What is Infertility?

Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system diagnosed after a couple has one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse or if the woman suffers from multiple miscarriages. Infertility may be due to a male factor, female factor or both.

What issues may cause infertility?

From a Western perspective, there are a number of conditions that may cause or increase the chances of infertility. In women disease such as Endometriosis, PCOS, premature ovarian failure, a history of multiple miscarriages, other uterine factors or implantation issues may be the cause. In men, factors such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility or morphology (structure) can also effect fertility. However, about 30% of couples fit none of these diagnoses and still cannot conceive. From a Chinese medicine perspective these disorders are often due to imbalances in the Kidney, Liver, and Spleen organ systems. These organs form and distribute the essence, blood, and qi (energy) in the body, all of which are required for conception and a healthy pregnancy. By diagnosing your body's imbalance a Chinese Medicine Practitioner can treat you effectively even if you are one of the 30% of couples without a Western diagnosis.

How Can Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture help?

The primary goal of Chinese medicine is to enhance and balance your body's overall health. By balancing the organ systems acupuncture can improve fertility in many of the following ways:

• Increases blood flow to the uterus and ovaries.
• Reduces stress and increases relaxation.
• Normalizes hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation.
• Improves ovarian function; encourages production of follicles; enhances their quality
• Improves the thickness of the uterine wall lining
• Regulates the menstrual cycle
• Improves sperm counts, motility, and morphology
• Increases the success rate of IVF (in-vitro fertilization)
• Reduces miscarriages and improves the live birth rate

Are there things I can try at home to enhance chances of conception?

Yes, here are a few basics:

1. Make sure your doin' it right

   The best chance of getting pregnant happens in the 12 -24 hours after ovulation. Sperm only live 48 hours so having intercourse every other day beginning two days before you expect to ovulate is optimal.

   For women : Make sure you know when/if you ovulate. Ovulation usually occurs around days 12-14 if a woman's cycle is the average 28 days. However cycles differ. By charting your BBT (basal body temperature) you can determine when ovulation occurs for you and plan accordingly. If you have questions about how to track your cycle come in and see Dr. Mackler or see www.fertilityfriend.com to get started on your own.

2. Eat a healthy diet
   • Base your diet on vegetables, whole grains, and organic free range and wild meats.

   • Make sure you are getting a good amount of omega 3 fatty acids from deep sea fish and plant sources. Amongst many other benefits they aid in the release of the egg during ovulation.

   • Encourage foods high in folic acid such as dark green leafy vegetables, naturally orange foods such as yams, sweet potatoes, squash, and cantaloupe. This vitamin aids in cell division and prevents neural defects.

   • Find out what foods may be best for you based on your constitution. Dr Mackler can help you determine this just through taking a history and checking your pulse and tongue which is a part of Chinese Medicine diagnosis.

3. Relax

   Recently an article in Fertility and Sterility reported that stressful life events have a negative effect on sperm quality. The same is true for women who are experiencing fertility concerns. Finding time or good sleep, meditation, or just down time with your partner are all important factors.

For more information see the following resources and/or come in and see Dr. Mackler.

Research:
http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/features/ancient-art-of-infertility-treatment
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11937123?dopt=Abstract
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2005/oct/10infertility.html
http://www.chimedicineworks.com/pdfs/PCOS_acupuncture.pdf

Informational Websites:
RESOLVE - The national infertility association www.resolve.org
Free ovulation chart www.fertilityfriend.com

Books:
The Infertility Cure - Randine Lewis
Fertility & Conception - Zita West
Conquering Infertility: mind/body guide to enhancing and coping with infertility - Alice Domar