Infertility

Facts

·        About one-third infertility cases are caused because of women, another one-third are due to men and the rest of the cases are either unknown or a combination of male and female problems.

·        Smoking can lead to compromised fertility in both men and women.

·        Irregular or abnormal ovulation is responsible for about 25% female infertility problems.

·        Women aged 35 years or older should consult their doctor after six months of trying to conceive.

·        A man with low sperm count could have hidden diabetes.

Infertility - Causes

In men

A problem known as varicocele that causes the veins on the testicle of a man to become extremely large, which consequently affects the number and shape of sperms, is a common cause of infertility in men. Other possible causes such as genetic defects or health problems such as diabetes that can alter the ability of a man to produce sperms can lead to infertility. Some injuries or damage to the reproductive system can block the sperms as well. Factors that can affect the health or number of sperms include –

·        Medications

·        Smoking

·        Extreme consumption of alcohol

·        Age

·        Environmental toxins such as pesticides

·        Health problems like kidney disease or hormone problems

·        Radiation treatment or chemotherapy for cancer

In women

A majority of fertility problems in women are triggered due to hindrance in the process of ovulation. Irregular or absent menstrual periods indicate that the woman is unable to ovulate normally. A hormonal imbalance problem known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) interferes with normal ovulation and is reported to be the most frequent cause of female infertility. Another disorder known as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), which causes the woman’s ovaries to stop functioning in a normal manner before she turns 40, also leads to infertility.

The other causes of infertility include physical problems with the uterus, blockage in the fallopian tubes, and deposition of masses of tissue and muscle on the walls of the uterus. The factors that can alter a woman’s ability to get pregnant include –

·        Stress

·        Age

·        Smoking

·        Extreme consumption of alcohol

·        Poor diet

·        Athletic training

·        Being overweight or underweight

·        Sexually transmitted infections

·        Disorders affecting hormone levels

Infertility - Symptoms

Inability to get pregnant is the main symptom of infertility. Other associated symptoms may or may not occur. Symptoms can vary depending on the cause of infertility.

Infertility symptoms in men are:

·        Changes in hair growth

·        Alterations in sexual desire

·        Pain, lump or swelling in testicles

·        Problem with erection and ejaculation

·        Small and firm testicles

Infertility symptoms in women are:

Alterations in the menstrual cycle can be a possible symptom of a disorder associated with infertility in women. Typical symptoms include –

·        Abnormal periods - Bleeding is heavy or less than usual

·        Irregular periods - Number of days in between each period differs every month

·        No periods

·        Painful periods that can cause backache, pelvic pain or cramping

When infertility in women is due to a hormonal cause, the symptoms include –

·        Skin changes and more acne

·        Changes in sex drive

·        Hair growth on chest, chin and above the lips

·        Loss of hair or thinning of hair

·        Weight gain

Complications

Complications in infertile couples are associated with the diverse forms of techniques considered for them. These may include side effects of medications used for treating infertility. Such medications can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache and stomach pain. A condition leading to the production of large quantities of eggs in the ovaries can be caused in women considered for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). The risk of ectopic pregnancy, causing implantation of the embryo in the fallopian tubes instead of the womb, is high in women undergoing IVF. Also, there is an increased chance of multiple pregnancies due to IVF.

Complications in men

·        Testicular atrophy (In case of persistent varicoceles)

·        Decreased sexual drive

·        Decreased muscle mass

Homeopathic measures

An increasing number of people affected by infertility are considering homeopathy, as it enables a holistic approach for the treatment of infertility as compared to the allopathic measures. Lifestyle and nutritional factor are altered and psychological problems are managed with this approach.

A study of 67 women showed 57% improvement in fertility with homeopathy. Endometriosis is a cause of infertility. Research has signified that homeopathy has been perceived by women to be useful in treating endometriosis.

A study including sub-fertile men proved that homeopathy improved both the number and quality of sperms. Thus, homeopathy should be regarded as a feasible treatment strategy for couples with infertility.

Treatment:

Natural homeopathic medicines are recommended to:

·        Enhance sperm motility

·        Stimulate sperm production

·        Boost vitality

·        Help cope with stress

·        Improve general health