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Welcome!

This blog addresses various emotional aspects of experiencing infertility. It is written by a clinical psychologist who specializes in infertility counseling. Thank you for reading, and best of luck with your journey!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Are some types of infertility evolutionarily advantageous?

I read a really fascinating article in the most recent issue of Fertility and Sterility, which can be found here. The article, by Azziz, Dumesic, and Goodarzi, discusses the ancient existence of polycystic ovarian syndrome. The authors investigated how a disorder, which causes subfertility or infertility, could still persist at a relatively high level in modern times--theoretically, wouldn't it have been "bred out" of the species? It appears that increasing rates of obesity in Western cultures has not caused an increase in the rates of PCOS, so it is unlikely that change in diet has increased the prevalence of PCOS in moden times. The authors offered an intriguing explanation--that for much of human history, having PCOS has actually been advantageously adaptive, meaning that women with PCOS were more likely to survive and pass on their genetic material to the next generation.

It seems likely that PCOS actually had several adaptive advantages. In hunter-gatherer societies, food was often scarce. Women with PCOS, because of their insulin resistance, use food resources more efficiently. Their capacity to store food energy is greater, and they expend fewer calories, making them better able to survive times of starvation.

Further, because PCOS frequently causes subfertility rather than total infertility, women with PCOS had fewer children spaced farther apart in time. This was advantageous in a number of ways. With no or limited birth control, women often spent much of their life pregnant or giving birth. Even in the recent past, childbirth was extremely dangerous for women and was the top cause of female death. Thus, limiting the number of childbirths increased a women's likelihood of survival. In addition, by having fewer children, women with PCOS were more able to secure their children's survival--they more easily garner sufficient resources for them. Furthermore, children were more likely to survive if they were being raised by their biological mother, so the fact that women with PCOS had longer lifespans further enhanced their children's survival rates. In sum, it seems that for most of human history, having PCOS was actually a blessing, not a curse.

I think that looking at PCOS from the evolutionary perspective in this article has some valuable psychological implications. Most importantly, I think it is useful for anyone who is currently struggling with PCOS to realize that the disorder actually has some very important adaptive advantages. This will help them have more positive and less conflicted feelings about their bodies. Too often in infertility treatment, we end up feeling as if our bodies are vexing or failing us. Realizing that our bodies are actually trying to help us, although admittedly in a frustrating way, can be a reparative experience.

Looking at PCOS from an evolutionary perspective also made me wonder if there are other infertility diagnoses that have some of the same survival advantages. For example, could premature ovarian failure similarly enhance a woman's, and her offspring, chances of survival? When dealing with infertility, it is very easy to forget that for many men and women, both throughout history and in the present-day world, fertility has actually made their lives incredibly difficult. Perhaps the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence after all.

22 comments:

  1. would be interested to know your thoughts on chromosomal translocations. I have wondered if, in some weird way, this could be part of how we evolve, through mutating our chromosomes (we used to have an extra set, didn't we, until it merged with another one?)
    I'm guessing not, but it might be a topic worth kicking around

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  2. very interesting post, Lisa..
    by the way congrats on being featured on the fertility blogs :)
    wishing you all the best
    Heather

    ReplyDelete
  3. How i got a cure for PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

