Thursday, September 01, 2005

Interesting stats re couples and fertility issues

A poll of 2000 women in the UK showed:

Two thirds of couples who fail to conceive think their past lifestyle has contributed to their fertility problems.

But the most common causes of problems are not ovulating (39 per cent of women), polycystic ovary syndrome (20 per cent), blocked fallopian tubes (18 per cent) and low sperm count (19 per cent of men).

An estimated one in seven couples have fertility problems.

The average couple who failed to conceive said their GP only acknowledged their fertility problem after 17 months of trying for a baby.

Stacey's comment:

The last statistic is really sad I think. Medical professionals are missing the boat here. When a couple comes in with concern in regards to their fertility and they have been trying for less than 12 months, usually they are told "not to worry" come and see me if it is longer than a year. Then these are the same professionals who if you come to see them again think, "they should have started sooner. Time is running out" and other beliefs that don't help the couple. When a patient walks in to a doctor's office and is concerned about their fertility this is the perfect opportunity to start the education process and help the patient become empowered to take charge of their health and their fertility. Too many times if a medical professional doesn't prescribe a medication or if they feel its too early to prescribe one since the couple hasn't been trying for too long this is the perfect the couple not only leaves the office empty handed but none of their fears, destructive beliefs, poor diet choices, poor lifestyle choices or problems in their relationship go away. All that happens is they continue to go through life and most don't make any changes.

Medical professionals have such an opportunity here to put down their perscription pads and connect with the patient. Educate the patient. They can help the patient empower themselves. I realise the average doctor is extremely short on time but referring them for nutritional advice and prenatal education would make such a huge constructive impact on the couple.

I really hope that some day physicians will realise they have this opportunity to really make a difference in someone's life. There are many physicians that do take this approach but unfortunately they are in the minority. So keep your eyes and ears peeled for a GP that will work with you to improve your health and fertility and work in conjunction with your naturopath as well. The best results for you come from a team effort.

Health should be your main focus when trying to conceive

Fertility problems linked to health

Fertility problems are soaring in the UK because couples are too unfit for pregnancy, according to new research.

One in seven couples in the UK will have problems having a baby, but experts predict this could increase in the next decade.

Alcohol, smoking and poor diet could be helping fuel the rising rates of infertility, according to the survey.

DAily news London

Stacey's comment:

It is so important to educate patients on the importance of improving their health when they are trying to conceive. Poor cellular health means that the body is not getting enough nutrients to sustain the health of the cells and remember the females eggs and the males sperm are cells. Poor health of the cells can either be the result of a poor diet or poor digestion. Poor digestion may be due to stress, taking over the counter medications or prescribed medications, smoking, alcohol consumption and also the result of a poor diet. A person can have a good diet and poor digestion if they are stressed, if they take any synthetic medications either over the counter or prescribed, and if they smoke and/or drink alcohol.

At our clinic we are constantly educating patients on how they can improve their diet and improve the absorption of nutrients into their system which will improve the health of their eggs, sperm, and endometrial lining.

Starting with a low glycemic eating plan is a great beginning. Cutting out trans fats, sugary drinks, soft drinks, and high glycemic carbohydrates will go a long way to improving your health.

I recommend staying away from Unfermented soy secondary to the controversy that surrounds unfermented soy and fertility. Also work with your naturopath to help improve your gut health to make sure you are absorbing the nutrients from your good diet.

And whenever possbile eat organic as studies have shown that organic foods can have up to 88% more nutrients when compared to regular store bought foods.