Could homeopathy boost your reproductive health and help you to get pregnant?Discuss homeopathy and fertility on our forums, right now! Or, post a comment below.What is homeopathy?Homeopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that aims to better physical, mental and emotional health by bringing the body into balance.
It works on the basis that like cures like and, as such, practitioners create remedies using tiny quantities of plant, animal and mineral extracts that would, if administered to a 'healthy person' in a stronger dose, bring about the same symptoms that their patients are looking to relieve.
Similar to the vaccines that traditional medicines use to prevent the development of illness, exposure to such a diluted concentration of the active ingredients stimulates the body to produce an immune response. The theory is that this, in turn will help to alleviate the physical symptoms of an ailment and also correct any imbalances within the body, bettering overall health too.
As the tinctures, powders and tablets used to treat ailments homeopathically contain such a small amount of the original particles they were derived from they are considered to be safe for consumption. For the most part they can be used to compliment traditional medicine although it's always important to consult your GP before beginning any homeopathic treatment.
Can homeopathic remedies help me to get pregnant?By taking a holistic approach and tailoring remedies to the individual, homeopathic practitioners are able to treat specific physical conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), endometriosis and blocked tubes as well as addressing issues such as hormone imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles and anovulation. They are also able to formulate remedies to better male fertility by improving sperm count and motility.
As with any form of medical intervention - alternative or otherwise - there is no guarantee that homeopathy will help you to become pregnant. However, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that homeopathic remedies can be successfully used to treat issues affecting fertility.
What does a homeopathic treatment involve?During your first consultation with a homeopath you should expect them to ask about your general health and lifestyle as well as details about any specific issues you'd like them to focus on.
It's always best to be as honest as possible as, on the basis of the information you provide, they are likely to prescribe you with a 'constitutional remedy'. This will be in the form of a tincture or powder (often taken as a one off dose) that is specially tailored to your individual needs and designed to rebalance your body and better your overall health.
Then, in subsequent consultations, your homeopath will start focus their remedies on more specific issues that are affecting your general health and ability to conceive.
It's always a good idea to combine the remedies recommended by your homeopath with a
balanced diet,
gentle exercise and an otherwise
healthy lifestyle as this will really help you to get the most from any homeopathic treatment you receive.
How do I find a qualified homeopath?When it comes to finding a homeopath it's vital that you choose a qualified practitioner.
Homeopathic treatment is available on the NHS and over 400 GPs and many more nurses are homeopathically trained. There are also 5 homeopathic hospitals in the UK and you can ask your GP to refer you for treatment should you wish.
You can also choose to see a homeopath privately (if you have medical insurance it's a good idea to check whether you are covered as you may be able to claim) however it's all the more important that you choose a practitioner who is appropriately qualified.
Both the
British Homeopathic Association and the
The Society of Homeopaths have search facilities on their websites that enable you to locate a homeopath in your local area with recognised qualifications.
It's also a good idea to check with your GP before embarking on any homeopathically prescribed course of treatment.
Whether you have a question about homeopathic remedies for fertility or something entirely different why not visit the AskBaby forums for a chat. 
Follow your baby's development through pregnancy and beyond.
Watch your baby's development from conception right through to birth - now you can actually see how much your baby is growing each day!
No question is too big or small - find advice, support and friendship in our Talk forums.
The good, the bad and the ugly - find out what we think of the latest baby products on the market.
Not yet a member? Join thousands of other parents and parents-to-be and Sign Up Here.