Enhancing Fertility with Chinese medicine - A Holistic Approach

Nowadays the conventional route for infertility results in Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) too quickly, even it may not be necessary. Changing life style, improving general well being, natural treatments are always worth trying first, at least to increase the success rate of fertility treatments.

Chinese medicine has been used in China for centuries to regulate the female reproductive system. My approach of enhancing fertility is to integrate Western and Chinese medicine. I will examine a whole range of physical symptoms, test results, lifestyle that may affect your fertility. The focus is to regulate your menstrual cycle, balance your hormones. A good Chinese gynecologist can tell a lot how the body is functioning from a woman's menstrual cycle-colour, texture, timing and duration and accompanied symptoms. Integrated with the modern laboratory tests and BBT (basal temperature chart), your chances of conceiving will be maximised.

During consultation we will discuss what might be causing the difficulty to conceive or the miscarriages and how to move forward. Whether it is unexplained infertility, or there is an underlying condition like disorder of ovulation, endometriosis, reduced ocarian reserve etc, we will take a look from Chinese medicine perspective, to restore and balance your body energy, which may have become depleted, disrupted through age, stress or lifestyle.

Low Ovarian reserve/high FSH, low AMH

There is no treatment from conventional medicine to improve ovarian function. Because of the poor response to IVF drug, these women are often turned away by the IVF clinic and advised to use donor eggs. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs, combined with supplements and natural hormone replacement , can be very effective in boosting ovarian function. Acupuncture improves the reproductiven system’s blood flow to the endometrium and ovaries, improve the egg quality and function of corpus luteum, balance hormone levels, reduce stress level.   Yes, herbal medicine can help women achieve pregnancy - Guardian

When the FSH has come down (some doctors think that's impossible), the chance to conceiving increases. If patients want to try IVF again, the treatment will help to produce better quality of eggs and improve the condition of the lining of the uterus, which will increase the probability of success.

Disorder of ovulation

Commonly seen ones include Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), post-pill Amenorroea or hypothalamic anovulation. Treatment from conventional medicine is to use stimulation drug like Clomid or FSH preparations.  I find acupuncture with or without herbs is highly effective in treating PCOS by regulating mentrual cycle/ovulation, thereby balance oestrogen progesterone ratio, reduce LH and testosterone.

 

Endometriosis

It is a condition which has puzzled doctors for a long time - associated with painful period, pain during intercourse, spotting before periods and infertility. For extensive or bulky endometriosis, it’d better to be removed with surgery, hopefully leaving undamaged tubes and ovaries. The drug regimens haven’t been very satisfactory. The strategy behind all of them is to prevent ovulation and the flux of hormones associated with a normal menstrual cycle. The endometriosis often comes back after the treatment stopped! In Chinese medicine, the underlying pathology of endometriosis is Kidney deficiency and Blood stagnation.

 

Fertility Success Stories-BFP Naturally 

(Patients age in stories is at the time when they conceived)

C, 40, absent periods, two failed IVFs, hypothyroidism

C was referred to me by her reflexologist. C’s periods stopped eight years ago when she was 31 for two years. They did come back but were infrequent.  She only had 2 periods in the last 3 years. She came to me when she was just starting her first IVF on NHS. At the time her AMH was 6.4, FSH 17.1. The first IVF failed not surprisingly. Out of desperation soon after she went privately to have another round which didn’t work either. She was exhausted but carried on monthly acupuncture. She is vegetarian and slightly under weight. I persuaded her to take some supplements and herbs to improve her anaemia and thyroid function. Her periods became regular. To my surprise 6 months later she found she was pregnant.  "Thankyou for staying late for me today and all your support this year. I certainly didn't think 2019 would end this way but I'm delighted it has. Merry Christmas". C carried a healthy pregnancy full term. As still no signs of baby at 40weeks plus 4 she started induction and c section in the end and delivered “a beautiful little boy”, weighing 6lb11oz!

A, 41, premature birth and 2 failed IVF

A went in labour at 27 weeks while on holiday. But unfortunately the baby died the next day after he was born. She went on to have had 2 IVFs and both had failed. Her AMH was 1.1 and she was adviced to use donor egg if she were to have another IVF cycle. Miracle happened; A conceived after only 3 session of acupuncture and 3 weeks on herbs! Because of her history A had been monitored by the hospital with regular scans and urine tests. We continued with monthly acupuncture till she was 38 weeks when she finally felt she can relax! A lovely health baby boy was born by planned c-section.

D, 40, Endometriosis, failed IVF

D had been ttc for two years when she came to me. She was inspired to try Chinese medicine from reading the book “The Infertility Cure” (by Dr Randine Lewis). She had history of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and was treated with thyroxine, testosterone and oestrogen implants 8 years ago. Her periods were heavy and painful with big clots. After five months of acupuncture and some herbal pills her menorrhagia had significantly improved. When laparoscopy and dye hydrotubation was carried out, few endometriosis was found. Unfortuantely she was told by the hospital not to take any Chinese herbs. She then had a cycle of IVF but failed. She did lots of research online and had various tests done privately. “It looks like things aren’t working for me and I may have to give up to save out sanity!”  She couldn't face another ivf so finally agreed to give Chinese herbs a go. She conceived in the second cycle after starting the decoction! “Last week I felt like I had been doing sit ups. So muscle ache but high up closer to my ribs than my tummy. It now generally feels like before I start a period- a bit achy in tummy & lower back. A few stronger, very short pains now again, a bit like ovulation but not on any particular side..”

