ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Fertility's friends: The role of acupuncture and nutrition
Holly Carling
Nothing can lead to despair greater than when you want to start your family, you’re trying to get pregnant and are unable to, or unable to sustain a pregnancy. Many a pillow is wet at night, discord between husband and wife, frustration, irritation, fear, pleading with God, and more can occupy the minds of an infertile couple. Those emotions are elevated when treatment options such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are not working.
So, what causes infertility? In women, ovulation disorders, uterine or cervical abnormalities, fallopian tube damage or blockage, endometriosis, hormonal imbalance, lifestyle factors (such as smoking, drinking, drugs, obesity and poor nutrition), exposure to environmental factors, and other causes such as autoimmune disease and diabetes.
In men, the causes can be sperm disorders (low sperm count, shape or motility), varicocele, undescended testicles, infections, ejaculation disorders, hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders, lifestyle factors (see above), exposure to environmental factors, certain medical conditions and certain medical treatments (like chemo).
Become a Subscriber!
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