    I actually promised myself that i will do this because i never in life thought i would be cured of PCOS because my gynecologist told me there was no cure and because of this i could not take in and get pregnant. I had PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) for 7 years and this was a big pain to me and my husband due to the downcast we felt for not having a child. I experienced irregular periods or no periods at all sometimes, heavy periods, i gained weight (fat). I seeked a cure from one doctor to the other used androgen, clomiphene, metformin and even traveled to different states to see other doctors to no avail. My husband got to know about Dr. ALeta via a testimony he read on the internet on how a woman got a cure and he contacted her with the contact she left. I got the herbal medication and used it for the speculated 3 months that was all i have a son who is just 8 months old. Do not give up just contact her on (aletedwin@gmail.com) on how to get the herbal medication. Thanks and i wish you get cured soon too.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am Shelley from Los Angeles,California, I want to testify on how i got cured from fibroid, I have suffered from fibroid since the year 2011 with so mush pain,that i have to spend so mush money getting pain relief in the hospital, and I have visited several doctor ,but all to no avail, my world was gradually coming to an end because of the pain during my menstrual period until i saw a post in a health forum about a herbal Dr Williams who use herbal portion in curing people from different kind of diseases including fibroid, at first i doubted if it we be able to shrink the 9cm large fibroid in my womb, but i decided to give it a try, when i contacted this herbal doctor via his email, he prepared a herbal portion and sent it to me via courier service, when i received this herbal medicine, he gave me step by step instructions on how to apply it, when i applied it as instructed, i was completely free from fibroid just for 1 months of usage,i we recommend this to all my friend family in the world today who still suffering from fibroid you can contact him through his email on drwilliams098675@gmail.com for help.

    ReplyDelete
  5. "With Dr Williams,herbal medicine I felt very empowered after I started his medication and the results came very quickly I might add. Contrary to what my doctor had recommended, (that I would have my uterus removed) I have succeeded in less than 4 weeks to treat all the symptoms associated with my fibroids (including the pain, bleeding and bladder pressure) and within 4 weeks, my huge 8.2cm & 8.5cm fibroids had shrunk into almost nothing. Thank you so much for this terrific publication. I also recently experienced a symptom-free menstruation, which was nothing short of remarkable, considering the awful state I was in before I was introduced to dr williams life changing medication,for more information on how to get his medicine you can email him in drwilliam098675@gmail.com

    Keep up the good work!"

    ReplyDelete

  6. I got pregnant at the age of 48! After years of marriage without a child. God has proven himself by using IYa Hindi herbal product to get me get pregnant after 12 years of trying and now my enemies have been mocked. No matter how long that you have waited, Your miracle is next and it will happen this year! Claim it.I recommend everyone I know struggling with infertility to Iya Hindi root and herbs !i.via email: .hindinative@yahoo.com ,call or Whats-app . ‪+19145295224. You can also visit website. ‬https://nativehindi.com.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am Chirag, from Orlando u s a, my wife was diagnosed with fibroid for 6 years, she lived in pain with the knowledge that she wasn't going to ever be well again, i contacted so many doctors on this issue,and she have use so many western drugs prescribe by various doctors and all was no avail, because she was determined to get her life back, one day i was researching information on this disease on internet and i saw a post about Mrs Kate thanking Dr Williams who cure different manners of diseases, including fibroid, I contacted him via email and made purchase of the fibroid herb, i received the herb through DHL within 3 days, when i received the herb my wife applied it as prescribed and she was totally cured of fibroid within 4 weeks of usages,and on thin now she have never experience any symptoms of fibroid again,few days later she went back to see her doctor and he confirmed she was completely cured from fibroid, am so happy now, You do not have to suffer more just contact him for his medicine on drwilliams098675@gmail.com he will definitely put an end to that fibroid problem of yours.

    ReplyDelete
  8. "DR WILLIAMS, I wish to praise you for sharing such a simple but comprehensive herbal medication to tackle this disease from the root. This is truly a valuable resource for all women suffering from fibroids. It's been almost 10 months since my doctor first diagnosed me with a large uterine fibroid. My doctor suggested that I will try watchful waiting but as the months went nothing has changed.

    As soon as I decided I'm going all the way and treat my fibroid, I ordered dr williams and the results as you already know were shocking to say the least. The ultrasound I took clearly showed my large fibroid had completely vanished.

    I have even encouraged my "Doubting Thomas" friend to order it and read it too. To have so much good information in one tight package is an unbelievable value. I would encourage anyone who suffers from uterine fibroids and/or any fertility issue to take advantage of dr williams herbal medicine! you can contact him through his email on drwilliams098675@gmail.com for more information

    Sincerely...

