A study published in the journal Science has revealed that women who have fertility problems could turn to a parasitic worm for help.

Human biologist Aaron Blackwell of the University of California led the research.

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The said report showed that of the 986 indigenous Tsimane women in Bolivia who gave birth in nine years, those who were infected with the worm - Ascaris lumbricoides- became more fertile than women who were not infected. Infected women were said to have given birth to an average of two children more than those who did not have the parasite. Those who were chronically infected with the parasitic worm had as many as 12 children.

On the other hand, the hookworm, a common parasite, which infects women in the area, had the opposite effect. Females who had hookworm had three fewer children than that of the average.

The average number of children for the Tsiname is nine children.

Researchers believe that the said worm may be changing the immune systems of the women, thus, making it easier for them to conceive and carry pregnancies to term.

While the study can prove to provide invaluable information for those who are seeking to enhance their chances of getting pregnant, experts advise that women and couples shouldn't seek out the worm until further research is done.

Reproductive immunologist Gil Mor of Yale School of Medicine shared that while he would never consider giving the parasite to his patients, the study "could [help] develop an immunization that produces the same kind of immune response as does roundworm infection".

TagsUniversity of California, UCLA, Tsimane women, Amazon rainforest, bolivia, fertility problem, fertility treatments, parasitic worm, parasite, Ascaris lumbricoides, IVF, Infertility, Parasitic Worm Fertility Women, Parasitic Worm Pregnancy