Every month a couple has basically 1 in 4 chances of conceiving where no infertility factors exist. In a woman's' lifetime she will normally produce 4 to 5 thousand eggs. Eight of these eggs are recruited each month, and only one is brought to maturity and released into the fallopian tube, the other seven eggs deteriorate and die. The egg only lives from 24-36 hours after it is released and if the sperm (which can live up to 72 hours inside a woman) does not fertilize it, the egg will then deteriorate and die. Within two weeks the uterine lining will shed and a woman will have a menstrual cycle.

What concerns us most, as Muslims, is what options are Islamically permissible for us. Are ART procedures permissible, what is not permissible, why are certain things not permissible, are just some of the questions we would like to address. Keep in mind that none of the sisters who add to this web page are scholars, and there may be variant opinions as to what is acceptable and what is not. And due to the fact that an "In Depth" look at fertility options have yet to be addressed by "scholars" some questions will be left unanswered on this web site. We encourage all to seek proper Islamic means to deal with your infertility for Allah places things in our lives for a reason. We will all be tested, and as Muslims we should persevere in the way which is right in order to seek any rewards.

As with the story of Ibrahim we have the example of a husband who remains with his barren wife. She is not shunned, shammed, divorced, or looked down upon as a incomplete woman. As many men and cultures do to women in present times. This is a lesson that all of our ummah must learn, as Allah says "...He leaves barren whom He wills" (42:50) It is a decree from Allah. This does not make one less of a woman (or man) and one should not be treated as such. We are to remain firm in our faith in Allah, knowing that He brings about things that we may not like, thinks we are tested with. And it appears with the stigma placed on couples who do not have children we are failing our test.

May Allah give us All that is good for us, make it easy for us to obtain it and keep us on

Mani, which means sperm, was used in the Qur'an on three occasions, twice in conjunction with nutfa.

The X and the Y chromosomes are held in the sperm, the egg carries only the X chromosome. If the sperm carrying an X chromosome fertilizes the egg one will have a female child, while a Y chromosome will bring forth a male child.

If there is implantation during a normal pregnancy the uterus will grow to be about 400 more times than it started. Normally a uterus is about 50 gm during pregnancy it can grow to 100 gm and this is not including multiples. After delivery the uterus changes to the normal size in about six weeks.

From this we learn that the Nutfah, which can be understood from the verses as the mixed male and female fluids, is placed into a secure fixed place and than further developed. During the early stages of pregnancy the fetus is in a position of the womb which it is secure and protected. I found this out when I took a fall in the early weeks of my pregnancy. When I called my doctor out of concern for the baby he said not to worry the place in which the baby is at such an early point it would take a huge blow in order to do any damage.

The three veils of darkness are understood as the abdominal wall, the uterine wall, and the membranes in which the uterus is enclosed. Interestingly enough each layer is itself made up of three layers. The abdominal wall is made up of three muscle layers, the external oblique sheet, the internal obblique muscle, and the transversus muscle. The uterus is made up of the epimetrium (which covers the womb) the myometerium (the muscle layer of the womb) and the endometerium (the inner layer). The embryonic sac is made up of three membranes, the amnion, the chorion and the decidua.

There are several embryonic stages which are mentioned in the Qur'an.

Modgha means a chewed lump, something that has been masticated which is an amazing way to describe this stage of formation. This is what the fetus tends to look at in the early stages of pregnancy.

Forming bones than clothing them with flesh is another stage that a fetus goes through which is described in Qur'an. Than the formation into another creation, this has been understood by many scholars to be the time in which the soul is inspired.

The gestation period, according to the Qur'an can be six months.

In the Qur'an a pregnant woman is literally referred to as one with a burden, dhat haml.

Yes, pregnancy is a beautiful thing. The bringing of forth life in ones womb is both spiritual and emotional. A mother having such a connection with their unborn is a fascinating event. But let us face it, this is also a time of frequent urination, backache, leg cramps, bleeding gums, hair loss, hormonal overloads, not so nice kicking from the inside out, tender breasts, groin pain, and a slew of everyday complaints.

