For many couples, the dream of having children is not easily attained. Infertility is a complex medical, emotional and social condition affecting approximately 1 in 5 couples in the United States. More than six million reproductive-age couples are seeking treatment.
Infertility is a disease process of the reproductive system impairing the body's ability to perform the basic reproductive function. Infertility has been reported as a consequence of delayed childbearing in an unprecedented number of women reflecting societal trends of women participating in the work force and pursuing higher education.
Many conditions can influence a couple's chances of conceiving. Factors which can adversely affect fertility include endometriosis, tubal blockage, fibroids, hormonal dysfunction in women, and sperm quality and quantity in men.
The decline in fertility as women age is primarily a function of diminished egg and embryo quality that accompany it. While aging is the most daunting foe in all of reproductive medicine, it is possible to take charge of one's fertility care and optimize the reproductive potential through education about the available options.
Lifestyle issues can also interfere with a couple's fertility. Leisure activities, occupation and exposure to drugs, medications, supplements, and environmental pollutants may have an adverse impact on a couple's ability to achieve pregnancy. Exposure to excessive heat can impair sperm production and function in men, and strenuous exercise may induce temporary infertility in some women. Whether stress causes infertility remains unclear.
There are conflicting reports on the effects of coffee and tea consumption. Acupuncture, meditation, herbal and homeopathic medicine cite some potential, but lack a consistent outcome in randomized control studies.
Contemporary evaluation and treatment require thorough assessment of both partners, and the extent and course of treatment should be individualized. Advanced reproductive technology or basic infertility treatment may not be for everyone, but we hope that we can assist those patients in making informed choices.
For more information, contact The Hawaii Center for Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, 941-3322, 261-4166 or e-mail drkvu@yahoo.com.
