Trying to conceive and fertility
A child's wish is an important step for many people. Often pregnancy occurs on its own, but sometimes it takes longer than expected. If pregnancy does not occur, there can be several causes for this. Sometimes the cause lies mainly in women, sometimes in men, regularly playing a role in both partners and sometimes no obvious cause is found despite research.
In women, e.g. ovulation, age, ovum reserve, fallopian tubes, uterus and conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis may affect fertility. In men, for example, the number, motility and quality of sperm can play a role.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be used in addition to a natural wish for children and during a fertility process, such as IUI, IVF or ICSI. The treatment is tailored to your personal situation and any regular medical treatment.
Possible causes in women
Several factors may affect female fertility, including:
- a reduced or absent ovulation;
- an irregular menstrual cycle;
- PCOS;
- Endometriosis;
- decreased egg reserve;
- closure or damage to the fallopian tubes;
- adhesions after infection or surgery;
- meat trees (myomas), depending on their location;
- hormonal abnormalities;
- older age.
Also lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, high overweight or underweight and certain medications can affect fertility.
The age of the woman is an important factor. Both the number of eggs available and their average quality decreases with age.
Possible causes in men
Male fertility also plays an important role. Possible causes of impaired fertility include:
- a low number of sperm;
- decreased sperm motility;
- sperm abnormalities;
- hormonal abnormalities;
- a varicocèle, a varicocèle vein around the seedball;
- prior infections;
- genetic factors;
- problems with ejaculation or the patency of the vas deferens.
In addition, smoking, alcohol, drugs, overweight, certain medications and prolonged or repeated heat stress can affect sperm quality.
Therefore, if pregnancy remains out for a longer period of time, it is important that both partners are examined where necessary.
Medical examination and fertility treatment
If pregnancy does not occur, fertility studies may be initiated via the GP or gynecologist. This may include ovulation, hormone values, oocyte reserve, uterus and fallopian tubes and the quality of sperm.
Depending on the cause and personal situation can then be chosen for example:
- medication to stimulate ovulation;
- IUI (intra-uterine insemination);
- IVF (in vitro fertilisation);
- ICSI, where one sperm is injected directly into an egg cell.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine do not replace these diagnostics and treatment, but can be used in addition if desired.
How can acupuncture help with trying to conceive?
In a child's wish, acupuncture treatment is tailored to the menstrual cycle, general health, possible gynaecological complaints and the underlying TCM pattern.
Different phases of the cycle can also be taken into account. Within TCM, menstrual periods, period of maturity of follicles, ovulation and subsequent phase can be approached as different physiological phases. The Kidneys and the special meridians Ren Mai, Chong Mai and Du Mai play an important role in this. Depending on the phase of the cycle, different functions and treatment principles can be given more emphasis.
Depending on the situation, treatment may be directed at:
- support the menstrual cycle;
- support ovulation;
- Support kidney-yin and kidney-yang;
- Control Qi and Blood;
- Support Ren Mai, Chong Mai and Du Mai;
- Reduce Dampness and Phlegm when these characteristics are present;
- reduce tension and stress when they play a role.
Within a phase-oriented TCM approach, after menstruation, more emphasis is often placed on feeding Blood and supporting the Kidneys. Around ovulation, Ren Mai, Chong Mai and Du Mai get more attention, while in the premenstrual phase the focus can shift more towards free movement of Qi and Blood.
With IUI or IVF, the timing of treatment is adjusted to the medical treatment pathway.
What can Chinese herbal medicine do?
Chinese herbal medicine can be used in children's wishes in addition to acupuncture. The herbal formula is chosen based on the individual TCM pattern and can be adjusted during the treatment process.
Herbs can also be used according to the different stages of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, the same treatment does not necessarily need to be used throughout the month.
Depending on the pattern, treatment may be directed at:
- Support kidney-Yin and/or kidney-Yang;
- Support Jing;
- Feeding blood;
- Control Qi and Blood;
- reduce Dampness and Phlegm;
- Reduce cold when clear features are present;
- support the menstrual cycle.
