Infertility is a painful experience for a woman, or a couple, trying to get pregnant. While infertility is typically considered “the inability to become pregnant after 12 months of unprotected intercourse,” the American Society for Reproductive Medicine definition of infertility notes the following:
“Infertility may be the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child, or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. The duration of unprotected intercourse with failure to conceive should be about 12 months before an infertility evaluation is undertaken, unless medical history, age, or physical findings dictate earlier evaluation and treatment.”[1]
The 12 month window is common, although many reproductive health organizations suggest women over the age of 35 should start to pursue infertility assistance after six months of unprotected intercourse.
Fertility actually starts to decline for a woman in her late 20′s, and the rate accelerates into her 30′s and 40′s. There is a sharp decline in fertility after the age of 40, and the number of miscarriages increases as well. Therefore, treatment options should be considered promptly.
[1] American Society for Reproductive Medicine, http://www.reproductivefacts.org/topics/detail.aspx?id=36
The TCM Approach
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete health care paradigm, which originated in China and has been evolving over the past 3,000 years. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are two parts of this health care paradigm that are used to treat infertility.
A key difference between a Western and Eastern approach to fertility, is that TCM takes a “whole mind and body” view of infertility.
This mind-body connection focuses on the how the mind, body and spirit interact and support each other. TCM seeks to use the body’s natural qualities to promote reproductive health – for both men and women.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help those suffering from:
- Unexplained infertility
- Luteal Phase Defect (LPD)
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)
- Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUFS)
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian Cysts
- and more to inquire about your specific situation free phone consultations are available
