integrative approaches to infertility

Pregnancy occurs because an egg is released from a woman’s ovary in response to a hormonal cue.  When a sperm fertilizes the released egg it can then travel down the fallopian tube and implant in the lining of the uterus.  This fertilized egg then grows and develops into a baby – the next generation of life.

As many as fifteen percent of all couples are unable to conceive within one year and are considered infertile.  We know that forty percent of the time the infertility is due to problems with egg development, implantation or tubal blockage (female factors).  Forty percent of the time infertility is due to the lack of sperm quality or quantity (male factors).  Despite all of the tests and information available today, sometimes the cause of infertility is not known.

Here at the Alliance Institute for Integrative Medicine, our approach to infertility starts with a thorough review of medical and surgical history, a nutritional evaluation, and a treatment plan that incorporates a variety of integrative therapies.

Acupuncture has been shown to increase the odds for couples trying to get pregnant.  Acupuncture may help to augment the hormonal control of the egg production/release and increase the quality and quantity of sperm.  In addition, acupuncture has been shown to stimulate blood flow and improve the lining of the uterus and increase implantation rates of the fertilized egg. A study reported in 2002 by the medical journal Fertility and Sterility showed that the use of acupuncture increases the chance of pregnancy for women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF).  By adding acupuncture before and after the embryo transfer, pregnancy rates increased from 26.3% to 42.5%.  Several other studies have been done that confirm an improvement in pregnancy rates.  Acupuncture also releases endorphins which may enhance a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant.

Other integrative therapies used at the Alliance Institute for Integrative Medicine include chiropractic adjustments, energy medicine, nutritional counseling, guided imagery, massage therapy and biofeedback training through our stress management program.  We’ll outline a treatment plan at the initial consultation that will work the best for your individual situation.  Call today (513) 791-5521 and make an appointment.