Are Prescriptions the Only Answer? One Couple’s Journey to Find Natural Solutions for Infertility
by Heather
Are prescriptions the only answer?
My husband and I were facing a challenge…a challenge that is always hushed, no one wants to talk about it. The challenge of infertility. A few years ago, I thought that prescriptions were the answer but l was lucky enough that an alternate path was presented to me. It completely changed my life.
More than ten years ago, I started taking a low dose birth control pill that was designed to help acne. I had always struggled with acne and the pill was presented as the best option with “minimal” side effects. Almost three years ago, I went off the birth control pill in hopes of starting a family. Little did I know the type of journey I was about to start.
A Prescription for Problems
One month passed, then two, and eventually 9 months, and still no menstrual cycle. After consulting with my doctor numerous times and being assured that it may take some time for my body to regulate, I settled in to wait it out. I mean, it had to show up eventually, right? 9 months had passed since I kicked those little pills to the curb, and my body had not returned to a natural menstrual cycle.
In the meantime, we were referred to a fertility clinic. Interestingly enough, my first menstrual cycle (post pill) arrived the week before our appointment at the clinic. After years of dreading the monthly visitor, I had so many emotions running through me the day my period came – happiness, excitement, and ultimately relief. There aren’t enough words to describe how happy I felt! Looking back, it’s as though my body was sending me a message already, the fertility clinic and intense hormone therapy drugs weren’t the only answer.
The visit at the clinic provided both me and my husband with news (I won’t classify it as bad because it was a turning point and has ultimately brought a lot of positive changes). I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and we were told that only 2% of my husband’s sperm were classified as normal (generally a healthy male has around 15% of healthy sperm). The fertility doctor estimated that our chances of conceiving naturally was approximately 5% each month (whereas most healthy couples odds are 20-25%) and that we should only consider the highest level of medical intervention and undergo in-vitro fertilization. This seemed like daunting news, but somewhere deep inside me, I wasn’t willing to accept it.
“Detox” Offers the Solution
Right away, we indicated that we were not ready to take that step so we were offered with another alternative. The doctor prescribed Clomid, a prescription drug which is supposed to help trigger ovulation. Along with that, I was prescribed metformin which was to help regulate blood sugar (and thought to help regulate the menstrual cycle).
We left the clinic optimistic. After all, we ate right, we exercised regularly, I had a regular practice of yoga, and we were both a healthy weight. We knew overall that we were pretty healthy people. However, after three months with a prescription, there was no significant change. I still wasn’t getting my period regularly and I wasn’t pregnant. This led me to the question…was there an underlying issue?
We weren’t ready to give up the fight yet and luckily enough I was presented with an opportunity to meet with an Ayurveda nutritionist. I met with her for a consultation, and it was absolutely the best hour I have spent in this whole pursuit. That meeting led me towards a path of eliminating the toxins in my life and finding ways to support my body instead of forcing my body with pills. The prescriptions came to their demise…the trash can.
Although we haven’t hit the baby jackpot quite yet, I am happy all the progress we have made. Both my husband and I are the healthiest we have been since we met each other more than nine years ago and that is definitely something to celebrate! I am getting regular menstrual cycles and my husband’s sperm is now classified as completely normal (only 6 months after making changes to eating patterns and diet – these changes will be addressed in future posts).
The Future Looks Bright
Over the next few weeks, I am excited to share some of the practices that I have incorporated into my life. The practices that have worked well and brought the success I knew I could realize on my own. I will also be sharing the experience with my latest endeavour, the BE Beauty Makeover. As soon as I read about the program, I knew it was the next step for me to eliminate toxins in all areas of my life.
Are prescriptions the only answer? Not for me. I am a firm believer that we can do so much for ourselves; it’s all about listening to our bodies. There is a rise in infertility and dis-ease in the body and we owe it to ourselves to find out why and make changes.
Why is there a rise in infertility and dis-ease in the body? Could it be a result of the toxins in our life (whether consumed or slathered onto our bodies)? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!
Our upcoming 21-Day Green Smoothie Detox is the perfect opportunity to experience the difference detoxification can make. This gently, easy-to-do program has helped thousands of people recover their health, well-being and… bring a few healthy, happy babies into the world!