Pregnancy is also a risk to the health of the mother, ranging from high blood pleasure, low blood pressure, gestational diabetes, forms of cancer, potential blood clotting problems and a slew of other real medical dangers. Pregnancy  itself is a burden for the woman, not to mention the burdens of delivery.

Milk banks have been under discussion of Muslim scholars for quite some time and there tends to be no agreement. It would be up to the couple to choose what they understand to be Islamically and medically best for their child.

There are some things that can help aid in milk production. One is to feed more, or express milk in-between feedings. Since lactation is generally a supply and demand issue, it is hoped that the more of a demand the more milk produced. This can be done by hand expressing milk or by pumping the milk. But make sure you use proper storage methods if you're going to save the milk.

Fenugreek is an herbal remedy that many women take which helps increase milk production usually within 72 hours. Be for warned that you have to take high doses and it leaves you smelling like Sunday morning pancakes. Yes one major draw back is the maple syrup odor that emits from your body. The herb will also increase other fluids in your body, like sweat so that fresh scent of maple syrup will linger in your clothes and

There comes a time in the process of curing infertility when a couple decides that they have availed all options and they must move on with their lives. Many husbands see divorce and then remarriage as the only alternative to have children. Islamically though he has an option that could be far more beneficial to his first wife, himself, and his marriage to follow. The option of polygyny is one that is looked down upon in western society, but one that is permissible and in some cases encouraged in Islam.

"Marry the loving and the fertile because through you, I will compete with the nations for superiority in numbers." (Abu Dawud and others)

The Prophet of Allah has encouraged Muslim men in this hadith to marry those who are fertile, he did NOT say not to marry the infertile amongst you. If for some reason the first wife is infertile then the option to avail the choice of polygyny is one that is encouraged islamically.

It is important to note that only two wives of the Prophet Muhammad(saw) gave birth to his children. Ayesha(rad), one of his most beloved wives, never had any children. Although others of his wives never conceived he treated all his wives justly and in a kind manner. He never raised the status of a fertile wife over an infertile one. His(saw) example is the best example. Men who wish to take on more then one wife should study his(saw) seerah and try to implement his(saw) treatment towards his(saw) wives in their own lives.

What are the benefits for the first wife, wives to follow, and any children from those wives? Oftentimes women who cannot conceive wish more then anything to rear a child or help in rearing a child. They often envy women who have children and wish that for even a day they could take care of a child as their own. I have seen several instance where a brother has taken on another wife as a result of his first wife being infertile. The first wife has almost always been extremely happy to be able to help the second wife in rearing her children. This creates an ideal situation for everyone in the household. The first wife is happy to be able to get a chance to raise children. The second wife receives extra help from the first wife and this strengthens the bond and relationship between the wives. The children have the attention of "two mothers." I am not saying that this happy-go-lucky relationship exists in every polyganous household, but rather I am suggesting that this may be a positive alternative for a husband who would like to have children.

There could also be problems as well. Jealousy is a common problem that arises amongst wives. Infertile women often feel that they were not good enough for their husbands and this was the reason for their remarriage. Husbands usually do not feel this way towards their wives. In fact if they are willing to keep their first wife then obviously the love and honor they feel towards them is what is keeping them together. Husbands should take this into account and make the change as painless as possible for their first wives.

The situation of every couple is different. Each couple knows how much they can take, and what options are best for them. As a couple it is important to sit down and discuss the pros and cons of going into a polygynous relationship. May Allah make it easy on everyone and relieve our hardships (Ameen).

                 For many couples there are no set cures for their infertility causes to date. But in the meantime, while cures are being revealed to us by Allah (swt), there are many options for couples to be blessed with successful pregnancies. There are some who are of the opinion that a couple who faces infertility should simply accept what Allah (swt) has given them. What they fail to recognize is that infertility is a "disease" in which a Muslim should seek the cure. As Muslims we have a duty to seek treatment for any disease, infertility should not be viewed any differently.

