Dr. Leena Patnankar

Nothing in the world can be more precious and valuable than holding and cuddling your baby for the first time. For most, pregnancy and parenthood gives a new dimension to their lives. It completes their family. People wait with bated breath for the beautiful phase to unfold. However, of late, infertility has been on the rise. As per a survey, 1 in every 1000, suffers from infertility issues. Infertility in males, as well as females, can be triggered by factors such as stress (personal or professional), unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy food habits, obesity, medical complications.

Medical assistance and treatments are available, but some of the treatments are way too expensive or have harmful and undesirable side effects. In this regard, homeopathy comes as a much-needed blessing. It is natural and has negligible or no side effects. Furthermore, most of the homeopathic medications are affordable, leaving you with only a small pinch in the pocket.

The first step in homeopathic treatment is identifying the root cause of infertility. In males, infertility can be due to

1. Erectile dysfunction.
2. Low semen count.
3. Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia.
4. Small testes or testicular injury.
5. Abnormal or premature ejaculation.
6. Obstruction in Vas deferens (Ejaculatory duct).
7. Varicocele, Prostatitis.

Female infertility may be due to

1. Thyroid problems.
2. PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), Endometriosis.
3. Hormonal imbalance and irregular periods.
4. Uterine fibroid.
5. STD's like gonorrhea and chlamydia.
6. Blocked fallopian tube.
7. Uterine (cervix) abnormality.

Certain lifestyle habits and environmental factors also contribute towards male and female infertility.

Homeopathy to treat male infertility:

Some of the homeopathic medicines work wonders to improve male infertility.

1. Caladium Seguinum: Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation can be effectively treated with Caladium Seguinum (American Arum). In some men, erectile dysfunction results in pruritus (severe itching) in the genital organs. Caladium is the best bet to deal with pruritus.
2. Agnus Castus (Chaste Tree): Agnus Castus is used to treat both male and female infertility. Men with erectile dysfunction, low libido, and low sperm count benefit immensely from this medicine. This medicine is a blessing for women with menstrual problems (irregular periods, heavy or scanty periods).
3. Lycopodium Clavatum (Wolf's Foot): Men with serious erectile dysfunction (due to stress, anxiety) benefit from this medicine.
4. Calcarea Carbonica: This medicine is helpful for men with a high libido but premature ejaculation.
5. Conium: Conium is used to treat low libido and weak erections in men.

Homeopathy to treat female infertility:

1. Pulsatilla: This homeopathic medicine comes as a relief for females who have infertility due to PCOD and irregular periods.
2. Sepia: Infertility resulting from menstrual problems (scanty and short periods) can be successfully treated with Sepia. It is also helpful in case of women with hypoactive sexual desire.
3. Natrum Carb: This homeopathic medicine is used to treat women who are unable to retain the sperm.
4. Aletris Farinosa: This medicine is used to treat infertility triggered by heavy periods.

Though effective, these medicines should not be used without medical prescription and recommendation. Self-medication will do more harm than good. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Homeopath.

You go to the gym every day, lift heavy weights, but fail to notice gains. This means you have reached a plateau and your body has gotten used to the exercise you do.

Here are some tips to fire up your workout and make it more challenging: 

1. Circuit training: Circuit training is a type of workout that involves doing one exercise after another in a set time frame. There is no rest between the exercises and this increases the fat burning effect in the body. A typical workout consists of push ups, squats and sit ups.
2. Diet: It is important that the food you are eating provides you with the necessary nutrients that allow your body to recover. Exercising takes a toll on your body; so eating a well balanced diet allows your body to recover from the stress of the workouts.
3. Drink coffee: Drinking coffee before your workout increases your energy levels and enhances performance. It has also been reported that drinking coffee before a workout makes the workout more enjoyable.
4. Exercise outside: Taking your workouts helps you in feeling more energetic and revitalized. It has also been reported that working out outdoors has a beneficial effect on your self-esteem. Exercising outdoors motivates you to work out regularly.
5. Incorporate cardio: You should do cardiovascular exercises, which have a beneficial effect on fat burning. It improves blood circulation and raises your heart rate, thus strengthening your heart muscles. Incorporate high intensity interval training which has the maximum metabolic burn effect, which means you will keep the fat off your body.
6. Add yoga: Add yoga to workouts as yoga contributes in making your body more flexible and supple. Yoga also calms the mind and improves your overall wellbeing. Start off with simple yogic poses such as the downward dog and the triangle pose.
7. Switch it up: If you have been doing only strength training then switch to doing something new such as going for a jog or doing pilates. Switching from your regular routine helps in avoiding stagnation, thus increasing your gains.

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