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.