               This process can help many couples in many different situations,

               There are several aspects that one has to consider, Islamically.

1. Fertilization takes place outside of the woman, hence the name "test tube"
2. Not all fertilized eggs are placed into the uterus(some might be frozen)
3. Donor sperm/eggs are often used

               This issue would turn into the obvious question of does a fertilized egg constitute a child. Thereby making the act of discarding it haram? Is this a form of abortion? "Abort means to terminate the life of the fetus deliberately, by any means, while it is still in the womb of the mother" (2) If this definition of abortion is generally agreed upon, it would not apply to the IVF process for the fertilized egg is not in the womb.

As new medical techniques are being discovered, it brings constant questions for Muslims to address Islamically. One such recent question for many is the use of donated fertilized eggs to be used in embryonic stem cell research. It is hoped that he use of embryonic stem cells will cure such things as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, heart disease, stroke as well as repairing injured spines.

Muslim jurists have ruled that the use of cultured human nerve cells obtained from abortions, spontaneous or medically induced, are halal. However they have also ruled that donating the excess fertilized eggs would not be permissible and that they should be left to die on their own.(4)

               The issue of using donor eggs or donor sperm is the most important point in the Islamic View. Lineage is a very protected aspect in Islam.

               Donor eggs and/or sperm upsets the foundations of lineage. This also goes for renting the womb, i.e. surrogacy. Sperm, eggs, and the womb are all a part of the process which determines lineage.

               The outcome of such procedures is an illegitimate child. This may seem harsh to non-Muslims, or even new Muslims. But the long term affects of donors is disturbing not only to individuals but also to society. A society that not only promotes illegitimate children but promotes a selfish desire with no thought of long term affects on children, who they possibly marry, and the children they may possibly have. Not knowing lineage may cause one to marry a brother, sister, father, and other close lineage. This in itself should make any couple think twice. Children deserve to know legitimate things, such as what makes them who they are, what family member did they get their colour of eyes from, why do I look like this but no one else in my family does, normal things children go through. It is difficult enough to grow up in such a society these days without having to deal with such an ordeal.

               Other forms of ART would follow the same guidelines. Islamically the only real issue is that of donors and surrogacy which as already been stated is prohibited. Procedures such as GIFT, ZIFT, and IUI, are all permissible as long as the eggs and womb belong to the wife and the sperm is from the respective husband.

               I was once asked a question: "What if the donor egg or womb used are both the legitimate wives of the husband, i.e., a polygamous situation". This would make the lineage legitimate, and both the wives being legal for him. It is argued that using an egg from one and the womb of the other could also have the same affect as breastfeeding between women and other children, which is permissible. However what is ignored in this situation is that the womb forms a tie of lineage according to Qur'an. This is not so with breastfeeding another child. So even if both the womb and the egg are halal for the man in essence the child would have two mothers, again not something that occurs with breastfeeding. A child could be claimed custodially by both mothers, for each have as much importance in bringing this child to life. The one mother for the egg the other for

(4) Contemporary Topics in Islamic Medicine, by Dr. Moammed Ali Albar, Saudi Publishing ISBN9960-26-0119

When I learned that I had fertility problems I was devastated. But I have learned several things that have helped me to deal with this problem. Inshallah, by sharing some of the things that have helped me, you to will find something that will work for you in coping with this fact of life

One of the most important things that I have found that works is learning about my condition, as well as my options. This started with reading, a lot, visit the library, there are many books on infertility in general as well as one that is more in line with your condition. Search the web, it is a great source of information that will make you better informed to your treatment options, your condition, as well as what to expect.

