If you can't get pregnant, IVF is usually the next port of call - but there are alternatives, as Paula Goodyer discovers.
It was 2005, and after nine months of IVF treatment and a positive pregnancy test, 36-year-old Jill King was having a routine ultrasound to check that all was well. But when she turned to the screen, expecting to see a heartbeat, there was just an empty embryonic sac. In a cruel biological hoax, the sac minus its embryo - called a blighted ovum - was causing positive signs of pregnancy. There were more disappointments to come. By the time she discontinued IVF two years later, King had produced 50 embryos, but no babies, at a cost of about $50,000.
"People talk about the grief of miscarriage, and I've experienced that, but to me each embryo was also a potential baby lost," she recalls. "Whenever I had an embryo transfer [where the embryo is passed through the cervix into the uterus], I'd be calculating when its birthday might be."
Finally, she approached Jane Lyttleton, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner in Sydney who specialises in treating infertility. After three months of using Chinese herbs and acupuncture, King conceived naturally and gave birth to a daughter last year. "My message to other couples is be open-minded about alternative treatments," says King. "I know that for many people, IVF is the answer - but when both partners have been tested for all the typical causes and your infertility is still classed as 'unexplained', then Western medicine may not be the best approach. How can it successfully treat a problem it can't diagnose?"
Lyttleton is the first to admit that TCM is no cure-all for infertility, but it can help to normalise hormone levels, thus making ovulation more regular. It also improves the lining of the uterus and helps to prevent endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (common causes of fertility problems in women). Sluggish or abnormally shaped sperm can benefit from Chinese medicine, too. "But it can't help with blocked Fallopian tubes - even if tubes are scarred rather than fully blocked," cautions Lyttleton. "I'd encourage a woman to try IVF in those circumstances."
Some cases of unexplained fertility may have a cause that is overlooked if IVF is used as a first, rather than a last, resort, says Dr Anne Clark, medical director of Fertility First, a clinic in Sydney's Hurstville.
Being overweight, smoking or drinking too much - even a lack of vitamin D or iodine - can sabotage conception or increase the risk of miscarriage, points out Clark. While the clinic offers IVF treatment, 25 to 30 per cent of couples conceive without it after correcting certain lifestyle factors.
"Women are hammered for being overweight or for smoking, but we know that with men, nine kilograms of extra weight can lower fertility by altering hormone levels," she says. "We also know that fragmentation of DNA in male sperm is a common cause of miscarriage, and that factors such as smoking, alcohol and possibly caffeine may be contributing."
Her study in 2008 of 800 men who were attending Fertility First found 58 per cent had sperm damage, but that lifestyle changes and vitamin supplements could help prevent this. "Unlike eggs, which are as old as the woman herself, sperm is freshly made every three months," says Clark. "Because of this, you can often reverse the problem quickly."
This was the case for Matthew Lake, a 34-year-old landscaper whose partner, Amanda, had had three miscarriages by the time she was 29. Test results showed she had no obvious problem, but Matthew had fragmented DNA in 33 per cent of his sperm.
At Clark's suggestion, he reduced his weekly beer consumption from 24 to seven, stopped drinking Coke and took a daily multivitamin. He also took supplements of coenzyme Q10 and vitamins E and C, antioxidants that, according to some research, help reduce sperm damage.
"After six months, the number of fragmented sperm had dropped to nine per cent - a month later I was pregnant," says Amanda. "I don't think people realise the problem can often be with the male partner, and that the solution can be simple."
In Clark's experience, men are often only asked to provide a sperm sample, and if that is problematic, the couple are directed to IVF rather than addressing a man's underlying health problems. The pressure of ageing impels couples towards IVF, too, she says.
Francesca Naish, from the Jocelyn Centre for Natural Fertility Management in Sydney, agrees. "People are in a hurry to conceive, but they need to take about three months to clean up first."
The "cleaning up" regimen recommended by the centre, which employs medical practitioners, naturopaths and an acupuncturist, entails both partners eating whole food - preferably organic - taking herbs and vitamin and mineral supplements, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins.
