The impact of free radicals on fertility

Ensuring your body is baby ready with targeted natural pre-conceptive care can dramatically increase your odds of falling pregnant faster and with unexplained infertility affecting up to 28% of women, there is no better time than now to get started.  Although hormonal influences are well documented to influence fertility, the effects of oxidative stress due to free radical damage is often overlooked.  So what are free radicals?

By definition, free radicals are the by-product of oxygen use. An oxygen molecule becomes unstable and has the potential to do damage to cells and DNA. Anti-oxidants, on the other hand, are substances that bind to this unstable molecule and thus stop it from doing harm. In a healthy body, there is a balance between anti-oxidants and free radicals, but when there is more free radical production or levels of antioxidants are low, the scales tip towards free radicals and oxidative stress occurs.

In very simple terms, oxidative stress damages DNA, and as a consequence cells become damaged, self-destruct or die. This affects your whole body, including the entire reproductive tract, from egg production to fertilization, embryo development and pregnancy. Numerous studies have shown that oxidative stress plays a role in infertility, including the development of endometriosis and possibly PCOS.²

How do free radicals affect fertility?

In men, free radicals are responsible for abnormal and non-viable sperm cells, poor sperm motility and low sperm count.^1,2,6 This accounts for roughly 50% of all infertility cases, but often it is the woman who first comes in for investigations when there are difficulties conceiving. So what harm can free radicals do in women?

Let’s start in the ovaries. Various types of free radicals can lower the quality of the eggs.^1,2,6 That means that you already start with a disadvantage.  Then there is the fact that free radicals inhibit secretion of progesterone,²  a hormone that prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg. Low progesterone levels lead to poorer quality of the lining of the uterus, decreasing the chances on implantation and a viable pregnancy.²

But they not only affect progesterone production, they can also reduce or inhibit oestrogen production², even further reducing the quality of the lining of your womb. The chances on a viable pregnancy are much reduced by now.

But let’s assume that an egg is released into your fallopian tubes and your womb is preparing for implantation. Free radicals then create a hostile environment in the fallopian tubes, making it harder for the sperm cells to reach and fertilize the released egg.^2,6 If the sperm cells themselves are already damaged, have poor mobility or are low in number due to oxidative stress in the male partner, the chances that a healthy sperm cell reaches the released egg and actually fertilizes it, are not great.

Let’s be optimistic and assume that sperm and egg cell meet and merge, and make it down to the womb. Once there, they encounter nitric oxide, a free radical which inhibits implantation by increasing inflammation in the uterus.^2,6 The fertilized egg, that has beat the odds so far, has nowhere to implant, and no option but to die off and flush out with the menstrual flow.

This means that from start to finish, free radicals fight fertility all the way. And that is just in women without any underlying medical conditions that impair fertility. In those who suffer endometriosis or PCOS, free radicals make conceiving even harder.

Free radicals and endometriosis

As already mentioned before, the presence of free radicals triggers inflammation. Via a complicated chain-reaction, this leads to increased growth and adhesions of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, contributing to the development of endometriosis. ^2,3 It has been suggested that iron from blood that flows up into the peritoneal cavity rather than down the fallopian tubes (a process called retrograde flow) instigates this inflammation, but it is very possible that more factors play a role, as high levels of specific free radicals are found in women suffering from endometriosis regardless of high iron levels.^1-5 These free radicals are not found in healthy women, indicating that endometriosis is at least partly caused by free radicals.

Free radicals and PCOS

It is not fully understood yet how free radicals contribute to the development of PCOS, but their levels s are much higher in blood of women with PCOS than those without.^8,9,10  One possible explanation for this might be the fact that oxidative stress significantly increases blood sugar levels, resulting in impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance.^8,11 Insulin resistance then further contributes to oxidative stress by generating more free radicals, perpetuating the cycle.^8,12,13,14 It is well known that insulin resistance is a major contributing factor in the development of PCOS. Up to 60% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, with this number climbing to 75% if they are overweight.⁸

Can free radicals still do harm after you have conceived?

