FEmale fertility
Your Questions Answered
Female infertility factors contribute to approximately 50% of all infertility cases, and female infertility alone accounts for approximately one-third of all cases. Most cases of female infertility are due to problems with ovulation (the release of a mature egg), followed by structural abnormalities such as blockages of the fallopian tube, and endometriosis. Age, weight, nutrition and lifestyle factors also play a significant role.
How may acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine influence female fertility?
Overcoming fertility obstacles is a physical and emotionally challenging journey. With Chinese medicine, treatments offer an integrative approach to fertility support by addressing overall health and wellbeing, as well as specific factors that directly affect fertility.
Studies which support the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for treating infertility—either as a primary treatment modality, or as a supportive treatment to assisted reproduction—suggest that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may help influence fertility by:
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regulating reproductive hormones
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stimulating blood flow to the reproductive organs
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influencing the biological stress response
WHICH SPEcific fertilty factors
may Chinese medicine helP?
Clinical practice and early studies suggest several factors may benefit from treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine including:
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Ovulation disorders (e.g. anovulation, irregular periods, polycystic ovarian syndrome)
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Premature ovarian failure
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Endometriosis
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Uterine lining problems
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Poor response to fertility medication (e.g clomid, IVF medication)
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Advanced maternal age
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Poor egg quality
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Threatened/recurrent miscarriage
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‘Unexplained’ infertility
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Assisted reproduction (medicated cycles, IUI, IVF)
WHAT TO EXPECT
Consultation
During your initial consultation you can expect an in-depth intake of your reproductive and medical history, your overall health and wellbeing, as well as any tests or examinations that you and your partner may have already done and any fertility treatment you may be currently undergoing or scheduled to have.
Further Testing
As a continuation of your initial assessment, further investigations may be warranted. This may be further blood tests or a referral to another medical specialist (gynaecologist, urologist/andrologist , or endocrinologist) for further examinations. Where appropriate you may also be referred to a specialist clinical nutritionist for extra support.
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A Typical Treatment Programme
A typical treatment programme with traditional Chinese medicine uses a combination of acupuncture, herbs, nutrition and lifestyle counseling. Treatment is individually customized and takes into account multiple factors including the female menstrual cycle rhythm, specific symptoms of the female reproductive system, biomedical test findings and diagnoses.
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The frequency and length of treatment are typically determined by the nature of one's infertility, although a minimal course of three months is generally recommended.
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Preparing for Your Appointment
There are a few things you can do in preparation of your appointment:
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Avoid stimulants including coffee on the day
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Where possible wear loose and comfortable clothing to you appointment
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Eat a snack or light meal 1-2 hours before your appointment. Its important not to be hungry or thirsty during treatment. Equally treatment on a full stomach is to be avoided.
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Avoid any strenuous activities immediately before or after your acupuncture session.
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Arrive 10-15 minutes early to your appointment
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Bring any medical reports to your appointment.