"Take the example of a hairdresser or a motor mechanic," says Naish. "She's exposed to bleaches and solvents, and he's working with solvents, heavy metals and paints. This doesn't mean hairdressers and mechanics can't make babies together, but if their fertility is already compromised, these exposures can make conception - especially of a healthy baby - harder." Other workers who come into contact with pesticides, such as farmers, may experience problems, too, explains Naish, as can people who spend a lot of time flying (sperm and eggs can be affected by radiation at high altitude). Some studies have linked heavy mobile phone use to reduced sperm count and sperm health. In isolation, these factors may mean nothing, but an accumulation of them, plus increasing age, can make a difference.
Although there's evidence that the miscarriage rate is higher with IVF, says Naish, "this isn't necessarily to do with IVF technology, which is fantastic. Miscarriages can occur because other problems aren't being sorted out first," she says. "IVF helps sperm and egg to meet and then gets the fertilised egg to the uterus, but it doesn't solve underlying problems that can impede a pregnancy."
Anne Clark acknowledges that with IVF offering a monthly pregnancy rate that is two to three times higher than nature, it will always appeal to couples in the stressed-out 21st century. When she recommends waiting until the lifestyle changes kick in, some couples feel pretty thrown to begin with. "But achieving a pregnancy can be a bit like painting a wall," she says. "It's all in the preparation."
East meets West
Acupuncture and IVF might come from opposite sides of the medical fence, but there's growing interest in combining them. Some studies show an improvement in pregnancy rates if acupuncture is used at embryo transfer, says Jane Lyttleton, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who works in partnership with IVF clinics. "We need more research to understand how it works," she says. "It may be that acupuncture increases blood flow to the lining of the uterus, creating a better environment for the embryo to grow. It may lower levels of stress hormones or, by having a calming effect on a woman's immune system, it may reduce the chances of her body rejecting the pregnancy."
Source: smh.com.au
Monday, December 21
Friday, December 18
Acupuncture Could Play A Useful Role In The Treatment Of Female Infertility
Doctors at the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at Cornell’s Weill Medical College have investigated the potential usefulness of acupuncture in enhancing female fertility.
Traditional Chinese medicine would attribute a disease state, such as infertility, to energy disturbances or imbalances, or organ deficiencies and excesses. Acupuncture is used in this system as a way to correct disruptions in the flow of Qi (energy) and bring the body back to good health. Doctors Chang, Chung, and Rosenwaks examined the current literature on acupuncture from the perspective of Western medicine seeking to determine its impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and the pelvic organs, and its potential for easing stress and anxiety.
Connections were found between acupuncture and the production of endorphins, which affect hormones playing a part in the menstrual cycle. In addition, studies were identified indicating that acupuncture can have an impact on ovulation.
Stress and anxiety, which too often accompany infertility, and possibly exacerbate the condition, can be relieved by acupuncture. Studies have been done, as well, on its use in relieving depression. As the impact of anxiolytic drugs and anti-depressants on infertility treatment is unknown, acupuncture presents an alternative for infertility patients.
Based on the preliminary clinical data showing acupuncture’s neuroendocrine effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and peripheral impact on improving uterine blood flow and endometrial thickness, the authors feel that clinical trials are warranted to investigate systematically the efficacy of acupuncture in treating various conditions related to female infertility. As the physiologic mechanisms underlying acupuncture are becoming better understood, the technique has been shown in trials to relieve pain, alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea, and to treat for substance abuse. If trials show that it has a positive effect on the physiology affecting fertility, it could become a useful adjunct to established treatments.
Doctors at the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at Cornell’s Weill Medical College have investigated the potential usefulness of acupuncture in enhancing female fertility.
Traditional Chinese medicine would attribute a disease state, such as infertility, to energy disturbances or imbalances, or organ deficiencies and excesses. Acupuncture is used in this system as a way to correct disruptions in the flow of Qi (energy) and bring the body back to good health. Doctors Chang, Chung, and Rosenwaks examined the current literature on acupuncture from the perspective of Western medicine seeking to determine its impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and the pelvic organs, and its potential for easing stress and anxiety.
Connections were found between acupuncture and the production of endorphins, which affect hormones playing a part in the menstrual cycle. In addition, studies were identified indicating that acupuncture can have an impact on ovulation.
Stress and anxiety, which too often accompany infertility, and possibly exacerbate the condition, can be relieved by acupuncture. Studies have been done, as well, on its use in relieving depression. As the impact of anxiolytic drugs and anti-depressants on infertility treatment is unknown, acupuncture presents an alternative for infertility patients.
