Exploring new methods for gender selection: a focus on Urobiologics’ innovative approach

A friend recently tried for a fifth baby, hoping she would get her girl after four boys.

Her fifth was a boy.

Many couples, myself included, have tried various methods for gender selection (including fad diets, and fancy positions) to shift the odds in our favour. Yet it often feels like whether you have a boy or a girl is simply down to luck.

Once you get pregnant, your first glimpse at finding out whether you got your desired gender is during your 20-week scan – and even then, the results aren’t always 100% accurate.

Enter Urobiologics, an innovative American company that aims to revolutionise the entire gender selection process. With one of the most effective and accurate methods available, Urobiologics offers couples a reliable way to select the gender of their baby long before the 20-week mark.

In this article, we will discuss the different methods for gender selection available and how Urobiologics is leading the way in family planning using their non-invasive Alternating-Phase Method.

So, what is gender selection?

Gender selection refers to the various methods employed to increase the likelihood of conceiving a baby of a specific gender, either male or female. You can broadly categorise these methods into natural, medical, and scientific approaches. Each category uses different strategies and offers varying degrees of success and scientific backing.

Why are couples interested in methods for gender selection?

There are many reasons couples opt for the gender selection route, but the primary reasons include family balancing and cultural preferences. We’ll go through some of these reasons now:

Family balancing

Family balancing is a significant and personal reason for gender selection. Many parents wish to have children of both genders to create a balanced family dynamic. This desire is driven by several factors:

  • Personal fulfilment: Parents often feel that having both a son and a daughter can complete their family experience. Each gender brings unique qualities, enriching the overall family life.
  • Siblings’ relationships: Some parents want their children to grow up with siblings of both genders. This can help children develop better social skills and relationships by learning to interact with both males and females.
  • Parental experience: Many parents want to experience raising both boys and girls. They believe each gender offers unique experiences that contribute to a diverse and fulfilling parenting journey.
methods for gender selection - emotional

Psychological and emotional Factors

  • Previous loss: Parents who have experienced the loss of a child may have a strong desire to conceive a child of the same gender, using it to cope with grief and feel a sense of continuity.
  • Medical and genetic reasons: Some parents may opt for gender selection to avoid passing on genetic disorders linked to a specific gender. For example, certain genetic conditions, like haemophilia or Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are more likely to affect males. In such cases, parents may choose to conceive a female child to reduce the risk of the disorder.

Understanding the methods for gender selection

Gender selection involves various methods to increase the likelihood of conceiving a baby of a specific gender. These methods can be natural, medical, or scientific.

Natural methods for gender selection

Natural methods focus on lifestyle changes, timing, and specific behaviours to influence the baby’s gender. These methods are generally less invasive and can be easily implemented by couples at home. However, there is a huge debate on the scientific validity of these methods and their success rates can vary.

  • Dietary changes: Some believe altering the mother’s diet can influence the baby’s gender. For example, a diet high in potassium and sodium is thought to favour conceiving a boy, while a diet rich in calcium and magnesium may increase the chances of having a girl. The theory is that these dietary changes can affect the pH level of the cervical mucus, creating a more favourable environment for either X or Y-chromosome-bearing sperm.
  • Timing of intercourse: The Shettles Method suggests timing intercourse with the woman’s ovulation cycle. For conceiving a boy, intercourse should be timed as close to ovulation as possible, as Y sperm (which produce boys) are faster but less resilient. For a girl, intercourse should occur a few days before ovulation, allowing the slower but more resilient X sperm (which produces girls) to be more likely to fertilise the egg. NIH has debunked this concept here.
  • Sex positions: Certain sexual positions are believed to influence gender selection. Deep penetration positions, like rear entry, are thought to deposit sperm closer to the cervix, favouring Y sperm for a boy. Shallower penetration positions, such as the missionary, are believed to favour X sperm for a girl because of the different environments they encounter. Still, this approach has remained a game of chance.

Medical methods for gender selection

Medical methods typically involve medical intervention and can provide more accurate results than natural methods. These methods are often used by couples with a strong preference for a specific gender because of personal, medical, or cultural reasons.

  • Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD): This method is used with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Embryos are created in a laboratory, and a few cells are extracted from each embryo for genetic testing. PGD can identify the gender of the embryos, allowing only embryos of the desired gender to be implanted into the mother’s uterus. This method is highly accurate but also expensive and invasive.
  • Sperm sorting: Techniques like MicroSort involve separating sperm based on the amount of DNA chromosomes they carry. Sperm carrying the X chromosome (for girls) are separated from those carrying the Y chromosome (for boys). The selected sperm is then used for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF. While not 100% accurate, sperm sorting increases the likelihood of conceiving the desired gender.

Scientific methods – Urobiologics’ Alternating-Phase Method

Urobiologics has developed a groundbreaking, 100% natural, and non-invasive method for gender selection. This method, created by Dr Kuldeep Verma, is based on the discovery that the hormonal environments in a woman’s uterus alternate between any two consecutive menstrual cycles, which play a direct role in sperm selection, thereby making it more conducive to conceiving either a boy or a girl.

Couples collect three mid-cycle urine samples from consecutive menstrual cycles and send them to Urobiologics’ laboratory in Livonia, Michigan. Based on the analysis, the lab provides individualised conception plans, guiding couples on when to conceive to achieve their baby of the desired gender. The PreGender Preconception Test has a success rate of 94% and 98% whether two or three preconception samples are tested respectively.

The FirstGender Post-Conception Test

Starting from the day, the woman has a positive pregnancy test or for those already pregnant, Urobiologics offers the FirstGender Test to evaluate the baby’s gender by collecting urine samples during the early days of pregnancy. The results can determine the baby’s gender as early as day one of a positive pregnancy test with 95% accuracy.

Practical application of Urobiologics’ methods

Step-by-Step guide for using the PreGender and FirstGender Tests

  1. Collecting Samples: Follow the instructions provided under respective sections to collect mid-cycle urine samples over two (or three) consecutive menstrual cycles for the PreGender Test or early pregnancy urine samples for the FirstGender Test.
  2. Submitting Samples: Ship the collected samples to Urobiologics’ laboratory in Livonia, Michigan, using any courier service. It’s legal to ship urine samples from healthy women throughout the globe under ‘Exempt Human Specimen’ classification.
  3. Receiving Results: For the PreGender Test, you will receive guidance up to 18 months on the optimal cycle for conceiving the desired gender. For the FirstGender Test, you will receive an accurate gender determination within three days. All results are confidentially delivered via email only.

Example case study

Let’s consider a couple named ABC who wanted to conceive a girl. They named the baby Rose in advance.

They sent three mid-cycle urine samples, which showed the following phases:

  • The first sample (5/22/23) indicated a boy phase.
  • The second sample (6/23/23) indicated a girl phase.
  • The third sample (7/20/23) indicated a boy phase.
  • The period start date was 8/3/24 when the girl phase started. The conception plan was sent. The couple conceived.

The FirstGender test confirmed a girl on 9/10/23, and an ultrasound on 12/15/23 confirmed the result.

Success stories and testimonials

Urobiologics has helped many couples achieve their desired family balance. Here are a few testimonials from satisfied clients:

“I completed my family through preconception advice from Urobiologics. I got my son last week. It is amazing that simply by conceiving in the cycles recommended by them one can get the baby they wanted.”

Gloria Hu, Netherlands

“Not only has Urobiologics got extremely high success rates, but Dr. Verma is so helpful and supportive. I found out yesterday that the pre and post-gender test had worked for me when other techniques failed.”

Emma Hine, UK

The Conception Plan – My Experience with Urobiologics

I decided to try for a baby girl with Urobiologics after having two boys. Despite initial challenges in sending urine samples overseas, my samples were eventually processed. My cycles alternated between boy and girl phases, and I received personalised conception plans in every girl phase.

Conception Plan:

  • Sample Collection: Mid-cycle urine samples were collected to determine the hormonal environment.
  • Results: My cycles alternated between boy and girl phases.
  • Action: We followed the plan strictly, but it was taxing and affected our relationship.

Outcome:

  • First Girl: We became pregnant with our beautiful Poppy girl successfully with Urobiologics’ conception plan, however, we sadly lost her at 16 weeks pregnant, due to a PPROM
  • Second Girl: We had our beautiful baby girl, Ayla, in September 2019.
  • Third Girl: Another baby girl, Amelia, was born on 30th June 2021.

You can find more information in my preconception series, ‘Journey to getting my girl’ here.

