Category: Fertility Problems

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Fertility Problems

Fertility Problems

male, self, help, body weight, fertility drugs, premature ejaculation, irregular periods, biological clock, menopause, infertility, fertility problems

Problem Areas

Some women get pregnant very easily. Others believe it is a miracle when they finally conceive. Fertility problems are now regarded as “couple problems,” yet the breakdown between the genders is interesting.

Infertility can result from:

  • Male problems: 25 percent of couples
  • Female problems: 35 percent of couples
  • Female and male: 24 percent of couples
  • No known cause:16 percent of couples

Factors to be investigated include:

  • Man: Is the quality of sperm poor or good? (testicles)
  • Woman: Is a viable egg produced at midcycle? (ovaries)
  • Man: Are the sperm tubes unblocked? (epididymis & vas)
  • Woman: Are the egg tubes unblocked? (oviducts)
  • Woman: Is the uterus lining well-prepared? (endometrium)
  • Both: Are the sex hormones produced in proper balance?

However, many fertility problems are not really problems and can be resolved by the couples themselves. The first factors to consider do not involve medical intervention.

Categories
Fertility Problems

Fertility Drugs

male, self, help, body weight, fertility drugs, premature ejaculation, irregular periods, biological clock, menopause, infertility, fertility problems

There are different kinds of fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries. Each has advantages and disadvantages in terms of time, negative side effects, cost, and so on. Some are taken orally, others require shots. Still, others are delivered via a pump which is worn at the waist with a drip feed entering a vein in the arm; this allows for small doses to be slowly and steadily absorbed.

Fertility drugs work in various ways, usually on the pituitary and/or hypothalamus. They stimulate the ovaries in the early part of the cycle to produce more and better follicles. They are very effective; 80 to 90 percent of women will ovulate regularly on the 13th or 14th day. Where the only cause of infertility is poor ovulation, there is a very good chance of pregnancy.

In fact, fertility drugs stimulate the ovaries so successfully that more than one egg is produced. This results in the problem of multiple births. There is a 10 to 25 percent chance of twins and triplets; with higher numbers, some of the embryos die, and/or are severely retarded. Though fertility drugs do involve multiple births, further research may soon reduce this risk.

Categories
Fertility Problems

Body Weight

male, self, help, body weight, fertility drugs, premature ejaculation, irregular periods, biological clock, menopause, infertility, fertility problems

Fat cells absorb and release the female hormone estrogen. In women who are overweight, estrogen is not only produced by the ovaries, but also from the extra fat cells in other parts of the body. This release of extra estrogen from extra fat cells upsets the fine balance of the feedback system between the pituitary hormones and estrogen. If the problem can be detected on the bathroom scales, reduce weight to within the normal range for age.

Overweight in men. Heat damages sperm production. In men who are overweight, an excess of flesh at the buttocks, inner thighs, and lower abdomen not only keeps the groin hot, it raises the temperature in the testicles. This reduces their ability to produce vigorous sperm. The testicles should be a few degrees below body heat; hence their cooler position outside the body. Wear loose cotton shorts, and reduce weight to within the normal range for age.

Underweight in women. Being underweight can also upset the feedback system between the hormones. A certain level of fat cells is necessary for hormone production. If body weight drops too low, ovulation can be suppressed. Some women athletes and long-distance runners have scanty or absent periods. Avoid crash diets. Avoid any slimming or exercise program which promises a sudden weight loss or one which drops the body weight below the minimum normal range. Increase carbohydrate consumption. Aim for an even body weight within the normal range for age.