Infertility

Infertility affects about 6 million people in the United States. Approximately 85% of couples conceive within 12 months of discontinuing contraception, however, 1 out of 6 of Americans are infertile. 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 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 lifestlye habits. Lowered sperm count, the most common cause of male infertility (50% of cases), may be due to varicocele, hormonal imbalances, toxin exposure, and lifestyle factors. Damaged sperm ducts are another major casue of male subfertility (10-15%).

The objective of the chiropractor is to detect and remove subluxations that are interfering with the body’s functioning and healing mechanisms, not to treat infertility! The chiropractic premise is that the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves) controls and coordinates every function in the body; it assists the individual in accommodating to the ever changing environment, so that the body can adapt and self heal. Any interference to the nervous system can cause the body to function at less than 100% and have a distorted perception and adaptation response to the outside world.

Identifying Stressors

Trauma, Thought, and Toxins “Stressors”, which have the potential to manifest as subluxations, or spinal misalignments, must be eliminated or reduced when possible. Not only do stressors cause subluxation, but a subluxated spine is more vulnerable to damage when stressors are present.

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”.

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.

Toxins include: vaccines, medications, recreational drugs, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, additives, preservatives, allergens, air pollution, hormone-disrupting chemicals, industrial chemicals, and radiation. Infertility rates have been on the rise in the past few decades; this can be explained primarily by the massive production of synthetic chemicals since WW II. There are now at least 100,000 synthetic chemicals on the market throughout the world with at least 51 synthetic chemicals known to disrupt the endocrine system. These include 209 compounds classified as PCBs, 75 dioxins, and 135 furans. Some mimic estrogen or interfere with testosterone; others interfere with adrenal gland and thyroid function. Thirty-five percent of the food (including baby food) in the US has detectible pesticide residue. Animal products, such as meat and dairy are the primary source (80-90%) of dioxins for humans. Plastic wraps, containers, and toys may contain hormone-disrupting chemicals which can leach into food, water, or a child’s mouth!

Chiropractic Examination

Surface electromyography (SEMG) and thermography are useful techniques to objectively depict stuck patterns of nerve interference caused by subluxation; they are non-invasive and can be safely used during pregnancy. Subluxations don’t necessarily produce pain or symptoms, but can be indicated by SEMG and thermography.

There are two proposed mechanisms which relate altered skin temperatures to organ dysfunction, or dis-ease. According to the segmental model, subluxation can cause sensory irritation via the recurrent meningeal nerve which results in vasoconstriction of the blood vessels by the SNS. This will produce a thermal asymmetry often at or near the level of subluxation.

The non-segmental model is based upon the premise that sensory innervation of the intervertebral discs and facets is not only segmental, but is also non-segmental via the paravertebral sympathetic trunk. This means that a subluxation at any level can produce thermal changes throughout the entire spine. Therefore thermography should be used along with the other aspects of the chiropractic examination to determine and confirm the levels of subluxation.

Chiropractic Applications

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.

Subluxations of the spinal vertebra can affect different parts of the reproductive system. 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. Subluxation may cause fallopian tube malfunction. may result in infertility or ectopic pregnancy; there is also a chance that endometriosis might result. Ovarian function may also be compromised with resulting problems with egg maturation and egg release during ovulation. Also, the corpus luteum may not produce enough progesterone to maintain the pregnancy. 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. Fertile cervical fluid, essential for conception to occur, may not be adequately produced. Cervical incompetence may result in miscarriage during the second trimester.

In the male, subluxation can cause problems with penile and testicular function. There may also be problems with sperm production and maturation, erection, and flow of sperm.

The power that made the body from 2 tiny cells, heals the body. Chiropractic works to release this life!