The effect of Dr. Verma’s Alt-Phase Method on IVF and IUI

Couples undergoing IVF or IUI can directly benefit from the Alternating-Phase Method. But make sure you’re in the correct phase before egg retrieval and embryo implantation, so you can significantly increase the success rate. For example, if you are trying to get a girl through IVF / IUI, your egg must be retrieved when you are in the girl phase. This is so it is biocompatible with the X-sperm to develop a proper embryo and thereafter that embryo must be implanted when you are in the girl phase. The bio-incompatibility is the main cause of the 35% success rate of IVF / IUI. Clinics are ignoring these important parameters.

New trend for would-be brides

Urobiologics has started a new trend advising brides-to-be to get tested 2-3 months before their wedding. This way, the bride can fully control when to conceive a balanced family. This allows couples to plan their families right from the start, avoiding the stress of having multiple children of the same gender first and then seeking gender selection methods.

Comparing Dr Verma’s Alt-Phase methods with other gender selection techniques

Cost-Effective: Most affordable compared to medical interventions like IVF.

IVF with PGD: Highly accurate, low live-birth success rate (<35%), expensive and invasive. Usually, they ask to repeat the attempt at additional cost.

Sperm Sorting: Increases likelihood but is not 100% accurate.

Dr. Verma’s Alt-Phase Method: Most natural, non-invasive, highest success rates between 94% to 98% depending upon the number of samples submitted as PreGender Preconception test for gender-specific conception.

Comparing methods for gender selection

Urobiologics’ Methods vs. Other Techniques

  • IVF with PGD: Highly accurate but expensive and invasive.
  • Sperm Sorting: Increases likelihood but is not 100% accurate.
  • Natural Methods: Less invasive but variable success rates.

Benefits of Non-Invasive, Natural Methods

  • No Medical Interventions: Urobiologics’ methods do not require invasive medical procedures.
  • High Success Rates: Proven success rates of up to 94% for gender-specific conception.
  • Cost-Effective: More affordable compared to medical interventions like IVF.

Ethical and social considerations

Gender selection raises ethical questions about the implications of choosing a baby’s gender. It is important to consider the moral and social impacts of such choices. Urobiologics ensures its methods are used responsibly and ethically, focusing on family balancing rather than gender preference.

Gender selection methods vary in their approaches and success rates. Urobiologics offers a reliable, natural, and non-invasive method for couples seeking family balance. With a high success rate and ethical considerations, Urobiologics stands out as a leader in gender selection.

For more information, to order tests, or to schedule consultations, visit Urobiologics’ website or contact Dr. Kuldeep Verma at drverma@urobiologics.com.

FAQ answered by Dr Kuldeep Verma

Is gender selection ethically right? Why or why not? The ethics of gender selection vary by cultural and personal beliefs. Some argue it can lead to gender imbalances and reinforce stereotypes, while others believe it’s acceptable for family balancing or preventing gender-specific genetic disorders.

Are there ways you can make sure you have a boy or a girl? While no method is 100% guaranteed, techniques like PGD/PGS and Dr. Verma’s Alternating-Phase Method have high success rates. Other natural methods also exist but with varying degrees of effectiveness.

What if anything can parents do to influence their chances of conceiving a child of their preferred biological sex?  Parents have been using baseless and highly unreliable Shettles Method for timing intercourse and dietary changes, but these theories have been debunked by NIH. Dr. Verma’s Alternating-Phase Method and medical interventions like PGD/PGS and sperm sorting are more reliable but also more invasive and costlier than Urobiologics’ method.

Specific methods and techniques

How can I ensure that I conceive a male child with 100% guarantee? No method can provide a 100% guarantee. However, methods like PGD/PGS with IVF and Urobiologics’ Alternating-Phase Method have high success rates for gender-specific conception.

How do I conceive a baby girl as a firstborn? What is the best way to have a female child? What is the easiest and cheapest way to conceive a baby boy? How can we have a boy or girl baby naturally? The best way to naturally influence the gender of your baby includes methods like Dr Verma’s Alternating-Phase Method, which offers a natural, non-invasive approach. For a more reliable but costly option, medical interventions such as PGD/PGS with IVF can be considered.

Can the process of selecting a baby’s gender through an IVF treatment in PGD be done in India? Yes, gender selection through IVF and PGD can be done in India, provided it aligns with local regulations and ethical guidelines.

