Infertility

Conception is a complex process that depends on many factors: the production of healthy sperm by the man and healthy eggs by the woman, unblocked fallopian tubes that allow the sperm to reach the egg, the sperm’s ability to fertilize the egg, the ability of the fertilized egg (embryo) to implant in the uterus, and sufficient embryo quality.

For the pregnancy to continue to full term, the embryo must be healthy and the woman’s hormonal environment must be adequate for its development. When any one of these factors is impaired, infertility can result.

About one-third of infertility cases can be attributed to male factors, and about one-third to female factors. For the remaining one-third, infertility is caused by a combination of problems in both partners or, in about 20% of cases, is unexplained.

The most common male infertility factors include azoospermia (no sperm cells are produced) and oligospermia (few sperm cells are produced). Sometimes sperm cells are malformed or die before they can reach the egg. In rare cases, male infertility is caused by a genetic disease such as cystic fibrosis or a chromosomal abnormality.

The most common female infertility factor is an ovulation disorder. Other causes include blocked fallopian tubes, which can occur after pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis. Congenital anomalies involving the structure of the uterus and uterine fibroids are associated with repeated miscarriages.

There are relatively few studies on Traditional Chinese Medicine and fertility, although it has been applied in Asia for thousands of years. A study published in Fertility and Sterility in April 2002 reported that acupuncture significantly improved the pregnancy rate in IVF patients (42.5% vs 26.3% in the control group).

Results from clinical outcome studies in China have shown effectiveness of acupuncture in promoting ovulation in secondary amenorrhea conditions.

A study of 45 infertile women suffering from oligomenorrhea or luteal insufficiency found that those receiving acupuncture achieved a pregnancy rate comparable to various hormonal treatments. In animal studies, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in inducing ovulation in cows.

Based on the data, though from a small and selected population, acupuncture appears to offer a viable alternative therapy for female infertility due to hormonal disorders.

Acupuncture is only half of the story. Chinese medical practitioners also rely heavily on herbal medicine for infertility. The combination of herbs and acupuncture is used to support natural conception, whether the cause of infertility involves the man, the woman, or both.

In men, Chinese herbs can help support testosterone levels, sperm activity, and sperm count. For women, Chinese medicine can help regulate hormones, support ovulation, and address nutritional deficiencies that make sustaining a pregnancy difficult. The herbs help create a more hospitable environment for the baby.

Each individual receives needles according to their underlying condition and body constitution. Most acupuncture points do not hurt. Patients typically feel a brief mosquito-bite sensation. Some points tend to be more sensitive than others, and we take extra care with those to avoid discomfort.

$95/session, $45 consultation. 30-45 minute initial consultation.

Alberta Health Care does not cover acupuncture. Most company benefits cover acupuncture when treatment is provided through a Registered Acupuncturist. Contact your HR department or insurance company for coverage details.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have helped many patients achieve pregnancy. They are reasonable natural modalities with the potential to help. They can be used on their own or alongside Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and fertility drugs. In western clinical settings, it is common for patients to use TCM in conjunction with fertility drugs and ART. “It works for many” does not mean “it works for you.” As for you, there is only one way to find out.