Within a phase-oriented TCM approach, herbal treatment can be adapted to different phases of the menstrual cycle. After menstruation, the emphasis is often more on feeding and strengthening, around ovulation on supporting the kidneyies and the particular meridians, and before menstruation more on regulating Qi and Blood.
During an IUI, IVF or ICSI pathway the use of Chinese herbs is always tailored to medical treatment and medication used.
How does Chinese medicine view fertility?
Within Western medicine, the medical factors that may hinder pregnancy are investigated. Chinese medicine also looks at the total pattern of menstruation, physical symptoms and other characteristics present in the individual woman.
An important concept is Jing . Jing is seen within TCM as a basis for growth, development and reproduction and is closely linked to the kidney organ system. In addition, Chinese medicine knows the classic concept of Tian Gui, which is linked to the development and maturation of reproductive function. In modern, client-oriented language, Jing and Tian Gui can be seen as components of the traditional TCM model describing processes around the menstrual cycle, reproduction and fertility.
The kidneys therefore occupy a central place in the TCM approach to fertility. A distinction is made between kidney-yin and kidney-yang. These two aspects change according to the TCM model during the menstrual cycle and are both important for their normal course.
In addition, three special meridians are important:
- Ren Mai is closely linked to the uterus, Yin and female reproductive function;
- Chong Mai is also called the Sea of Blood and plays an important role in menstruation and blood;
- Du Mai more represents the Yang aspect and is especially important around the transition to ovulation.
The Liver and Spleen can also play a role. The Liver is involved in the free movement of Qi and Blood and the Spleen in the formation of Qi and Blood and the processing of moisture.
Which of these functions need attention in someone is determined by the overall picture of complaints and not just by the fact that a pregnancy is absent.
What is a TCM organ system?
A TCM organ system describes a group of related body functions and is wider than just the anatomical organ with the same name. Read more at TCM basics .
What is a TCM pattern?
A TCM pattern is a recognizable combination of complaints and physical characteristics that indicates which imbalance is likely to be present. The pattern is not a Western diagnosis and is determined on the basis of the overall complaint image. Read more at TCM basics .
Below are only the most common patterns discussed. Other patterns are possible and multiple patterns can occur at the same time. This allows you to recognize yourself in different descriptions. Also, someone with a certain pattern does not have to have all the symptoms mentioned. The pattern is determined on the basis of the overall picture of complaints.
Most common TCM patterns in impaired fertility
Kidney-Yang-deficiency
In this pattern, problems surrounding the menstrual cycle or fertility are associated with clear characteristics of insufficient heat and activity. Within TCM, kidney-Yang is closely connected to the heating and activating functions involved in the menstrual cycle and reproduction. Therefore, kidney-Yang deficiency is an important pattern that can be recognised in impaired fertility.
Common symptoms
- long or irregular menstrual cycles;
- low or absent periods;
- impaired fertility;
- cold hands and feet;
- low back pain;
- fatigue;
- frequent urination;
- decreased libido.
Examples of Western disorders
Ovulation problems, amenorrhea, PCOS and unexplained impaired fertility, together with clear cold and emptiness characteristics.
Kidney-Yin- and Jing-deficiency
This pattern has features of insufficient Yin and Jing in the foreground. Within TCM they are closely linked to development and reproduction. Kidney-Yin and Kidney-Yang deficiency can also be present at the same time, with usually one of the two being more prominent.
Common symptoms
- low or absent periods;
- low fertile cervical mucus;
- impaired fertility;
- low back pain;
- dizziness or ringing in the ears;
- dry mouth or throat;
- warmth or night sweats when empty Heat is present.
Examples of Western disorders
Decreased fertility, ovulation problems, decreased oocyte reserve and amenorrhea with Yin or Jing deficiency characteristics in addition.
