One American couple out of every six is troubled by infertility. This translates to about 10% of the adult population of reproductive age, some 6 million people.
The causes are multiple and complex. Some causes of infertility are known: a malfunction in ovulation, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, irregular periods, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, environmental toxins and sperm problems.
Yet, others are unknown, and a woman may fail to conceive even when sperm are active and normal, and a comprehensive infertility investigation comes up empty-handed.
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| Symptom Of Yeast Infection |
Endometriosis is one of the primary causes of infertility in women, and since we know that many women with yeast-related health problems have endometriosis, it's a leap - but perhaps not too big a leap - to suggest that Candida albacans might have a connection to infertility.
Should infertile couples who want to conceive consider investigating candidiasis as an underlying factor in their infertility? I'll say a cautious, "Why not?" It's certainly worth investigating if you can't find a reason for your infertility. It's even more likely if you have other symptoms of dysbiosis. I'll go as far to say it becomes even more likely if you have been diagnosed with candida-related health problems.
OTHER DOCTORS' OPINIONS
I have spoken with many colleagues who agree with the theory that infertility is somehow connected to candida yeast overgrowth. Among them is Dr. Charles Resseger, D.O., of Norwalk Ohio:
I've treated dozens of patients with an infertility problem who, following a comprehensive treatment program which included anti-candida therapy, became pregnant. What I do with these patients is to tell them, "Don't get yourself pregnant until I get you squared around." If they do become pregnant, I put them on caprylic acid and friendly bacteria and try to maintain the patients. It has become quite obvious to me that candida overgrowth has an anti-estrogenic effect on the body. This is probably the mechanism for the infertility.
More than 10 years ago, James Brodsky, M.D., a Chevy Chase, Maryland internist interested in yeast-related health problems, began to share information with me about several women he had seen who were able to conceive after treatment with nystatin and the sugar-free diet.
He's careful to note, "I'm not saying that yeast causes infertility. Instead, I feel that any illness may be a factor. Sick people, whether due to stress, or just not being well for any reason, may be unable to conceive."
Dr. Brodksy notes the successful outcomes of two patients who were not able to conceive. One patient had been trying to conceive for seven months, and the other for 10 months. On diet and nystatin, one woman became pregnant in 30 days and the other in 60 days.
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| Symptom Of Yeast Infection |
MY COMMENTS
Yeast overgrowth is certainly not "the cause" of infertility. Yet, for a couple struggling in vain to solve the problem, anti-yeast therapy is a safe option worth considering. Such therapy should be comprehensive and should feature probiotics, oral nystatin and a special, sugar-free diet. I would especially recommend this type of treatment program if either or both partners have a history that suggests yeast overgrowth may be present. To find out more, you can check out Symptom Of Yeast Infection.