Each year women from all cultures and corners of the world try to get pregnant and fail, resorting to drug and often multiple in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments in an attempt to conceive and have a much longed-for child of their own. Infertility is on the increase, and no one has an explanation for it. We do know that the reasons for infertility divide more or less equally between men, and women, and how their two physologies work together. Many couples’ problems are attributable to subfertility (a reduced level of fertility characterized by an unusually long time for conception), rather than infertility.

While the odds may seem stacked against successful conception, it's important to remember that millions of couples conceive naturally every year. The process does involve a remarkable feat of teamwork between a healthy egg and sperm. There's a limited fertile window each month, typically around 36 days a year. Once sperm are released, they embark on a challenging journey. Sperm quality can be affected by various factors, including shape, motility, and even the presence of antibodies that attack them. Even healthy sperm face obstacles, needing to navigate the fallopian tubes and overcome any potential blockages. The cervix, with its protective mucus, acts as a gatekeeper, allowing only compatible sperm to pass. While some women's cervical mucus is naturally sperm-friendly, others may have a mucus consistency that hinders sperm travel.

The sperm's journey is just the beginning. Even if they reach their target, will there be an egg waiting? Hormonal imbalances, like those caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can disrupt ovulation, preventing an egg from being released that month. Blockages in the fallopian tubes can also become roadblocks, hindering the sperm and egg from ever meeting. Additionally, issues with the lining of the fallopian tubes or the uterus itself can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting. These are just a few of the potential hurdles on the path to conception.

The rise in infertility is often linked to couples choosing to start families later in life, increasing the chances of injuries or infections affecting fertility. Additionally, our environment is filled with hormone-disrupting chemicals, and certain medications and recreational drugs are known to reduce fertility.

Struggling to conceive and fulfill the desire to become parents can be incredibly stressful, especially when it involves numerous tests and medical examinations, adding financial strain. Initial testing often uncovers previously unknown medical conditions, such as infections that may have caused scar tissue and structural damage.

The human body operates in a remarkably integrated way, with stress and diet greatly influencing hormone balance. Conception involves at least eight different hormones, and some essential oils are believed to have phytohormonal properties—plant hormones similar to our own. Research indicates that certain essential oils can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. This is often illustrated by the well-known phenomenon where a couple, after years of trying to conceive, decides to adopt a child or get a pet, and then the woman becomes pregnant.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

Melissa (Melissa officinalis)

Rose Maroc (Rosa centifolia)

Rose Otto (Rosa damascena)

Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum nobile)

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

Coriander Seed (Coriandrum sativum)

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Chamomile German (Matricaria chamomilla)

Lemon (Citrus limon)

Whichever blend you choose, start by mixing the essential oils together. Then, dilute the mixture in 50 ml of your preferred carrier oil. If you would like to use only one oil, add 25 drops to 50ml of carrier oil.

Begin using the blend on the last day of your period. Depending on your size, use between 1 and 2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) of the body oil each time. Make sure to cover the entire area: start by massaging your lower back with both hands, then move over your hips and around your entire abdomen, upper thighs, and buttocks. Apply this blend twice daily.

Zinc deficiency has been linked to infertility in both men and women, but many diets don't provide enough zinc. Good sources of zinc include fish, meat, organic green leafy vegetables, pulses, nuts, and wheatgerm. You can also consider zinc citrate supplements.

Sperm are the smallest cells in the human body, and they're particularly sensitive to heat from laptops and RF-EMR (radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation) from mobile phones. The debate over the impact of electronic devices on sperm has leaned towards caution, with studies showing an 8% drop in male fertility linked to these gadgets. It’s not just about sperm count; their viability and motility—their ability to reach and fertilize an egg—are also at risk. With this in mind, carrying a phone in your pants pocket might not be the best idea.

Another threat to male fertility comes from xenoestrogens, industrial chemicals that have spread throughout our environment. These chemicals leach from plastics and contaminate water supplies, contributing to declining male fertility worldwide. This issue affects not just humans but animals too, highlighting the need to protect fertility more than ever. We all love our gadgets, but when researchers exposed sperm to laptops, it took just four hours for damage to occur. Keep this in mind next time you’re browsing for solutions to male infertility with a tablet on your lap!

Essential oils can’t directly improve sperm viability and motility, but they might help address underlying conditions that haven’t been diagnosed. This could explain why some people believe essential oils have a positive effect on male fertility.

Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
Chamomile German (Matricaria chamomilla)
Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica)
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Angelica Seed (Angelica archangelica)
Basil Linalool (Ocimum basilicum)

Choose a single oil from the list above, or create a blend that both you and your partner enjoy. To make a body oil, mix 5 drops of essential oil with each teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil. Apply this mixture to very specific areas: the upper and lower abdominal muscles, the pelvis, and the lower back where the nerves to the gonads are located (lumbar regions 3 and 4). Massage just into the crease of the buttocks, but avoid going as far as the anus. Be careful to avoid the genital area.

You can also use these oils diluted in baths (2-4 drops) or in showers (1-2 drops on a washcloth after washing). Rub the washcloth on your body, avoiding the genital region. Continue using the essential oils in your daily routine for 3-6 months to determine their effectiveness.

Additionally, diffuse single oils or blends of these essential oils in your space every day. Add 5-10 drops of essential oils to a UltraSonic (has a water tank) aroma diffuser.