Infertility

Infertility is not just a medical problem… and you are not alone in your battle. In fact 9 million people in the United States are affected by infertility and many of those people deal with medical, psychological and financial stresses. Recent research shows that 60% of cases are due to female infertility and 40% of cases are due to male infertility factors.

What is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 1 year of active trying. Infertility is classified into two types:

Primary infertility - no previous pregnancy; approximately 40% of infertile couples.
Secondary infertility - if there was a previous pregnancy whatever the outcome; approximately 60% of infertile couples.

What are the causes of Infertility?

Ovulation factors
Cervical/uterine factors
Fallopian tube factors
Immunology factors or inflammatory factors-both specific and non-specific
Endometriosis
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Ovarian Cysts
Premature Ovarian Failure
Uterine Fibroid Tumors
Endocrine Imbalances
Luteal Phase Defect
Diabetes
Elevated FSH
Thyroid Disease
Stress
Lupus
Amenorrhea
Birth defects-due to fetal development from mother taking DES (diethylstilbestrol)
Hyperprolactinemia
Advanced Maternal Age
Unexplained Infertility
Male Factors

Chinese Medicine Impact on Infertility:

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine works to enhance both men and women’s fertility by restoring health and balance to the body, mind and spirit. There have been a multitude of research studies in the past decade showing how Acupuncture and TCM increase the success rate of conventional infertility treatments. In fact in the April 2002 issue of Fertility and Sterility, the German study showed that using acupuncture pre and post IVF increased the success rate to 42.5% as opposed to those not using acupuncture at 26.3%. Acupuncture is very effective when combined with assisted reproductive technologies and can also assist in achieving natural pregnancy. For maximum benefits using Chinese medicine, we recommend at least 3 months of preconception care as well as doing maintenance treatments post conception.

Major Benefits

Preconception Care

Ability to overcome common fertility challenges
Increased chance of conceiving naturally
Increased effectiveness of western procedures
Reduced side effects of drugs prescribed during IVF, IUI

Prenatal

Improved energy and balanced emotions
Reduced chance of miscarriage
Shortened labor time

Post Partum

Improved long-term reproductive health
Lessens post partum depression
Improves breast milk quality

Major effects of Acupuncture in the treatment of Infertility:

Regulates the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis
Reduces stress and cortisol levels
Increases the thickness of the uterine lining
Increases blood flow to the uterus and pelvic region
Relaxes the uterus
Stimulates ovulation
Enhances the immune system
Decreases morning sickness

Chinese Medicine Treatment of Infertility:

Western medicine concentrates solely on the health of the reproductive organs whereas Chinese medicine works to strengthen and balance all systems of the body. To achieve balance we use acupuncture, herbs, Reproductive Organ Massage,dietary measures, nutritional supplements, and stress reduction.

Vita Health - Medical Spa & Acupuncture