TOPICS: Menstrual Cycle | Menopause | Infertility | Pregnancy & Postpartum | Research

Infertility
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs offers safe, effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions associated with infertility, including:

Sometimes, simple regulation of the menstrual cycle and stress reduction can aid conception, both of which can be successfully addressed with Chinese medicine. However, in more complicated cases, such as infertility due to diminished ovarian reserve or poor uterine blood flow, Chinese medicine can be an asset to Western treatments, such as those used in artificial reproductive techniques (ART). The use of acupuncture and Chinese herbs in conjunction with ART has been widely studied in medical research, with many studies reporting an increase in pregnancy rates.

In cases of diminished ovarian reserve, it is most beneficial to begin Chinese medicine treatment 3-6 months prior to attempting to conceive. This is because the process of folliculogenesis—the maturation process of an antral follicle—takes 4-5 months. In Chinese medicine, improving ovarian reserve requires action at the level of the antral follicles (those that haven’t yet matured). Treatment, therefore, is aimed at nourishing the jing, or essence, which is the vital substance that promotes healthy follicle development.

In other cases of infertility, a minimum of 3 months is recommended to optimize fertility potential, though regulation of the menstrual cycle can increase chances for conception in as little as one cycle. We encourage each patient to record her basal body temperatures (BBT) daily during the course of treatment. These BBT charts are highly beneficial to the practitioner, revealing TCM patterns and hormonal imbalances that might hinder fertility potential. You can download BBT charts and directions for use here.

The concurrent use of both acupuncture and Chinese herbs is often recommended; acupuncture is considered to be most effective for clearing obstruction and reducing stress, while Chinese herbs strengthen and nourish areas of depletion. In most fertility cases, TCM treatments include a combination of both principles (clearing/moving and strengthening/nourishing). Treatments also vary according to the menstrual cycle and the timing of ART procedures. Therefore, your treatment plan will be highly individualized. We will, however, consider your needs when designing such a plan to ensure that it is amenable to your schedule and finances, creating the most beneficial—and effective--treatment for you as possible.

Male factor is an increasing cause of infertility in the modern world. There are many ways that Oriental medicine and natural therapies can effectively support male infertility, by improving sperm counts, motility, and morphology. About 25% of all infertility is caused by a sperm defect and 40-50% of infertility cases indicate that issues with the sperm is the main or contributing cause.