Because we understand the mind/body connection, the
physicians at Texas Fertility Center support certain companion
therapies as a method of increasing your chances of conceiving a
child. Some companion treatments may have a positive effect on the
infertility process. Others will not impact your success. Certain
options may do more harm than good, so we don’t recommend these
therapies. If you choose to pursue a companion therapy, please keep
your doctor informed and follow any advice given, especially if your
physician believes that the treatment could potentially lead to
problems.
Acupuncture
For over 5000 years, Eastern cultures have used acupuncture in the
treatment and prevention of disease. Acupuncture techniques are
thought to assist with regulating the menstrual cycle, invigorating
the sperm, and enhancing your whole body. This holistic health
approach can release unlimited potential in healing, including for
infertility.
If you have issues such as adhesion or endometriosis, acupuncture
would not work as a complete solution; however, it may produce
improved ovarian and follicular function, as well as increased blood
flow to the endometrium to facilitate a thick, rich lining. For
patients who choose to explore acupuncture, treatment usually lasts
for three to four months before an insemination, in vitro
fertilization (IVF), or donor-egg transfer. Acupuncture can have a
positive influence on various types of infertility, so talk with
your physician about the benefits of this option for your specific
case.
In most states, you must obtain a license to practice acupuncture.
To find a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist in your area,
visit www.nccaom.org.
Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Care
Traditional physical therapy involves the evaluation, diagnosis, and
treatment of disorders that impact the musculoskeletal system.
Pelvic physical therapy offers patients a natural, non-surgical
treatment designed to improve the function of female reproductive
organs in women who experience conditions that cause mainly
dysfunction and pain.
Herbal Medicine
Patients commonly have questions about which herbal or ‘natural’
supplements they can use during fertility treatments. Unfortunately,
many supplements may not be safe or effective to use during
conventional fertility treatments.
For instance, the FDA does not regulate any product labeled as a
‘dietary supplement,’ and the advertising or marketing for some
products can be deceptive. Certain herbal supplements may contain
ingredients which have no proven benefit or effect. Some supplements
may actually interfere with or lessen the success of fertility
treatments.
As we learn more about herbal supplements, we may very well find a
way to integrate them safely and effectively into our current care
regiment. However, we don’t have enough information available to
safely recommend these products. We suggest refraining from any
herbal supplements during the infertility process.
Hypnotherapy
The least conventional option to improve fertility, hypnotherapy
seems to work well for stress reduction. Therapists often work with
patients to replace negative thoughts with more positive internal
messages. Currently, the evidence to support hypnosis as a therapy
for infertility is anecdotal rather than scientific.
However, a recent Israeli study of 185 women undergoing the embryo
transfer stage of IVF offered some support for the benefit of
hypnosis. The researchers found that 28 percent of the women who
underwent hypnotherapy just before the transfer became pregnant,
compared with 14 percent of women who didn’t have the treatment. In
this case, the group that did not receive hypnosis had been trying
to get pregnant for over seven years versus not quite five years for
the group that participated in hypnotherapy. This distinction offers
important information since the longer you go without becoming
pregnant, the less likely you are to conceive.
Yoga and Meditation
Recently, The Mayo Clinic acknowledged that chronic stress can
result in a host of health problems and emotional issues. Yoga
offers an effective tool for reducing stress and anxiety.
Additionally, yoga can detoxify the body, relax tight muscles, and
loosen connective tissues, which may improve fertility. Yoga for
fertility focuses on the lower back (sacral plexus), hips, groin
area, and pelvis, which increases blood flow, improves circulation,
and possibly aids in healthier gynecological function.
When your body relaxes, your mind calms down. The associated deep
breathing helps your nervous system lower stress hormones like
cortisol, which can negatively impact reproductive hormone function.
Yoga and deep breathing encourage patients to listen to their
bodies’ natural rhythms. Through this process, our patients can
incorporate a deep sense of peace and connection to their own
healing capacity, allowing them to feel more empowered during this
journey.
