Fertility
Prenatal & IVF Support
What are Causes for Infertility?
Causes of male infertility may include the following:
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Abnormal sperm production or function
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Problems with the delivery of sperm
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Overexposure to certain environmental factors, such as pesticides and other chemicals, and radiation
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Damage related to cancer and its treatment
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Causes of female infertility may include the following:
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Ovulation disorders
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Damage to the fallopian tubes
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Endometriosis
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Uterine or cervical causes
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Unexplained infertility
What Kind of Prenatal Support is Offered by TCM Treatments?
Traditional Chinese medicine holds that pregnancy results from the union of male and female essences to create new life, with a woman's energy balance undergoing significant changes during the 280 days of pregnancy.
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Acupuncture is believed to operate in three ways: by regulating the release of neurotransmitters from the brain, which impacts reproductive hormones and organs; by stimulating blood flow to the uterus, thereby enhancing the likelihood of embryo implantation; and by increasing the production of chemicals that reduce stress hormone levels.
Acupuncture during pregnancy can have the following effects:
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Increasing the likelihood of spontaneous labor around the due date, thus reducing the need for induced labor
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Decreasing the risk of medical intervention such as cesarean section, forceps delivery, and epidural anesthesia
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Facilitating faster and easier labor, with labor durations averaging 1.5 hours shorter
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Augmenting the effectiveness of natural "sensory" acupuncture when performed regularly
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Acupuncture is entirely safe during pregnancy and has been demonstrated to be highly beneficial and effective. It supports pregnancy maintenance, nurtures the body, and alleviates early pregnancy symptoms in the first trimester, including fatigue, nausea, and heartburn. Furthermore, acupuncture aids in relieving pain, constipation, and swelling throughout pregnancy.
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Herbal medicine is frequently combined with acupuncture, dietary modifications, lifestyle adjustments, and massage to aid conception. Modern science validates acupuncture's efficacy in enhancing ovulation by regulating specific areas of the nervous system and supporting hormonal processes, ovarian blood flow, and metabolism.
How Can TCM Support IVF Treatments?
Reasons for Needing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
There are several reasons why IVF may be necessary. You might consider IVF if you or your partner have:
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A low sperm count
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Ovulation problems stemming from conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
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Issues with the fallopian tubes
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Endometriosis
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A desire to avoid passing on a genetic disease to your children
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Treatment Support from TCM
Some studies indicate that acupuncture enhances the success rate of IVF through various mechanisms:
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Increased blood flow, aiding in oxygenation and delivery of nutrients to developing follicles, thereby positively impacting egg quality and quantity. Research has recognized that enhanced uterine perfusion in the early follicular phase boosts pregnancy rates with IVF, particularly in women aged 40 years and older.
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Reduction of anxiety and stress levels throughout the IVF process. Emotional well-being strongly influences IVF outcomes concerning pelvic circulation and endocrine balance. At our clinic, we aim to soothe the mind and bolster confidence.
Acupuncture serves as the focal point of TCM IVF support intervention, yet adopting a holistic approach that includes herbs and mindful dietary choices offers significant benefits. Your TCM doctor will suggest herbal supplements to further enhance your IVF program, while your dietary habits can also influence your success.
Your acupuncturist will personalize a treatment plan based on your condition, typically recommending treatments 1-3 times per week for at least 4-6 weeks before surgery (IUI, IVF, FET). Each session, lasting up to an hour after the initial consultation, will commence with a discussion period to update your acupuncturist, followed by a 20–40-minute acupuncture session.
Food & Diet Support During Pregnancy
In the early stages of pregnancy, specifically the first 13 weeks, pregnant women only require an additional 200-400 calories. It is unnecessary for pregnant women to eat for two during this period; however, opting for nutritious foods is crucial to ensure adequate nutrition for the fetus. Overeating and excessive weight gain can elevate the risk of gestational diabetes or the baby being overweight after birth.
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Pregnant women should augment their intake of nutrients like folic acid, iodine, and vitamin A from food to support fetal development. As they progress into the second and third trimesters, pregnant women need to elevate their intake of other nutrients, including iron, calcium, Omega-3 fatty acids, etc. A registered dietitian from Hong Kong Adventist Hospital has highlighted that pregnant women can mitigate the risk of pregnancy-related symptoms by incorporating iron-rich foods such as meat, beans, dark green vegetables, iron-fortified breakfast cereals, and dried fruits to address any anemia concerns. Additionally, consuming vitamin C-rich foods after meals, such as oranges, kiwis, and grapefruits, not only bolsters immunity but also aids in iron absorption. Iron plays a crucial role in normal fetal growth, brain development, and can help reduce postpartum anemia in women.