In this episode, we will discuss infertility’s impacts and possible causes, and the popular treatment options available.
What Is Infertility?
Infertility is when you cannot get pregnant after one year of trying or cannot carry a pregnancy to term. It is a common issue that affects many couples, and it can be a difficult and emotional experience.
There Are Two Types Of Infertility
Primary Infertility is when a woman cannot get pregnant or carry a full pregnancy after one year of trying.
Secondary Infertility is when a woman cannot get pregnant again after having at least one successful pregnancy.
Major Causes Of Infertility
It’s important to remember that no two situations are the same. However, some common causes of infertility include:
- Ovulatory conditions: These are problems with the release of eggs from the ovaries, and they are one of the most common causes of infertility. Hormonal imbalances, obesity, and other factors can cause ovulatory disorders.
- Tubal damage or blockage: The fallopian tubes are the tubes that join the ovaries to the uterus, and if they are damaged or blocked, it will be hard for the egg released from the ovaries to get to the uterus. Infections, surgery, or other factors can cause tubal damage or blockage.
- Uterine or cervical problems: The uterus and cervix are important parts of the reproductive system, and problems with these structures can cause infertility. Uterine abnormalities, such as fibroids or polyps, can interfere with pregnancy, and cervical abnormalities can make it hard for sperm to reach the egg.
- Sperm disorders: these are another common cause of infertility, and various factors, including genetics, infections, and environmental exposures, can cause them.
- Age: As women age, our fertility naturally falls, and this can make it more difficult to get pregnant. Similarly, men’s fertility declines with age, although not as bad as women’s.
Treatment Options
1. Adoption
Adoption, of course, is not a cure for infertility. Instead, this is a method for families more interested in being parents than being pregnant or having a genetic relationship with a child.
2. Surrogacy
Surrogacy is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that may be an option for couples facing infertility. It involves using another woman, a surrogate, to carry a pregnancy to term for the intended parents.
There are two types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational. Traditional surrogacy involves fertilizing the surrogate’s eggs with the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm. Gestational surrogacy, on the other hand, involves using the intended mother’s eggs or donor eggs, fertilized with the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm, and then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.
Surrogacy can be expensive and emotionally hard, and it’s important to consider all the potential risks and benefits before seeking this option.
3. Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine has worked for numerous couples and should not be ruled out; herbs can balance hormones, improve sex drive, improve ovulation, and support the uterus.
4. Medical Procedures
Example: In vitro fertilization (IVF): In vitro refers to the harvesting of sperm and egg cell from each partner. Once the spouses’ eggs have been successfully combined in a lab, the embryo will be implanted in the woman’s uterus. If the procedure is successful, her pregnancy will continue just as any other pregnancy would.
Herbs For Fertility
- Vitex (chaste berry): This herb is used to improve periods and improve fertility. It may also help with PMS and menopause symptoms.
- Maca: This herb improves fertility, increases libido, and boosts energy.
- Red clover: This herb is rich in phytoestrogens, plant compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. It is used to better fertility and control menstrual cycles.
- Green tea: Green tea has antioxidants that may improve fertility and increase the chances of getting pregnant.
- Siberian
- ginseng: This herb is used to improve fertility and boost energy. It also helps with stress and fatigue.
- Black Cohosh: Balances hormones and reduces women’s reproductive issues such as menstrual problems, premenstrual syndrome, and menopausal symptoms, including night sweats, hot flashes, and more.
- Red Rasberry Leaf– Red raspberry leaf is a famous herb used for centuries for different reasons. It has vitamins C, E, and B and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It also has antioxidants that help to control hormones and improve uterine health. Many Doctors believe these properties help improve fertility by promoting healthy ovulation, supporting the implantation of a fertilized egg, and enhancing overall reproductive health.
In conclusion, infertility is a difficult and emotional issue that affects many couples. Alternative methods such as acupuncture, dietary changes, and herbs can greatly improve fertility and overall reproductive health. Working with a doctor or fertility specialist is important to develop a treatment plan that manages the underlying causes of infertility and increases the chances of a successful pregnancy. Additionally, seeking emotional support and managing lifestyle factors that impact fertility can improve fertility outcomes.
