Natural Fertility

Trying to fall pregnant for some couples can be heart wrenching. Impaired fertility may be due to a female factor (40%), male factor (40%) and in some cases both partners.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can provide a less invasive, less expensive and safe way to help couples conceive either naturally or as an adjunct to Assisted Reproductive technology / In vitro Fertilisation.

In clinic, Nicole helps to improve your reproductive health by explaining and utilising TCM theories and tools, reviewing Western Medical test results and then forming a TCM diagnosis and treatment plan.

How can TCM assist?

In Women, TCM can assist to improve reproductive health and ultimately improve the chance of conception by:

  • Regulating the menstrual cycle. Hormone imbalance is said to contribute to 30% of women requiring IVF.
  • Regulating menses
  • Decreasing insulin resistance
  • Promoting ovulation
  • Improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
  • Improving uterine lining thickness
  • Reducing pain
  • Reducing anxiety / stress / depression
  • Improving libido
  • Resolving small uterine fibroids
  • Relaxing uterine contraction
  • Preventing miscarriage
  • Improving ART / IVF rates

In men, TCM can assist in:

  • Increasing sperm count
  • Increasing sperm movement
  • Improving sperm shape
  • Improving libido

Tools:  In the clinic we may utilise any of the following diagnostic tools.

  • Blood tests (especially Day 3 blood tests)
  • Basal Body Temperature charting
  • Ovulation detection kits if already used (not essential)
  • Cervical Mucus monitoring
  • Menses monitoring
  • Tongue and Pulse analysis using TCM principles
  • Sperm Tests

Number of treatments required

While every female is different, we can provide you with some general guidelines as to the frequency of treatments.  In general 12 visits / 3 months are required to regulate to menstrual cycle. Severe hormonal imbalance may take longer.  Each treatment will be tailored to your specific cycle and timed accordingly.  Treatment may include Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and diet and lifestyle advice.

For men, frequent and consistent treatment in a 3 month sperm development cycle is the key to success (weekly preferred). Treatment may include Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and diet and lifestyle advice.

Research

There are many research studies looking at the effects of Acupuncture on fertility.  Some studies favourable, some not so.  Some studies well designed, some not so. At Westleigh Acupuncture, Nicole aims to keep aware of these studies through continuing education programs and her understanding of what makes a good research paper.