Her prenatal tests showed 1 in 1944 for Down’s and in 16100 for Edwards & Pataus syndrome. Apart from some morning sickness in the first trimester D had a healthy pregnancy. She was put on Aspirin 75mg in the third trimester because she was over 40. After a session of acupuncture at 40 weeks plus one day she had a show. A day later she texted “It is true; you make boys! Baby O arrived early this morning. Managed to avoid induction. Arrived at hospital 8cm(dialated) so didn’t take too long. No time for any water and no gas and air. Stats dropped at the end so needed a bit of help at the end. All well. Tired but loved up!”….”Thanks for all your help Ying. We love him “

 G, 40, secondary infertility

G had a 4 years old daughter. A year ago G had a missed miscarriage at 12 weeks and she bled for 5 months. When she first came to me she was just getting out of a long period of grieving from loss of her father and the miscarriage. My diagnosis on her was Liver Yin Blood deficiency and Liver Qi stagnation due to the loss of blood and grieving. She felt depleted and was keen to take herbs to replenish her body. She felt happier and stronger. Six months later she fell pregnant without realising it. When she came for her appointment I noticed her BBT was still high even she just had a period (lighter than usual). We did a test together and it was positive! She continued with acupuncture throughout her pregnancy and we did prebirth acupuncture to induce labour. Despite her age she didn't want to be medically induced. 6 days after her due date she went into labour naturally. She had a water birth in the hospital and a healthy baby boy arrived after only 1.5 hour labour, weighed 9lb14oz. When I saw him two months later he was no doubt a handsome little boy. 

N, 38, natural conception during IVF

N has a 5 years old daughter through natural conception. She struggled for over two years to have a second child. She conceived naturally a year ago but miscarriaged at 9 weeks. And then she went ahead and had one IVF cycle when she was over stimulated and ended up with poor quality of eggs. She came to me to prepare her frozen embryo transfer with one poor quality of embryo from last ivf cycle. The FET didn't work not surprisingly. She wanted to do another round of IVF which I didn't think she needed. She did agree to take some herbs and noticed the positive change on her periods- no spotting before periods, no clotting in periods and less heavy. When she came for her appointment it was 11 days post finishing Norethisterone but she hadn't started a bleed yet. The fertility clinic just postponed the next scan. I asked her to do a pregnancy test and it was positive! A healthy baby girl was born.

L, 37, raise FSH and male factor, natural conception after failed ICSI

L had her daughter through their first IVF 4 years ago. They had an unsuccessful ICSI a few months ago due to her partner's low morphology and anti sperm antibodies. He was asthmatic and had high cholestrols in recent years. Both had some acupuncture and herbs. 6 months later L fell pregnant... "Many thanks for all your help we really appreciate your assistance. My asthma appears to have stablised and I haven't had any cold sores for a while..." A healthy baby boy was born on term.

J, 34, PCOS, natural conception after 6 failed Clomid cycles

J had PCOS. Her cycle was irregular. She came to me after she had just completed her 6 months on Clomid. She was depressed, crying a lot. She conceived surprisingly quickly after 40 days starting acupuncture. Unfortunately she miscarriaged at 11weeks. She was devastated. Two months later she decided to move onto IVF, which I didn’t think she needed it and told her to carry on trying. J was found that she was 8 weeks pregnant when she was having her first baseline scan! This time the pregnancy was carried full term. A beautiful baby boy was born on time, weighed 8lb2oz.

S, 30, miscarriage, natural conception after Clomid

S had been ttc for two years. They were found no cause for their delayed conception. She was keen for the least invasive. She came to me when she was on her first Clomifene cycle. She really struggled with the side effects- terrible mood swing, hot flushes, dry eyes etc. The cycle didn’t work. She decided not to continue with Clomid but to try with acupuncture. She had a positive test in the third month but unfortunately lost it a week later. She was devastated and felt like having a break from ttc. With my encouragement she continued with the treatment and fell pregnant again two months later! She had a baby girl through c-section. "I'm gutted that we didn't get to do acupuncture right up to the end. Thanks you so much for everything, you've been amazing & I can not thank you enough for what you have done for me".  "The biggest Thank You for everything that you have done for me! Your positivity and enthusiasm for life is infectious. I loved out chats and always left our sessions feeling ready to take on any challenges! You gave me strength and encouraged me to never give up and it worked! You are an incredible woman and I truly believe that without your work I would not have been blessed with my miracle A!"