While it may seem that the last thing you want to do is talk to other people about your problems. It helps to communicate with other women who may be going through the same issues as you are. While the Muslim community in general lacks any formal groups, we can take it upon ourselves to find other Muslim women that are in the same situation as we are in. We can also find non Muslim women who are dealing with fertility issues like we are, while many times the "spiritual" communication is not there networking with non Muslim women can lead you to information that you didn't know of. The best doctors, where to get your subscription filled cheaper, some group sessions, books to buy that will be of help and many other positive aspects of such networking, not to mention the opportunity for Dawah.

While this may appear as being a "given" sometimes it is not easy to open up to your spouse and tell them how you are really feeling. We may have the tendency to keep everything inside, and want to deal with the problem on our own. Perhaps not wanting to burden our spouse. However this can be very harmful for our health and our relationships in the long run. Infertility has many emotional side affects, we go through bouts of depression, feeling of helplessness, blaming ourselves etc. etc. Opening up to our partners will help us realize that we are not in it alone, and that he/she maybe feeling the same things that we are. As Allah says we are "garments for each other" this means we are to find protection, comfort, warmth, and security with each other. We must keep this in mind while we do battle with infertility.

While this may appear easier said than done, it is a very important issue. Self blame is not uncommon, and something that most couples facing infertility go through. We must come to terms that this is all Qadr of Allah, and while we may not understanding the reasons behind it all, this is a test, and after hardships comes ease. Although not everyone will be blessed with children, we as Muslims must learn to come to terms with what Allah has decreed for us -vs- what we want for ourselves.

We may feel obligated to go to our friends baby shower, or walk down the baby isle of a store, to goo and ahh over the little newborn clothes. This may not be the best things for us to do at this time. We have to learn that saying no to social events is not always wrong, depending on how you feel. If you notice that you have hard feelings when going to a baby shower than do not go. If you notice going towards a section of a store brings you to tears and bouts of sadness in the baby section, stay clear of that part of the store or ask your spouse to get what you need. It is important to consistently ask for strength from Allah to face these times, we must learn that there are times when we are not strong enough. And in order to protect ourselves during this time, it is ok to avoid such instances.

AND LOTS OF IT!! As believers we must learn to rely on Allah to support us, guide us, and help us through the hard times. Even though it may not be prayer time, make wudu and pray two sunnah -- rakat glorify Allah through these hard times. Submit yourself to him through these tests and pray that Allah gives you what is best for you for nothing happens but by Allah's will.

Endometriosis Association 8585 North 76th Place Milwaukee WI 53223

In U.S 1-800-992-3636

In Canada 1-800-426-2363

Endometriosis Support Group <New Hampshire>

The Dayton Ohio Endometriosis Association

Hampton Roads VA PCO support group

San Diego PCO Support

PCO Support South Florida

Contact Victoria Valdes 954-473-1001 ext 230

IN- PCOSA

SHARE- Pregnancy and Infant Loss

Joseph Health Center, 300 First Capitol Drive St. Charles MO 63301

314-947-616

Miscarriage is a very difficult event to deal with. Many women not only have to deal with the physical issues that arise, but also the emotional issues. One of the most common emotional responses is "what did I do?" Self blame is not an unusual reaction and something that should be addressed rather than put aside. One of the numerous ways to positively walk through this traumatizing event is to find out what went wrong. I will attempt to share some information below, however, this is not to be substituted for medical advice from your doctor.

One of the many things a woman may hear is that miscarriage is just Allah’s will, and the body's way of rejecting a deformed fetus. While it is true that over ½ of miscarriages do occur due to genetic abnormalities in the fetus. The question arises as to the other ½ and what causes the miscarriages?

If a woman does miscarry, it is very helpful if the passing tissue of the fetus is kept and presented to the hospital or doctor. Usually this tissue is recognized as a "blood clot", not uncommon in resemblance to uterine lining that is shed each month in a woman. This will, with the help of lab tests, determine if the fetus in fact had any genetic abnormalities that caused it to abort. Not all genetic abnormalities results in a miscarriage, many continue with a healthy pregnancy and results in physical as well as mental handicaps.

