment options available, what is involved for you, approximate costs, timeframes and give you lots of information.
Programme Costs:
The initial appointment of 1 ½ hours is $160, all ongoing appointments are $50.
The programme includes the use of herbal medicines and supplements and although this cost varies with individual situations, I can tailor a treatment plan to any budget.
This programme is very successful and I look forward to meeting you and discussing how I may be able to help. Please phone me is you have any queries.