Why are Infertility rates on the Rise? What you can do.

Natural insemination: sperm and human egg

 

Infertility is defined as the inability for a couple to conceive after trying naturally for one year. In women older than 35, infertility is diagnosed after 6 months of regular, unprotected intercourse.

What is happening?

If you are a female, there are a number of the risk factors that may affect fertility.

  • Maternal age (after age of 35)
  • Medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • Endometriosis
  • Blocked fallopian tubes (often due to sexually transmitted diseases)
  • Fibroids or polyps in the uterus

If you are a male, risk factors that may contribute to infertility are:

  • Paternal age (although this does not affect men to the same extent as women, it can decrease sperm quality and levels of testosterone)
  • Medical conditions having to do with the male reproductive system
  • Exposure to sexually transmitted diseases

Risk factors for both include:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Smoking
  • Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
  • Cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiation)

What about my career?

More women are entering the work force and delaying childbirth. If this sounds like you, I think it is important to consider your health, the amount of stress you have and how this can potentially affect your fertility. Sometimes we need to be reminded that the human body is not a machine and needs nourishment. Our bodies do not have any “on” or “off” switches. Being pregnant is no simple task and so the right amount of nutrients, balanced hormones, and rest is required. I advise women to think about their wants about having a child, and try to prepare their bodies and mind at least 6 months before they plan on conceiving.

What about stress?

We have all heard the saying “stress kills”, but most people do not believe this to be true or sure don’t act like it’s true. In my clinical practice, I have witnessed the causal link of how stress weakens the physical body as well as the mind and soul. There is an apparent “societal push” to work more, have more and earn more. With this mentality, there leaves little room for relaxation, play and joy in one’s life. Individually, it is wise to manage your stress and learn to trust and listen to your authentic self rather than the ego. Social media has become an open book for the way people live their lives. It is also a place where the ego decides that what you have is not enough in comparison to others and can leave you feeling hopeless, angry and sad. If you have been struggling with fertility issues, I would advise that you take a social media holiday for a few months and see how you feel.

Are you healthy?

If you have a known medical condition that might pose a risk for fertility, and your future offspring, then take some time to nourish yourself to better health and vitality. Naturopathic Doctors do a great job at helping the body heal with nutrition, herbs, supplementation, acupuncture, stress management and lifestyle modifications.

I always suggest that each partner spend time improving their health in mind, body and spirit.

Try these simple lifestyle modifications:

    • Avoid antibiotic/hormone fed animal meats and GMO foods.
    • Exercise 5 days a week.
    • Eat 8 servings of fruits and vegetables.
    • Take a high quality multivitamin.
    • Avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes.
    • Find ways to manage stress. ie. yoga, journaling, meditation, acupuncture.
    • Connect and strengthen your love and bond with your partner.

With both partners healthy, not only does this increase your chance of fertility but also makes you a healthier parent for your child. The future generations depend on your health. It starts with you.

 If you are trying to conceive without success, ask yourself these questions:

  1. What do I believe to be true for the reasons I have not yet had a baby?
  2. Have I done everything I can to help my situation? Including the naturopathic options? Acupuncture?
  3. Is there a lesson in this journey I am on?

“Unexplained Infertility”

If you have been given this diagnosis, I am sure it is frustrating. Sometimes the medical community cannot come up with a diagnosis. However, if you see an acupuncturist or naturopath we see the body in a holistic way and through our means of diagnosis we can help you increase energy, balance and relaxation.

Be kind with your words when asking about childbearing to a couple.

Due to the increased number of fertility rates, I advise that people be more considerate when asking a couple about children. Of the patients I have treated, a similar report was that people are so insensitive to the topic and it bothers them tremendously. It can be very emotionally draining going through the process of trying to conceive. If you are someone who has never gone through it, what you can do is be sympathetic and avoid questions such as “when are you going to have a baby?”

Love yourself a little more.

As you know, I am the Naturopath who preaches on having more self love. Self love is the healer for all things. Miracles are created out of love. A lot of women can be hard on themselves, blame themselves and have tremendous guilt if things are not going to plan. This does not help you. Healing on a deeper level through a process of forgiving and loving is necessary. Detoxing the mind from fear can also be helpful. Fear is a negative emotion that inhabits the body and causes destruction. It starts in the mind, and finds its way into the heart and soul. Only love can conquer fear. I urge you to look at the thoughts and beliefs that shape your fears and try to work on changing them to ones that are more positive and loving. This takes time and a lot of effort but it is worth it. Here are some affirmations you can do to be more loving on your journey to motherhood. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDr5TaABRyg

I believe that each and every one of us has been called to be more loving towards ourselves and others. Love can create miracles. Try loving yourself a little more.

Reach out if you would like support. I offer support and nourishment for the mind, body and soul.

Dr. Jen Cisternino, ND

[email protected]

www.drjencisternino.com

416-301-3477

 

 

 

I am constantly TIRED. HELP ME!

fatigue

 

 

Hey you! Yes you, I know reading this is a struggle, isn’t it? You have been putting off helping yourself because you have no time. You are either a busy mom or dad, work full time, stressed out student (been there), entrepreneur or might have just had a change in your life or need a change. Or maybe none of the above, but you are still not feeling up to life..

It really does not matter the reason for the fatigue or as I call it lack of self care, my goal is to help “pick you up” so that you may take better care of yourself and resolve this fatigue.

What is the definition of FATIGUE: Lack of energy and motivation.

There are many possible causes for fatigue:

  • Low iron/minerals
  • Underactive Thyroid
  • Adrenal Fatigue
  • Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, Sleep Apnea
  • Depression
  • Stress/Negative Environment
  • Grief
  • Anti-depressants
  • Substance abuse
  • Chronic Pain
  • The list continues…

Let me ask you these questions:

  1. Do you get at least 7 hour of sound sleep a night?
  2. Do you have a well balanced diet? Eat fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains each day?
  3. Do you have more water than coffee each day?
  4. Do you manage your stress by meditating, finding inner peace and relaxation each day?
  5. Do you exercise 3 x a week?
  6. Do you have positive loving thoughts each day about yourself?

If you answered NO to some or all of these questions, then maybe it is time you make some changes to your day to day routine.  If you do, you may noticed better energy and vitality.

You see, the human body is not a machine. It needs nourishment on all levels- mind, body and spirit. A feeling of fatigue is your body sending you a signal that you need to change something about how you live your life day to day. It may also be a signal that you should seek help to interrogate further the cause of your fatigue so that you may restore your body/mind back into balance.

Positive Mindset for Fatigue:

How many times a day do you say to yourself or others, “I AM TIRED”. Did you know that your thoughts have a direct effect on how you feel?  Changing your thoughts can do wonders for your energy. Each day say this to yourself instead: “I feel great. I am well rested and energetic. I have all the energy I need to do all my tasks today.” 

Reach out if you would like to resolve your fatigue once and for all.  A wholistic approach can provide you with the most benefits long term. Here to help!

With an abundance of energy!

Dr. Jen Cisternino, Naturopath

416-301-3477

[email protected]

242 Applewood Cresc- Unit 3. concord