Infertility is defined by the inability to conceive in a...
Read MoreTCM & Acupuncture for Fertility
If you have been struggling to conceive naturally, you are definitely not alone. More people than ever before are seeking help for infertility, which is defined by the inability to get pregnant after 12 months of unprotected sex.
For centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has offered a holistic approach to improving fertility, and is widely adopted in Asia to boost chances of conception. TCM treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medication have also garnered significant research evidence of their effectiveness in boosting pregnancy rates, whether for natural conception or Assistive Reproductive Technology treatments (IVF & IUI).
The PULSE Fertility programme features a TCM health & fertility assessment to diagnose each patient’s unique fertility barriers, followed by a series of tailored TCM treatments (acupuncture, herbal medication). Read on to learn more how Chinese medicine can improve your fertility health and chances of conceiving.
For Females
- Regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation
- Improve the quality of eggs produced in the ovaries
- Strengthen the womb
- Improve the condition of the endometrial lining for implantation of the egg
- Symptoms management of PCOS & endometriosis
- Improve the success rates for IVF & IUI treatments
For Males
- Increase virility
- Improve sperm quality and quantity
- Improve sperm motility
- Regulate hormonal balance and reduce stress
PULSE TCM Fertility Programme
Consultation & Assessment
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, various health imbalances (unique to each individual) form the root causes of infertility. For different patients coming for fertility issues, each would have a unique set of underlying health issues affecting fertility health.
Do visit this article to learn more about fertility from a TCM perspective & causes of infertility
A major part of the first session involves a consultation with a TCM physician, followed by a health assessment using TCM methods to identify each patient’s unique health imbalances and create a personalised treatment plan to optimise the body for a successful pregnancy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the primary TCM treatment for fertility. It can help to improve fertility in various ways, including:
- Improving blood flow to the reproductive organs
- Improving sperm and egg health
- Regulating hormones and reducing stress levels
- Restoring balance to the flow of Qi and blood.
- Addressing each patient’s unique health issues and barriers to fertility.
Each acupuncture location (acupoint) is associated with a different organ and purpose. With irregular periods, for example, stimulating select acupoints can promote more regular ovulation and menstrual cycle.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine
Additional treatment(s) may also be recommended depending on the diagnosis. Chinese herbal medication (CHM) is also a commonly prescribed TCM treatment for fertility which can help with:
- Regulating the menstrual cycle & hormonal balance.
- Conditions such as PCOS or irregular menstruation are often prescribed CHM for this.
- Stimulating ovulation for women with irregular ovulation
- Improving egg quality
- This is particularly important for women of advanced maternal age or those with diminished ovarian reserve
- Improving sperm health for male partners
Moxibustion
Moxibustion
Moxibustion involves burning dried mugwort near specific acupoints. It may be recommended for certain needs, such as:
- Warming the uterus
- Regulating the menstrual cycle
Research Evidence on TCM Fertility Treatments
TCM Treatments Tested | Study description | Pregnancy outcomes | Reference |
Acupuncture | 72 women undergoing IVF | Higher pregnancy rates among women who received acupuncture treatment (63.9%) compared to no treatment (33.3%). | |
Chinese Herbal Medication (CHM) | An aggregation of 40 clinical trials involving 4247 women with PCOS, endometriosis, anovulation, fallopian tube blockage or unexplained fertility. | Higher pregnancy rates among women who received CHM (60%) compared to standard Western medical treatment (33%) | |
Combined acupuncture & CHM | A clinical trial of 50 women with anovulatory infertility | Higher pregnancy rate among women who received acupuncture & CHM (44%) compared to standard Western medical treatment (16%) | |
67 women undergoing additional IVF or natural pregnancy attempt | 7 pregnancies in the group which received TCM treatments (35 patients) while there was no conception in the no-treatment group (32 patients). |
Specialised TCM Support
If you have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis or other fertility conditions, we would still recommend continuing with your standard medical treatment. However, TCM can complement your treatment to improve your symptoms and reproductive conditions by:
- Regulating menstrual cycles & hormones
- Reducing inflammation & pain
- Addressing “blood and Qi stagnation”, common causes of menstrual disorders in Chinese medicine.
A male infertility issue is present in over 50% of infertility cases. Low sperm production, poor sperm quality to blockage of sperm delivery are among the most common causes of male infertility (Yale Medicine).
TCM treatments can also help with male fertility by:
- Improving sperm quality & quantity (View research evidence here)
- Addressing erectile dysfunction or performance issues
- Increasing virility
- Reducing stress levels
- Improving overall health & energy
If there is a male fertility issue or you simply want to maximise your chances for successful conception, it is recommended for the couple to receive treatments together. We also offer a Couple’s Fertility Package (see below)
Programme Price
Individual Fertility Programme
$
888*
for 3 months
for 3 months
- Fertility & health assessment by a TCM physician
- 6 x TCM consultation sessions
- 6 x acupuncture sessions
Couple Fertility Programme
$
1688*
for 3 months
for 3 months
- Couple fertility & health assessment by a TCM physician
- 12 x TCM consultation sessions (6 for husband and 6 for wife)
- 12 x acupuncture sessions (6 for husband and 6 for wife)
Per-session Pricing
$
140-200^
for 1 session
for 1 session
- Each fertility treatment session typically includes a TCM assessment/consultation and an acupuncture session
- After your first treatment, you have the choice to pay for each session individually or to opt for one of our packages to enjoy long-term saving
Optional add-ons
Moxibustion
$50 per session
Herbal Medication
From $8 per daily dosage
*Prices exclude GST
*Package is applicable for general fertility and as preparation for IVF/IUI treatments. Our physicians will tailor the application & sessions’ schedule to suit each patient’s context, body condition and ovulation cycle.
*Package can be taken from the first session.
*This package is based on the minimal visit recommendations, which is fortnightly with a spread over 3-months. Note that the physician’s recommendation may vary based on each patient’s condition.
^Price excludes GST & varies depending on the seniority of physician, length of consultation, the number of acupuncture sites and inclusion of additional treatments such as herbal medication or moxibustion. The given range is an estimate based on the typical fertility sessions. Prices may vary by patient.
Naturally supporting your fertility journey.
Book your appointment with a PULSE TCM Physician.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Each session begins with a consultation with your physician followed by an acupuncture treatment session. Each visit will require approximately thirty minutes to an hour of your time.
A minimum of 6 sessions or more is usually required to experience results. Certain cases or conditions may require further sessions.
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, much finer than the needles used for injections or blood draws. Many people barely feel anything. Some others describe the prick of acupuncture needles as a tingling sensation or pressure around the insertion point. Acupuncture sessions are designed to be relaxing. Many find the process calming or even fall asleep during treatment.
No worries, our physician can use other treatments, such as Herbal medication or moxibustion; which also work to balance the body and address health deficiencies, simply in a different way. You can discuss your concerns further with your physician during the consultation.
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