Genetic Problems With The Parents

Though a genetic problem may be ruled out with the fetus. The problem can lie with the parents themselves. A Blood test called "karyotyping" can easily, but not cheaply, be performed to determine this factor.

Endometriosis

43% of women diagnosed with Endometriosis have had miscarriages. It is not exactly known how Endometriosis causes miscarriages but theories tend to attribute it to hormonal imbalances. Having Endometriosis myself I have heard the often quoted "pregnancy helps Endometriosis" unfortunately this is not the whole truth.

During the first two to three months of pregnancy, Endometriosis often gets worse before it gets any better. In order for pregnancy to help Endometriosis a woman must carry to full term. This is due to the increase of estrogen levels which causes Endometriosis to grow.

Luteal- Phase Defects

This is a common hormonal cause of spontaneous abortion. This happens when the corpus luteum, which forms on the ovaries after ovulation, does not produce the proper amount of progesterone. The progesterone is necessary for the fertilized egg to implant itself in the uterine lining. If the corpus luteum fails the uterine lining will not be able to carry the attached fetus and a miscarriage will occur. This happens in the early months of pregnancy for after the second month of pregnancy the placenta takes over the production of progesterone.

Malformations In The Uterus

There are several malformations of the uterus that can contribute to miscarriage, such as unicornuate uterus, septate uterus, and bicornuate uterus.

This is the name for a woman that has a half of uterus, which can be diagnosed with and HSG. There are many women who go on to carry and deliver babies with this condition. Just because one has this condition does NOT mean that they will miscarry, although their chances do increase. What is said to happen is that the uterus is smaller and weaker due to the malformation. Which leads to not only miscarriages but premature births.

This is when the woman’s uterus is partially or totally separated by a wall known as a "septum" Again this condition can be diagnosed with an HSG and many women go on to carry and deliver babies. When miscarriages do occur, it is usually attributed to the fertilized egg implanting itself on the septum. The septum has a very poor blood supply and the fetus aborts due to being undernourished.

A woman who has a uterus that looks like a heart, from the inside and out. And is attributed to higher rate of miscarriage, twice that of the general population.

Several of these conditions can be treated with a surgical procedure. And they can be easily diagnosed with an HSG. Most women with such conditions don’t have any infertility problems, but may increase their chances of Endometriosis.

Adhesions

Adhesions are a common infertility problem, from the tubes to the ovaries. There are also problems with adhesions in the uterus itself, occurring from several different factors. Procedures such as a D&C can cause adhesions as well as the surgical procedure to remove fibroids. The adhesions themselves can be cut away from the uterine wall enabling women to carry to full term. Figures as high as 85 % success rate after such a surgical procedure

Fibroids

Fibroids are muscular tumors inside the uterine cavity, although benign, can interfere with conception as well as cause spontaneous abortion. If the fertilized egg implants itself over a fibroid, the food supply will be to low and the fetus will miscarry. Even fibroids that tend to be small before pregnancy can enlarge due to the increase of estrogen and progesterone.

There is a major medical procedure called myomectomy which can remove the fibroids from the uterus. Success figures as high as 41% miscarriage rate among women with non treated fibroids fell to 14% after surgical treatment, makes for a great option.

Incompetent Cervix

This is the term used to describe a woman whose cervix is incapable of holding together for a full term pregnancy. The baby literally falls out of a woman unless the problem is noted and dealt with. The doctors will generally sew the cervix together to hold the baby inside, and highly recommend bed rest.

There are other causes of miscarriages such as infections, chemical hazards in our daily lives. But these are some of the main reasons why women miscarry. Many doctors, inshallah this thought is changing, generally don’t look into the reason why a woman miscarries until her third consecutive miscarriage. If you find that your doctor is not receptive to your concerns about your miscarriage, remember you are in control, simply find another doctor that will address your concerns.

