Infertility Statistics
Infertility Statistics
The general definition of infertility is not becoming pregnant after a year of frequent, unprotected sex. There are many causes of infertility, among them uterine fibroids, endometriosis, surgical scar tissue, thyroid disease, hormone imbalance, problems with ovaries, pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted diseases, age, or low sperm count. Ten to 15 percent of couples in the U.S. experience infertility. Decreasing fertility begins in the late 20′s for women and late 30′s for men, making conception more difficult than in the early 20′s and 30′s. About 10 percent of infertility cases go unresolved and over 75 percent of those who seek treatment for infertility will conceive.
The main causes of female infertility are failure to ovulate (up to 30 percent of infertility cases) due to hormonal problems, poorly functioning fallopian tubes (up to 25 percent of infertility cases) due to infection, abdominal diseases, previous surgeries, ectopic pregnancy, or congenital defects, endometriosis (30 to 40 percent of those with endometriosis are infertile), additional factors such as uterine and cervical abnormalities, behavioral factors such as diet and exercise, smoking, drinking, drugs, or alcohol, and environmental and occupational factors like exposure to lead, pesticides, and medical treatments and materials. Many of these are addressed successfully with drugs and surgery.
Hormonal problems causing infertility are the most frequently and easily corrected, and are successfully resolved with drugs in up to 70 percent of cases. Fallopian tube problems causing infertility are the next most frequently and easily corrected, and are successfully resolved with surgery in 30 to 65 percent of the cases. Endometriosis is more complicated and difficult to treat, with varying rates of success. Behavioral and environmental factors of infertility have varying rates of successful treatment and change in circumstances.
The main causes of male infertility are low sperm count and poor sperm quality caused by different factors such as smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, excessive exercise or physical activity, exposure to toxins, hormonal problems, physical problems from injury or congenital defect, infection and disease, and psychological/behavioral problems. Low sperm count can be successfully improved with various treatments and lifestyle changes.
General medical advice about infertility is to seek medical evaluation if not becoming pregnant after a year of frequent, unprotected sex. Doctors will evaluate all aspects of fertility to advise recommended treatments and procedures. However, there are many little known natural avenues to take before giving up hope and seeking medical treatment for infertility. Lifestyle changes in diet and exercise, nutritional support for specific conditions, vitamins and minerals to correct deficiencies and improve health, alternative treatments like acupuncture, acupressure, and chiropractic adjustment, and many other non-medical remedies and processes are beneficial in addressing infertility. `
There are many health and financial benefits to using natural infertility treatments. Natural treatments and processes for infertility problems are less stressful, less expensive, less invasive, less harmful, and in many casesos, more successful than medical treatments. Many people are happier and healthier with natural treatments. Why not try the natural route first? There is nothing to lose and so much to gain!
