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Naturopathic Fertility Support and Care

According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, 10 to 15 percent of couples will have trouble getting pregnant, turning what should be a joyous time into a stressful, arduous and expensive journey.

Here at Essential Natural Health, we understand that fertility is about more than just one sperm meeting one egg at the right time every month. Something that seems so easy can be incredibly complicated and delicate. Stress, hormonal imbalances, anatomical abnormalities, lifestyle choices, sperm abnormalities— these can all create challenges to getting pregnant. Whether you’re trying to overcome one of these frustrating hurdles or just want to prepare yourself for a healthy pregnancy, our unique approach to naturopathic fertility support can make a huge difference.

What We Can Do For You

Using a combination of Naturopathic and Chinese medicine, we get to the root of what’s causing the problem and build a strong foundation to support a healthy conception, pregnancy, and delivery. Naturopathic medicine can identify and address underlying health issues that may impact fertility, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies or endocrine pathologies. It utilizes herbal, nutritional and homeopathic therapies to correct deficiencies and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It’s also beneficial for those patients who are struggling with their weight, which can impact the success of various assisted reproduction techniques (ART). We work to uncover the physical, emotional, mental and social factors that may be contributing to being over- or underweight so patients can find that healthy, ideal number on the scale that will enhance their odds of conceiving.

Chinese medicine, which includes fertility acupuncture, herbs, and other healing modalities, has been used for thousands of years to enhance the fertility of both partners. Today, we’re seeing more research being done with Chinese medicine for women’s health and infertility, with exciting results. In fact, recent research has shown that Chinese medicine techniques, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, can improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy rates. It’s so effective (and minimally invasive) that many Western reproductive centers are embracing acupuncture as an adjunct therapy during ART.

It’s just as important for men to get treatment as it is for women. While many sperm and libido-related problems can be circumvented with ART, they’re often signs of an imbalance in the system. Chinese and naturopathic medicine promotes overall health as well as the quality of sperm. Taking a “big picture” approach helps identify potential factors that may be impacting fertility even when the semen analysis is normal.

HERE’S WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP:

Female Fertility
  • Increases blood flow and nutrition to the uterus and ovaries

  • Relaxes the uterus to enhance implantation

  • Reduces emotional stress

  • Regulates hormones and the entire endocrine system

  • Promotes regular ovulation

  • Supports overall health, increasing the odds of carrying a healthy baby to term without complications

  • Counteracts the negative side effects of fertility medications

  • Helps the liver metabolize toxins and environmental endocrine disruptors that impact fertility

Male Fertility
  • Increases blood flow and nutrition to the reproductive system to promote healthy sperm production

  • Increases sperm count

  • Decreases poor morphology

  • Strengthens motility and forward progression

  • Reduces stress and promotes relaxation

  • Regulates hormones and the entire endocrine system

  • Helps the liver metabolize toxins and environmental endocrine disruptors that impact fertility

Playing Health Detective

At Essential Natural Health, we’re used to seeing the tough cases, women and men who haven’t been able to find an explanation for their fertility challenges or who haven’t had success with conventional treatments. We have successfully helped couples who are struggling with the following issues:

In Women
  • Infertility in women over age 35

  • Elevated FSH levels

  • Diminished ovarian reserve

  • Premature ovarian failure

  • Endometriosis

  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

  • Thin uterine lining

  • Anovulation and irregular cycles

  • Luteal phase defect (low progesterone levels)

  • Recurrent miscarriages

  • Poor egg quality

  • Autoimmune factors affecting fertilization or implantation

  • Unexplained infertility

  • Ovarian cyst formation secondary to stimulation medications

  • Fibroid tumors

  • Hormonal imbalances (estrogen, progesterone, thyroid and adrenal)

  • Grief, anxiety, and depression

  • Low libido

In Men
  • Low sperm counts

  • Poor forward progression

  • Poor morphology

  • Poor fertilization

  • High estrogen and low testosterone levels

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Delayed semen liquefaction and high viscosity

  • Low libido

  • Thyroid dysfunction

  • Adrenal dysfunction

We recommend weekly acupuncture appointments or with Fertility Acupuncture while trying to conceive, and whatever your underlying health issues are, we will create a personalized plan for you and your partner. We also offer a Partner Preconception Care Plan that includes a couples consultation and acupuncture with the goal of maximizing you and your partner’s health before you start trying. (Please contact our office for additional details and scheduling. We can be reached at (804) 464-3315. This program was founded and created by our very own, Dr. Allen.

If you’re already working with a reproductive endocrinologist, gynecologist or midwife, our integrative approach can supplement the ART treatments you’re receiving and even prepare you for and ease the birthing process. We also offer pre- and post-transfer acupuncture services on the day of transfer for IVF and IUI patients, which has been shown to improve pregnancy rates.

Pregnancy Support

Congratulations, you’re pregnant! We offer a complete plan that addresses every stage of pregnancy. Once that embryo is safely ensconced in the womb, we will support you and your partner on every step of your exciting and miraculous journey.

First Trimester

We like to see you once weekly from the first positive pregnancy test through the first trimester to:

  • Prevent Miscarriage

  • Decrease nausea and vomiting

  • Improve energy

  • Relieve musculoskeletal pain

  • Improve sleep

Second Trimester

Since women tend to feel their best during the second trimester, visits are less frequent. Conditions we commonly address during this period include:

  • Insomnia

  • Fatigue

  • Headaches

  • Hypertension

  • Gestational diabetes

  • Low back pain

  • Leg cramps

  • Hyperemesis gravidarum

Third Trimester

Treatments during this time focus on any musculoskeletal complaints, such as low back pain that have come up as a result of your pregnancy. Ideally, this is a great time to start preparing your body for labor. We recommend having pre-birth treatments weekly from week 36 until delivery. Pre-birth treatments have been shown to:

  • Ripen the cervix

  • Maintain the baby in the best position for labor

  • Support energy levels for women going into labor

  • Decrease the amount of time spent in labor

  • Reduce the incidence of induction or cesarean section

PostPartum

Acupuncture after delivery can be a wonderful way to help support the new mother. Common conditions that can be addressed during this time include:

  • Fatigue

  • Insufficient lactation

  • Insomnia

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Cesarean recovery

  • Bowel irregularities

  • Blocked ducts and mastitis

We recognize that each person’s journey is different and we are committed to offering a personalized approach for you and your family’s unique needs. We look forward to working with you.

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