INFERTILITY AND IN-VITRO FERTILIZATION (IVF) SUPPORT

Western surgical and pharmaceutical measures have great value in the area of gynecology, particularly in severe and emergency situations. But there are many gynecological disorders for which less invasive and more subtle techniques may be desired. For these conditions, Chinese medical gynecology has many benefits. Infertility is one of these areas.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been treating fertility issues for thousands of years. Much of the theory of TCM came about from generations of watching nature and its cycles. The body is viewed as a natural ecosystem that should function in balance and harmony. When the land is healthy and receives adequate sun and rain, it is fertile. TCM seeks to prepare the body for conception by creating an optimal environment for conception and pregnancy in balance and harmony. It does this by addressing all areas of a person’s health or the entire ecosystem. In addition to treatment modalities such as acupuncture and herbal therapies, diet and lifestyle issues are also addressed.

Conditions that respond well to Chinese Medicine include:

unexplained infertility

amenorrhea

luteal phase defect

endometriosis

polycystic ovarian syndrome

uterine fibroids

menstrual cycle disorders- early, late, painful etc.

recurrent miscarriages

advanced maternal age

male factor infertility

For women undergoing assisted reproductive technology, TCM can be of benefit also.

Research studies in both Germany and China have endorsed the addition of acupuncture in supporting in vitro fertilization (IVF). An IVF treatment protocol including acupuncture sessions leading up to an embryo transfer and treatment on the day of the transfer has shown to significantly improve success with pregnancy. In the United States standard fertility treatments have about a 20% success rate. Studies have shown that when TCM is combined with IVF, the odds of conception and healthy pregnancy increase by 50%.

There are several reasons why acupuncture assists with fertility.

Acupuncture

…has been proven to reduce stress. Excessive stress can cause hormonal imbalances and reduce the flow of blood to the uterus.

…increases the blood flow to the uterus therefore improving the endometrial lining.

….strengthens the immune system.

…improves ovarian function and egg quality.

…effects the hypothalamus/pituitary/ovarian axis, therefore helping to balance and regulate hormones involved in reproduction.

…improves sperm count, motility and morphology.

…lessens the side effects from hormonal treatments and increases in-vitro fertilization success rates.

…reduces the chances of miscarriage.