The Epidemic Of Infertility: Women (part 2)

 

Female Infertility

Few things make us happier than having kids. So why are some of us can't have kids and are there some things that we can do to overcome infertility. 

Introduction

The World Health Organization defines Infertility as a disease of the reproductive system characterized by the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse (and there is no other reason, such as breastfeeding or lack of menstruation). 

Male infertility is responsible for 20–30% of the cases, while 20–35% are due to female infertility, and 25–40% are due to combined problems in both parts. In 10–20% of cases, no cause is found. The rates are increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Infertility in a woman often leads to cultural and social stigma alongside depression and poor self-esteem. Marital disputes, domestic abuse, infidelity, and polygamy, especially in cultures that normalized it, can be the consequences for an infertile woman.

Causes

Women unlike men have a designated period for being fertile, so age is definitely a factor. A woman's fertility peaks in the early and mid-20s, after which it starts to decline, with this decline being accelerated after age 35.  The chances of a couple to successfully conceive at an advanced age depend on many factors, including the general health of a woman and the fertility of the male partner. Some women go through early menopause due to unknown factors, possibly genetic, called premature ovarian failure.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has become the leading cause of female infertility, up to 10% of women have it. From the word polycystic, there are a lot of cysts in the ovaries of those women (appear like a chain of pearls on Ultrasound scan). It presents with irregular menstrual periods, heavy periods, excess hair, hair loss, acne, pelvic pain, and skin patches. Obesity (abdominal) is one of the risk factors for getting this condition due to insulin hormone insensitivity (diabetes) which leads to overproduction of insulin resulting in high levels of male hormones (testosterone) in the body. Testosterone stops the natural menstrual cycle and causes infertility. Cysts are immature eggs that were arrested from developing into fertile eggs for reproduction but kept growing. It has some genetic aspect and exposure to chemicals while in the uterus is linked with PCOS.

Adhesion (fibrous bands) in the pelvis also leads to infertility. Adhesions can be a consequence of sexually transmitted infections (pelvic inflammatory disease), endometriosis (where the lining of the uterus appears in other parts of the body), and surgeries like abortions and removing fibroids (muscle tumors), which can themselves lead to infertility due to reducing the space of the uterus.

Tobacco smoking is harmful to the ovaries, and the degree of damage is dependent upon the amount and length of time a woman smokes or is exposed to a smoke-filled environment. Nicotine and other harmful chemicals in cigarettes interfere with the body's ability to create estrogen, which is responsible for reproduction.  

 

Stress interferes with fertility because the body can only get pregnant when it confirms the habitability of a fetus, any extreme and persistent stressors can endanger a pregnancy, and lead to miscarriage, or can make the uterus hostile to any fertilization.

Genetical conditions leading to infertility are Mayer-Rokitansky-Küstner-Hauser Syndrome (where the woman has no uterus), Turner syndrome (45X, one part of sex chromosomes is missing), and intersex conditions (where the genitals are ambiguous).

Antisperm antibodies, are defense cells made by the female body against sperm cells hence impairing fertilization. It has been linked with unorthodox sexual activities. 

Environmental chemicals like external estrogens, found in cosmetics and skincare, and others disrupt the hormonal system of the body leading to infertility and even cancers in women.

Therapy 

As aforementioned in the other article, multiple procedures can assist with reproduction like In Vitro Fertilization(IVF), however, it's both expensive and doesn't guarantee success in getting pregnant.

What are some things you can do to prevent infertility and even overcome it:

1. Having a healthy weight through fasting and exercising, is the only prevention and treatment for PCOS. 
2. Reducing stress through sleep and meditation.
3. Having support from your spouse and family.
4. Avoiding lifestyles that predispose you to adhesions (STIs and abortions).
5. Caution from chemicals that can harm you and your children (when pregnant).
6. Not smoking tobacco and reducing alcohol intake.
7. Preferably having children before the age of 35.
8. Getting early treatment for fibroid and endometriosis.

Do you have one big problem currently with your health, work, education, finances, relationships, parenthood, or life in general? if yes, please feel free to talk to us to find a solution based on our expertise and experience together. book a free 30-minute consultation by clicking here.