Lots of sex but no baby?

BY DR. VIKAS PURI

Infertility typically refers to a lack of conception after a reasonable period of sexual intercourse without contraception (one year for women who are under 35 years, six months for women over 35 years).  Roughly 16% (or 1 in 6) couples in Canada experience infertility. This number has doubled since the 1980s.

The major cause of the increase in infertility is living a hectic and stressful lifestyle.  Stress is the prime reason for infertility. Stress can be grouped into three major headings.  Chemical, physical and emotional stress. Food today is filled with chemicals and growth hormones.  By the age of thirteen you have had 1,000 falls.  Being stuck on our phones and laptops has led to terrible postures. With the demands and expectation of this fast-paced world, the emotional toll is tremendous.  All of these stresses result in stress hormone elevation in the body, specifically cortisol.

Increase in cortisol levels in the body reduces the function of our immune system, reproductive system and gastrointestinal system.  This decrease in reproductive function can lead to infertility.

Chiropractic adjustments are one of the quickest and most effective ways of destressing the body. Research has shown the frontal lobe of the brain to begin firing after an adjustment, turning on “feel good” hormones and turning off the amygdala, the back of the brain where stress hormones are produced. The result is an immediate destressing effect, naturally, without drugs and their side effects. The best thing is that some of the “feel good” hormones are vasopressin and oxytocin, which are related with attraction and sexual function.  So, the adjustment not only gets you relaxed and enables the reproductive system, it offers a natural aphrodisiac effect.

Eastern or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the oldest medicine still widely used today. It evolved over thousands of years and includes acupuncture, a sophisticated herbal system, therapeutic nutrition, qi gong and targeted massage called tui na. Women’s menstrual cycles in Chinese medicine are a huge indicator of overall health, so whether a patient is trying to get pregnant or is undergoing treatments for migraines, anxiety or anything else, information about the menstrual cycle is always tracked. As health improves, cycles and periods may also change, so as headaches get better, PMS or cramps may resolve as well.

Everything is connected in TCM theory, which is why working holistically on any and all symptoms also improves fertility.

Studies have shown that TCM can help improve fertility and reproductive health in many ways. It can stimulate ovulation in women with amenorrhea (no periods) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the leading cause of hormonal dysfunction in women in America. Treatments can also help make cycles more regular, reduce menstrual cramps and PMS, manage endometriosis, thicken a uterine lining that is too thin for conception and optimize ovarian function. In one study, women working with a TCM practitioner showed a twofold increase in pregnancy rates over a three to four month period.

Emotional stress can lead to significant mental health issues including anxiety, depression, anger and low self-esteem.  All this can cause difficulty in relationships.

The aim of psychotherapy is to help clients overcome a wide scope of concerns. Things like relationship issues, to fear about having a baby, to stress from being a new mom, or any emotional difficulties. Psychotherapists can choose from a wealth of approaches to help you understand and explore how you feel. He/she uses various therapies and also gives you skills to help you manage difficult emotions more effectively.