The short answer to this question is: yes. In women who miscarry in the first trimester, higher markers of oxidative stress (in response to presence of free radicals) were present in the placenta than in women who had a healthy pregnancy.¹ Not surprisingly, these same women had lower levels of antioxidants.

This means that free radicals not only fight you all the way with conception, but continue to fight you during pregnancy and even labour. By now it should be clear that you want the levels of free radicals to be as low as possible if you want to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy and baby. That brings us to the next question.

What causes high levels of free radicals?

Free radicals are normal part of oxygen use. You could consider them a by-product of it. Under healthy circumstances they are not harmful. It is only when your body doesn’t have enough anti-oxidants to counteract them, or when they are present in higher levels, that they become a problem.

As mentioned before, inflammation is a major cause for increased levels. But there are other factors are well that contribute:

-          Cigarette smoke is known to contain many toxins that act as free radicals and damage DNA. It has been linked with increased risk on infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, low birth weight and delayed conception during IVF.  This applies to second-hand-smoke, too.¹

-          Regular  coffee and alcohol consumption lowers levels of antioxidants and increases oxidative stress. It promotes cell death and damages DNA, delays conception, increases risk of miscarriage and contributes to poor development of the embryo.¹

-          Recreational drugs generate free radicals that impair egg formation, inhibit implantation and disrupt embryo development.¹

-          Pesticides are well known to have a negative influence on all stages of fertility, from poor egg and sperm quality to poor implantation and impaired embryo development.¹

-          Everyday products like makeup and varnish contain Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s), which are linked to increased risk of miscarriage and poor endometrial quality.¹

It is obvious that any of these factors should be avoided well before you start thinking about starting a family.

What can you do for this?

Anti-oxidants are substances that can help make free radicals harmless again or counter their effect. The most well-known anti-oxidants are vitamin C and vitamin E.  Zinc, selenium and copper are needed to activate some antioxidants, but are not antioxidants in themselves.¹ Coloured vegetables, especially purple ones, are known to be high in anti-oxidants; while several herbs can act as anti-oxidants, too. Including these types of foods regularly in your diet could be a good place to start.

How can you measure if you’ve got free radicals?

Free radicals are not picked up on standard blood tests, but the good news is that you can do a test in the convenience of your own home simply by collecting a urine sample and processing this in the

OraxX test kit. The urine will react with a substance provided, and the colour that appears, shows you in which levels free radicals are present: low, moderate, high or excessively high.

If you are interested in this test, please contact our clinic on 1300 133 536 or via info@bumpfertility.com.au . We can send this kit out to you, help you with the assessment of the test results and develop a treatment plan for you to lower these free radicals and improve your fertility.

Narelle Stegehuis, is a practicing medical herbalist and naturopath specializing in restorative endocrinology for women, with over 14 years clinical experience in natural fertility care.  She is both an accomplished writer, editor and technical training advisor for the media.  A recipient of the Australian Naturopathic Excellence Award, Narelle adopts an integrated approach of both medical science and traditional complementary health care principles. www.bumpfertility.com.au

References:

1.       Agarwal A, Aponte- Mellado A et all, “The effects of oxidative stress on female reproduction: a review” – Reproductive biology and endocrinology, 2012, 10:49

2.       Agarwal A, Gupta S, Sharma RK, “Role of oxidative stress in female reproduction” – Reproductive biology and endocrinology, 2005, 3:28

3.       Jackson LW, Schisterman EF, Dey-Roa R, Browne R, Armstrong D, “Oxidative stress and endometriosis” – Human reproduction, vol 20, no7, p 2014-2020, 2005

4.       Lousse JC, van Langendonckt A et all, “Peritoneal endometriosis is an inflammatory disease” – Frontier in Bioscience, E4, 23-40, Jan 2012

