It is estimated that over three million women in the United States cannot become pregnant. The problem of infertility seems to be on the rise in America, and the Federal Centers for Disease Control believes that the increase in diseases that cause sterility is at least partly to blame for this. Gonorrhea cases, for example, tripled between 1965 and 1976, with penicillin resistant gonorrhea becoming  a major health problem during the late 70’s. Chlamydia is another STD that can cause fertility problems, although most infectious disease experts did not realize the full extent of the problems in could cause until the 1980’s.

The 80's also saw a dramatic increase in the use of IUDs (intra-uterine devices) by women which lead to an increase of pelvic inflammatory disease. During the 80’s, the number of women using IUD’s increased by six hundred percent and according to a 1985 infertility study, 88,000 women  in America reported that they were unable to conceive because of the infections that occurred while they were wearing the IUD.

Another reason for the increase in infertility cases in America could be that many women are now choosing to postpone having children until they are in their 30’s. This choice is made because of career demands placed on them and well as the high divorce rate which makes spousal relationships unstable at best.

20-30% of all infertility problems can be attributed to specific abnormalities of the fallopian tubes. These abnormalities include scarring from endometriosis, scarring from a past infection, scarring from surgery, or swelling from a current infection. 10-15% of infertility cases are thought to be caused by problems with ovulation. The complex machinations of ovulations can be thrown off by certain chronic diseases such as thyroid disease, uncontrollable diabetes or liver disease. 5% of all infertility cases are thought to be attributed to a problem with the cervix or cervical mucus. Exposure to chemicals or radiation, and strenuous exercise are other factors thought to contribute to the rise in infertility cases. Sustained strenuous exercise, like running, usually only causes temporary infertility which many women do not notice since their menstrual cycles continue to be normal.

Eudiometrical tissue is tissue that lines the inside of uterus before being shed each month during menstruation. Endometriosis is a condition in which eudiometrical like tissue is located outside of the uterus. Also called endometritis which means “disorder of the uterus”, endometriosis is thought to develop because of a backflow of eudiometrical tissue into the fallopian tubes when menstruation is occurring or because of an embryological mistake which causes the eudiometrical cells to develop in the wrong location.  While usually found in the pelvic organs surrounding the uterus, endometriosis has also, on rare occasions, been found in the upper abdomen and lungs. This disorder usually causes pain in the lower abdomen.

The areas that are affects by endometriosis may actually bleed just like the uterine endomentrium during the menstrual period. This may be painful and scarring may develop since there is nowhere for the blood to go. This scarring can end up sealing off the ovaries, keeping the eggs from reaching the fallopian tube. Even if the block is only partial, the chances of fertility can be reduced because of this condition.

Once the cause of infertility is determined, treatment can begin. If the problem is the lack of ovulation, or the lack of regular ovulation, certain medications are available to help induce it.  These medications are commonly known as fertility drugs and it is important to remember that they are only helpful if infertility is the result of a ovulation problem and not caused by something else.

Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) is one of the most common forms of medication used to help induce ovulation. It is taken in the form of a pill for five days during a woman’s monthly cycle.  Clomid has an effect on the hypothalamus, stimulating the release if the hormones FSH and LH from the pituitary gland. These two hormones act on the ovary, causing it to ripen and release eggs. The side effects from taking Clomid include hot flashes and discomfort of the lower abdomen. Taking clomiphene citrate can also increase the chances of having twins by stimulating two eggs to ripen instead of one, however the chances of having triplets or quadruplets are only minimally increased.

If Clomid does not work, a second type of fertility drug called Pergonal may have to be used. Pergonal, also known as human menopausal gonadotropin is given by an injection every day until ovulation happens. It is a treatment that is both costly and time consuming and the woman who is given the injections must be watched closely for any adverse side effects such as large ovarian cysts and massive shifts in body fluid.  Triplets and quadruplets are much more common when using this fertility treatment since Pergonal can cause several eggs to ripen at once. The number of multiple births can be minimized through the use of ultrasound monitoring and hormone testing.

Sometimes infertility in females is the result of problems within the fallopian tube and surgery may be required to treat the problem. The fallopian tubes may become blocked due to congenital abnormalities or scarring due to an infection, edometriosis, or previous pelvic surgery. Sometime the fallopian tubes are normal but adhesions surrounding them could be preventing the egg and sperm from meeting.

Surgically removing any adhesions within the fallopian tubes can greatly improve the chances of conception. However,  if the fallopian tubes are in need of major reconstructive surgery, the success of making fertility plausible greatly diminishes. Even if the tubalplasty procedure is successful and the fallopian tubes are opened, tubal function may not return to normal. Today, the success rate of tubal surgery has seen improvement through the use of operating telescopes, fine instruments and lasers.

Angioplasty, a procedure used to unclog arteries, may also be possibly modified to help unblock fallopian tubes in some cases. In this experimental procedure, a catheter carrying a small balloon is threaded through the uterus into the blocked tube. The balloon is then inflated and the fallopian tube is stretched. The obstructive tissue is them washed out.

There are also treatments which are available for specific types of infertility.  Genital infections, for example, could be the cause, and by treating them, infertility could be corrected. Sometimes the problem could be cervical mucus, and low dosages of estrogen  may be required to treat it.

In the practice of alternative medicine, Chasteberry (Vitex Agnus-castus) extracts have been used to help regulate the function of reproductive hormones in the body. Studies reveal that its bioactive compounds include progesterone-like substances that correct hormonal imbalances. Pertinent medical surveys likewise confirm of the herb's ability to ease mood swings, nervous disorders and insomnia during PMS. Furthermore, Chasteberry is regarded as an overall remedy in providing natural systemic balance to women during pregnancy and menopause.

A natural alternative to the use of hormonal supplements is the herb Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa). The herbal is used as a 'hormonal booster' to aid in fertility. It contains the constituent formononetin which induces an estrogen-like effect in the body and likewise reduces the possibility of infertility for that matter. The herb also provides other medicinal benefits, particularly antispasmodic, sedative and relaxant properties that are relevant to women experiencing painful menstruations and uterine spasms.

The wonder herb Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus Senticosis) is recognized not only as a brain and energy booster but also for its supportive benefits to the reproductive system. While enhancing blood circulation to the brain, its compounds also supports the functions of the reproductive organs. As tonic, the Siberian Ginseng effectively balances hormonal levels, stamina, and libido. The herb is also enriched with the adaptogen eleutherosides, which is helpful in combating stress-related causes of infertility. As a safe and effective blood detoxifier, it is well recommended for pregnant and lactating women.

In a nutshell, women do not necessarily require synthetic pills to stimulate the dozing hormones essential to healthy reproduction. There are interconnected, systemic grounds affecting reproductive health such as immune and circulatory system balance.