Acupuncture

TREATING FERTILITY CHALLENGES NATURALLY

Written by Christina Novalik, NMD, LAc.

Understanding fertility challenges
Infertility affects 10% of couples trying to conceive in the US. Infertility is defined in western medical terms as a couple unable to conceive after 1 year of trying. For many people that can feel like the longest year ever. Fortunately, there are many things the couple can do to increase the chances of conception before resorting to IVF (in-vitro fertilization) or fertility hormone injections by receiving Acupuncture and nutritional adjustments. If the general public knew of the effectiveness of alternative medicine and acupuncture, they may start there. That is why it is important to see an experienced Naturopath or acupuncturist well versed in this delicate area.

Fertility causes
There are multiple causes of infertility or fertility challenges that are required to be identified. There are various factors involved that may be causing a couple to not conceive. About 40% is a female factor, 40% male factor, 10% both and 10% unexplained. The female factor may involve ovulatory dysfunction or menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fallopian tube blockage, endocrine imbalance or fibroids. Other factors that may inhibit a woman’s fertility are age (staring to decline age 28), infections, cervical factors or immunological factors (cervical mucus attacking the sperm). A woman’s chance of conceiving diminishes after age 35 due to the rapid decline and lack of egg quality or quantity.

The male factor has to deal with sperm abnormalities (quality, quantity, motility), high scrotal temperature, erectile disorders, toxic exposures, testicular injury, infections or endocrine abnormality. Combined factors maybe a combination of both male and female factors. The unexplained fertility may be due to emotional stresses by self or others. It may be deep seeded fears that are stuck in the body that are preventing the conception process. Some nutritional deficiencies may also be a contributing factor to decreasing the optimal fertile conditions.

Chinese medicine & fertility
Chinese medicine looks at fertility challenges in a different light. Once the correct TCM (Traditional Chinese Medical) pattern (Eastern diagnosis) is identified it can be treated accordingly. First it is important to regulate the menstrual cycle before conception can occur. Usually, this takes approximately 3 months of treatment to balance out. This would entail the woman to chart her fertility to become more in tuned with her own body, timing intercourse accordingly and make the necessary diet and lifestyle changes. For male factor, usually diet and lifestyle changes and herbal/acupuncture treatments will improve sperm conditions.

Acupuncture and herbs work to create the ideal condition for conception by:
• Regulating the menstrual cycle and promoting ovulation
• Improving blood flow to ovaries and uterus
• Improving sperm quality, quantity and motility
• Regulating hormones via the Hypothalamus/Pituitary/ovarian axis
• Releases natural endorphins important in stress reduction

Natural fertility treatments
It is important that while trying natural treatments that the cause of fertility challenges be properly diagnosed. If age is a factor for the woman, time is an issue. I feel that 6-9 months of Acupuncture or natural treatments is a good amount of time to know if it will work for you. In that case, the patient should be evaluated by a Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility specialist) to address the issue. Every challenge brings forth growth and understanding

Natural Fertility Packages