Trying To Conceive
A little biology to summarize what is happening for women each month with their menstrual cycle.
Women are born with approximately 2 million eggs. Each month, at the beginning of your menstrual cycle, your body produces hormones that promote follicles to mature. Ovulation occurs when the mature follicle pops out of the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tubes to the uterus. Using an ovulation predictor kit (OPK) identifies when you ovulate by detecting a luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. This surge occurs within a specific time period before ovulation and marks the ideal timing for intercourse. Conception occurs when sperm and egg connect and progesterone levels elevate in the body to thicken the lining of the uterus and to prepare for implantation. Two weeks after conception, there is a detectable amount of HSG in your blood stream and you test positive for being pregnant. And each day for the next 40 weeks-ish your body is optimally supporting baby’s development and your own health.
There are multiple variables in this process, which all need to coincide and work in harmony for this to be successful. This is what makes the act of conception so miraculous. For the 15% of couples who struggle to conceive, a key component is identifying vulnerabilities or if/where this process breaks down.
How Chinese Medicine Can Support Fertility
Chinese Medicine is an effective and complementary modality to support fertility. We work within the parameters of the menstrual cycle. For example, acupuncture and herbs can support the follicular phase with treatments specifically to promote ovulation. Additionally, there are treatments to help your body more effectively utilise progesterone in the luteal phase and to support your early pregnancy.
Whether you hope to conceive naturally, or if you plan to purse IUI/IVF, acupuncture, herbs, diet and lifestyle can all significantly benefit and promote your path to parenthood.
Together we create and implement a plan that individually supports how you want to approach this journey, addressing both the physical and emotional, the conventional and the alternative.
Some Conditions that Fertility Acupuncture Can Address and Support
Unexplained Infertility
Hormone Imbalances
Uterine Fibroids
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Premature Ovarian Failure
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Recurrent Miscarriage
Egg Quality Issues
Luteal Phase Defect
Poor Uterine Lining
Autoimmune Conditions
Advance Maternal Age
Endometriosis
Amenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Male Fertility Factor- low sperm count, motility or mobility
IUI and IVF enhancement
Consultation Rates
Initial Consultation (1.5 hours) $140
Initial Consultation for Couples (1.5 hours) $150
Follow-up Treatments (1 hour) $90
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Fertility Packages Available
Pre/Post Transfer at fertility clinic available on request
Pre-Birth Acupuncture: 3 acupuncture treatments starting at week 36/37 of your pregnancy. If you need to be induced, your 4th treatment is free.