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Research studies have shown that there has been an increase in fertility in many societies the world over in the past 50 years(7). In Australia, between 20 and 25% of couples wishing to have children present for diagnosis at infertility clinics. On top of this, there is also an unknown number not seeking fertility assistance who just keep trying and eventually succeed, or who just give up. The known causes for infertility (for both men and women) listed below, are not ranked in order of prevalence, since exact statistics are not yet known in this area.
• Use of artificial (i.e. hormonal) contraception
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• The later age at which women are choosing to have their babies
• Cigarette and alcohol abuse
• Chemicals in the food chain and environment
• Poor nutrition
• Stress
Physical Causes
Since the causes of infertility can be either in women (35%), men (35%), shared (20%) or unknown (10%), it is important that both partners be investigated, and all natural solutions tried, before resorting to the medical ap-proaches. Listed below are all the most common known physical causes of infertility for both women and men, and some easily accessible, natural remedies
A Woman’s Age. One major reason for conception difficulties today is the fact that so many women are having children far later in their life than previously. The current evidence clearly shows that the chances of a successful pregnancy decrease with age. It has previously been taught that a woman’s eggs begin to deteriorate from about the age of 30, and that even if fertilisation does occur, the embryo may not be viable (able to implant and become a foetus). This idea alone does not fully explain the situation, since there are nevertheless many women who effortlessly conceive and bear children beyond their 30’s or 40’s.
It is increasingly believed that an increase in toxins in the reproductive system and nutritional deficiencies play a large role in later life infertility. Another element is the fact that many women who have avoided pregnancy until their thirties have been regularly using hormonal contracep-tives. As previously explained in the section on contraceptive methods, long term use of the pill requires a normalisation period for the ovaries to re-establish normal egg
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production. Obviously, the older the woman or the longer she has been using the pill, the longer this will take, and eventually the less strong and healthy those ova are likely to be.
If late motherhood is your life circumstance at present, or you are planning delaying pregnancy past your biological prime, the best advice for having a natural and effortless conception, pregnancy and birth is to keeping in optimum physical and mental health. Refrain from artificial birth control methods immediately; replace them with the practise of Natural Fertility Awareness; and embark upon a daily program of yoga and meditation to help prepare (or restore) your reproductive system for the time when you aim to be conceiving.
Damaged Reproductive Organs. Damage to the reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries) is most often caused by STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases), IUD’s (Intra-Uterine Devices) or in rare cases, injury resulting from reproductive surgery, such as cyst removal, treatment for endometriosis and abortion. (See also “Common Reproductive Disorders”, page 103).
The STD most likely to cause infertility, either temporary or permanent, is Chlamydia. Exhibiting only a few symptoms to alert the sufferer, immediate action should be taken if any untoward symptoms are discovered. Pelvic pain, or excessive discharge, may indicate the more serious condition of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Untreated, long term PID can cause scarring of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries which can result in failure to ovulate, blocked tubes, ectopic pregnancy, or failure to implant properly on the lining of the womb.
Infections of all kinds create pus, acidic blood cells which fight off invading bacteria or viruses. With vaginal infections, this creates a hostile environment for the sperm, such that it is killed on contact. With more advanced pelvic infections, any sperm or fertilised eggs found within the uterus will be rejected by the endometrium and subsequently expelled with menstruation. What may start as just a small venereal infection (in either partner), if not quickly recognised and attended to, can easily spread to the other partner. In a woman, it can spread up past the cervix into the uterus by its own nature or assisted by sexual intercourse. Any infection capable of temporarily interfering with or permanently damaging the female reproductive system does not necessarily have to be severe or even long lasting to do serious damage. |