Based on the preliminary clinical data showing acupuncture’s neuroendocrine effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and peripheral impact on improving uterine blood flow and endometrial thickness, the authors feel that clinical trials are warranted to investigate systematically the efficacy of acupuncture in treating various conditions related to female infertility. As the physiologic mechanisms underlying acupuncture are becoming better understood, the technique has been shown in trials to relieve pain, alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea, and to treat for substance abuse. If trials show that it has a positive effect on the physiology affecting fertility, it could become a useful adjunct to established treatments.
Wednesday, December 16
Acupuncture, massage, and herbal therapy have all been linked with success in treating the symptoms of endometriosis including pain reduction and improved fertility outcomes
An estimated five to seven million American women currently suffer from this endometriosis, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Endometriosis is derived from the word "endometrium," which is the lining of a woman's uterus.
In this condition, organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments surrounding the uterus, and possibly the lungs, head, and other locations, can have endometrial cells as well as the uterus. However, unlike the uterus, these cells are not expelled from the body during menstruation, but rather linger and are slowly absorbed into the body. This can cause symptoms ranging from pain during intercourse, painful menstruation, low back pain, nausea, fatigue, and infertility.
Diagnosis is performed via laparoscopy. A laparoscopic procedure requires that a lighted optical tube be inserted through a small incision in the navel.
The causes of endometriosis are still unclear, although many theories have been made with attention to, genetic predispositions, and autoimmune causes.
Acupuncture, massage, and herbal therapy have all been linked with success in treating the symptoms of endometriosis including pain reduction and improved fertility outcomes.
Traditional Chinese medicine considers endometriosis as a condition of qi and blood stagnation and heat, which means that the woman’s blood circulation is not occurring properly and that heat (read autoimimmune attack is built up in the pelvic region.
The TCM treatment for endometriosis attempts to increase circulation and clear internal pathogenic heat.
When acupuncture needles are applied to points influencing the nervous system, organ functions, and endocrine system, balance can be restored and blood stasis improved and heat cleared.
Oriental medicine, in conjunction with Western medical approaches often show improvement in symptoms and conception rates greater than those seen when using one of these modalities alone.
Sources:
1. http://tcm.health-info.org/Acupunture/treatment/endometriosis.htm
2. http://www.endo-resolved.com/index.html
3. Du, Li, Endometriosis Through the Eyes of Tradition Chinese Medicine, New Life Journal, 2003
In this condition, organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments surrounding the uterus, and possibly the lungs, head, and other locations, can have endometrial cells as well as the uterus. However, unlike the uterus, these cells are not expelled from the body during menstruation, but rather linger and are slowly absorbed into the body. This can cause symptoms ranging from pain during intercourse, painful menstruation, low back pain, nausea, fatigue, and infertility.
Diagnosis is performed via laparoscopy. A laparoscopic procedure requires that a lighted optical tube be inserted through a small incision in the navel.
The causes of endometriosis are still unclear, although many theories have been made with attention to, genetic predispositions, and autoimmune causes.
Acupuncture, massage, and herbal therapy have all been linked with success in treating the symptoms of endometriosis including pain reduction and improved fertility outcomes.
Traditional Chinese medicine considers endometriosis as a condition of qi and blood stagnation and heat, which means that the woman’s blood circulation is not occurring properly and that heat (read autoimimmune attack is built up in the pelvic region.
The TCM treatment for endometriosis attempts to increase circulation and clear internal pathogenic heat.
When acupuncture needles are applied to points influencing the nervous system, organ functions, and endocrine system, balance can be restored and blood stasis improved and heat cleared.
Oriental medicine, in conjunction with Western medical approaches often show improvement in symptoms and conception rates greater than those seen when using one of these modalities alone.
