Why IVF Should Be Your Last Resort

When couples are first diagnosed with infertility their first thoughts turn to IVF. The recent headlines in the news should be enough to at least consider natural remedies before resorting to this type of medical intervention, let me explain why.

Nature has its own way of ensuring that we give birth to healthy babies. If there is a problem with the reproductive system of one or both partners, there is a high likelihood that a child would be born with some type of birth defect. Often underlying health conditions are not addressed before IVF procedures commence which could explain why there is a higher percentage of miscarriage and birth defects in children conceived through IVF.

Treating the underlying health condition will not only restore natural fertility in most cases but it will offer you a better state of overall health leaving you better equipped for carrying to term. Recent studies are showing that women who conceived through IVF are having more difficulties with post-natal depression and other issues related to parenting such as sleeplessness. Because these couples had to endure such an ordeal to become pregnant they are less likely to ask for help and are more likely to question their abilities and natural instincts. 

They are less likely to admit that they need help because they feel like they struggled so much to have the child in the first place and don't have a right to complain. They are also twice as likely to opt for a cesarean section delivery. Women who have undergone IVF are more likely to be unsatisfied with the birth experience. Some women even report that the baby didn't seem like their own due to the invasive nature of the IVF procedures. 

The most critical stage of the reproductive process occurs in the four months preceding conception. Nutritional, environmental and lifestyle issues that contribute to reduced fertility should be addressed during the phase where you are preparing your body for conception. This includes eliminating toxins from your body such as caffeine, alcohol and cigarette smoke. 

Studies conducted at the Surrey University showed that a simple and natural approach to preconception health resulted in an 80% success rate. These couples successfully carried a baby to full term and some of them had suffered from infertility for a period of up to 10 years in duration before the natural treatment.