It is becoming more and more common for couples to walk into our office with a primary complaint of infertility. They are usually having trouble conceiving their first child, are unable to carry a pregnancy to term, or have had one child and are having difficulty conceiving the second. No matter the circumstance, there is a certain sense of failure and defeat that comes along with infertility. The worst part is that out of desperation, most couples resort to high-cost options to try to get pregnant and have no guarantee of a positive outcome from treatment.
So, what causes infertility, what are the best treatments, and what options do couples have? First off, there are several factors affecting fertility, and lab testing is without a doubt the best way to determine the cause. In a traditional medical model, the cause is usually identified as low or high levels of certain hormones and the treatment typically consists of some type of hormone replacement. Unfortunately, it is not common for doctors to ask the question, “Why?” when considering treatment. If a woman’s progesterone levels are low, the treatment is usually to administer a drug or give progesterone shots to increase her hormone levels. Yet, there can be MANY reasons for low progesterone levels in the first place. Is there an issue with inflammation or blood sugar regulation that is interfering with proper hormone synthesis and release? Or is it an issue of decreased thyroid function influencing fertility? There are very few people who try to find the real CAUSE of infertility instead of simply affecting a symptom.
I’ve heard some people say they don’t care about the cause of their problem if the treatment allows them to have a child. Although this can be a fair statement (depending on the situation), I still challenge that finding the reason for infertility and correcting it with long-lasting treatments will allow a couple to conceive as many children as they would like in the future. This gives them a sense of empowerment in their health and allows the body to function in a capacity that it is intended for. In order to achieve this level of care, a patient should always get long-term hormone testing to monitor monthly hormone cycles and should have general blood work done to determine other issues that may be influencing fertility.
Having children is a personal, life-changing decision. Allowing any treatment for infertility is just as personal of a decision and should be carefully considered based upon as much information as possible. Your child’s life may depend on it!
In health & happiness,
Dr. Brian & Dr. Sarah
Make sure to follow us on Facebook @ www.Facebook.com/LifeLogicHealth
LifeLogic Online 