5.       Osman Hussein G, El-Refaey AAA, et all, “Role of some trace elements in the physiopathology of endometriosis” – Journal of Endometriosis, vol 4, issue 2, April-June 2012

6.       Hammadeh ME, Hamad M et all “Effect of oxidative stress on ART outcome” – Oxidative stress in applied basic research and clinical practice, 2012, part 2, 449-483

7.       Santanam N, Kavtaradze N, “Antioxidant supplementation reduces endometriosis-related pelvic pain in humans” – Translational research, May 2012

8.       Joo Yeon Lee, Chin-Kun Baw et all, “Role of Oxidative stress in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome” – Current women’s health reviews, 20120, 6, 96-107

9.       Aponta Am, Agarwal A, “Oxidative stress impact on fertility of women with Polycystic ovary Syndrome” – Oxidative stress in applied basic research and clinical practice, 2013 (published online  in Sept 2012), 169-180

10.   Zhang D, Luo WY, Liao H, Wang CF, Sun Y, “the effects of oxidative stress to PCOS” – Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao Y Xue Ban, 2008 May; 39 (3): 421-3

11.   Xin Wang, Chunshan Gu et all, “Glucose oxidase induces insulin resistance via influencing multiple targets in vitro and in vivo: the central role of oxidative stress” – Biochimie, vol 94, issue 8, August 2012, p 1705-1717

12.   Holvoet P, “Relations between metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress and inflammation and cardiovascular disease” – Verh K Acad Geneeskunde Belgie, 2008, 70 (3), p 193-219

13.   Evans JL, Maddux BA et all “Antioxidants and redox signalling” – July/August 2005, 7(7-8), p 1040-1052

14.   Evans JL, Goldfine ID, Maddux BA, Grodsky GM, “Are oxidative stress activated signalling pathways mediators of insulin resistance and B-cell dysfunction?” – Perspectives in diabetes, vol 52, January 2003

Falling Pregnant Naturally with PCOS and Endometriosis

I was frustrated with the painful heavy periods that came every month with my endometriosis and I wanted so much to lose weight. Finding the MassAttack natural weight loss program meant that I could lose weight faster and the best part is, I healed my endometriosis naturally.

You too can make lifestyle changes and adjust your diet to lose weight and heal your endometriosis naturally. My experience with naturopathy has been a positive one and I would highly recommend it if you are suffering from endometriosis and want to lose weight. Changing my diet and working with Narelle brought about many positive changes. A side from losing weight and feeling like myself again, I fell pregnant naturally, which was amazing since my endometriosis had left me clinically infertile! And the best part is ... no more endometriosis and painful heavy periods. Read on to share my journey. To read full story featured in 'Ripple News' click here

Prevent Miscarriage Naturally - Top 5 Tips

Miscarriage, the loss of a pregnancy generally in the first 12 weeks, occurs in at least 15% of all pregnancies. But what can you do to improve your chances of maintaining a healthy viable pregnancy to prevent miscarriage and carrying to full term?

Although miscarriage occurs much more frequently in the pregnancies of women aged 37 or older, it is not unusual for miscarriage to occur during a woman’s child bearing years. The excellent news is, there are natural ways to prevent recurrent miscarriage that every woman should know about.

If you have recently suffered a miscarriage, it is only natural to wonder why it happened and to want to try to prevent a recurrent miscarriage from happening again. You may have undergone a number of tests, all of which have been inconclusive and there may be no medical reason why you are miscarrying. So what do you do from here when you are told to ‘go away and try again’?

To read full article published in 'Fertility Chicargo'click here

Eating Right for Period Pain and Fertility

This article is a fantastic example of how you can take charge of your period pain and improve your fertility with dietary changes.

http://www.bumpfertility.com.au/successMichelle.html

It was published in Take 5 Magazine and is a must read for every woman who is try to conceive.

