9 Causes Of Female Infertility!

Female reproductive process is very difficult to understand.

In order to get pregnant, each and every step, from the release of an egg from ovaries to fertilization to implantation of fertilized egg and growth in the womb has to happen precisely.

In women, various factors can trigger this procedure at any stage. Here are the possible causes of female infertility:

Ovulation factors:

Ovulation factors are one of the causes of female infertility and is responsible in about 52% of the infertile couple. Ovulation problems are mainly due to changes in the reproductive hormones produced by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus or due to the troubles in the ovary itself.

You are said to have ovulation problems if you ovulate irregularly or completely stops ovulating.

Here is the list of ovulation disorders that are the main causes of female infertility:

1. Polycystic ovary syndrome: In women with PCOS, great changes occur in their pituitary gland, ovary and hypothalamus and causes overproduction of male hormones called as androgens, which affects ovulation. PCOS is also linked to obesity and insulin resistance.

2. Premature ovarian failure (POF): It is due to the autoimmune response where your body can mistakenly attacks the ovarian tissues. POF destroys the egg in the ovary and also decreases production of estrogen.

3. Abnormal LH and FSH secretion: LH and FSH are responsible for egg release in each month. LH, luteinizing hormone and FSH, follicle stimulating hormone are released by the pituitary gland every month during the menstrual cycle.

Excess emotional or physical stress, very low or high body weight can disrupt this production. Main cause for this problem is irregular or missed menstrual cycle which are the main causes of female infertility.

4. Luteal phase defect: Insufficient production of progesterone hormone after ovulation can result in luteal phase defect. Progesterone hormone is essential in preparing the uterine lining for implantation of fertilized egg.

5. Endometriosis: Endometriosis causes uterine tissue to implant and grow in other locations. Surgical removal of this extra tissue can cause scarring, which disturbs your fertility. Studies showed that excess tissue growth can also interfere with conception.

6. Uterine abnormalities: Women in their 30’s are more likely to get tumors or polyps in the uterus. This can disturbs fertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or by disturbing implantation. Scarring in the uterus can disrupt implantation. Also, women who born with some abnormalities like bicornate uterus will have problems in becoming pregnant.

7. Fallopian tube damage: Damaging or blocking of the fallopian tubes can cause sperm not to combine with the egg. Main causes behind fallopian tube damage include:

• Swelling of fallopian tubes due to gonorrhea or Chlamydia


• Have had ectopic pregnancy, in which egg implants and develops in the fallopian tube


• Abdominal or pelvic surgery
  

8. Cervical blockage: Also called as cervical stenosis. This condition is due to hereditary defects or cervical damage. This condition results in the inability of cervix to produce mucus for sperm mobility and fertilization. Sometimes, cervical opening can be closed that results in sperm from not reaching the egg.

9. Unexplained infertility: During some instances, causes of female infertility can not be determined. But, the couple with unexplained infertility can get spontaneous pregnancy when compared to all the infertile couple.

5 Tips To Produce Healthy Sperm!

Infertility is a condition that both the man and woman should undergo examination.

Most of the people think that the problem is only related to women, but is certainly wrong.

Fertility problems associated with men can also create difficulties when trying to conceive.

About 75% of male fertility problems are due to unhealthy sperm production and low sperm count. So, every man should carefully go with healthy diet, daily workouts and good lifestyle habits.

The greater the men can do to prevent fertility problems, the more it will help them in healthy sperm production. Here are five tips that help you in healthy sperm production and also increase your sperm count.

1. Maintain healthy weight:

Healthy diet and exercise are essential for healthy living. Studies showed that having BMI less than 20 or greater than 25 can lead to unhealthy sperm production or low sperm count. So, practice workouts regularly and stay healthy.

2. Stress and relaxation:

Stress causes negative impact on everyone. So, reduce stress and try to relax more and more when you are trying to conceive. Stress causes low sperm count and also decreases your sex drive. Practice regular exercise, relaxing music, herbal teas, yoga, or any other method that makes your stress go away.

3. Good habits:

Drinking, smoking and usage of illegal drugs can influence your sperm production and lead to low sperm count. Research has showed that smoking is related to sperm health. Smoking causes DNA damage to sperm and lead to birth defects.

Alcohol consumption can lead to male impotence and illegal drugs can impact the sperm negatively. The most important thing that you should know is it takes complete three months for the development of healthy sperm.

So, people who are trying to conceive should keep this in mind act accordingly with your actions and your behavior. To produce strong and healthy sperm, quit smoking and avoid drug usage for three months before you are trying to conceive. Also, don’t exceed drinks more than two a day.

4. Exposure to heat and sun:

Research showed that exposure to heat and sun is actually related in a positive way to testosterone levels, which means that natural exposure to sun can cause healthy sperm production. Also, avoid over exposure to heat. Excess heat causes testicles to create low sperm count.

