Infertility
Infertility is becoming more common. Many reasons have been proposed. Some say the problem is environmental, some say nutritional, some attribute it to the use of birth control pills, some say it is in part due to couples waiting until they are older to try. All may be true to some extent. Reasons for infertility are many. Anything that interferes with:
1.) Egg production and release
2.) Egg travel to the uterus
3.) Sperm production and fluid
4.) Receptive environment of the uterus, fallopian tubes and vagina
5.) Maintenance of the uterine environment
can result in infertility. Locating and handling the correct reasons is what a couple is up against when there is a problem with conception.
All of the above reasons are connected to hormones. Checking hormonal levels are certainly a valid place to start. Correcting hormonal levels that are off however is a little more complicated than just giving the person synthetic hormones. The glands that produce hormones are regulators which means that they produce hormones at different levels to cause appropriate changes. Hormone levels normally fluctuate. It can be difficult to make hormone levels correct just by giving a set dosage at regular intervals. If hormone levels are not exactly right, the best solution is to heal the glands and tissues responsible for producing the hormones so that the levels become normal as determined by the internal feedback systems of the body rather than by a doctor.
To do this it is necessary to discover what is interfering with the normal function of the glands. Infection, heavy metals or chemicals, lack of nerve supply, old injury, allergies, lack of nutrients or any combination of causes are possibilities.
Sometimes the glands such as the ovaries are fine but they are receiving the wrong messages from higher up. The pituitary gland may be malfunctioning or the higher brain centers may need help. Malfunction of glands not ordinarily associated with sex hormone production can throw the sex hormones out of balance also. Problems with the thyroid gland, parathyroid gland and adrenal glands are examples. Most aren’t aware that adrenal glands produce estrogen also.
Structural problems can cause infertility. There may be genetic disorders with malformed fallopian tubes or abnormal uterine membranes. These are of course the most difficult to address but at least are straight forward with medical imagery testing and are usually one of the first things looked for.
It’s more perplexing to couples when everything is found to be “normal” with structure and hormones yet they still are unable to become pregnant. It is true, some structural problems may be missed. A fallopian tube may have become damaged from an old infection for instance. Proper nutrition may be able to restore function in this area given time. Often the reason underneath a failure to become pregnant is not hormonal or structural. These other reasons often are not addressed by the medical community.
Anything that affects the environment of the uterus can affect fertility, hormone related or not. If the acid/base balance of the uterus is off (as possible with a kidney problem) this can affect fertility. If the salinity is not ok it can create a problem. If calcium is not getting into the uterus tissues it may be a factor.
If there is a toxin, such as a toxin from the intestines or from an infection elsewhere, this can negatively affect the uterine environment. If the uterus is too dry it may be a factor. The uterus may not be receiving the proper nerve signals causing the over-all uterine function and environment to be incorrect. There may be infection in the uterus that doesn’t show up on a standard test. Some chemical or heavy metals may be affecting the uterus directly.
Abnormal radiation or electromagnetic fields in the environment are not even beyond the realm of possibility. Lymph flow may be stagnant in the area around the uterus causing metabolic toxin buildup.
This can occur when the bladder, uterus or bowel has dropped or shifted from normal position. Basically anything that makes the environment of the uterus or fallopian tubes or vagina less than ideal can interfere with fertility.
The man cannot be ignored in this venture either. Sometimes all the attention is put on the female but the male needs to be fixed. Sperm count and structure may look normal but the fluid may not be exactly correct. Proper nutrition and prostate support can help this. It is also of course vital to make sure that the testes are functioning well and have proper nerve and hormonal supply. The bottom line is that there is a lot more that can be done than just checking hormonal levels, structure and sperm count. Until everything is done, there is still hope. No guarantees may be given with something like this. I think that’s understood. But weighing the cost and effort of a CEMT nutritional program against the possibility of new life is a no- brainer in my world. We see what we can find that might be interfering and we fix it. After that it’s up to God.
If you know someone who is having trouble with fertility we might be able to help. Have them call to set up an appointment.
Dr. David A. Murdock, D.C.