A, 33, Chronic kidney disease and secondary infertility

A had a 16 months old boy. She was referred to me by her reflexologist. She had been having reflexology to help her conceive for nearly a year with no success. She did find it helpful with her first pregnancy. Her GFR was 52. She had lost 20% of her kidney function during her first pregnancy. It didn't take long at all -she fell pregnant in the first cycle! What amazed me about this case was that during her second pregnancy, A's kidney function had improved by 20%!  She didn't need to go on blood pressure medication as she did in her first pregnancy. She was planned to be induced at 38 weeks due to her kidney disease. But when she went in for induction she was already dilated. So they left her for 24 hours then broke her water. A healthy baby girl was born after very speedy 3.5 hour labour, weighed 8lb."She practically shot out!" Much better than the first birth when she was induced at 39 weeks and the labour lasted 34 hours with forceps.

 S, 31, PCOS, after 8 months on Clomid and 2 failed IVFs

S had PCOS but her periods were relatively regular. She had tried to conceive for two years before she was referred to the fertility clinic. She tried Clomid for 8 months and then two IVFs to no avail. She was over stimulated the first time on both Clomid and IVF cycle. She came to me to prepare for FET. I explained to her that it was possible for her to conceive naturally. Five months later she fell pregnant. Totally unexpected for her. A baby boy Charlie was born at 34 weeks, when her water broke after a long walk, weighed 4lb 12oz. 4 years later S came back when she was trying for the second child. She conceive in the second cycle. A baby girl weight 8lb12 was born at full term. "She was only one day early. Can't believe I made it that far! Birth was straightforward and really quick. Started contraction at 2pm and she was born at 5:50pm.."

R, 36, irregular periods

R came to me for her IBS, which was really bothering her. I noticed her menstrual cycle was long and irregular every 2-3 months. She would love to have children. Three months later with her IBS having improved, she had a positive pregnancy test too! R enjoyed having acupuncture throughout her pregnancy. She hardly gained any weight and absolutely had no symptoms. She gave birth to a beautiful girl at 39 weeks, naturally, weighed 6lb9oz.

L, 33, unexplained infertility

L had been trying to conceive for a year and was about to be started on Clomid. She had been asthmatic since a year old and been on preventive inhalers and Montelukast. I remember on her first visit she described she just had another devastating period on Valentine’s day. It didn't take long at all- her next period never came. Her asthma was well controlled during pregnancy. A beautiful healthy baby girl arrived after emergency c section due to labour not progressing at 41 weeks, weighed 7lb2oz. Three years later L came to for number two. Again she conceived straightaway. She went into labour naturally but had to have another emergency c section as her previous scar ruptured! "Daughter number 2 arrived...7lb13oz. I love my girls so much, thank you.."

R, 31, PCOS,  miscarriage

R was diadnosed with PCOS when she was 14 years old and had been on contraceptive pills since to control symptoms. She hadn't had a period since she stopped the pills two years ago. 4 weeks after starting acupuncture she had her very first period! The following month she had positive pregnancy test. Unfortunately she miscarriaged at 8 weeks. She was devastated. R moved onto Clomid treatment which I didn't think necessary. She was getting more and more stressed after 3 months with no success. I persuaded her to combine herbs with her Clomind cycle and it did the trick. She really enjoyed being pregnant and gave birth to a baby boy naturally, weight 10lb3oz, exactly on her due date. "He's here...On time just like his mum. Actually enjoyed the latter part (of labour)!"

C, 31, PCOS, miscarriage

C didn't have any periods till she was 24 when she went on contraceptive pills for a few years. Her perionds had started to come back but very irregular the last couple years since she came off the pill and changed her diet. Her recent blood showed elavated LH. C had positive test in the third cycle but started bleeding three days later. I encouraged her to come for a session after the miscarriage to clear the uterus and not to give up. She fell pregnant again the following month....C had a health pregnancy and gave birth to a baby girl."She is the most beautiful little human and we are completely in love.I cannot thank you enough for eveything you have done. You gave me hope when we thought that this would never happen & I honestly believe that without you she wouldn't be here today".

U,39, high FSH and low AMH, natural conception after 2 failed IVFs

U had 2 IVFs 3 years ago, both failed. Her FSH was 20, AMH 1.1 then. She came to me but didn’t have any hope. Surprisingly she conceived 3 months later, with only a few sessions of acupuncture and some herbs. I didn't see her during her pregnancy but I heard from a friend of hers that she had a healthy baby. 

N, 36, natural conception after two failed IVFs

Recommended by a friend, N came to me after her second failed IVF. Both her and her husband were in despair. All her tests were normal: antral follicle count of 7 in each ovary, AMH 17, FSH 9.9, CA125 21, two progesterone levels:50.4 and 46.6. I explained to her that she had a very good chance to conceive naturally. It didn’t take long at all; N had a positive test in her second cycle. “Still in a state of shock!” N had an eventless pregnancy and “ had a gorgeous little boy Tuesday night…7lb14. 

M, 41  As an acupuncturist herself, she had been using acupuncture and Chinese herbs to maintain her well being for a few years. She was concerned about her fertility at her age. She fell pregnant just 2 months after coming to see me. Very pleased for her and it is a very encouraging news for all women over 40. Her dating scan showed very low risk of Down syndrome 1 in 1600. She continued with acupuncture throughout her pregnancy and it was a pretty uneventful pregnancy considering the stress she was having. A healthy baby girl was born at home with acupuncture and gas on her due date. "Thank you for my treatments to get her here."