IVF and PGD-specific questions

Can you find out the gender during in vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)? If so, how much does it cost for that service? Yes, the gender of an embryo can be determined during IVF with PGD. The cost for this service varies depending on the clinic and location but generally ranges from $4,000 to $7,000 in addition to the cost of IVF.

Can the gender of an embryo be determined during in vitro fertilization (IVF)? If yes, what is the process for determining the gender? Yes, during IVF, embryos can be tested for gender using PGD. A few cells are extracted from each embryo for genetic testing, and only embryos of the desired gender are implanted.

How difficult and invasive is it to go through IVF for gender selection? IVF for gender selection involves multiple steps, including hormone treatments, egg retrieval, fertilisation, and embryo implantation. It is an invasive process that requires medical intervention and can be physically and emotionally demanding.

Would you do gender selection and go through IVF to guarantee a boy if this is your first child? We’ve never tried to get pregnant naturally and he’s not willing to. Choosing IVF for gender selection as a first option is a personal decision that depends on individual circumstances, including medical, ethical, and financial considerations. It is advisable to discuss this thoroughly with a fertility specialist and consider trying to conceive naturally first.

Financial and geographical considerations

How much does gender selection in Cyprus cost? How much does gender selection cost? How much does it cost to pick the gender of your baby? The cost of gender selection varies widely depending on the method and location. On average, IVF with PGD can cost between $15,000 and $25,000, whereas non-invasive methods like Urobiologics’ Alternating-Phase Method are generally more affordable.

Which are the best clinics for IVF with Gender Selection in Thailand? Several reputable clinics in Thailand offer IVF with gender selection. It’s essential to research and consult with multiple clinics to find the one that best meets your needs in terms of success rates, cost, and ethical considerations.

Family planning and preferences

When there is a question of family balancing, there is a desire for a specific gender of the upcoming baby. So what to do if you are planning for a baby boy? For planning a baby boy, you can consider methods like the Shettles Method, dietary changes, and Urobiologics’ Alternating-Phase Method. Medical options like PGD/PGS with IVF can also be pursued for higher accuracy.

*This collaborative post is sponsored by Urobiologics

Best supplements for fertility

Anyone who has struggled to get pregnant knows that the road to conception can be a difficult journey to overcome especially when you witness countless negative pregnancy tests. It took us almost two years to conceive our baby girl (sadly we lost her at 16 weeks pregnant) and even though I recorded the journey I took (you can find this journey here) it still took us fourteen months to get pregnant with our second baby girl (you can find her birth story here).

It was then I realised that for pregnancy to work, all the dots have to be connected, i.e. if one thing is off, then everything is off. There are lots of factors to maximise your chances of getting pregnant naturally and one of the branches of the fertility tree is preconception supplements, which is the basis of this article.

Read on for more information on the best supplements to take to get pregnant.

Can supplements help fertility?

Just like prenatal supplements help to fill in any missing gaps in nutrition during pregnancy, the best fertility pills to get pregnant ensure you’re building all the blocks to conceive. But there is such a wide variety of supplements around, which are the best supplements for fertility?

Motherhood Diaries has teamed up with Zita West, the leading fertility expert, to advise which supplements will maximise your chances of getting pregnant. And, we’ve even created a competition for you to win four proven products from the Zita West Shop to help you on the road to pregnancy success. More on the giveaway later – let’s talk about which supplements actually help you get that Big Fat Positive.

Start with your preconception check up

When struggling to conceive, your first port of call should be to visit your doctor for a preconception checkup. You can head here to download your starter pack which contains questions to ask your doctor. At the check-up, your doctor will be able to let you know what’s missing in your diet and what supplements can increase fertility.

Remember each person’s body is different so you may need different vitamins and minerals to supplement your diet. So it’s recommended to talk through the types of supplements you need with your doctor first.

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Micronutrients in fertility

The science around micronutrients when getting pregnant is still very new but some studies show that vitamins play a very important role in female health, including:

  • Period and ovulation cycles
  • Egg quality and maturation
  • Immune system function
  • Thyroid function
  • Reduction in symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – a common cause of infertility

For men, vitamins can help to increase sperm motility and mobility.

So what supplements are the most effective in fertility?

Folic acid

Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube birth defects in the brain and spinal cord. But these types of defects can develop in the first 28 days after conception before you know you’re even pregnant. And as more than half of pregnancies are unplanned, it’s recommended you take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily, starting before conception and continuing for the first twelve weeks of pregnancy.

