Doctor Reveals One Strong Reason Why Breastmilk Causes Infertility In Women
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Lactating without being pregnant causes infertility in women.
The statement above was coined from a report in PUNCH Health Wise.
A professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Prof Rotimi Akinola, disclosed this.
According to Akinola, non-breastfeeding mothers who lactate are likely at risk of infertility.
He described the condition as hyperprolactinemia. This is a condition where the female produces excessive prolactin, the hormone responsible for breastmilk.
Akinola revealed that some women are battling infertility because of excess prolactin hormone.
He said:
“That is why sometimes, women who are not breastfeeding find it difficult to conceive.
“When you find out what is wrong with them, you will discover that they are producing breast milk.
“Sometimes, we have to treat that first for them to get pregnant.”
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Dr Akinola explained further that some nursing mothers use breastmilk as a form of birth control.
Meanwhile, the Doctor has said that breastfeeding can fail as a form of birth control. This can happen if the baby is not exclusively breastfed.
He explained:
“If you are talking about breastfeeding, it depends on the type of breastfeeding that you are doing. When you say exclusive breastfeeding, there is a tendency for you to suction for almost 18 months. But nobody does that kind of breastfeeding now. So, when you are breastfeeding, the hormone that you use to breastfeed, somehow, suppresses ovulation.
“But there are breakthroughs particularly when you are not breastfeeding that extensively. It is possible that there can be breakthrough ovulation and this can lead to pregnancy.”
He urged mothers and women to adopt the use of contraceptives to avoid pregnancy.
According to Reproductive Facts health Portal, high prolactin causes infertility. This is because it affects other hormones responsible for ovulation.
“High prolactin levels interfere with the normal production of other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.
“This can change or stop ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary).
“It can also lead to irregular or missed periods.
“Some women have high prolactin levels without any symptoms.”
An article on the health portal revealed the following causes of high prolactin:
i. Pituitary tumours (prolactinomas)
ii. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
iii. Medicines are given for depression, psychosis, and high blood pressure.
iv. Herbs, including fenugreek, fennel seeds, and red clover Irritation of the chest wall (from surgical scars, shingles, or even a too-tight bra).
v. Stress or exercise (usually excessive or extreme) .
vi. Certain food nipple stimulation.
