fertility and acupuncture
infertility - on the rise
Infertility has become a prominent issue in modern life. Infertility can be used to describe the lack of conception resulting in pregnancy after the couple have been having regular sex for about one year. The cause of infertility is frequently due to the woman (around two thirds of the time) but may be due to male infertility (about one third of cases).
Often women are told their infertility is "unexplained" which is unsatisfactory and does not provide much hope or motivation to try to improve the situation. Obviously this depends how many tests and how much investigation is done as to how much may have been clearly diagnosed. Also couples are almost routinely now being sent for a course of IVF (see IVF and other assisted fertility treatments) without considering other more natural options, or simply being more patient. It is sensible to try to relax around this subject; keep healthy - suggestions below - and enjoy a loving relationship with your partner. If after a year of regular sex without conception, then is the time to think about going to see your GP.
types of female infertility
The most common cause of female infertility is due to problems of ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from one of the ovaries), the most common cause of this is due to blocked fallopian tubes - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Endometriosis (abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus) is another very common cause of infertility (difficult to diagnose medically as is only found by internal laparoscopy). Endometrioses can affect the ovaries and the Fallopian tubes and can increase the risk of miscarriage. Infertility may be due to a undiagnosed hormonal imbalance (such as thyroid imbalance), another cause can be an over active immune response.
Miscarriage usually happens with in the first three months of pregnancy and can been multiple in some women. Premature menopause is when periods stop early and therefore no more eggs are released, this is a naturally occurring phase in the female cycle and normally occurs between the age of 45-55, the average age in the UK is 51. Premature ovarian failure (POF) is when for some reason the ovaries stop working properly. This condition can happen in the forties or even as young as in the teenage years and this is not a normal part of the woman's cycle, but it is sometimes confused with early menopause.
Ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg attaches itself somewhere outside of the uterus, usually in one of the two fallopian tubes. As the tubes cannot support a growing foetus the condition must be treated and the pregnancy aborted. Around one in sixty pregnancies are Ectopic.
male infertility
Male infertility is also increasing due to modern lifestyle, stress and bad diet. Infertility in men also occurs for a number of reasons, a seman analysis is the main test to determine male fertility. If this shows a low sperm count, ICSI which involves the sperm being directly injected into the egg may be used as conventional treatment. Acupuncture can increase male fertility by helping to increase the health of the sperm, and of course the health of the man. Acupuncture is also useful in erectile dysfunction and is supportive to not only the sexual function, but to increased self confidence and relaxation which can play a significant role in this situation.
acupuncture for increased fertility
The Chinese medicine system and acupuncture can help to support fertility. Acupuncture may be used for example if there is unexplained infertility because acupuncture supports all of the bodily systems. Sometimes acupuncture is at an advantage diagnostically as it takes so many aspects of health into account. For example if a woman is tired, has problematic menstrual periods and feels stressed, that may not constitute a diagnosable problem medically speaking, however in Chinese medicine it would be highly likely that certain organs and acupuncture channels were not functioning at a healthy capacity. These probabilities would be further clarified by the usual Chinese medicine diagnosis - pulse taking, tongue diagnosis, body diagnosis, and specific questions concerning the woman's cycle. The female menstrual cycle itself can be incredibly useful diagnostically as it show signs of health and dis-ease. For example excess blood flow may signify heat in the system, whereas a deep, contractive type pain can relate to cold. These symptoms can be relieved through a course of acupuncture and sometimes moxibustion (a smouldering, warming herb which is sometimes used on the end of a needle).
Specific hormonal imbalances such as high or low thyroid levels can be helped through a course of acupuncture. Sometimes the woman's hormonal system takes a while to regulate when there is a history of use of the contraceptive pill. Acupuncture can help to increase the circulation of blood flow and energy throughout the uterus and reproductive areas and support the functioning of the organs which are particularly associated with sexual health and fertility.
Usually in acupuncture fertility treatment the practitioner would seek to get the menstrual cycle regular, to help to get a healthy blood flow over number of days of the menstruation (sometimes for example this is too heavy, or too long), and to help to balance the woman's energy level and emotional well-being. Unresolved emotional/psychological stuff from the past such as trauma, terminated pregnancies, abusive relationships can all have a big effect on fertility. Ultimately if you have a very negative self-image and really believe you will be a "bad" mother, this can have a profound effect on the mind and body. Counselling may also help if this is the case.
other factors regarding lifestyle habits can of great use, these include:
- Alcohol consumption - better kept at a real minimum during fertility treatment.
- Smoking cigarettes or marijuana - both greatly have a detrimental effect on fertility.
- Drugs - recreational or prescribed, all affect the internal organs and hormonal balance and may have a negative impact on fertility.
- Diet - regular meals are important and cutting out processed food or foods with reduced fats or "trans" fats which interfere with ovulation.
- Vitamins supplementation - can be useful; zinc and B6 in particular are used for fertility.
- Herbs - some herbs may be helpful, for example Agnus Castus can help hormonal balance.
- Weight - if under weight address putting on more weight if overweight take action to loose some.
- Exercise - not excessive amounts but doing some regularly is a great support to fertility and overall health.
However the single most important factor in getting pregnant is sex and having lots of it! This means three times a week or more. Although the woman is technically at her most fertile around mid-cycle; at ovulation, women do also conceive at other times of the month. It really is essential to mention as in our instant gratification society we often expect things immediately, however even in healthy, fertile couples it's not uncommon to take six months to conceive. So lots of sex is a must in fertility treatment!
If you feel your fertility is not at it's best and would like a supportive hand in your journey come along for acupuncture and together we can start to improve your health, positivity and perhaps be on the road to creating new life!
