To those who are seeking alternative therapy for infertility solutions

There are many factors that may contribute to a couple's ability to conceive. Biological and psychological abnormalities are the main agents that cause infertility in both male and female patients. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has developed rapidly in the area of fertility treatments. My patients cooperate with me in the communal effort to maximize the effectiveness of these fertility treatments by making lifestyle changes. A majority of these cases were successful...

Acupuncture and TCM is often used hand in hand to normalize biological and psychological elements. Acupuncture releases neurotransmitters and endorphins that enhance a woman's ability to conceive. Preliminary works found that abnormal psychological functioning, usually related to stress, is a major cause in reproductive failure. It was estimated that 50% of infertility cases were caused by unconscious anxiety, unresolved oedipal conflict, and problems relating to gender roles. The hypothalamus, a section in the middle of the brain, regulates stress responses and sex hormones and is an example of a biological factor that contributes in female infertility. Women are familiar with the concept that excessive stress may lead to complete suppression of the menstrual cycle. Stress could gravely inhibit a women's ability to conceive because it prevents the endometrium from thickening. Stress has also proved to reduce sperm counts in men. Clinical trials were performed on men and the ones who were situated in a stressful situation shows lower concentrations of LH and testosterone. The anti-inflammatory hormone Aceto corticotropic is produced in response to acupuncture. This mechanism could help tubal factors that contribute to infertility in women who suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease. Acupuncture needles as well as various herbal remedies increase the blood circulation to reproductive organs like the ovaries. Acupuncture mediated through neuropeptides influence gonadrotropin secretion which has a positive effect on regulating the menstrual cycle and the normalizing uterine blood flow.

Clinical trials were performed and assessed to determine the effectiveness of TCM and acupuncture in the treatment of infertility. In a study conducted in Germany, published in the April 2002 issue of Fertility and Sterility and also s discussed on ABC News, found that acupuncture enhances patients' chances of getting pregnant in in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Results indicated that IVF success rate without complimentary acupuncture was 26.3%. Patients who received acupuncture as a protocol for IVF had a 42.5% success rate. Researchers concluded that acupuncture could be a "useful tool" in increasing the success rate in an IVF treatment.

In my experience, TCM has proven to be more effective than any other alternative treatments available. There are currently several hundred types of herbs used extensively in infertility treatments. A specific combination is rendered to fit the needs of every individual. Chinese medicine is formula based. Each and every prescription is unique in that a perfect decoction is created to suit every individual. This is one of the reasons why TCM is so effective because everyone metabolizes biochemicals differently. Formulae could contain up to 30 herbs. Prescription requires extensive training and clinical experience. Because TCM is a differential diagnosis, it is important that patients look for a board certified, licensed and experienced practitioner. Furthermore, a good chemistry between practitioner and client will promote the optimal therapeutic effect besides qualifications and expertise in this particular field.

By Dr. Michael Ma