Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr. Akinde Joseph Identifies One Of The Leading Causes Of Infertility In Men & Women
A Consultant Gynaecologist has identified one of the leading causes of infertility in both males and females.
Dr. Akinde Joseph, who is also the Chairman, Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Lagos chapter, identified stress as another leading causes of infertility in both male and female. The specialist revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.
The expert explained that stress destroys the body without the individual knowing it, causing the body to pump out cortisol almost constantly. Dr. Joseph added that it was also responsible for some ailments like cancers and cardiovascular diseases, among others.
The specialist said in stressful situations, cortisol, like adrenaline, pushes metabolism into high gear while sustained high levels could raise blood pressure, cause weight gain, or lead to other health problems.
In his words:
“Elevated cortisol relating to prolonged stress results in the disruption of the normal ovulation and menstrual cycle of a woman, which brings about infertility. If eggs are not produced, the semen has nothing to fertilise. In the male folks, elevated cortisol due to stress can cause erectile dysfunction.”
The gynaecologist further noted that cortisol was a steroid hormone, which is normally released in response to events and circumstances in acute stress. The medical practitioner added:
“Androgenic sex hormones are produced in the same glands that produce the cortisol; so, excess cortisol production may hamper optimal production of the sex hormones.”
The doctor advised people to ensure that they reduce the stress in their lives, saying “it will not only help your fertility and health but also the quality of your life”. He further explained:
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“Everyone gets stressed once in a while. If your stress goes on for a long time or if you are dealing with a major upheaval like unemployment or a death in the family, it might affect your fertility. Your ability to manage, control and react positively to stressors is very necessary.”