Treating fertility challenges naturally
Natural medicine and acupuncture prepare the body energetically for the baby — and identify the cause of the fertility challenges.
You are far from alone
Have you and your partner had trouble conceiving? Infertility affects nearly 10% of couples trying to conceive in the US. In western medical terms, infertility is defined as a couple unable to conceive after one year of trying.
Fortunately, natural medicine and acupuncture offer a solution for couples who would like to give their fertility a boost. Used together, these natural treatments work by preparing the body energetically for the baby and identifying the cause of the fertility challenges.
Chinese medicine looks at fertility challenges in a different light. Once the correct TCM (Traditional Chinese Medical) pattern is identified, it can be treated accordingly. First it is important to regulate the menstrual cycle before conception can occur — usually about three months of treatment to balance out, with charting, timed intercourse, and the necessary diet and lifestyle changes. For male factor, diet and lifestyle changes along with herbal and acupuncture treatments will usually improve sperm conditions.
Four factors, identified first
There are multiple causes of fertility challenges that need to be identified: about 40% female factor, 40% male factor, 10% both, and 10% unexplained.
The female factor
May involve ovulatory dysfunction or menstrual irregularities, PCOS, endometriosis, fallopian tube blockage, endocrine imbalance or fibroids. Age (beginning to decline at 28), infections, cervical factors, or immunological factors may also inhibit fertility. A woman's chance of conceiving diminishes after 35 due to declining egg quality or quantity — but that does not mean conceiving naturally is impossible.
The male factor
Deals with sperm abnormalities — quality, quantity, motility — as well as high scrotal temperature, erectile disorders, toxic exposures, testicular injury, infections, or endocrine abnormality.
The unexplained factor
May be due to emotional stresses by self or others. Deep-seated fears stuck in the body can prevent the conception process, and some nutritional deficiencies may also contribute to decreasing optimal fertile conditions.
Acupuncture and herbs, working together
Used synergistically to create the ideal condition for conception.
- Cycle regulation Regulating the menstrual cycle and promoting ovulation.
- Blood flow Improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus.
- Sperm conditions Improving sperm quality, quantity and motility.
- Hormone regulation Regulating hormones via the hypothalamus / pituitary / ovarian axis.
- Stress reduction Releasing natural endorphins, important in stress reduction.
Complementary to assisted treatment
Acupuncture given before and after IVF can increase success rates by 60–80% by increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries and relaxing the body and mind. These natural treatments are complementary to IVF, IUI, and other assisted fertility treatments.
It is important that while trying natural treatments, the cause of fertility challenges is properly diagnosed.
Learn more about treating fertility naturally.
Contact Dr. Christina Kovalik to learn more about treating fertility challenges naturally.