Also, avoid very hot baths when you are trying to conceive. Last but not the least, avoid working with your laptop by keeping it in your lap.

5. Check your sexual activity:

It is wrong assumption that when you are trying to conceive you need to have sex all the time. This can lead to negative effect on your chances of conceiving. Studies showed that ejaculation more than twice a day can decrease your fertility. It takes some time for the sperm to regenerate in your body and to create healthy sperm count for ejaculation

12 Amazing Sex Benefits For Your Health!

Sex has much more to it than most of us think and know. Do you know that sex is a type of physical activity?

Having sex thrice a week can burn lot of calories and if you maintain it throughout the year, it is equivalent to jogging 75 miles.

Studies showed that an active sex life helps you live longer. Your body’s organs and systems function better and remain healthy because sexual activity improves oxygen supply to the cells and boosts the activities of various organs and systems.

The benefits of sex are not anecdotal. Each of these sex benefits for health is proved by scientific scrutiny.

Here are the benefits of love making in a relationship:

1. Sex as immunity booster

Good sexual health always gives better physical health. Having sex thrice a week can boost the levels of antibody called as IgA or immunoglobulin A. IgA can protect you against colds and other infections. Research conducted on people who have had sex once or twice a week showed that these people contain 30% higher levels of IgA.

2. Sex improves your cardiovascular health

You may notice that whenever you feel sexually aroused, there is a great increase in your heart and breathing rates. The main reason behind this is your body prepares for the act of sex by increasing blood flow to the genitals. This increases adrenaline in your bloodstream.

Once the orgasm is achieved, you will release a hormone called as oxytocin. Oxytocin has various health benefits such as it lowers your blood pressure. Lowering the blood pressure means that you are at less risk of heart attack and stroke.

3. Sex controls your bladder

Have you heard of kegel exercises? The muscles which work during the sexual activity are the same that work while doing kegel exercise.

4. Sex as pain reliever

You know that sex increases the hormone oxytocin in your blood. Again oxytocin increases increases endorphins, which gives pain relief. Also, higher oxytocin levels can give you relief from headaches, PMS symptoms and arthritis pain.

5. Stress makes pelvic floor muscles strong

As kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, the same way sex can also make those muscles strong. Strong pelvic floor muscles can reduce the risk of incontinence in later life.

6. Sex as sleep booster

Oxytocin hormone can also promote good sleep. So, getting enough sleep can give you various benefits such as you can maintain healthy weight and blood pressure. Endorphins and oxytocin can also act like natural sedatives.

7. Sex as stress reliever

One of the greatest health benefits of sex is lowering the blood pressure and reducing the stress. Women with higher levels of oxytocin are usually calm, more relaxed and less stressful than others.

Studies showed that higher levels of estrogen boost the calming effect of oxytocin, whereas testosterone may counteract it.

8. Sex as anti-depressant

Endorphins that release your pain can also make you feel euphoric after the sexual activity or masturbation.

9. Sex enhances your spirituality

Sex not only helps you to gain deeper sense of yourself, but also you can experience an energy that feeds various other areas of your life. Many who consider of sex as a spiritual practice told that they have a stronger sense of self and of their relationships.

10. Sex improves sense of smell

Sex improves the production of hormone called as prolactin. This again causes stem cells in your brain to develop new neurons in brain’s olfactory bulb, which is the smell center.

11. Sex promotes weight loss

Sex nothing but physical activity burns 200 calories, which is same as running 15 minutes on a treadmill. When you are sexually aroused, your pulse rate raises from 70 beats per minute to 150, which is same as that an athlete putting out maximum effort.

Muscle contractions during the sexual activity make your thighs, pelvis, arms, neck, buttocks and throat work together. Sex increases the production of testosterone hormones, which strengthens your muscles and bones.

12. Sex improves blood flow

When you are sexually aroused, the blood starts to pump at quicker rate and also the flow increases to your brain. Increased heart rate and increased blood flow can result in better performance. The fresh supply of blood pumping through your body provides the organs with a healthy dose of oxygen and rids the body of old and wasteful products. This means sex also helps in cleaning your body system.

Acupuncture For Treating Infertility!

Want to try an alternative treatment to cure your infertility?

Then consider acupuncture. The idea behind acupuncture for infertility is that acupuncture regulates the blood supply for sexual organs and readjusts the hormones present in your body.

Acupuncture for infertility is most commonly applied when you are experiencing functional issues like fluctuating ovulation, endometriosis, or hormonal imbalances.

During some cases, acupuncture can be used as a supplemental procedure for in vitro fertilization (IVF). During IVF, acupuncture helps you to relax the uterus while transferring the embryo.

On the other hand, acupuncture can not be effective in treating structural problems such as blocked fallopian tubes, or improperly formed epididymis, which leads to infertility.