    ReplyDelete
  9. Just wanted to say a huge thank you to Dr Williams for everything he have done in my life. I have been in tears for so many years now, having found a classic 7cm fibroid on my uterus, lesion after some years of being under extreme stress. After reading horror stories on forums I was terrified of telling my fiance, who I’ve been with for 5 years without a child of our own (great timing right?!). I was convinced will both, where thinking will can never have a child of our own without sugary which i was very afraid of, . I spent 24 hours freaking out and finally calmed down after reading some testimony on here about Dr Williams herbal medicine to fibroid. The moment came and I mumbled out to my husband about Dr Williams product (with a few tears) and he was AMAZING – . He was just worried about me been free from the heavy bleeding during my menstrual flow and the pain this fibroid have course me, after taking Dr Williams medicine for just within a period of one month. We went to the doc together who confirmed that i was fibroid free.
    Thank you again for being upfront, truthful and taking this pain away from me for more information about his product you can email him on drwilliams098675@gmail.com i hope you can also help other terrified people in a similar situation.

    ReplyDelete
  10. As a sign of gratitude for how my wife was saved from fibroid, i decided to reach out to those still suffering from this.
    My wife suffered from fibroid for more than 20 year of marriage after our first son and it was really tough and heartbreaking for me because she was my all and the symptoms were terrible, she had irregular and painful menstrual flow and the size of it was 5cm, and she always complain of stomach pain. we tried various therapies prescribed by our neurologist but none could cure her. I searched for a cure and i saw a testimony by someone who was cured and so many other with similar body problem, and she left the contact of the doctor who had the natural cure to fibroid. I never imagined fibroid has a natural cure if not surgery not until i contacted him and he assured me my wife will be fine. I got the herbal medication he recommended and my wife used it as instructed by Dr Williams, and in one months time we went to the hospital for scan and the doctor confirmed that there is no trace of fibroid and now she is fully okay, even up till this moment she is so full of life. fibroid has a cure and it is a herbal cure contact the doctor for more info on drwilliams098675@gmail.com on how to get his medication.

    ReplyDelete
  11. With Dr Williams herb i was completely free from fibroid.You are an amazing doctor.Matching diagnosises aside, I just want to be your friend. Lol You inspire me on a feminist level. On an intelligence level. you are a good man doing so much for mankind, level.Thank you for being you.For keeping a lot of us off the ledge of diving into sugary. For reminding us that we aren’t a fucking statistic or a status, we are still PEOPLE. With brains and personalities and jobs and lives.I’ve only been diagnosed for so many years now with fibroid, and the roller coaster of emotions is all too real.I’m sure I speak for everyone here when I say thank you. From the deepest part of my soul. THANK YOU.You give us all an indescribable level of comfort and assuredness in sharing our diagnoses and, almost a green light to continue to celebrate our lives,for you always been there.For every jerk who throws you hate, there are hundreds of us thanking the universe for you.for more information about Dr Williams product you can email him on drwillliams098675@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. "Dear dr williams, your herb has saved my life and my sanity. I was scared, and had been seeing numerous specialists and almost all of the straight away told me I had to remove my uterus because of my large fibroid. Can you believe this? To top it all up, none of those doctors had answered my simple questions on the subject. I was so scared that I would not be able to have a baby as surgery seemed like the only choice then. Your product had dramatically allayed my fears. I have read many other guides on the subject of fibroids and i think dr williams herb is yours offers and the only true and lasting solution to fibroid. I am a walking living proof of that claim. It has been 3 months since I implemented dr williams herbal portion, and I am now completely clear of fibroids and I am sure I am on my way to become a mother. I also feel very healthy and vibrant. Thank god for your work and support dr williams, for more information about his herb you can also contact his email address drwilliams098675@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Happiness is all i see now I never thought that I will be cured from HERPES virus again. I have been suffering from a deadly disease (HERPES) for the past 3 years now, I had spent a lot of money going from one places to another, from churches to churches, hospitals have been my home every day residence. Constant checks up have been my hobby not until this faithful day, I was searching through the internet, I saw a testimony on how Dr Ogudugu helped someone in curing his HERPES disease, quickly I copied his email which is greatogudugu@gmail.com just to give him a test I spoke to him, he asked me to do some certain things which I did, he told me that he is going to provide the herbal cure to me, which he did, then he asked me to go for medical checkup after some days after using the herbal cure, behold I was free from the deadly disease, he only asked me to post the testimony through the whole world, faithfully am doing it now, please brothers and sisters, he is great, I owe him in return. If you are having a similar problem just email him on ( greatogudugu@gmail.com ) or you can whatsApp his mobile number on +27663492930