What I find most upsetting, in an Islamic standpoint, is that women are blamed for miscarriages as a "play-back" of some evil thing she did or has within her. Being pregnant if have heard the sayings of the cultures, don’t walk this way you will miscarry, don’t get upset you will miscarry, don’t eat this you will loose your baby, and the tales get wilder as they continue. What this tells me is that culturally women have been conditioned to believe and accept that it is strictly her fault, and something she can avoid. This ties in with the overwhelming worth that is placed an a woman as an individual by how many children she has. And, Allah forbid, a woman has repetitive miscarriages the cultural views are to blame the women for their evil fault which endued the miscarriage. This would, perhaps, not affect me as it does, if it were not passed off as an Islamically sound view of miscarriage.

How many of our sisters have been made to feel bad for having a miscarriage. Something they could have possibly avoided by not doing certain daily things that do not cause miscarriage at all. A sister recently had a miscarriage, of course the normal stages of blaming herself, due to our normal feelings as well as mixed cultural thought. I reassured her as best I could that such things happen, that it was not some inherently evil thing from her. I saw the relief on her face when I reassured her, all to have it undone by a well meaning sister in the next room. I however, controlled myself from "flipping out", if you will, and realized I had to rid her of her cultural hang ups as well.

This lead me to find out exactly what our prophet s.a.w said concerning miscarriage, if anything at all. I found the following:

Abu Huraira reported that Allah’s Messenger s.a.w said "The miscarried fetus that I send before me is dearer to me than a rider whom I leave behind." <Ibn Majah>

Mu’adh b. Jabal reported on the authority of Allah’s Messenger s.a.w who said "By him in whose Hand is my life, the miscarried fetus will drag his mother towards the paradise, with his navel string if she had shown the patience for the sake of reward from Allah."

Miscarriage is very devastating to a woman, and should be treated with delicacy. As a sister to another it is best for us to give a shoulder to the sister, reassure her, educate her in what can cause miscarriage, and pray to Allah to give her strength. If you have gone through miscarriages and want to find out what went wrong, talk with your doctors and Inshallah a cause can be found. And remember Allah does not put a burden on a soul that it can not bear. Pray to Allah for strength, and be patient.

The use of herbs as a source of medical treatment has been going on since the beginning of time. Allah has put cures in this world which we are to seek, and some of these cures do come in the form of herbs. It was not until recently that herbal remedies have been replaced by synthetic medication. And most doctors do not believe in this "unconventional" medicine and are more inclined towards the modern means of medication. However, many couples do use herbs as one helpful use in the treatment of infertility.

Black Seed is a widely used herb by Muslims, and one of the favorites of Muhammad pbuh.

Abu Hurayra reported Muhammad pbuh as saying: Use the Black Seed as it is the panacea that heals all harms except death. <Muslim, Bukhari>

According to Ibn Qayyim al Jawiziyya the Black Seed was in several forms to treat the following ailments:

Eliminates flatulence, extracts the helmnths, palliates leprosy, provokes menstrual flow and increases milk production

Fenugreek-

Muhammad pbuh was also reported to have been present when Al Harth ibn Kalda used it to treat Sa'd Ibn Waqqas as a cure for his ailment.

According Ibn Qayyim al Jawiziyya Fenugreek was used in several forms to treat the following ailments:

Soothes coughs, increase semen, soothes asthma, provokes menstruation, decomposes the tumor in the spleen. Also recommended to women to soak in a bath with to soothe aches related to a tumid womb

After doing some online research I have found the following recommendations for herbal us in fertility and infertility treatments. Please note I do not take any of the below herbs, nor have I tried any for a remedy for my infertility conditions. I can recommend Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle to increase milk supply, but nothing related to infertility. I must stress again that you research and contact a herbalist in your area.

To Bring Menstruation-

Uterine Fibroids and Ovarian Cysts-

Licorice

Preventing Miscarriage-

Cervical Mucus-

Hypothyroidism-

Endometriosis-

To Increase Sex drive-

Humulus, Scutellaria

Sperm Motility-