Fertility Treatment Program

Infertility is defined as the failure to become pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse. There are two types of infertility; primary infertility, which is infertility without any previous pregnancy; and secondary infertility, when there has been a previous pregnancy.

For many couples, the birth of a child represents the pinnacle of their relationship and the fulfillment of their marriage.

If you are facing infertility, even after years of heartbreaking attempts and the best treatment modern medicine has to offer, Chinese medicine can often offer hope even when other treatments have failed.

Chinese medicine recognises disharmonies that can affect both male and female fertility, so if there is any doubt about the fertility of either partner, both should be treated.

Treatment may include acupuncture, herbs, supplements or a combination. If acupuncture is part of your treatment plan, treatment will typically be at least once a week for several months or until conception occurs. If habitual miscarriage is an issue, treatments to help prevent miscarriage may be continued throughout the pregnancy.

In both men and women, acupoints and herbs are selected based on the individual pattern of disharmony present. This is part of the key to the success in treating infertility and many other health problems using TCM.

Used as a complementary form of fertility treatment, acupuncture has been proven to be especially beneficial. It is probably most effective for those couples who are experiencing a functional problem, like irregular ovulation. In particular, studies have shown that acupuncture definitely increases the rate of pregnancy in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

What are the common causes of infertility?
• Ovulation problems
• Tubal causes
• Sperm causes
• Unexplained infertility
• Age-related factors

Some less common causes are:
• Uterine problems
• Endometriosis
• Previous tubal ligation
• Previous vasectomy
• Various drugs, like caffeine

Taking the following steps may prevent some cases of female infertility:
• Avoid excessive exercise
• Avoid smoking
• Control diseases such as diabetes and hypothyroidism
• Follow good [weight management] guidelines
• Get early treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
• Have regular physical examinations to detect early signs of infections or abnormalities
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
• Practice stress management
• Use birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancy and abortions.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Following are some of the side effects of medications used to cause ovulation:
• Abdominal pressure or fullness
• Cysts on the ovaries
• Headaches, hot flashes, mood changes
• Multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which causes fluid shifts in the body
• Antibiotics may cause allergic reactions, stomach upset, and rash
• Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to anesthesia and other rare but serious complications may be involved.

Is there any natural approach to enhance the chance of my pregnancy?

Depending on the cause of infertility, a natural approach is found to be very valuable. In many cases, the natural approach should be tried first before proceeding to drastic medical interventions, especially if you are in your twenties. The natural approach for female infertility may include:
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising in moderation
• Learning about the best time to conceive
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
• Making lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation
• Receiving a series of acupuncture treatments

How does acupuncture work for this condition?

Functional related infertility is very often related to stress. This may be the reason that infertility seems to be extremely common in women who work in stressful office environments. Acupuncture is very beneficial for decreasing excess tension in the body by balancing the autonomic nervous system. Possible hormonal imbalances and circulatory problems are also addressed by acupuncture.

What do I need to do prior to my appointment?

Before your appointment, it is recommended that you first see your specialist and that both you and your partner complete the tests to determine the possible cause of infertility. It is helpful if you bring all the previous medical test resultsand outcomes with you to the first consultation.

Most infertility patients are asked to record their basal body temperature every morning. A properly recorded basal temperature chart can give us a clue whether you are ovulating or not and the degree of hormonal imbalance.

You will be asked to continuously record your basal temperature throughout the treatment process in order to evaluate your progress. If you have decided to receive the treatment you may request a basal temperature chart.

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