Can I Fall Pregnant With Endometriosis? YES!

Natural treatment of Endometriosis that every woman should know about to improve their fertility.

Research offers us many causes and theories about the cause of endometriosis, but unfortunately, still no cure for this painful and misunderstood disorder. Often, the standard treatment for endometriosis is drastic. Luckily there is natural treatment for endometriosis that work as standard treatment usually involves either a hysterectomy or hormone therapy like Depro Provera, to suppress estrogen and initiate a false menopause. This treatment brings new problems of its own; hot flashes, vaginal dryness and a low libido. So what do you do when you have endometriosis and want to fall pregnant?

Thankfully natural treatment for endometriosis is available using herbs, dietary changes and nutritional support that not only treats your endometriosis, but improves your fertiltiy. Dramatically increasing the odds of you falling pregnant naturally!

As a naturopath specializing in women’s health and hormones, I have helped many women heal their endometriosis naturally. That’s why it’s important for best results in treating your endometriosis naturally, work with a naturopath who has experience with this disorder and can help you develop a complete natural treatment program that includes dietary changes, herbal support and nutritional therapy for successful natural treatment of endometriosis.

Do you have endometriosis? Do you want to know what everyday changes you can do to heal your endo? Click here

Case study: Sara Frankston Vic - My personal journey with endometriosis
Severe period pain and nausea with endometriosis

One night I arrived home with very severe and terrible shooting pains in my stomach. Little did I know it was endometriosis. The pains were so overwhelming I couldn’t sit up. I felt nauseas and faint. Lucky my friend was with me and she took me to the local hospital.

I was told the excruciating period pain was normal but my friends periods weren’t this bad

The doctor performed a vaginal examination and determined that I had a tampon infection and I was released and an appointment with an OB GYN was made. When I explained my excruciating shooting pains and how I often got them even when I wasn’t having my menstrual cycle, he explained to me that this was normal pain for women.

For the next year I spent many agonizing days and nights, crying because of these terrible pains. Finally, I went to see an OB GYN of a friend and I was explained that I might have endometriosis. This is where my story begins.

Finally I found out I had endometriosis and was scared to death
As I sat in the doctor’s office and was told that I indeed might have endometriosis and would have to have surgery, at the age of 18 I was scared to death!

I was admitted to the hospital to have a Laparoscopy and a Dilatation and Curettage (D and C) administrated. I wasn’t sure what all this meant, and I wasn’t sure what questions I should be asking. All I hoped for was that it would stop this horrifying period pain (that almost 10 doctors had told was “normal”).

After I recovered and was returned to my hospital room, my OB GYN came in and showed me the pictures that they had taken during surgery and informed me I did have endometriosis. It covered all of my female organs, uterus, ovaries, was on my bladder and on my colon. He said he had removed it all and I should be fine.

My endometriosis returned after a Curette

For the next 2 years I experienced the same kind of tremendous pain, but at least I knew what it was. I moved around a lot and had to see various doctors. I saw nearly 20 doctors, most who told me “it was normal”, or “there was nothing physically wrong with me”. I would just cry and cry and even got to the point where I did not want to see any doctors…they didn’t believe me anyway so what was the point!

Every Pap smear I had was so painful that I cried and cried during each procedure. I was prescribed Depro Provera.

Endometriosis caused me to be depressed and I gained weight

About 2 weeks into the Depro Provera treatment I started to feel some mild changes in my moods and weight.

I quickly became severally depressed. I cried and cried for no reason at all. One day I turned up to the GP crying hysterically, the receptionist asked me if I was ok and I just screamed “do I look o.k.? I then saw the DR who prescribed me some Prozac.

Endometriosis ruined my life - I was depressed, tired with debilitating period pain and my life had fallen apart.

My life began to fall apart. I couldn’t hold down a job and my boyfriend dumped me because of my moods. I called my mum in tears and she drove for 8 hours to pick me up. She stayed for a few days and talked me in to coming home again so she could look after me.