Qi- and Blood deficiency
In this pattern fertility problems are associated with characteristics of insufficient Qi and Blood. Mensing is often relatively mild and general signs such as fatigue and dizziness are more prominent.
Common symptoms
- low menstrual blood;
- relatively pale menstrual blood;
- fatigue;
- dizziness;
- pale facial colour;
- palpitations;
- weakness after exercise.
Examples of Western disorders
Decreased fertility and menstrual disorders involving mild menstrual periods and general emptiness characteristics.
Dampness-Phlegm
This pattern combines fertility problems with characteristics of Dampness and Phlegm. These are TCM concepts for a pattern where the processing and distribution of body fluids is less effective.
Common symptoms
- long or irregular menstrual cycles;
- absence of menstruation;
- feeling heavy or bloated;
- fatigue;
- vaginal discharge;
- feeling heavy in the body;
- weight gain or difficulty in losing weight in some women.
Examples of Western disorders
PCOS, ovulation problems and reduced fertility with additional characteristics of Dampness-Phlegm.
Blood stasis
Blood stasis is especially recognized when fertility problems are associated with clear menstrual pain, dark blood and clots. Therefore, the pattern is not determined because a certain Western condition is present, but based on this combination of characteristics.
Common symptoms
- painful menstruation;
- sharp or stabbing pain;
- dark menstrual blood;
- blood clots;
- pain in a fixed place;
- brown secretion before or after menstruation.
Examples of Western disorders
Endometriosis, adenomyosis and other fertility problems in addition to which clear characteristics of Blood stasis are present.
Cold
Some women recognise features of Cold. These include coldness and menstrual symptoms that improve due to heat in the foreground. Within TCM, Cold can combine with a less free movement of Qi and Blood in the lower abdomen and thus form part of the overall pattern in fertility problems.
Common symptoms
- cold hands and feet;
- feeling cold in the abdomen;
- menstrual pain that improves by heat;
- relatively low menstrual blood;
- dark or small clots;
- low back pain.
Examples of Western disorders
Decreased fertility and menstrual or ovulation problems with clear features of Cold.
Liver-Qi-stagnation
Liver-Qi stagnation can be part of the overall picture when fertility problems come with obvious tension and premenstrual complaints. Long-term Liver-Qi stagnation can also encourage other patterns, such as Blood stasis, or disrupt the function of the Spleen. Therefore, in fertility problems, Liver-Qi stagnation is common as part of a broader or combined pattern.
Common symptoms
- PMS;
- irritability or mood changes;
- tense or painful breasts;
- feeling bloated or tense before menstruation;
- menstrual pain;
- symptoms that increase during stress.
Examples of Western disorders
Decreased fertility in which PMS, cycle symptoms and clear features of Qi-stagnation are also present.
Outlook
The course of treatment in a child's wish is highly dependent on the situation. Age, ovum reserve, ovum, sperm quality, the duration of the child's desire, possible PCOS or endomatiosis and other medical factors all affect the risk of pregnancy. Acupuncture or Chinese herbs can therefore not guarantee pregnancy.
When the treatment is aimed at supporting the natural menstrual cycle, the result is usually assessed over several cycles. Changes in cycle, ovulation and other complaints take time. In the initial phase about one acupuncture treatment per week is a common guideline. Around ovulation or other important moments can be treated temporarily more frequently.
In an IUI, IVF or ICSI pathway the treatment is planned differently and adapted to the medical protocol. As a result, the goals and time of treatment may differ from a course in a natural child's wish.
Contact
Do you have a wish for children and would you like to know whether acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine can be used in addition to your situation?
During a first consultation, we will discuss your menstrual cycle, general health, medical history, possible fertility studies and fertility treatments. If relevant, the health and fertility of the partner will also be included in the overall picture.
Based on this, we will examine what TCM pattern is likely to be at the forefront and how treatment can be tailored to your cycle and any regular treatment.
You can make an appointment directly online or contact us for more information.