If you have already had a baby with neural tube defects, then you should talk to your doctor about upping your dose (up to 4,000 micrograms) at least one month before and during the first trimester for a healthy pregnancy.

B Vitamins (other than folic acid)

B Vitamins are a group of vitamins made up of B-3 (niacin), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folate or folic acid), and B-12. These B vitamins are vital in the formation and proper function of red blood cells and also help to ensure your body is running properly.

Vitamin B-6 – pyridoxine

A study in 2007 found that women who have higher levels of B-6 in their blood are less likely to experience fertility problems, although it hasn’t been proven yet that increasing B-6 levels can treat infertility.

B-6 helps to use and store energy from protein and carbohydrates in food and helps the body to form haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body.

You can find B-6 in pork, poultry, some fish, peanuts, soya beans, wheat germ, oats, bananas, milk and some fortified breakfast cereals.

You should be able to get B-6 in your diet, which is 1.4mg a day for men and 1.2mg a day for women. However, when taking a supplement it’s important to not take too much. Taking 200mg or more a day of B-6 (LK2) can lead to a loss of feeling in the arms and legs. Do not take more than 10mg of B-6 a day in supplement form unless your doctor has advised otherwise.

Vitamin B-9 – Folate

B-9 is one of the most important vitamins for conception and can help to prevent irregular ovulation and increasing pregnancy rates. Low intake of folate is also associated with a risk of neural tube defects and for men, poor sperm health and DNA-damaged sperm. Taking a supplement with zinc can help to improve male sperm.

Good sources of folate can be found in dark leafy greens such as cabbage, kale, spring greens and spinach, peas, brussels sprouts, lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, asparagus and broccoli. Folate can also be found in liver but you should avoid eating liver during preconception and pregnancy.

You need around 200mcg of folate a day as there are no long-term stores in the body. So it’s important to eat folate-containing foods frequently.

Vitamin B-12

B-12 prevents anaemia, a deficiency that can cause a low number of red blood cells or haemoglobin. Adults need about 1.5mcg of B-12 a day. If you eat meat, fish or dairy foods, you should be able to get enough B-12 from your diet. However, if you are vegan or vegetarian you may be deficient, so make sure to take a supplement that contains B-12 as this is vital for fertility.

Good sources of B-12 include meat, fish, milk, cheese, eggs and some fortified cereals. You need around 1.5mcg of B-12 a day, but taking 2mg or less a day of B-12 in supplement form is unlikely to cause any harm.

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What’s the difference between folate and Folic acid?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of B-9 and can be found in most vitamin supplements. When you see foods that state they are fortified with B-9, it’s almost always folic acid and not folate.
However, you should take folate and not folic acid because when you’re taking a folic acid supplement your body has to transform the folic acid into folate, otherwise your cells can’t use the nutrient.

You can also find supplements with folate (look for 5-methyltetrahydrofolate or 5-MTHF rather than ‘folic acid’) but these supplements tend to be more expensive and harder to find.

Speak with your doctor and find out if you have any genetic or medical condition which makes it more difficult for you to properly absorb B-9 in the folic acid form. Some women may be at higher risk of miscarriage, pregnancy complications or having a child with neural tube defects due to poor folic acid/folate absorption. So it’s important to have this looked at first.

Omega-3s

Omega-3s help to boost sperm mobility and increase your chances of getting pregnant over 35. Omega-3s also help to fight inflammation and heart disease.

You can find Omega-3 in fatty, oily fish like mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, anchovies, and oysters, caviar, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts and soybeans.

When taking in supplement form, read the label carefully. Always check the type of Omega-3, i.e. your supplement should contain EPA and DHA, which are the most important types of Omega-3s. For better absorption, also look for FFA (free fatty acids), TG, rTG and PLs rather than EE.

Iron

Iron is one of the most important minerals for fertility and can help to prevent iron-deficient anaemia and ovulatory infertility. A long-term study found that over 18,000 women who took iron supplements decreased the risk of ovulatory infertility.

You can typically get iron from animal protein and beans, lentils, spinach and fortified cereals. You can maximise absorption by taking Vitamin C too. But be mindful that iron can cause constipation, so eat foods high in fibre to counteract its effects.

