Infertility

​About 9% of men and 11% of women have dealt with infertility in some way. While some couples may take longer than the average to get pregnant, others may have tried for years with countless attempts and approaches. While infertility is medically defined as actively trying to get pregnant without success for at least a year, any amount of waiting or struggling to conceive can be devastating. While conventional medicine can offer some options for those trying to get pregnant, chiropractic care also offers hope and alternative approaches to those dealing with infertility. 

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Getting to the Root Cause

​Once you’ve hit a year of trying to conceive without success, doctors will generally begin ordering tests to discover the root cause of your infertility. Around one-third of issues lie with men, and around two-thirds deal with women. For men, the causes are finite and simpler. They can include gonad issues, sperm transport issues, or pituitary gland issues. For women, many more issues are possible and they can be very difficult to pinpoint and diagnose. They can include ovarian cysts, ovulation problems, thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, Fallopian tube problems, uterine concerns, unhealthy weight, and drug or alcohol use. Sometimes, a great deal of testing is done and doctors are still unable to determine the exact cause of a couple’s infertility. Oftentimes, the root cause is linked to nervous system dysfunction. 

​A Chiropractic Approach to Infertility

Nervous system dysfunction can manifest in a number of ways, but in most cases, the cause of this dysfunction can be found in the spine. When one or more vertebra is out of alignment, it puts pressure on the nearby nerves and can impede communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This wreaks havoc in the nervous system and in the other systems in the body that receive their instructions through the nervous system. 
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When you visit a chiropractor like Dr. Shane Hoffman and share that you’re struggling with infertility, he or she will examine your spine for misalignments. In most cases of infertility, spinal misalignments in the lower back are present and significant. Your Urbandale chiropractor will adjust your spine several times over the course of many weeks and months, allowing your body to function properly and restoring optimal efficiency to your nervous system and reproductive system. 

​Research on Chiropractic and Infertility

Countless studies have explored the efficacy of chiropractic in helping couples conceive, and the research is incredibly encouraging for those struggling with infertility. At Thrive Family Chiropractic, our goal is always to help you achieve optimal health and meet your own personal health goals. If you’re desperately trying to get pregnant and feel like you’re out of solutions, please come visit us in Urbandale. Chiropractic can help significantly improve the likelihood of conception, and we would love to walk alongside you on this journey.

If you are looking for an answer to your infertility struggles, we encourage you to contact us at Thrive Family Chiropractic in Urbandale. Dr. Shane Hoffman and his team will teach you about the many benefits of chiropractic care and help you get healthier in all areas of your life.

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Sources

Alcantara, J., Stern, G., Oman, R. “Female Infertility, Subluxation & Chiropractic Care.” Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, and Family Health, 2009 June; 1-10. https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2009/06/08/female-infertility-subluxation-chiropractic-care-a-case-series-and-selective-review-of-the-literature/. 

Anderson-Peacock, E. “Reduction of Vertebral Subluxation Using Torque Release Technique with Changes in Fertility: Two Case Reports.” Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2003 July; 1-6. https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/06/reduction-of-vertebral-subluxation-using-torque-release-technique-with-changes-in-fertility-two-case-reports/.