    ReplyDelete
  14. As a sign of gratitude for how my wife was saved from fibroid, i decided to reach out to those still suffering from this.
    My wife suffered from fibroid for more than 20 year of marriage after our first son and it was really tough and heartbreaking for me because she was my all and the symptoms were terrible, she had irregular and painful menstrual flow and the size of it was 5cm, and she always complain of stomach pain. we tried various therapies prescribed by our neurologist but none could cure her. I searched for a cure and i saw a testimony by someone who was cured and so many other with similar body problem, and she left the contact of the doctor who had the natural cure to fibroid. I never imagined fibroid has a natural cure if not surgery not until i contacted him and he assured me my wife will be fine. I got the herbal medication he recommended and my wife used it as instructed by Dr Williams, and in one months time we went to the hospital for scan and the doctor confirmed that there is no trace of fibroid and now she is fully okay, even up till this moment she is so full of life. fibroid has a cure and it is a herbal cure contact the doctor for more info on drwilliams098675@gmail.com on how to get his medication.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I GIVE ALL THANKS TO DR WILLIAMS WITH HIS HERBAL PORTION I WAS COMPLETELY CURED FROM FIBROID
    I can’t believe this. A great testimony that i must share to all fibroid patient in the world. i never believed that their could be any complete cure for fibroid with out going for surgery ,i saw people’s testimony on blog sites and Facebook page of how Dr Williams prepare herbal cure for different king of disease,and with the help of his herb they where able to shrink there fibroid naturally. i had to try it too and you can,t believe that in just few weeks i started using it all my pains stop gradually . Right now i want to tell you all that i just give birth to a baby boy last month,and on thin now i have not had any pain, and i have just went for text last week and the doctor confirmed that there is no trace of any fibroid in my system . Glory be to God for leading me to this great Dr Williams I am so happy as i am sharing this testimony. My advice to you all who thinks that their is no herbal cure for fibroid that is Not true ,just contact him and get cure from his email drwilliams098675@gmail.com and you will be free and free forever, Try it and you will not regret it because it truly works. i hope to see your testimony soon.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I felt so awful when I was diagnosed with fibroid . I felt like my life was ruined since surgery was the only solution. Upon all of my constant research, I stumbled upon Dr Williams blog and articles of his good work that have been published. YOU ARE AMAZING. You have given me hope. This fibroid have cause me so mush pain that my life was deteriorating.Dr Williams You are so courageous and I don’t know if I’ve ever looked up to someone so much. Being famous for writing is my dream and I also have always wanted to make a difference in the world somehow. You are doing both and I think its the deepest thing ever. The world needs people like you to end the fibroid stigma. Never stop being you and thank you for being a voice for us all,you can also email him on drwilliams098675@gmail.com for his product

