The First Step: Pre-Conception Fertility Health Screening

PRE-CONCEPTION HEALTH SCREENING CAN HELP:

• Couples who want to improve their general state of health before trying to conceive
• Couples who have successfully conceived one child and are struggling for a second
• Couples who wish to maximise their chances of IVF, IUI or ICSI
• Women with hormonal imbalances, menstrual problems or medical problems such as PCOS, Endometriosis or poor /irregular ovulation
• Men with low sperm count or poor motility

If you have been trying to conceive for some time without success and your GP has ruled out medical complications, why not explore the natural route and book in for a pre-conception screening?

We work closely with Dr. Luciano Nardo, one of the UK's leading consultants in gynaecology to whom we can refer you should medical intervention be necessary.

Our Pre-conception Consultation begins with a detailed examination of your past and current history regarding diet, lifestyle, exercise and medications - all of which will have had some effect on the body.

Ideally, the body needs at least six months preparation but even three months is better than no preparation at all.

Unlike many Fertility Clinics we don't use questionnaires and guesswork to determine the state of the body. With the revolutionary 'Health Detective' Screening System we accurately monitor your state of health and correctly assess your unique requirements

We check for vitamin and mineral deficiencies as they are the key nutrients which are important for sperm quality and cervical secretions. Many sub-fertile couples lack the correct amounts of amino acids and essential fats. We check pH levels to ensure that the body is not over-acidic as this can cause a hostile environment, or over-alkaline which is equally important.

We assess food sensitivities as consuming a food to which you are intolerant is interpreted by the body as a stress factor and starts to affect the stress hormones and blood sugar balance.

Hormonal balance is vital and although your GP or Consultant will have checked blood levels, we use a very sensitive system to check for sub-clinical changes in the hormones and endocrine glands. Often the issue isn't serious enough to have made blood changes but imbalances can already have started to affect the body (changes can occur for years before being picked up by blood tests). This has proved invaluable with many of our clients who suffer blood sugar imbalances, adrenal exhaustion or low thyroid.

We check the vertebrae as each of the nerves from the spine feed a particular organ and our main concern is that the right nutrients are getting through to the uterus and pelvic region.

We determine if there is a presence of virus, fungi, bacteria and parasites. Clearing these is important to reduce inflammation and stress as if the body feels it is under attack, its main concern will be with you and not in creating another life.

For the body to be in its most receptive state, it is important that the tissues are being bathed in non-toxic lymph and blood, the hormones are balanced, the bowel is eliminating effectively, the body is hydrated with enough water and essential fat, foods are acting as food for the body i.e. non-processed and organic, and you are not intolerant to anything.

Iridology (the study of the iris) is used to determine factors that may be preventing conception. Often the root cause can be seen within the markings of the iris even when all gynaecological scans give the 'all clear'. Iridology can offer precise information relating to the nerve/ blood supply to a particular organ/ gland or even show if the liver or bowels are potentially congested. It also determines the integrity of the female and male systems and looks at other potential areas of weakness.

We carry out extensive testing to ensure that we have considered all angles and to get a complete picture of your health. These tests can be carried out initially on the female but ideally both male and female should be tested together.

'Health Detective' Screenings are carried out by Gabi Heyes and Ella Dunbar of Natural Practices Clinic. Both Practitioners are highly qualified and have years of experience in fertility.

Treatment is tailored to each individual, this may include a short detoxification period, nutritional balancing and the use of herbal medicines to establish hormonal balance and support of the internal organs.

We assist men by offering nutritional support and supplements that can help to boost overall health and energy levels as well as fertility. Zinc and fish oil have been shown to improve sperm count and, if necessary, you should also consider on cutting down on alcohol, smoking and convenience food which is nutritionally deficient. The over use of mobile phones and phones being kept in a trouser pocket close to the testes can seriously hinder male fertility.

We can provide couples with a personalised diet and nutrition plan as well as prescribing any natural supplements or herbal tinctures that are needed to reach optimum health for fertility.

An initial consultation can be followed up after six weeks to ensure that any toxins or intolerances have been cleared successfully.