1 in 7 couples in the UK are
affected by fertility issues. There are many factors to consider in both men
and women. These include: endometriosis,
tube blockages, Fibroids, lack of ovulation,
poor quality sperm,... to name but a few.
However, 25 % of couples tested for fertility problems will be
classified as being “unexplained”. This doesn't mean that you cannot get
pregnant, but that there is no underlying medical reason
for it not happening. This in itself can be very stressful and is why many
fertility experts will recommend a mind body approach to fertility.
What is infertility?
According to the NHS
guildlines “infertility is when a couple cannot get pregnant (conceive),
despite having regular unprotected sex” with one in seven couples having
difficulty conceiving this is 3.5 million people in the UK.
About 84% of couples will
conceive naturally within one year if they have regular unprotected sex ( every
two to three days) “ See NHS website for full statistics.
It is best to get a check up with a GP to rule
out any underlying medical conditions that might be preventing a pregnancy and
then consider the path and options open to you.
Some things to consider
are:
·
Age
- Weight (BMI)
- Lifestyle
(drinking, smoking, nutrition)
- Stress
If you are
looking to make changes and choose the natural pregnancy route, some of these
factors should be considered. Couples who are taking the medical intervention
path will also be advised to look at these factors as well.
There are
not many research papers on the effect yoga can have on fertility. Nonetheless,
there has been a lot of research on the effects of yoga/meditation on
stress. For some women, chronic stress can affect ovulation by altering signals
to the brain. Overly anxious women may ovulate less regularly-The body can go into “fight or flight” mode and may use
the energy necessary to conceive ineffectively-Stress has also been
shown to lower sperm count in men. Yoga has been
clinically shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
A 2003 study published in the journal Fertility and sterility
found that yoga and meditation are helpful adjuncts to fertility treatments. “When
women learn to attain physical relaxation she feels better about her body and
begins to treat it with more respect-resulting in heathier lifestyle choices” (NB
this was not a scientific study but a study by a yoga teacher but deemed worthy
of adding to the study list).
Many
fertility experts now recommend yoga to their patients who are having
difficulty trying to conceive. One leading expert, Zita West, says: ”Any
exercise that involves mindfulness, breathing techniques and meditative
visualisation has many physical, emotional and mental benefits. Yoga is a calming
antidote to any woman consumed by an overwhelming desire for a baby. The
resulting stress of which becomes an impediment to conception itself”.
Gentle yoga classes taught by compassionate teachers who may have chosen
to specialise in this area are really beneificial.
Classes that have an emphasis on breath, relaxation, positive mantras
and visualization are what can help women who are struggling to accept the
situation they are in. Poses/asana that encourage blood flow to the
hips, abdomen and heart area should be included in these classes. Teachers who
have studied fertility yoga specifically will be able to offer slightly
different sequences for different times of the month. They can also include
women who are in the two week implantation phase of IVF (a very stressful time
indeed for women). Whether you have specific training or not, I think it is
worth considering is there enough Yin in a class to balance a yang
practice/lifestyle that goes with fertility issues.
Mr Kamal Ojha MD MRCOG of Concept Fertility encourages
his patients to our fertility classes – he feels the benefits of alleviating
stress and encouraging poses that increase blood flow to the uterus can really
help the success rate of Fertility treatment he offers.
Of course some women who have a strong yoga practice
already may have to look at letting go of some poses that they love, or
consider changing their practice to incorporate some of the aspects already
mentioned.
One
of only a handful of certified ashtanga yoga teachers Phillipa Asher wrote an
incredibility honest and moving account of her journey and experience with
infertility in the wonderful book YOGA
SADHANA for mothers by Shamila Desai & Anna Wise -detailing how the
length and intensity of her practice caused her to stop menstruating and
reduced the hormones necessary for conception. She describes how she had to
find another way “creating a welcoming environment for
a pregnancy, rather than pushing her body to its physical limit.” - “giving
herself permission to be a bit more relaxed with asana practice”
Philippa also
described being honest with her teacher about this-if you are struggling to get
pregnant your yoga teacher may be able to advise and encourage you to practice
in a different way-I have heard my own teacher Nancy Gilgoff advise students
who are trying to conceive, to practice as though they are pregnant-
essentially in a softer way.
I believe women should be encouraged to honour their
cycles and their bodies, and it is often in the surrender and letting go that
that the “ Shakti” can be found.
Yoga Mama host fertility yoga courses for both students and teachers
Futher recommended reading and websites ;
Fertility yoga a natural approach to conception By Kerstin Leppert
Yoga and Fertility a journey to health and healing By
Jill Mahrlig. Lynn Jensen.
Yoni Shakti By Uma Dinsmore Tuli
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