Conception can be a stressful time for couples, but there are plenty of things you can do to increase your chances of conceiving. One thing you can try is yoga; certain poses have been shown to improve fertility. Yoga Asanas open the hips, re-align the pelvis and help to release tension in the lower back – all of which can improve fertility.
While there is no scientific evidence that yoga can boost fertility, many people believe that the practice can improve your chances of conceiving.
What are the leading causes of infertility?
There are many different causes of infertility, but the most common include:
- Ovulation disorders
About 25 percent of infertility cases are caused by ovulation disorders.
- Uterine or cervical abnormalities
About 20 percent of fertility issues are due to uterine or cervical abnormalities.
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage
Damage or blockage of the fallopian tubes is a common cause of fertility problems, accounting for about 30 percent of all cases.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects about 15 percent of women of childbearing age. PCOS/PCOD is leading cause of infertility amongst women.
- Endometriosis
This condition, in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of the organ, affects about 40 percent of women with fertility problems.
- Uterine fibroids
These noncancerous growths in the uterus can cause fertility problems in about 20 percent of women.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
PID is an infection of the reproductive organs that can damage the fallopian tubes and ovaries, affecting fertility in about 15 percent of women.
- Poor nutrition
Poor nutrition can lead to fertility problems in both men and women. obesity can also lead to fertility issues.
- Smoking
Smoking cigarettes can reduce fertility in both men and women. In men it reduces the sperm count and in women it negatively affect the hormone production.
- Excess alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can reduce fertility in both men and women. Alcohol affect ovulation, which can make it difficult to conceive.
- Stress
Stress can affect fertility in both men and women. When stressed, the adrenal glands pump stress hormones such as adrenaline into the bloodstream, which reduces the chance of conception.
What is Fertility Yoga?
Fertility Yoga is a sequence of yoga asana that is specifically designed to help improve fertility. The poses and breathing exercises in fertility yoga can help to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, reduce stress and promote relaxation. These asanas Improve circulation of pelvic and abdominal region.
Fertility yoga incorporates breathing, visualization, positive affirmation and asana (poses). It focuses on reducing stress and promote positive energy.
Can yoga help with the conception?
In a research done by Dr. Alice Domar, a researcher at the Mind/Body Institute of Harvard Medical School it was found that women who practice yoga and mindfulness techniques are three times more likely to get pregnant than those without any form or training in these fields.
Yoga therapies stimulates reproductive organs. It is beneficial for both men and women and improves fertility by improving the overall physiological systems. Yoga modulates the neuroendocrine axis to reduce stress and regulate the neurohormonal profile.
Another US study found that just six weeks of yoga dramatically lowered the anxiety levels for the women who participated and were undergoing IVF.
However, It is important not to make claims that fertility yoga guarantees a couple will fall pregnant.