Trying To Conceive Myth #2 – Infertility is Always Due to the Female*

In clinical practice, there tends to be an over emphasis on treating female infertility. Instances occur in which the male can remain untested only for him to be later identified as the greater contributing factor. Approximately one third of infertility cases can be attributed to the male and 7% of the male population will be affected by infertility.

There are a number of causes of male infertility. They are categorised as being either, pre-testicular, testicular or post-testicular. Example of each are as follows:

Pre-testicular: smoking; recreational drugs; alcohol; and strenuous bike riding.

Testicular: age; genetic defects; abnormal chromosomes; trauma; and previous health conditions (cancer, mumps or malaria etc).

Post-testicular: Infection and obstructions.

Sperm quality can be assessed with an andrology test. This generally consists of three main enquires. These are sperm count, morphology and motility.

Sperm count: Measures the concentration of sperm in the semen.

Morphology: Assesses the amount of sperm which are considered to be of normal shape.

Motility: Considers the sperm’s ability to move.

If you are experiencing infertility, it is advisable to consider asking for an andrology test. It is a cheap and easy way to exclude a significant potential cause. Moreover, if a problem is found, it may be easily treated. This is especially true for morphology and motility cases. After approximately three months of treatment, significant improvement can be experienced. In contrast, low sperm count is difficult to treat, but it can be however over-come with assisted reproductive procedures such as ICSI.

*This is the second of a list of 13 myths concerning conception which was compiled by Dr Minna Geisler from The Waterstone Clinic in Ireland.

Falling pregnant is not necessarily easy. Given infertility is a topic which is usually not openly discussed, its prevalence in those amongst us, largely goes unnoticed. Consequently, it is more common than many realise. One in six couples in Australia will experience difficulties conceiving. A formal diagnosis of infertility can be given once a couple has been trying for one year without success. Though, on the positive side, most healthy couples manage to conceive within three months of trying.

The causes of infertility can be attributed to factors involving both females and males. 40% of cases are the result of sperm problems, and equally, 40% are due to problems within the female reproductive system. 30% of cases involve issues with both sexes.

A healthy couple has a 20% chance of conceiving in any one given cycle. So, it is more than likely that a few attempts will be required. Given this, when is advisable to seek help? Before racing down the path of treatment, it is best make sure the process of falling pregnant is understood. For example, it is important to know when ovulation occurs and the optimal timing of intercourse. If you are however under the age of 35, it is advisable to seek assistance after one year of trying. Those over 35, should do so after six months. If there is a known condition which may affect fertility, then seeking help sooner is advisable.

*This is the first of a list of 13 myths concerning conception which was compiled by Dr Minna Geisler from The Waterstone Clinic in Ireland.

After being in clinical practice for a number of years, I have heard a multitude of myths concerning fertility. Some of these may appear to be plausible, whilst others border on the ridiculous. Dr Minna Geisler from The Waterstone Clinic in Ireland has put together a list of the top most frequent fertility myths. In the coming blogs, I have decided to individually address each of these myths and add in a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective where it is applicable.

Dr Geisler’s list is as follows:

1. Getting pregnant will be easy
2. Infertility is always due to a problem with the female
3. After stopping using the pill, it will take a while to conceive
4. 4. It is best to have sex at the same time as ovulation
5. Lifting the legs in the air after sex will increase the chances of conception
6. 6. It is best to wait for your temperature to raise before having sex
7. IVF is the only treatment option
8. Given I already have a child, it is safe to assume it will be easy to conceive again
9. Relax and take your time, IVF will allow you to conceive at any age
10. Body weight has no influence on someone’s fertility
11. Levels of exercise have no effect on fertility
12. Stress does not play a role in infertility
13. Only women need to take folic acid.

Little is understood in regards to the causes of endometriosis. Each case has its own unique characteristics and in turn probable causes will vary on a case-by-case basis. Despite this, there are two key risk factors which are more commonly associated with endometriosis. These are family history and retrograde menstruation.

A woman is seven to ten times more likely to get endometriosis if they have a relative who has the condition. The closer the family relationship with an endometriosis sufferer, the greater the chance a female will also get endometriosis.

Retrograde menstruation is also a common risk factor for endometriosis. This involves the flow of menstrual blood heading back into the vagina through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis area. This blood contains endometrial tissue. For the majority of women, this tissue will break down and be reabsorbed and no symptoms will be experienced. For those with endometriosis, this tissue may start to grow.

There are a range of other symptoms which may be associated with endometrioses. These include: the arrival of a menstrual cycle before the age of 11 years; recurring menstrual cycles of less than 27 days; delay in childbirth; falling pregnant at a young age; the use of alcohol; and low body weight.

In last week’s blog a simple explanation of endometriosis was offered. If you are unsure of what endometriosis is, please refer to the blog titled “Endometriosis: Part 1 – What Is It?”. This week’s blog will address the symptoms associated with endometriosis. These include:

Pain – This is the most common symptom of endometriosis and it occurs in the abdominal region, back and pelvis. It is mostly experienced before or during a period as well as at ovulation. Sexual intercourse may also cause pain, so too can passing stools and wind.

Period– Most women with endometriosis experience abnormalities with their period. This can involve heaving bleeding; irregular cycles or long periods. Bleeding or spotting may also occur before the period.

Vagina– A searing or tearing pain may be felt during sex or when inserting a tampon. This occurs in response the natural reflex tightening of the muscles in the wall of the vagina.

Bowel and Bladder– Stool patterns may change leading to constipation or diarrhoea. There may me an increase the frequency of urination. Bleeding can also come from both the bowel and the bladder.

Bloating– This is experienced in the abdominal area around the time of menstruation.