Acetyl L-carnitine

L-carnitine (LC) and its acetylated (and preferred) form, acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) regulates the female reproductive system and improves female fertility. ALC has better antioxidant properties and can be used as a treatment option for women who suffer from infertility. LC can also help sperm motility.

A 2018 review found that supplementing with both LC and ALC can improve symptoms of PCOS, endometriosis and amenorrhea (no period).

It is recommended for men to take between 1 and 3 grams per day of both ALC and LC but consult your doctor first to discuss safety and proper dosing.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) improves ovarian response in IVF and boosts sperm motility. Your body produces CoQ10 on its own, but for the baby-making process, it may be more beneficial to increase the amount in your bloodstream, especially when you’re trying via IVF. More research is needed in this area, though, to determine whether taking a supplement positively affects female fertility outside of IVF.

Selenium

Selenium is vital for health and plays a role in thyroid function, DNA synthesis and reproduction. Not having enough selenium in your diet can lead to a risk of a luteal phase defect (the portion of your menstrual cycle that occurs after ovulation but before the first day of your next menstrual cycle, so around 12 to 14 days.) Some people who have fertility problems experience a short luteal phase and recurrent miscarriage (miscarrying more than two times in a row) has also been associated with a shorter luteal phase than normal.

There are currently no studies on taking a selenium supplement during fertility but a small study in 2017 found that men with reduced sperm motility who supplemented with selenium significantly increased their sperm count, motility, viability and morphology.

Brazil nuts contain very high levels of selenium. You can also find selenium in tuna, halibut, sardines, ham and shrimp.

Vitamin D

A deficiency in Vitamin D or the ‘sunshine vitamin’ has shown in some studies to lead to female infertility, due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). However, this wasn’t observed in women who had infertility for no known cause.

Vitamin D is very important for both men and women’s reproductive function so it’s important to get tested for vitamin D deficiency and seek advice from your doctor regarding the proper dose, depending on your levels.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant that can help to reduce cellular damage and free radicals from the body, as well as increase iron absorption. Multiple studies have found that vitamin C and vitamin E improve sperm count, mobility and quality in men.

It is recommended that men should take 90mg of Vitamin C while women should take 75mg.

Calcium

There isn’t much research out there which defines how calcium boosts fertility, but it’s an important mineral to prevent deficiencies in both men and women. One study found that there could be a link between infertility in men and a calcium deficiency as calcium is involved in sperm production.

It is recommended to take around 1,000mg of calcium per day and to get your calcium from dietary sources like full fat yoghurt and not supplements.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to promote sperm function in men. Vitamin E for fertility in women supports general female reproductive health. More research is needed but adults should take around 15mg of Vitamin E per day.

Zinc

Zinc is essential for sperm formation, but the link between zinc deficiency and male infertility hasn’t been proven yet. One study showed that lower levels of zinc in the female’s blood may be associated with taking a long time to get pregnant.

It is recommended for women to take 8mg of zinc per day while men should take 11mg.

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What about just taking a multivitamin?

You need so many micronutrients to improve fertility, so it may be more suitable to find high-quality conception pills that include all the minerals and vitamins for fertility that you’ll need. Look for a supplement for fertility that contains a minimum of 400mcg of folate and at least 600IU or 10mcg of Vitamin D. Make sure the supplement includes iron, Vitamin C, calcium, iodine and choline. For men, look for supplements that also contain 200 percent of your daily allowance of Vitamins C, E and zinc.

Do not take any cod liver oil or supplements that contain Vitamin A (retinol). Too much Vitamin A could harm your baby.

Your questions

What are some natural ways to increase fertility?

In my Facebook page of over 10,000 women and Facebook group, one of the leading questions I get is ‘What are the natural ways to increase fertility in women?’

Make sure your diet is enriched in antioxidants like folate and zinc. Eating foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains are packed full of nutrients like Vitamins C and E and folate, beta carotene and lutein.

Cut down on refined carbs if you have PCOS. Switch white pasta, rice and bread for their wholemeal versions and reduce your sugar intake. Eat more fibre too and avoid caffeine which can be dehydrating. If you’re deficient in iron you may struggle to get pregnant as low levels can cause ovulatory infertility (no ovulation).