    ReplyDelete
  17. I GIVE ALL THANKS TO DR WILLIAMS WITH HIS HERBAL PORTION I WAS COMPLETELY CURED FROM FIBROID
    I can’t believe this. A great testimony that i must share to all fibroid patient in the world. i never believed that their could be any complete cure for fibroid with out going for surgery ,i saw people’s testimony on blog sites and Facebook page of how Dr Williams prepare herbal cure for different king of disease,and with the help of his herb they where able to shrink there fibroid naturally. i had to try it too and you can,t believe that in just few weeks i started using it all my pains stop gradually . Right now i want to tell you all that i just give birth to a baby boy last month,and on thin now i have not had any pain, and i have just went for text last week and the doctor confirmed that there is no trace of any fibroid in my system . Glory be to God for leading me to this great Dr Williams I am so happy as i am sharing this testimony. My advice to you all who thinks that their is no herbal cure for fibroid that is Not true ,just contact him and get cure from his email drwilliams098675@gmail.com and you will be free and free forever, Try it and you will not regret it because it truly works. i hope to see your testimony soon.

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
  19. I am Chirag, from Orlando u s a, my wife was diagnosed with fibroid for 6 years, she lived in pain with the knowledge that she wasn't going to ever be well again without surgery, i contacted so many doctors on this issue,and she have use so many western drugs prescribe by various doctors and all was no avail, because she was determined to get her life back, one day i was researching information about fibroid on internet and i saw a post about Mrs Kate thanking Dr Williams who cure different manners of diseases, including fibroid, I contacted him via email and made purchase of the fibroid herb, i received the herb through DHL within 3 days, when i received the herb my wife applied it as prescribed and she was totally cured of fibroid within 4 weeks of usages,and on thin now she have never experience any symptoms of fibroid again,few days later she went back to see her doctor and he confirmed she was completely cured from fibroid, am so happy now, You do not have to suffer more just contact him for his medicine on drwilliams098675@gmail.com he will definitely put an end to that fibroid problem of yours.

    ReplyDelete
  20. "Dear dr williams, your herb has saved my life and my sanity. I was scared, and had been seeing numerous specialists and almost all of the straight away told me I had to remove my uterus because of my large fibroid. Can you believe this? To top it all up, none of those doctors had answered my simple questions on the subject. I was so scared that I would not be able to have a baby as surgery seemed like the only choice then. Your product had dramatically allayed my fears. I have read many other guides on the subject of fibroids and i think dr williams herb is yours offers and the only true and lasting solution to fibroid. I am a walking living proof of that claim. It has been 3 months since I implemented dr williams herbal portion, and I am now completely clear of fibroids and I am sure I am on my way to become a mother. I also feel very healthy and vibrant. Thank god for your work and support dr williams, for more information about his herb you can also contact his email address drwilliams098675@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. "Dear dr williams, your herb has saved my life and my sanity. I was scared, and had been seeing numerous specialists and almost all of the straight away told me I had to remove my uterus because of my large fibroid. Can you believe this? To top it all up, none of those doctors had answered my simple questions on the subject. I was so scared that I would not be able to have a baby as surgery seemed like the only choice then. Your product had dramatically allayed my fears. I have read many other guides on the subject of fibroids and i think dr williams herb is yours offers and the only true and lasting solution to fibroid. I am a walking living proof of that claim. It has been 3 months since I implemented dr williams herbal portion, and I am now completely clear of fibroids and I am sure I am on my way to become a mother. I also feel very healthy and vibrant. Thank god for your work and support dr williams, for more information about his herb you can also contact his email address drwilliams098675@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I felt so awful when I was diagnosed with fibroid . I felt like my life was ruined since surgery was the only solution. Upon all of my constant research, I stumbled upon Dr Williams blog and articles of his good work that have been published. YOU ARE AMAZING. You have given me hope. This fibroid have cause me so mush pain that my life was deteriorating.Dr Williams You are so courageous and I don’t know if I’ve ever looked up to someone so much. Being famous for writing is my dream and I also have always wanted to make a difference in the world somehow. You are doing both and I think its the deepest thing ever. The world needs people like you to end the fibroid stigma. Never stop being you and thank you for being a voice for us all,you can also email him on drwilliams098675@gmail.com for his product.

    ReplyDelete