According to the CDC, 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy.That 1 couple is likely to have a tremendous strain in their relationship.Why? Simply put, someone has to be the blame for this dreadful disease called Infertility.In most societies, it appears that the blame falls on the women; some women even blame themselves, but is that realistic or even fair?
One of my favorite movies, Scarface, has a scene with toxic characters was the scene with Tony Montana (Al Pacino), Manny, his best friend and Elvira (Michele Pfeiffer) having a meal at what appears to be an elegant restaurant.Despite his own personal demons with drugs and alcohol, Tony blames Elvira for not being able to have a child.He says, “…her womb is so polluted, I can’t even have a F*&$ing little baby with her”.This scene makes me think about the 6-7 Million couples who are living this reality every day and are desperately trying to find solutions - Is he blaming her? Is she blaming herself? Is she blaming him? Who’s fault is it anyway???
Let’s look at the facts: 40% of infertility cases diagnosed are due to female factors, 40% due to male factors and 20% unexplained.
SOME CAUSES FOR WOMEN
• Age: Infertility decreases after 30 years of age.Decreases even more after 35 and plummets after 40
• Underweight/Overweight: Ideal BMI is between 20-30%
• Hormonal Changes: can promote infertility
• Miscarriages: More frequency correlation to decreased likelihood of pregnancy
• STDs
• Fibroids/Endometriosis
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Smoking can damage egg quality
SOME CAUSES FOR MEN
• Age also affects men’s infertility
• Warm temperature for Testes: limit use of laptops and tight underwear as they affect sperm motility.
• Prescription Medications: Some side effects may reduce fertility – check with your pharmacist
• Testicular Abnormalities: Varicoceles can damage sperm
-Environmental toxins, stress, recreational Drugs, poor diet, no exercise, radiation treatment for cancer and smoking affects health and can decrease fertility in both sexes.
Things to consider when dealing with Infertility:
1. Avoid Blame: Its unproductive and demotivating.
2. Stay Positive: Remember, its *** not *** are loads of scientific advances that make having your baby more hopeful.
3. Keep the relationship healthy: Just because you and/or your partner may be infertile, doesn’t meant that the relationship has to be.Be each other’s champion and supporter.Your partner is most likely going through similar psychological effects and needs as much support as you do.
Hope you found this helpful.As always, if you want more information about the causes of infertility, contact us at *** or visit us at ***