Watch your weight too. Too high or low BMI levels can affect fertility. But every woman is different. So it’s important to get a preconception weight check-up to find out where you are on the scales and what you need to do to achieve the perfect weight balance. Also, avoid alcohol and smoking as these can cause damage to egg and sperm cells and increase infertility.

Other things you can do is get active, reduce stress where you can and know your ovulation cycle so you can time intercourse when you’re ovulating. You can also find organic or natural fertility supplements which may cost a bit more and might be harder to find.

What vitamins should a man take when trying to conceive?

The other questions I got was ‘Do supplements work for male fertility?‘ and ‘What is the best supplement to increase sperm count?‘ See above for more information. Fertility supplements for men should contain 200 per cent of your daily allowance of Vitamins C, E and zinc. Also, check out Zita West’s Male PreConception Support Pack which contains all you need to help sperm quality. Enter the competition below to win this Support Pack and three other products to aid in getting pregnant!

Does taking pre workout powders impact male fertility?

Aidan, Accredited Sports Dietitian and Practising Dietitian of Ideal Nutrition says:

“Theoretically, there is no way I can see protein powder by itself reducing fertility in any way, within the context of an overall healthy diet…”

However, Aidan went on to say that one study showed a noticeable impact on sperm count in those who consumed whey protein regularly. Those who did not consume protein powder ended up with a medium sperm concentration that was 2.6x higher than those who did.

Aidan summarised that although sports supplements are rarely discussed during fertility most supplements should not affect male fertility if taken at the appropriate dose. However, it is still worth taking a cautious approach when trying to get pregnant. It’s better safe than sorry to avoid sports supplements if fertility is a priority.

Can black seed oil help you become pregnant?

For those who don’t know, black seed is a plant and has been used widely in making medicine for over 2,000 years. There is some scientific evidence that black seed may help boost the immune system, but it is also used to prevent pregnancy as well. There isn’t enough information found in humans yet so it’s better to err on the side of caution and leave it out.

Best fertility supplements for twins

There are no right methods to increase your chances of having twins, it’s mostly pot luck. Age tends to be a factor for increasing your chances as well as medical treatments like IVF. Some fertility drugs can increase your chances of having twins as they work to boost the number of eggs produced in a woman’s ovaries. Clomiphene and gonadotropins are typically used that can increase your chances of having twins, but when it comes to taking supplements, there have been some small studies that suggest folic acid may increase the likelihood of conceiving multiples. There aren’t any larger studies to confirm this so you’re better off ensuring your taking supplements for a healthy baby and hope for the best if you want twins!

Supplements to help implantation

Implantation is when the fertilised embryo implants itself into the lining of the uterus. This occurs around 7 to 10 days after ovulation. But to increase your chances of implantation you need to ensure that the embryo is of good quality, you have a receptive uterine lining and a balanced immune system. Some herbs are suggested to improve implantation, but as long as you are taking a good high-quality preconception supplement as well as a nutritionally balanced diet you should maximise your chances of naturally getting pregnant.

What supplements are bad for fertility?

Avoid supplements like Vitamin A, any dietary supplements which promote weight loss, testosterone boosting supplements and overdosing on vitamins as these can all impact fertility and can be quite damaging to your body.

What are the benefits of Maca?

During recent years, Maca has increased its reputation for promoting wellness, with benefits including improved energy levels, libido and fertility. Maca, also known as Peruvian ginseng and part of the cruciferous family has been cultivated and used as a fertility aid for at least 3,000 years in Peru.

There is very little research to suggest that maca improves fertility, so make sure you check with your doctor before you include maca in your diet, especially if you are taking any other medication for PCOS and fertility.

Does vitamin D decrease fertility?

See above. On the contrary, a deficiency in Vitamin D may lead to infertility so it is very important to take the proper dose of Vitamin D and seek advice from your medical professional about the amount you should take every day.

Can honey boost fertility?

Honey has a very long history of providing nutritional and therapeutic remedies. It has even been acknowledged in science as having an antioxidant and antibacterial nature to support fertility. However, this has been controversially discussed and has not been well received in modern medicine.

Numerous observations have shown that honey bee pollen is thought to improve egg quality and general fertility. Honey has also been advised in men with impotence and women with irregular ovulation cycles. Honey is rich in Vitamin B, which is an essential vitamin for the production of testosterone.

Honey has promising properties which can improve sperm count and fertility however there is a lack of trials to prove this. It is therefore recommended to include honey in your diet in moderation as it won’t hurt.

