When having difficulty getting pregnant, many women consider natural fertility options such as herbs. Because they are natural, herbs are becoming increasingly popular natural fertility options when trying to conceive. More research needs to be done but in my opinion the following herbs can have beneficial effects when it comes to getting pregnant:

• Agnus Castus (Chaste Tree Berry): Agnus castus can improve a woman’s chances of conceiving because it helps hormonal imbalances; it also stimulates the action of the pituitary gland, increasing progesterone and luteinising hormone production, which helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. This herb also reduces stress levels, which in turn has a beneficial impact on reproduction health and daily use promotes fertility
• Dong Quai: this herb improves your chances of getting pregnant by balancing oestrogen and by regulating menstrual cycles. It can also improve implantation of the egg for women with autoimmune problems. However, dong quai is also a blood thinner and should therefore not be used during menstruation.
• False Unicorn Root: this herb improves reproductive health and has a normalising effect on the ovaries.
• Wild Yam: wild yam increases the production of progesterone and therefore increases your chances of getting pregnant. Wild yam should always be taken after ovulation occurs, as taking this herb before ovulation can actually prevent ovulation from taking place, thereby reducing fertility

It is always important to consult with a qualified practitioner about taking any herbs when trying to conceive. Also, herbs should not be taken if you are going through IVF or taking fertility drugs. Taking vitamins and minerals is fine while going through IVF.

Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage and in fermented dairy products and its primary role is to help blood clot.

New research from the University of Nantes in France has shown that when a vitamin K dependent protein, matrix GLS, is inactivated it restricts blood flow and causes swelling in the veins. This highlights the important role vitamin K can play in maintaining vascular health. Varicose veins affect one in three women and around half as many men.

Q: I have not had sexual intercourse for 17 months as I split up with my boyfriend and went through a long depression about it. I am now completely recovered and have met a new boyfriend. However, during sexual intercourse, it is quite painful, in a particular position (missionary), and not in others.

I am 49, I stopped my periods about 3 years ago and I am following your vitamin supplement advice to the letter. This is new to me. I know that you recommend the Sylk lubricant but I am wondering if there is anything I should have checked and if you could explain why the pain is there and what you would suggest to do to improve the situation, as this is a cause of concern as you can imagine.

A: As with any pain you should get it checked out and your doctor may do it or refer you to a gynaecologist. It is interesting that you were probably using the same position (missionary) with your ex-boyfriend and yet you had already gone through the menopause three years ago.

Also, that you are not getting pain with intercourse in every position. For some women, pain in certain positions is caused by a retroverted uterus (where the womb naturally tilts backwards instead of forwards) but you would have experienced the discomfort with previous boyfriends. Fibroids are also associated with pain or discomfort during intercourse and these are very common for women around the menopause and could give pain on intercourse in certain positions and not others depending on where the fibroids are situated.

Other problems like ovarian cysts, prolapsed womb, infections and endometriosis are also known to cause painful sex (medically known as dyspareunia) so that is why you should get it checked in order to rule out any problems. If you are given the all clear then my suggestion is to use the Sylk lubricant and avoid any positions which may be uncomfortable.