As prescription drugs can often produce serious side effects, more and more people are looking for herbs to increase fertility. There are a number of natural treatments that can help fight infertility, some of which have been shown to be as effective as their pharmaceutical counterparts.

Infertility is one of the most common disorders in males and females of reproductive age, affecting as many as 1 in 4 couples. It can be caused by a number of issues, including underlying health conditions, drug abuse, alcoholism and physical abnormalities. In many cases the problem is hormone deficiency and/or imbalances.

An effective herbal remedy for infertility involves the utilization of various extracts that have been shown to help balance hormone levels and promote fertility. In addition to herbs, there are vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that can be helpful.

The benefits of herbs to increase fertility as opposed to conventional treatments are two-fold. First, they can treat the condition naturally, introducing natural compounds to the body which can produce beneficial effects. Prescription medications are man-made chemicals...although they are designed to help treat the specific problem, they can cause a host of problems for the rest of your body, which is why there are so many potential side effects.

Second, an herbal remedy for infertility can be beneficial for your overall health, because it will contain antioxidants and other important compounds that can boost immune function, fight off illness and benefit your cardiovascular system, among other things. So you are not only fighting infertility you are promoting general wellness at the same time.

There are fertility herbs for men and women, and each one acts differently to achieve the same goal. Oftentimes a combination of herbal extracts is the most effective tool, each maximizing the benefits of the other. Let's take a look at some of the most well-researched herbs to increase fertility:

Black Cohosh is one of the most popular herbal fertility supplements, and can help treat menopausal symptoms as well. Cohosh mimics the effect of estrogen, helping balance hormone levels as well as stimulating the release of the egg from the ovary.

Dong Quai can increase progesterone levels as well as regulate the menstrual cycle. It can also be helpful in combating male infertility by increasing the mobility of sperm cells.

Wild yam can help strengthen uterine walls as well as the blood vessels in the uterus. It is also found in a male herbal remedy for infertility as it can boost nerve activity in the male sex organs.

Red clover balances hormone secretion in the pituitary gland and the uterus, assisting in the promotion of fertility in women.

In addition to these herbs for fertility, there are other nutrients that can be quite helpful for couples having difficulties with conception. Zinc can help men with low testosterone levels in recommended dosages. It should be noted that excessive amounts can compromise the immune system, so make sure you adhere to proper amounts. The amino acid L-Carnitine can help regulate sperm count as well.

For women, the B family of vitamins, especially folic acid, B6 and B12 can be beneficial as well as selenium and essential fatty acids.

Many supplements will contain herbs to increase fertility as well as vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that can help combat infertility. Make sure you consult with your physician first before taking any supplements...he or she can help you decide if a natural herbal remedy for infertility is right for you.

Scott LeRoy has been studying prescription and OTC medications as well as natural remedies for over a dozen years. He is a regular contributor to Womens Health Issues, a section of Herbal Supplements Guide dedicated to infertility, low libido, menopause and other female issues.

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