Can certain medication reduce fertility?

The side effects from certain types of medicines and drugs can affect fertility. These include:

  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin
  • chemotherapy medicine can sometimes cause ovarian failure
  • neuroleptic medicines / antipsychotic medicine which are often used to treat psychosis can cause missed periods and even infertility
  • spironolactone, which is a type of medicine used to treat fluid retention (oedema) can cause infertility but you can recover your fertility from two months after stopping

What are natural supplements for PCOS?

PCOS is the most common condition which can affect fertility with symptoms including ovarian cysts and irregular periods so a lot of women ask what are the natural supplements for PCOS. Look for supplements that contain Myo-inositol, which is the most helpful to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Other supplements should include Vitamin D, Omega-3, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), Magnesium, Vitamin B-6 and Zinc.

Is it really necessary to take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy?

Another popular question is, ‘What do prenatal vitamins do to help fertility?‘ Eating a healthy varied diet during pregnancy is vitally important to help you get most of the vitamins and minerals you need. But it’s important to supplement your diet with folic acid and other vitamins and minerals to ensure you’re filling in all the nutritional gaps.

Make sure you take 400mcg of folic every day from before you are pregnant until you’re 12 weeks pregnant and do not take any cod liver oil or supplements that contain Vitamin A.

Can supplements affect fertility?

When it comes to infertility, there are so many factors to consider which you can’t control, i.e. your age, genes and your ovulation cycle. But giving your body the best fighting chance by ensuring there are no holes in your nutrition, a factor which you can control, you are maximising your chances of conception.

It is recommended that you take supplements for at least three months to optimise absorption into the body and achieve nutritional balance.

Speak to your doctor who can work with you to find the right balance of vitamins and minerals you need to boost your chances of getting pregnant. Head over to naturalpathtopregnancy.com for your free starter pack and weekly email tips on how to get pregnant naturally now!

LetsGetChecked can help you understand your hormonal health with their female fertility testing options. Collect your sample from home and you'll receive accurate results within 2-5 days of the lab receiving your sample

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Zita West products to help with fertility

If you’re struggling to get pregnant or just starting the road to conception, then these products are for you.

Female PreConception Support Pack – £62.00 (RRP £69.50)

Female PreConception Support Pack

The Female PreConception Support Pack provides a wide range of key vitamins, minerals, essential fats and antioxidants for when you are trying to conceive.

Each pack contains:

Vitafem

A specially developed multivitamin and mineral supplement to support conception. Includes over 30 vitamins and minerals – 60 capsules – 1 month supply

Vitafem Boost

An antioxidant “booster” formula to help protect your cell DNA from oxidative stress and damage during preconception – 60 capsules – 1 month supply

Vital DHA

Provides Omega 3 DHA and EPA along with zinc to ensure your Omega-3 levels are supported during conception – 60 capsules – 1 month supply

Male Preconception Support Pack – £92.00 (RRP £102.00)

Male PreConception Support Pack

This pack contains a variety of multivitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and Omega-3 DHA to support male fertility.

Each pack contains:

Vitamen

A specially developed one-a-day multivitamin and mineral to support male reproductive health during preconception

Vitamen Boost 1

An antioxidant formula for use alongside Vitamen to help protect sperm DNA from oxidative damage

Vitamen Boost 2

An amino acid powder with zinc and selenium to provide important nutrients involved with sperm count, motility and morphology.

Vital DHA

Provides Omega-3 DHA and EPA along zinc to ensure Omega -3 levels are supported throughout preconception

Zita West’s Guide to Getting Pregnant: Fertility and Conception – RRP £14.99

Zita Wests guide to getting pregnant: Fertility and Conception

Fertility is about connecting the dots, so simply taking supplements is not enough. Zita West’s guide provides hints and tips to boost your chances of conception whether you are trying to get pregnant naturally or via IVF.

Guided Relaxation for Getting Pregnant Naturally (download) – £9.95

Click to enlarge Guided Relaxation For Getting Pregnant Naturally (Download)

This program provides relaxation and visualisation tips which you listen to daily to help you prepare mentally and emotionally for conception, as well as work to reduce stress in your life. Learn how to harness the power of positive visualisation to help you get pregnant.

Resources

*Collaborative feature post

*Prices correct as at 15 April 2021

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