Fertility with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
The use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to improve fertility has a tradition of over 700 years in China. These methods have gained importance in recent decades, especially as more and more couples are experiencing difficulty with conception.
Chinese medicine and acupuncture are incredibly adaptable and can always be tailored to meet individual needs. Thanks to this flexibility, they have a remarkable ability to restore normal functions in the human body.
When it comes to fertility treatment, using herbs, acupuncture, and possibly dietary advice can support follicle maturation, improve the uterine lining, treat hormonal imbalances, and regulate menstrual cycles. These factors, among others that can be positively influenced by Traditional Chinese Medicine, have an impact on potential fertility. It's also recommended to track your basal body temperature before your visit. By consistently recording your temperature every morning for a few months, you can gain insight into your symptoms and, from a Chinese perspective, the interplay of Yin and Yang in your monthly cycle.
Careful observation of your menstrual cycle and cervical mucus provides important diagnostic clues for targeted treatment. Based on this, along with other findings from your detailed medical history, the acupuncture treatment and individually tailored, cycle-dependent herbal prescriptions are determined to harmonize your cycle and improve fertility. The goal of a typical treatment is not only to harmonize your cycle, but also to identify and address other symptoms that may hinder fertility. Disturbances can occur in each phase - menstruation, follicular and luteal phase, as well as during ovulation - which can be recognized at the BTK and treated with Chinese medicine. We can discuss together how to schedule appointments most effectively and determine the best type of treatment for you.
Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbs generally offers the best solution, but you could also focus solely on herbal prescriptions and schedule acupuncture appointments less often. While much of fertility treatment is still geared towards women, it's important not to overlook men. In many cases, the chance of pregnancy increases when both partners receive treatment. In recent decades, average sperm quality has significantly declined. Chinese medicine can have an impact on sperm motility, quantity, shape, and overall quality.
Factors that contribute to fertility problems according to Chinese medicine.
- Yin Deficiency in the Kidneys is often linked to dryness symptoms and a lack of substance. In fertility treatment, this can lead to inadequate build-up of the endometrium, insufficient cervical mucus, and disruptions in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Additionally, blood deficiency, as viewed in Chinese medicine, can also pose a hindrance.
- Kidney Yang Deficiency refers to a general lack of activity or function in the body, often leading to feelings of coldness and fatigue. When it comes to fertility treatment, we commonly observe disruptions in the luteal phase of the cycle, such as a lack of temperature increase or irregularities in ovulation. In men, this condition may result in decreased sperm motility or libido.
- Kidney Jing deficiency is a more profound imbalance that can originate from the prenatal child or the parents. It could stem from factors like a small uterus, insufficient eggs, or underdeveloped sperm.
- Liver or heart Qi stagnation can occur when strong emotions hinder the free flow of emotions in the body, leading to various manifestations. Signs of this may include abdominal pain or tender nipples during ovulation, indicating a stagnant flow.
- Liver or heart Qi stagnation occurs when emotions are obstructed in the body. Blood stagnation or blood stasis may cause sharp, constant pain that worsens at night. In gynecology and fertility treatment, this diagnosis is made for conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, extremely painful menstruation, and the presence of blood clots during menstruation.
- Build-up of moist mucus: In Chinese medicine, this covers a range of conditions with various accompanying symptoms. It's common to have an underlying deficiency in Yang, which can result in moisture accumulation. This can present as a blocked fallopian tube, excessive mucus on the endometrium, or PCOS during fertility treatment. Other issues related to fluid regulation in the body may lead to general water retention or premenstrual bloating, heavy discharge, or thick menstrual blood. Being overweight is also part of this group.
In addition to these commonly seen conditions, which often occur together, there could be damp heat in the lower abdomen or coldness in the uterus, as well as overall fatigue due to Qi deficiency that may hinder conception. Overall, any treatment that helps the body restore its natural balance is considered fertility treatment.
Using acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy in conjunction with IVF, ICSI, cryo-transfer, and insemination.
Fertility centers are increasingly recommending IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) or ICSI alongside surgical options. While traditional Chinese medicine can help with symptoms, some couples may opt for these methods when other treatments haven't resulted in pregnancy. These treatments can be very stressful for women. From a Chinese perspective, it's recommended to schedule multiple acupuncture sessions before the planned treatments to enhance the chances of implantation and to boost the woman's strength between cycles. Acupuncture can also help alleviate hormone side effects, balance mood, improve sleep, and relax the body. Additionally, it improves blood supply to the uterus, increasing the chances of embryo implantation.
When it comes to IVF or ICSI, we suggest considering acupuncture appointments around 5-7 days before the egg retrieval, 1-0 days before the puncture, on the same day after transfer or on the day before/after as well as 3-4 days later. It's important to assess what is appropriate on an individual basis as every woman is different and reacts differently to these procedures.
For insemination, similar treatment can be utilized with the last session taking place up to seven days afterwards. In the case of cryo transfer, it is recommended to have the last treatment one to two days after the transfer.
Chinese herbal therapy has a rich tradition dating back thousands of years and boasts a wealth of valuable experience. While not always essential in fertility treatment, the recipes are frequently crucial. These highly effective herbs offer the gift of strengthening and balancing the body, particularly beneficial when undergoing energy-depleting therapies like IVF.
The pharmacy will compile the prescriptions for you based on your order, and you can either pick them up or have them delivered to you. The costs for this treatment can vary greatly, with an average monthly cost ranging between 40 and 100 euros.