Infertility in people is described as the inability of a person to reproduce by natural means. Results of statistics vary somewhat, but it’s safe to say that infertility affects approximately one out of every five or six couples.
From out conventional medicine practice an infertility diagnosis is usually given only when a couple is unable to conceive over the course of one year.
In practice it means that it’s the inability of a woman to become pregnant and have a baby, which can be caused by the man, the woman, or by both, or sometimes by external factors such as environmental issues.
Sometimes the partners are individually fertile, but the combination of partners obstructs pregnancy. The latter can have many reasons, but often stress, lifestyle, relationship problems, emotional and psychological issues, and low libido (low sex drive) play an important role.
The most common cause of female infertility is considered ovulatory problems, which again can have many causes, such as cysts, hormonal regulation, ovarian adhesions, uterine or genetic issues, among other issues. Ovulatory dysfunctions generally manifest themselves by very irregular or absent menstrual periods.
The main cause of male infertility is low semen quality. In men who have the necessary reproductive organs to procreate, infertility can be caused by low sperm count due to endocrine problems, drugs, radiation, poor blood supply, toxins or infection, to name a few issues.
Additionally, there may be testicular malformations, hormone imbalances, DNA issues, anti-sperm antibodies, or blockages of the man’s duct system obstructing a healthy functioning.
Although many fertility issues can be treated through surgery, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or hormonal substitutions, some may be indefinite.
Statistically, about twenty percent of infertile couples have unexplained infertility. In these cases, alternative and complementary treatments, traditional genital and abdominal massage and bodywork or traditional energy work may be the last resort to try to restimulate the genital and reproductive system.