I tried natural treatment for endometriosis that worked

It was then that she showed me an article in the Take 5 magazine about a girl named Michelle who had worked with a naturopath called Narelle Stegehuis. I immediately called her and she gave me hope. After working with her and finding out how to treat my endometriosis naturally, I am now drug free and pain free. I feel like myself again.

I have also been able to fall pregnant naturally with my new partner!

Do you have endometriosis? Do you want to know what everyday changes you can do to heal your endo? Click here

Do I have endometriosis?

Period pain that becomes so debilitating it renders you unable to go about your normal routine, is not ordinary or typical!

Period Pain is your body's way of signaling that something is wrong. If you are suffering from pelvic pain, you may have endometriosis and should be diagnosed properly.

Endometriosis symptom checklist

Pain may occur in any of the following forms:

• Period pain - immediately before and during the period
• Pain during or after sex
• Abdominal, back and/or pelvic pain
• Pain with opening bowels, passing wind or urinating also frequency
• Ovulation pain, including thigh or leg pain

Bleeding irregularities

• Heavy bleeding, with or without clots
• Irregular bleeding with or without a regular cycle
• Prolonged bleeding
• Premenstrual spotting

Digestive problems:

• Bowel or bladder symptoms, including bleeding from bladder or bowel
• Irregular bowel habits e.g. constipation, diarrhea
• Bloating

Mood Changes

• Premenstrual symptoms
• Tiredness

...WEIGHT GAIN!

If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions, you could have Endometriosis. (Endo)

• Are you frustrated by the pain of your endometriosis?
• Do you know in your heart that it's time to make a change?

If so, you have come to the right place.

At BumpFertility we can help you overcome any hurdles. With our help, you’ll take control of your endometriosis naturally.

When women with endometriosis join BumpfFertility they find "their endometriosis healing secret." They feel better, look better, and they are much healthier. And this can happen for you.

Fertiltiy Diet - What Foods Make You Fall Pregnant Faster

Dietary choices have a direct impact on your reproductive health and subsequently on your fertility. The type of fat you incorporate in your diet may be a risk factor for disorders such as Endometriosis, Fibroids, PCOS and Fibroids and all of these conditions lower your fertility.

A diet rich in tuna, salmon and other foods rich in essential omega -3 oils might mean you will be less likely to develop female reproductive disorders. US researchers have reported there is a strong link between diets loaded with trans fats, and female reproductive disorders such as Endometriosis, Fibroids and PCOS.

Is Your Diet Triggering Hormonal Imbalances that lower your fertility? Find out now with my FREE online test.

So what are Trans Fats?

Trans fats are formed when liquid fats are hardened to make something more resembling butter or lard and found in common everyday foods such as processed breakfast cereals and pre-packaged foods.

The type of fat in your diet, rather than the total amount, may be a risk factor for female reproductive disorders according to researchers in a study published online in the journal Human Reproduction.

Within this study of more than 70,000 nurses it was found that women who ate the most omega-3 fatty acids were 22 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with female reproductive disorders such as endometriosis than women who ate the least.

According to Dr. Stacey Missmer of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston who led the study, trans fats increase the body's level of many inflammatory markers. These inflammatory markers have been shown to be associated with the establishment of endometriosis and its progression. Dr Missmer also found that there is a likely increase in risk because of a chronic inflammatory response to the trans fat.

The researchers looked at the diets of 70,709 women followed for 12 years in the US Nurses Health Study. Women who ate the most trans fats had a 48 per cent increased risk of the condition compared with those who ate the least, the study found. Similar studies have been linked to PCOS and Fibroids.

"Many women have been searching for something they can actually do for themselves, or their daughters to reduce the risk of developing the disease, and these findings suggest that dietary changes are something they can do," says Missmer.

Find Out What You Dietary Changes You Can Make To Improve Your Fertility by Clicking Here.