Infertility,
which is more wide-spread than one would imagine, is
defined as the inability to conceive after about a year
of trying. In the USA alone, one in 10 couples finds it
hard to conceive. Female infertility is more complicated
than male infertility and though most of the major causes of
infertility in women can be treated successfully by
modern medical science, many women — and couples — are
turning to alternative treatment methods. But before
that, women need to know the problem to remedy it. Here
are some causes of female infertility:
Ovulation
problems
Ovulation
problems are some of the most common causes of
infertility in women. These are caused by hormone
imbalances which disrupt reproductive function. The
other reason is that as the woman ages, the quality of
eggs produced gets poorer. For ovulation to occur, the
right balance of hormones has to be produced. This
balance is controlled by the pituary gland that produces
luteinizing hormone or LH and follicle stimulating
hormone or FSH which are needed for ovulation. Without
these two hormones ovulation will not occur. If the
woman’s hypothalamus does not function properly, the
pituary gland won’t either, causing a deficiency of
these hormones. Other problems that can interrupt
ovulation are hyper- and hypothyroidism, vitamin
deficiency, weight issues, persistent illness and luteal
phase defect. The last is when the latter phase of
ovulation is shortened, not allowing implantation to be
completed.
Endometriosis
At
least three to four women out of 10 in the USA are
infertile because of endometriosis. No one really knows
how it is caused but the theory is that the endometrium,
or the uterus’s lining, begins to grow on the outside of
the uterus Adhesions or fibrous scar tissues form which
make the ovary stick to the pelvic wall. These adhesions
grow mostly in the reproductive organs, blocking them
and so inhibiting fertilization.
Polycystic
ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS
is another major cause of ovulation not occurring. This
is when the eggs in the follicles (sacs in the ovary)
don’t mature and the woman is unable to ovulate. This
happens because of an imbalance in the production of
female sex hormones which consist of estrogen and
progesterone and small amounts of the male hormones
androgen and testosterone. PCOS occurs when the body
produces too much of the male hormones and not enough
estrogen and progesterone.
Blocked
Fallopian Tubes
After
the egg is released, it passes through the fallopian
tubes — where fertilization takes place — to the uterus.
If the fallopian tube is blocked, totally or partially,
it will not be possible for the egg to move into the
uterus for implantation to take place. Some of the
causes of this condition are: previously experienced
ectopic pregnancies; adhesions caused by endometriosis;
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which are bacterial
infections that mostly attack the reproductive system;
fibroids and abdominal surgery.
Congenital
abnormalities
Deformities
found in the reproductive organs are known as congenital
abnormalities or anomalies. These anomalies can make it
hard to conceive or carry the baby to full term.
Recurrent miscarriages, pain during intercourse and
getting pregnant despite the use of an Intrauterine
Device (IUD).
Anomalies can be easily detected during a pap
smear.
Fibroids
in the uterus
Fibroids
in the uterus very rarely cause infertility but it can
happen. Fibroids are tumors that grow from tissue in the
muscle. In the uterus, they grow from the tissues in the
uterine muscles. A large growth can disrupt the function
of the reproductive system and make conception
difficult.
Most
major causes of
infertility in women can be solved by
medical science but using the holistic approach, either
on its own or in conjunction with modern fertility
techniques, is far better as it strives to synergize the
physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the body and
boost chances of conceiving. The holistic approach
offers a total lifestyle change with treatments that
include a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamins, folic
acid and protein; Chinese herbal medication and
acupuncture; and exercises like yoga and T’ai Chi which
help reduce stress. Unlike conventional fertility
treatments, holistic remedies have no side effects when
administered in the correct dosages by professionals.
Besides, by getting to the root of the problem it not
only helps cure it but eliminates it. Many women have
conceived within months of using the holistic approach
which has made it popular with more women opting for
it.
