Fertility and IVF Support
In countries with a long historical association with traditional Chinese medicine, it is a common practice for couples wanting to start a family to engage traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.
Typical support program could consist of Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and/or massage.
Many health practitioners may recommend acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicine techniques as an adjunct method that may assist with IVF treatment. There is continuing research about how acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicine techniques can assist with the effectiveness of IVF treatment and you may consult to your treating practitioners about how acupuncture may be able to help you.
Causes and signs of infertility in women and men
Women:
Causes:
- Issues with fallopian tube such as blockage or salpingitis
- Uterine conditions such as polyps, endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, and cancer
- Ovulation disorders
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Age
- Genetic issues
- Anxiety
Signs and symptoms:
- Irregular or painful periods
- Fluctuating hormones causing changes to skin condition, such as acne
- Changes in sex drive and appetite
- Dark hair growth on the lips, chest, and chin
- Hair loss or thinning
- Weight gain
Men:
Causes:
- Poor or failure of sperm production
- Low sperm number
- Positive anti-sperm antibody (AsAb)
- Vas deferens issues
- Sperm teratogenesis from chronic exposure to toxic substances
- Failure of sperm DNA integrity
- Genetic abnormality
Signs and symptoms:
- Changes in hair growth
- Changes in sexual drive and appetite
- Pain, lump, or swelling in the testicles
- Problems with erections and ejaculation
- Small, firm testicles.
TCM perspective on infertility
On top of conventional medical theory on infertility, according to traditional Chinese medical doctrines, infertility might also be attributed to the imbalances or insufficiencies in the following physical properties:
- Insufficiency of yang energy and qi in the kidney
- Stagnation of the liver’s qi
- Blood stasis and overall qi stagnation
- Phlegm and Dampness
Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been shown to help with Fertility, including:
- Nutrition blood level and improve circulation
- Strengthen energy
- Regulate menstrual cycle
- Improve overy function and egg quality
- Release anxiety and stress relating to infertility
- Balance hormone and endocrine system
Service at our Chatswood Clinic
At our Chatswood clinic, with years of experience, we take holistic consideration on your journey of being a Mum. Our approach includes:
- Preconception support program
We suggest couples to try a few sessions of acupuncture and/or herbal medicine when trying to conceive as it will help to improve egg and sperm quality, assure endometrial lining, stimulate blood and chi circulation, boost fertility and lowering stress.
- IVF/IUI support program
Our program will help you through your whole IVF/IUI journey, including sessions on medication phase, pre/post egg retrieval sessions, pre/post transfer sessions and male sperm collection support sessions.
- Pregnancy support program
Carrying a baby isn’t always easy, we are happy to help if you’re looking for some inspiration to have a happier pregnancy, including acupuncture, moxa or herbal medicine to prevent miscarriage, reduce vomiting and improve appetite, release fatigue.
- Postpartum recovery support program
No matter what your delivery looked like, it will take at least 6-8 weeks for your body to recover. Remember, You are not alone. Our goal is to take the mystery out of our services which could promote well-being of both mothers and babies. Come to us if you are suffering from abdominal pain, Hormonal shifts, baby blue, unstopped bleeding, water retention, fatigue and other symtoms.
Contact us for more information on this topic on fertility.