Infertility affects about 6 million people in the United States. This a epidemic challenge and can be one of the most emotionally draining for couples to address.
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after 1 year of unprotected sex, or 6 months if the woman is 35 years or older. The cause of infertility is due attributed to the female 35-40% of the time, males 35-40%, both 10-20%, and 10% unknown. The female “causes” of infertility include endometriosis, ovulatory factors, hormonal dysfunction, pelvic inflammatory disease, infection, and lifestyle habits. Lowered sperm count is the most common cause of male infertility (50% of cases), which can be due to varicocele, hormonal imbalances, toxin exposure, and lifestyle factors. In addition, damaged sperm ducts are another major cause of male subfertility (10-15%).
The objective of the chiropractor is to detect and remove subluxations that are interfering with the body’s healthy functioning and healing mechanisms ability it is not, not to treat infertility! Chiropractic care is based on the premise that that the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves) controls and coordinates every function in the body. It allows the body to adapt to the ever changing environment so it can function optimally. Physical Trauma can include birth injury, falls, sports injuries, and automobile accidents as well as repetitive trauma from occupational habits, improper sitting, sleeping, and exercise habits, lifting, bending, twisting, and other ” bad habits”. Emotional stress also causes neural function changes which can impact the ability of the body to conceive. Prolonged and repetitive attempts for a successful conception and pregnancy are big contributors to the body’s stress response.
If patients didn’t have emotional distress before they tried to get pregnant and carry a baby to term, then they certainly do after their attempts fail. Emotional stress might also exist from relationships, children, money, career, a fast-paced life, or illness of a loved one.
Chiropractic Applications
How can chiropractic possibly help with infertility? Cranial restrictions may affect the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland and disrupt the production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones are necessary for ovulation and sperm production. Restricted movement of any cranial bone or the sacrum will affect the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid necessary for optimal neural communication
With applied kinesiology we test different muscles in the arms and legs which relate to organs and Chinese meridian circuits, we are able to pinpoint areas of “stuckness” – and more importantly what has contributed to this and what will help correct it. In a way when you visit me you will get an all in one approach as we test and treat the emotional, physical, chemical and electro-magnetic/energetic elements together.
Subluxations of the spinal vertebra can affect different parts of the reproductive system. For example, An inadequately functioning thyroid gland can lead to hypothyroidism, which is associated with infertility. If the adrenal gland is not functioning optimally, the body will be unable to handle stress and ovulation may be delayed or absent. Uterine malfunction may cause problems with the development of an adequate endometrial lining for implantation of the embryo and problems with the placenta. Sacral subluxations can affect the functioning of the cervix. There are multiple subluxation patterns that can negatively affect conception.
In the male, subluxations can cause problems with penile and testicular function. There may also be problems with sperm production and maturation, erection, and flow of sperm.
The innate power that made the body from 2 tiny cells into a beautiful human form controls all function and heals the body. Chiropractic works locate areas of possible interference to innate neural function to allow the body to function optimally.
In my years of practice I have been blessed to have patients conceive after years of struggles to have a baby.