Fertility

Traditional Chinese Medicine, including Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine is a great modality to help couples with fertility issues to conceive naturally or to help the success of ART (assisted reproductive therapy) such as IUI or IVF.

Traditional herbal medicine and acupuncture therapy can be very effective in balancing many imbalances which are the cause of complex gynecological disorders that lead to infertility or reduced fertility. Many of these gynecological disorders may be able to be treated by the assistance of herbal medicines and acupuncture, including:

  • Irregular Menstrual Cycles
  • PMS
  • Fibroids
  • PCOS
  • Endometriosis
  • Postpartum Disorders
  • Unsuccessful IUI/IVF Attempts
  • Emotional Imbalances Related To Hormones
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Menopause

The American Pregnancy Association suggests that acupuncture can be an effective way to address many of the problems affecting fertility. Specifically it can alleviate an under-functioning thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an over-functioning thyroid (hyperthyroidism). A malfunctioning thyroid can affect ovulation which in turn can impede a woman’s ability to become pregnant. Tubal issues  can also be treated with acupuncture. Other conditions, such as tubal adhesions which can occur as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease, may also be addressed. While they may not respond to acupuncture alone, some might respond to a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine, coupled with more conventional medical procedures.Here is a list of other Fertility issues that can be addressed by acupuncture in combination with other treatments include:

  • Elevated follicle stimulating hormone
  • Repeated pregnancy loss
  • Unexplained or idiopathic infertility
  • Luteal phase defect
  • Hyperprolactinemia,  when not caused by a prolactinoma
  •  Polycystic ovarian syndrome with annovulatory cycles
  • Male factors, which include men affected with sperm-DNA-fragmentation

Proper lifestyle and nutrition are very important in achieving balance and wellness. Once this has been achieved, conception is far more likely.  Acupuncture requires a time commitment to allow the body’s systems to  re-balance your body’s systems. Should there be menstrual problems, the treatment must progress until a minimum of three normal cycles are achieved. After that, you must allow yourself a minimum of six months, preferably 18 months, to get pregnant. Dr Jiling Hu is one of the best acupuncture doctors in Los Angeles and Santa Monica for issues related to fertility and infertility. Please call for information on traditional medicine and acupuncture treatment for infertility or other problems. Typically a woman who uses acupuncture to enhance her chances of becoming pregnant will start a series of treatments three or four months before attempting to conceive. Many women attempt to conceive naturally. Assisted Reproductive Therapies (ART) such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), artificial insemination, donor egg transfer can also be used when necessary. After pregnancy occurs, acupuncture usually continues through the 12th week in order to address pregnancy discomforts such as morning sickness, nausea, headaches, fatigue, and anxiety about miscarriages.