Medical Challenges to Conception
By: Laurie Morse, L.Ac.
What seems like should be a natural course of "Mother Nature" can often times turn into a maze of obstacles. The challenges in trying to conceive can seem insurmountable. The official diagnosis of "infertility" comes after a couple has been unsuccessfully trying to conceive for a year or longer (six months if 35 years or older), or impregnates but results in miscarriage. It is at this point that the consideration of a medical evaluation is wise. Both partners should begin with basic evaluations in order to garner a clearer picture of what might be specific challenges to conception.
A thorough history of the following for both should be discussed:
- Previous surgeries (hernia, appendectomy etc.)
- Past and present use of pharmaceuticals (birth control, depo provera, anti-depressants etc.)
- Occupations hazards and exposure to chemicals or recreational drug use
- Previous pregnancies
- Sexual history including STDs
- Significant health changes in the last 6-12 months (weight gain, bowel changes, etc.)
- Menstrual cycle history (PMS, cramping, pelvic pain, clotting, blood loss, infections)
FOR A WOMAN: Begin with your regular OB/GYN with a pap smear, pelvic exam, urine analysis, and blood tests including hormone levels (FSH, Estrogen (estradiol), progesterone and testosterone). An ultrasound of your pelvic area may also be indicated.
FOR A MAN: Begin with a GP for an overall physical exam and a semen analysis.
Based on the results of your basic evaluation, the detection of your fertility problems and treatment might become clear. If not, you should get a referral to a Fertility Specialist. The requirements for successful conception are:
- Ovulation
- Sperm production and effective transport to the egg
- Oocyte (egg) and sperm fertilization
- Successful implantation in uterus for natural growth
Any number of obstacles may occur in this process. The woman may be anovulatory (ovulation does not occur). There may be a fibroid, endometriosis or blockage in a fallopian tube(s) that impedes the normal pathway to conception. A woman might have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (multiple cysts or follicles within the ovaries). PCOS could include insulin resistance and something called impaired hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function. Egg quality in general may be poor due to age or prolonged stress. Your doctor might discuss a laparoscopy or a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). Both of these are basic surgical procedures to "see" inside the reproductive area, as a means to diagnose further.
A man might have low sperm count, motility and/or morphology which renders the overall production, function, quality and quantity unable to fertilize.
The good news is that, even if either of you turns out to be at a disadvantage in any of these ways, there is a way to maximize your success in trying to conceive... the My Fertility Success System.
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Laurie Morse, L.Ac., is the author of the revolutionary e-book "7 Strategies to Fertility Success," providing skills and exercises to help women turn their fertility switch on by "pulling their weeds," optimizing their terrain and planting pregnancy seeds with their intentionality. She is the director of Holistic Health Services in San Diego CA , where she has successfully treated fertility for the past decade. In addition, she provides workshops and tele-classes on fertility success. For more information go to: http://www.myfertilitysuccess.com