Infertility is defined by the inability to conceive in a...
Read MoreIf 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.
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 is the primary TCM treatment for fertility. It can help to improve fertility in various ways, including:
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.
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:
Moxibustion involves burning dried mugwort near specific acupoints. It may be recommended for certain needs, such as:
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). |
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:
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:
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)
*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.
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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