Infertility

Infertility is an inability of a couple to conceive despite a minimum of 1 year of unprotected intercourse. The causes range from genetic, hormonal, lifestyle related to structural defects and in a few cases, no causes can be identified. In still some cases, the couple has conceived after adopting another child implying the role of psychological factors like stress.

What causes infertility?

Conception depends on the fertility of both the male and female partner. Hence for an analysis of the causes of infertility, both the partners need to be investigated.

In males, the most common cause is a reduction in quality and quantity of spermatozoa. Factors like infection, trauma, increased scrotal temperature, testicular dysfunction, history of smoking and alcohol consumption affect the production of effective spermatozoa. A semen analysis gives adequate information about the morphology, total count and motility of the sperms.

Failure to ovulate is by far the commonest cause of female infertility. This occurs due to an abnormal hypothalamo -pituitary-ovarian axis which implies that all the hormones which are normally released in a series of coordinated surges fail to do so and normal ovulation is hampered.

Inflammation of the fallopian tubes due to chronic pelvic diseases or tuberculosis leads to adhesions and hence obstruction of the tubes posing mechanical hurdles for the passage of sperm and ovum.

Ectopic endometrial tissue also called endometriosis causes fibrosis and hence distortion of tissue which impedes normal ovulation.

A tough cervical mucus restricts sperm mobility and motility and prevents it from moving towards the uterus and the tubes. The altered character of the cervical mucus is either due to infection, inflammation or abnormal hormonal stimulation.

Painful sexual intercourse due to different causes may also result in infertility.

Less common causes are a congenital defect in the genital canal which may prevent sperms from ascending to the fallopian tubes.

How can we treat infertility?

Hormonal imbalances, inflammations, acute and chronic infections, stress…all these are conditions which can be treated satisfactorily with Homoeopathic medicines. A detailed history and adequate investigations aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of every individual case of infertility. Homoeopathic medicines are safe, speedy and effective and the results are phenomenal and treating and curing infertility is an achievable goal.

Certain lifestyle alterations are at times mandatory to assist in achieving the desired result.