Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 1 year or more of intercourse without contraception. Both partners should be checked when inability to concieve takes place. About 70% of cases are due to female infertility and 30% to male sterility.

From a Western perspective there are many causes of infertility. The majority of cases are due to hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian disturbances, in other words hormone related issues. Other causes are more structural in nature, such as fallopian tube abnormalities, uterine factors (fibroids, endometriosis), cervical factors, and unknown cause.

While it is helpful to know the Western diagnosis, Chinese medicine treats the individual not a Western named disease. Acupuncture and Herbal medicine can be very helpful with infertility. In some cases Chinese medicine alone is sufficient treatment and in others it is best when combined with Western therapies.

Some benefits of Chinese medicine:   Click here for a look a specific actions from a western viewpoint

* Balances hormones
* Regulates the menstrual cycle
* Increases follicle production
* Increases quality of follicles
* Relaxes the uterus
* Increase in blood supply to uterus
* Increase in overall immune system

Here are some examples of the effects of herbal therapy as presented by Randine Lewis, Ph.D. in her book "The Infertility Cure"

Blood, Essence,			* Stimulate estrogen production
and Yin tonics			* Increase cervical mucus
				* Build uterine lining
				* Strengthen reproductive organs
				* Lower FSH
				* in Men, help liquefy overly viscous seminal fluid

Blood and Qi tonics		* Increase hemoglobin production
				* Lower FSH
				* In men, increase sperm count

Yang and Qi tonics		* Stimulate production of progesterone, testosterone,
				  and thyroid hormones
				* In men, increase sperm count and motility

Blood invigorators		* Inhibit endometriosis and fibroids
				* In men, improve sperm morphology

Blood coolers			* Restrain inflammatory processes

Qi regulators			* Lower elevated prolactin levels
				* Metabolize excess hormones

Dampness drainers		* Lower cholesterol
				* Control yeast, bacteria, and other pathogens

When treating infertility, it is beneficial to monitor your cycle via the BBT, Basal Body Temperature chart. In TCM terms, this gives us valuable information about how to treat you. TCM treatment at its most basic form, focuses on the balance between yin and yang (see terminology page). The BBT chart shows us the base levels of yin and yang, as well as, the interplay between them at a very detailed level. In Western terms what we are monitoring is your hormone levels, predominately the levels of estrogen and progesterone. The BBT chart also gives functional information about the hypothalmus-pituitary-ovarian axis, corpus luteum, and emotional stability.

Below is what a normal BBT chart would look like:

Infertility and IVF

Recent research shows acupuncture is an effective treatment for improving the success of IVF. The April issue of Fertility and Sterility, published a study in which 160 women undergoing either IVF or ICSI were randomly assigned to a control group or an acupuncture group. The acupuncture group received an acupuncture treatment 25 minutes before and then 25 minutes after embryo transfer.

Six weeks after the embryo transfers were performed, all of the women were given an ultrasound examination. In the control group, the presence of a fetal sac, the scientists' criteria for a clinical pregnancy, was found in 21 women (26.3%). In the acupuncture group, the pregnancy rate was "considerably higher" - 34 women (42.5%) were carrying a fetal sac at the time of examination.

Both Michael and Sarah are experienced in helping women with infertility. Also in cases that are due to disharmonies with the sperm, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be of help. Sperm count; sperm quality and mobility can all be improved.

We are happy to discuss your personal situation either on the phone or via email.

Blank Basal Body Temperature Chart

Read recent article on infertility

Read testimonials on fertility/menstrual issues, and on IVF treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine

Taking charge of your fertility

Fertility Network

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