• hormone regulating
• anti-inflammatory
• anti-thrombotic
• anti-spasmodic
• improved blood flow to the uterus
• reduced sensitivity to prolactin

The
omega-3 fatty acids found in
fish oil can also contribute to improved male fertility. Omega-3s are abundant in the sperm and DHA is especially prevalent in the sperm tail and may play a role in sperm motility. To read more about
fish oil and fertility benefits for men, go to the Fish Oil and Male Fertility page.

In the clinic, as part of an overall herbal and dietary strategy, I generally see the following promising developments, when women take
fish oil daily.

• increased egg white cervical mucus
• decreased menstrual cramps
• less clots in menstrual blood
• more profuse menstrual blood
• less PMS symptoms prior to the period
• clearer biphasic charts

The first step to enhancing fertility naturally, is a healthy, regular menstrual cycle without unpleasant symptoms like cramps, clots, or PMS. The second step involves a clear biphasic fertility chart, with steady, low follicular phase temperatures, a significant temperature surge at ovulation and stable, high luteal phase temperatures.
Fish oil can aid fertility by helping the body attain both a regular menstrual cycle and a clear, biphasic fertility chart.

Fish Oil is a Yin Tonic and a Jing Tonic

In Chinese medicine,
fish oil would be considered a yin tonic. Yin tonics are often taken during the follicular phase to nourish the follicles and the developing endometrium. When reading fertility signs, the most direct evidence of well nourished yin would be profuse egg white cervical mucus (EWCM) prior to ovulation. Usually, after taking
fish oil and herbal yin tonics for a few cycles, women notice a significant increase in EWCM.

Fish oil is also considered a jing tonic in Chinese medicine. Jing is our essence, it’s the quality of our genetic heritage from our parents. As we age, we slowly use up our jing and when we die, our jing is extinguished. In order to procreate, our jing must be abundant, which would mean healthy viable eggs and sperm.
Fish oil, along with other Chinese jing tonics help to strengthen kidneys, which store the jing, to consolidate the jing.

I think of
fish oil and Chinese herbal medicine as concentrated nourishment for the matrix of fluid surrounding the eggs and the sperm. With regular acupuncture treatments improving the blood flow to the uterus, ovaries or pelvic region (in men) and a healthy diet providing optimum nutrition to the blood, this provides the healthiest environment for conception to take place. Therefore, the data on
fish oil and fertility looks promising for couples using
fish oil in their preconception program.