Ashwagandha and Fertility: Can It Really Help You Get Pregnant
You may have heard of ashwagandha if you’re looking for natural ways to boost your fertility.
Does ashwagandha make you fertile?
In this article, we’ll examine the science behind ashwagandha and how it might affect male and female fertility.
So, we’ll delve into the research, explain how it works, and discuss what you should know before implementing it into your routine.
What Is Ashwagandha?
It is an ancient Ayurvedic medicine herb that has been used for centuries.
It’s a known adaptogen that helps the body manage stress, often linked to health problems like fertility (1).
Ashwagandha is well known for its fertility, as well as its ability to enhance energy levels, improve concentration, and aid in overall well-being.
So, how does this powerful herb specifically affect fertility?
Let’s take a closer look.
Can Ashwagandha Make You Fertile?
This is all due to how ashwagandha can help keep your hormones in balance and reduce stress.
Cortisol, a hormone produced during high-stress levels, can take a toll on reproductive health for both men and women.
This is good because Ashwagandha is used to lower cortisol levels, which can, in turn, create a healthier reproductive environment.
However, it’s not only stress reduction.
The direct effects of ashwagandha on reproductive hormones improve conditions that are critical for fertility.
Let’s look at how this affects men and women on a more gender-specific basis.
Female Fertility and Ashwagandha
Supporting hormonal balance may help women facing fertility challenges, according to Ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha can regulate these hormones, which makes them a common cause of infertility.
Because of how ashwagandha impacts the adrenal glands, which produce cortisol, it is one key way ashwagandha supports female fertility.
Lowering cortisol helps the body to concentrate on producing the hormones that facilitate ovulation and menstrual cycle health.
According to some studies, ashwagandha may help with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an often leading cause of infertility in women (2).
Ashwagandha is often associated with high levels of stress and hormonal imbalances, so it may be an aid in PCOS.
Is Ashwagandha Good for Pregnancy Problems?
One of the most significant stress factors that can get in the way of conception is stress.
When you're stressed all the time your body is more likely to survive at the expense of reproducing.
Ashwagandha can calm the body’s stress response and create a better environment for pregnancy.
Ashwagandha could help women with hormonal imbalances or conditions such as PCOS improve their fertility.
This herb can help regulate cortisol, balance reproductive hormones, improve ovulation, and increase the chances of pregnancy.
Male Fertility and Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha may also help men improve their fertility.
It has been found to increase sperm quality (sperm count, motility, and volume).
It’s essential for conception because healthy sperm are required to fertilize an egg.
Ashwagandha is also said to support testosterone production and to improve sperm health (3).
The essential hormone for male reproductive health, including libido and sperm production is Testosterone.
Ashwagandha provides a natural way to help men with low testosterone or poor sperm quality improve their fertility (4).
Sperm Count and Volume with Ashwagandha
A low sperm count is a common problem that can affect a man’s fertility.
Luckily, ashwagandha has been researched for its potential to raise sperm count and volume.
The Fertility and Sterility study found that when men took ashwagandha, their sperm concentration and motility improved significantly.
Ashwagandha is a good supplement for men who want to improve their fertility because these factors are essential for successful conception.
If you want a natural way to boost your energy and reduce stress, ashwagandha can help. It can also help men with concerns about their sperm health.
Ashwagandha for Fertility: How to Use It
If you are thinking about taking ashwagandha to support fertility, here’s how you should take it.
There are many forms of ashwagandha, each available as a powder, capsule, or liquid extract.
The most common and accessible form is capsules, but the powders can be added to smoothies or teas.
Most studies recommend taking 300 to 600 mg of ashwagandha extract daily for the best results.
It’s essential to be consistent, so if you’re taking ashwagandha, it’s recommended to do so for several months to see improvements in fertility.
The dosage right for you is decided by speaking with a healthcare provider.
What Are the Side Effects of Ashwagandha on Fertility?
Ashwagandha is safe, but there are some side effects.
Digestive problems, including an upset stomach or diarrhea, can occur in some people who take ashwagandha.
Rarely, it can trigger allergic reactions (such as rash or itching).
Pregnant women should avoid ashwagandha as it may induce uterine contractions and increase the chance of miscarriage.
If you’re already on medication or have health problems, you should speak to a healthcare practitioner before taking ashwagandha.
Final Thoughts
Does ashwagandha make you fertile?
The evidence indicates that ashwagandha supports fertility, both in men and women, by helping to balance hormones, reducing stress, and improving reproductive health.
For women, ashwagandha is known to help regulate hormones and support ovulation, which makes it easier to conceive.
For men, it can improve sperm quality and testosterone levels, and thereby improve the chances of conception.
While ashwagandha isn’t a solution for infertility for everyone, it’s a natural way to support your fertility journey.
If you’re thinking of trying ashwagandha as part of your fertility plan, speak with a healthcare provider to decide how to proceed.
🍃 Pure, Calm, and Balanced! Let Ashwagandha help you find your zen.
FAQs
Can Ashwagandha Increase the Chance of Being Pregnant?
Ashwagandha can certainly increase the likelihood of pregnancy by balancing hormones and decreasing stress, two crucial elements in fertility.
How Does Ashwagandha Affect a Woman’s Body?
Ashwagandha regulates hormones, reduces stress, and may help with conditions like PCOS, which helps reproductive health.
Does Ashwagandha Make Men More Fertile?
Yes, the use of ashwagandha can enhance the quality, count, and production of testosterone, thus making men more fertile.
What is the Best Form of Ashwagandha for Fertility?
Ashwagandha should be taken daily in doses of 300 mg to 600 mg, but you should consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What Are the Side Effects of Ashwagandha for Fertility?
However, side effects are rare and include digestive upset or allergic reactions. Pregnant women should not use it as it can cause a miscarriage.
Related Studies
1. Title: An investigation into the stress-relieving and cortisol-lowering effects of ashwagandha: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
This study found that ashwagandha significantly reduced anxiety and morning cortisol levels in chronically stressed adults over an 8-week period.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6750292/
2. Title: A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress
The research demonstrated that a specific ashwagandha extract effectively improved stress and anxiety symptoms while reducing cortisol levels in participants with mild to moderate stress.
Link: https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2023/10130/a_standardized_ashwagandha_root_extract_alleviates.42.aspx
3. Title: Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep?
This comprehensive review highlighted multiple clinical trials indicating that ashwagandha extracts significantly lower stress and anxiety levels while reducing serum cortisol in various populations.
Link: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/
4. Title: Effects of Ashwagandha on Hormonal Balance in Women with PCOS
This study explored how ashwagandha supplementation may improve hormonal balance and metabolic parameters in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6750292/