How acupuncture works for infertility?

Acupuncture is the insertion of ultra-thin, sterile needles in particular acupuncture points on your body, which exist in channels or meridians. Meridians are the pathways in both the exterior and interior of your body.

Acupuncture stimulates the energy points that are considered to be central to your spiritual, mental, physical and emotional balance. For treating infertility, acupuncture needles are placed in energy points that are connected to your reproductive organs in order to improve the energy flow to these areas.

If the causes of infertility in women include: lack of energy, excessive stress or unregulated menstrual flow, then acupuncture for infertile women mainly targets on the meridians for the heart, kidney and liver.

Kidneys can provide your body with sufficient energy, so treating this area give you more energy that you need to offer a baby.

Treating the liver meridians can regulate your menstrual flow and also diminishes the psychological effects of PMS, anxiety and depression.

The heart system is considered to be related to a person’s emotional state. Applying acupuncture to these meridians helps to reduce the stress and allows relaxation and also help throughout your conception.

When you get treatment for all these areas, your egg quality greatly improves, uterine lining becomes healthy, menstrual flow regulates, and achieves hormonal balance.

According to the western medicine, the most common causes for infertility include: PCOS, hormone imbalance, ovulation irregularities. PCOS occurs when your ovaries produce higher levels of male hormone.

This again generates imbalance in your whole hormone levels. This can greatly impede your egg production and lead to the formation of cysts in your ovaries thus decreasing or stopping the ovulation.

During this case, acupuncture helps to rebalance your body’s system and increase the blood flow to reproductive organs to restore your ovarian functionality. This increased blood flow thickens the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. Thus it creates a fertile environment for the egg to grow.

Abnormal thyroid functioning and overweight are also the causes of infertility. Undergoing acupuncture can rebalance your body’s forces and help to regulate your thyroid function and also reduce the weight.

When you seek acupuncture treatment for infertility, following proper timing consistency is very important. In order to get best results, one to two sessions a week for three to six months is essential.

How Diet And Fertility Link Together?

Diet and fertility always go hand in hand.

Three out of every seven people in USA are infertile with unknown cause. For those people, diet helps a lot.

There are certain foods that can help boost your fertility, whereas some others can harm.

Healthy diet - Foods you need to eat

Healthy diet is the key when you are trying to conceive. You should take healthy and balanced meals that contain foods from all food groups.

Fruits, vegetables, whole wheat, organic foods can help increase your chance of becoming pregnant. Foods from these groups contain minerals and vitamins, which have major role in conception and baby development.

Foods that contain proteins such as poultry and meat can help you to maintain healthy levels of iron. Insufficient iron levels during first trimester of your pregnancy can increase postpartum risks such as anemia. Postpartum affects 27% of women.

Purely vegetarian diets are also healthy, but sometimes, you need to take iron supplements to reduce the risk of anemia when your diet lacks sufficient sources of iron and dairy.

Eat fish that contain low mercury levels because fish is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids greatly boost your fertility and keep your heart healthy.

Avoid fishes such as shark, marlin, white tuna and frozen swordfish as they contain high mercury levels. Fishes with low mercury levels include: flounder, tilapia, canned chunk light tuna, haddock, salmon, trout, and haddock.

For women who worry about eating fish or if they are vegetarians, flax seeds are a best source of omega 3 fatty acids. Bread and yogurt are also best sources. Bread containing whole grains will give sufficient amount of fiber. Whole grains are important nutrients that help to boost your health.

Consume foods with sufficient calcium levels. Dairy foods contain high calcium levels such as yogurt, cheese and milk. These foods are sources of saturated fats, so moderate consumption is recommended.

Vegetables like oranges, kale and broccoli are also best sources of calcium. Pumpkin, broccoli and peas are good sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Eat fruits and veggies that have bright color. Kale, red peppers and blueberries are particularly healthy.

Lemons and oranges are also recommended to eat as they are good sources of folic acid. Folic acid stimulates your sex hormones and also reduces the risk of spina bifids in your infants.

Vitamins are also essential to boost your fertility. Folic acid, zinc and vitamin B are essential. Zinc supports cell division during fetus development, whereas lack of zinc causes less number of eggs to produce before the conception. So, zinc is greatly recommended to increase fertility.

Intake of large fluid levels is very much important while trying to conceive.

Unhealthy foods – Foods you need to avoid

Foods containing artificial sweeteners should be avoided as they greatly affect your blood sugar levels and hormone levels. Fatty foods should also be avoided.

Avoid diet soda and caffeine, particularly if you have trouble conceiving or under IVF procedure.

Avoid refined carbs such as pasta, white bread and rice.

Eating high quantities of meat is also not recommended as it increases your body’s ammonia levels, which disturbs egg implantation in the uterus.

Avoid alcohol consumption, taking illegal drugs and smoking.