The rates of infertility in both women and men are on the rise, affecting between 10 to 15 percent of couples. That is probably a conservative estimate. Although some causes are well known, couples should consider other important factors when trying to conceive.
Some of the more common reasons include the mother’s age, obesity, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), varicose veins in the scrotum, and fallopian tube damage.
However, addressing less commonly known causes of infertility not only can improve the chances of conception, but also lower the risk of giving birth to a child with asthma and allergies, or a brain development disorder such as autism or ADHD.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, can cause infertility, miscarriages, or complications with pregnancy. Low levels of thyroid hormone affect reproductive function in women. Also, most cases of hypothyroidism are caused by Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. Research shows a correlation between infertility in women and autoimmune hypothyroidism. Women should have their thyroid function tested before trying to conceive as success rates improve when the condition is treated. Contact us to see how we can help you manage the underlying cause of hypothyroidism.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Research suggests undiagnosed Celiac disease is correlated with infertility in both women and men, and pregnancy complications. Couples wishing to conceive should be screened for a gluten intolerance using newer, more advanced gluten testing (conventional testing fails to diagnose many gluten-intolerant people). Because intolerances to other foods cause chronic inflammation, another barrier to fertility, it’s a good idea to rule out other food intolerances with testing or an elimination diet.
Autoimmune disease
An autoimmune disease is a disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys a part of the body. This process greatly imbalances the immune system and increases inflammation. Studies suggest that not only does the autoimmune thyroid disease, but also other autoimmune diseases can affect fertility as well. Additionally, an autoimmune disease can attack reproductive organs, directly impacting their function. For instance, women can have an autoimmune reaction to their own ovaries or men can react to their own sperm.
Environmental toxins
Many environmental toxins are linked with infertility in both women and men. Studies suggest environmental toxins impair semen quality in men, and affect various affects aspects of reproduction in women. If a couple does conceive, exposure to environmental toxins can affect the fertility of their children. You can minimize your exposure to toxins by eating a whole foods diet, drinking filtered water, and using non-toxic body and home care products. Also, certain nutritional therapy strategies, such as glutathione support, can help you become more resilient to toxins. If you are trying to conceive, ask my office for strategies on safely reducing your toxic burden.
PCOS
Although PCOS is a recognized cause of infertility, lesser known is what causes it. In functional medicine, we recognize PCOS as a hormonal imbalance caused by diet and lifestyle choices. Excess sugars and refined carbohydrates, lack of exercise, and chronic stress are factors that contribute to PCOS, which is linked with insulin resistance, or pre-diabetes.
Pre-conception care lowers risk of asthma, allergies, and autism in children
It is best to ferret out and address any health issues, some of which may cause no symptoms, before trying to conceive. Autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and other health problems not only can hinder conception, but they also affect the health of the immune system and brain health of the child. Managing these issues prior to conception can help prevent asthma, eczema, allergies, food intolerances, autoimmunity and brain development disorders such as autism or ADHD.
