Female infertility

At least half of the time, the cause of infertility is due to unforeseen conditions. When it comes to the female reproductive system, infertility could have more than a dozen root causes. Womens reproductive organs are a complex set of tissues which require in-depth assessment and treatment if you are wanting to address infertility naturopathically.

We’d like to think that our inside is as beautiful as our outside, but that’s not necessarily so. When it comes to female infertility, the plumbing could be the source of the problem. As a female, there are several reasons for infertility (and this list is not conclusive):

* Fibroids
* Ovulation issues
* Endometriosis
* Ectopic pregnancy
* Age
* Health
* STDs

Fibroids are benign tumors of the uterine muscle. They can resemble bumps on the uterus or one can be as large as the uterus itself. Fibroids can make it hard for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterine wall. They can be removed surgically and herbal medicines may prevent them from growing back.

Ovulation is the process by which an egg is released each month for potential pregnancy. The ovaries release an egg and it travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. Fallopian tubes can be narrowed or closed and prevent the egg from passing and having the opportunity to be fertilized. Ovulation itself may be erratic for many different reasons and herbal medicines have been known to assist normal ovulation.

Endometriosis is a condition where cells which line the uterus, known as endometrial cells, find their way outside of the uterus. They adhere to the ovaries, outside of the uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder or other organs in the vicinity. Each month when endometrial cells are shed from inside the uterus in response to normal hormonal changes, the cells that have found their way outside of the uterus also bleed. Endometriosis can cause pelvic pain and cramping. Another condition which can be improved by the use of naturopathic treatments.

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy in the fallopian tube, outside of the normal position in the uterus. The egg implants here and begins to grow. It can only grow so large in the small tube before it runs out of room and the pregnancy will be lost. This can be extremely painful. Ectopic pregnancies are removed with surgery and the subsequent scarring in the fallopian tube can cause problems when trying to conceive in the future.

Age is also a factor. A woman is born with all of the eggs she will ever have. As a result, the eggs age as she does. Women over 40 who are trying to conceive are using older eggs. Problems with the eggs may occur when they are older.

Health is important at any age and when you want to become pregnant. Women who are overweight or underweight may have trouble falling pregnant. Overweight women are prone to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) which is another cause of infertility. A lifestyle that promotes the abuse of tobacco, illicit drugs and alcohol also presents problems that can result in infertility. Certainly a visit to your naturopath for a general health assessment is a good place to start.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) contribute to infertility. If untreated they can cause scarring that inhibits pregnancy. STDs can also cause a woman to miscarry if she does happen to become pregnant.

Female infertility has many causes which go beyond the list above. It is important to get in touch with what your body is telling you from an early stage. Be aware of any signs and symptoms which are becoming worse or any changes that you may not have experienced before. I also strongly recommend purchasing the e-book Pregnancy miracle which details how acupuncture and herbal medicine can greatly improve your chances of conceiving naturally. Click here for more info on the e-book. If you do have any of the conditions above, speak to your naturopath and your doctor about ways to increase your fertility.