Infertility Prevalent in 15% of Couples
Title: Understanding Infertility and Taking Steps towards Healthy Pregnancy
Introduction:
Infertility is a significant concern for many couples who dream of starting a family. According to obstetricians and gynecologists, approximately 15% of couples face difficulties in conceiving. However, there is hope for those struggling with infertility, as various treatments are available to help them achieve their goal of having children. In this article, we will explore insights shared by experts in the field and discuss the importance of functional medicine and healthy lifestyle choices in promoting fertility and ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
Functional Medicine and its Role in Addressing Infertility:
Professor Dr. Yaprak Üstün, a renowned Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist and board member of the Turkish-German Gynecology Education, Research, and Service Foundation (TAJEV), sheds light on functional medicine’s approach to infertility. Üstün explains that functional medicine aims to identify the underlying causes of chronic diseases and provide tailored treatments accordingly. In the case of infertility, factors such as hormonal irregularities, advanced age, uterine and tubal diseases, congenital disorders, chronic diseases, obesity, excessive stress, smoking, alcohol use, and toxins in the body can hinder conception.
Comprehensive Evaluations and Treatments:
When it comes to diagnosing infertility, Üstün emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluations for both men and women. Infertility can have multiple contributing factors, making it essential to evaluate the couple as a whole. Üstün reveals that out of 100 couples facing infertility, equal proportions can be attributed to male and female factors. Additionally, there is a subset of couples deemed “unexplained,” where no underlying cause is found after thorough examinations.
Treatment Options:
In Turkey, there is a wide range of drug treatments available for addressing infertility. For instance, women experiencing ovulation problems can benefit from various pills and injections to enhance their egg production. Vaccination methods are also commonly employed to ensure proper timing for conception. These treatments are readily accessible in hospitals throughout the country, providing hope and opportunities for couples struggling with infertility.
Preparing for Pregnancy:
During the interview, Professor Dr. Yaprak Üstün emphasizes that the quality of life plays a vital role in the journey of conceiving a child. Stress reduction, regular exercise, and healthy nutrition are all supportive elements for both fertility and pregnancy. To prepare the body for pregnancy, Üstün recommends eliminating toxins and inflammation. Couples should be cautious about exposure to substances such as Bisphenol A found in plastic bottles and prioritize the avoidance of toxins present in cosmetics and hair dyes. A zero-load, toxin-free pregnancy is desirable. Following a diet that includes ample vegetables and fruits while avoiding excessive carbohydrate intake is emphasized.
Environmental and Genetic Factors:
Professor Dr. Murat Ekin, from the Faculty of Health Sciences at Hamidiye Faculty of Medicine, draws attention to environmental and genetic factors influencing infertility. Genetic factors, such as known chromosomal diseases, can contribute to infertility in both men and women. Ekin also highlights the impact of environmental factors like ovarian and tube diseases, previous surgeries, chemotherapeutic drug usage, smoking, mumps, and sexual dysfunctions as risk factors for infertility. Additionally, lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, stress, and irregular sleep patterns can harm both egg and sperm quality.
The Role of Functional Medicine:
For couples facing challenges such as female or male infertility, unsuccessful in vitro fertilization attempts, or recurrent pregnancy loss, personalized functional medicine applications aim to uncover the root causes. Chronic inflammatory diseases, stress, allergies, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and toxic substances present in the body are among the factors addressed by functional medicine. Although there is limited scientific evidence supporting the diagnosis and treatment of these underlying factors, adopting a balanced diet, incorporating lifestyle changes, regular exercise, and seek vitamin and mineral support can contribute to achieving and maintaining pregnancy.
Conclusion:
Infertility affects a significant number of couples worldwide, but advancements in medical science and functional medicine offer various treatment options. Understanding the underlying causes of infertility and making lifestyle changes accordingly can significantly increase the chances of conceiving and experiencing a healthy pregnancy. By prioritizing factors such as toxin-free living, regular exercise, and a balanced diet, couples can embark on their journey towards parenthood with greater hope and confidence.