Sources:
1. http://tcm.health-info.org/Acupunture/treatment/endometriosis.htm
2. http://www.endo-resolved.com/index.html
3. Du, Li, Endometriosis Through the Eyes of Tradition Chinese Medicine, New Life Journal, 2003
Tuesday, December 15
EXHALE MIND BODY SPA OFFERS NEW FERTILITY AND REPRODUCTIVE WELLNESS PROGRAM
Exhale Acupuncture Specialists Trained in The Berkley Method of Fertility Treatment to Bring Holistic Approach to Reproductive Health to Exhale Facilities
NEW YORK, NY (October 2009) – Exhale, the highly acclaimed national mind body spa brand, has instituted a new wellness program under the direction of Robert MacDonald, exhale’s Director of Healing, to provide clinical services to families struggling with infertility. Working extensively with Dr. Michael Berkley, founder and director of The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, exhale’s team of seasoned acupuncturists received advanced training in the treatment of infertility and reproductive wellness and now offer that expertise to guests in the tranquil healing environment of exhale’s facilities. The fertility and reproductive wellness program at exhale offers three, six, and nine month programs that follow the “Berkley Method” of holistic infertility treatment.
“Dr. Berkley’s east meets west approach to infertility treatment has proven to be highly successful in helping patients achieve their goals of becoming parents,” said Robert MacDonald. “We’re pleased that we are now able to offer this revolutionary program to our guests that may be struggling with this very sensitive subject.”
Exhale’s fertility and reproductive wellness programs incorporate:
• Acupuncture and herbal medicine provided by highly trained and supported specialists in the natural treatment of infertility
• Nutritional counseling to enhance physical health and wellbeing
• Yoga and exhale’s proprietary Core Fusion® classes, designed to strengthen the body and increase vitality
• Massage therapy to relieve stress and increase circulation to the reproductive organs
Exhale practitioners utilize the techniques behind The Berkley Method to heal the root causes of infertility and provide overall wellness. Acupuncture can improve the function of the ovaries to produce higher quality eggs, increase blood flow to the uterus, relax and de-stress the body, prevent uterine contraction post IVF embryo transfer, reduce side efforts of IVF medications, strengthen the immune system, increase energy and improve sperm count; all factors that can ultimately improve the chances of conceiving.
Similarly, fertility massage improves circulation and encourages relaxation of tense uterine muscles. An increase of blood flow is a very simple and natural way to significantly improve the functions of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Exhale acupuncturists underwent extensive training in this kind of massage in order to make the body best ready to conceive and carry out a full term pregnancy.
In addition to acupuncture, massage and nutritional counseling, physical activity such as yoga and exhale’s proprietary Core Fusion® classes are an essential component to each comprehensive reproductive wellness plan. Exhale’s Core Fusion® program is a results-oriented fitness experience that truly transforms the body through a fusion of core conditioning, Pilates, yoga and orthopedic stretching. A sound mind, body and spirit improves overall by incorporating exhale’s fitness modalities into the fertility program, guests will see an improvement in physical health, which enhances overall reproductive wellbeing.
About Robert MacDonald, MS, L.Ac., LMT
Robert MacDonald is the founder of Intentional Health and Wellness (IHW), and exhale’s Director of Healing, responsible for staffing, programming, and operations of exhale's healing department, including program development, product development, marketing and operational protocols, and coordination of all integrated healing department services. Robert also develops proprietary healing products for exhale that are sold in the spas such as the elemental healing teas and the essential oils. IHW is a practice dedicated to guiding people to their highest level of health through self-knowledge and focused intent. He has been helping his patients recover from debilitating dysfunction and disease for more than 15 years. Robert initially trained extensively in deep tissue structural bodywork, various disciplines of energetic work, clinical counseling and hypnotherapy. It is upon this foundation that he builds his work as a practitioner of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Robert has a Master of Science degree in the field, and is Board Certified and State Licensed in New York, Massachusetts and Illinois. He has treated a wide variety of patient conditions in both hospital and clinical settings with a treatment style that is gentle and compassionate. Robert sees his skills and experience as tools to help his patients attain their highest level of health and functionality.
About Dr. Mike Berkley
Dr. Mike Berkley, Founder and Director of The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, in New York City, is licensed and Board Certified in Acupuncture in the states of New York and Connecticut, and licensed as a Doctor of Acupuncture in the State of Rhode Island. Dr. Berkley is also Board Certified in Clinical Herbal Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Dr. Berkley is the first acupuncturist/herbalist in the United States to work exclusively in the field of reproductive medicine. He has developed unique acupuncture protocols and herbal formulae which have been shown to increase success rates. He works exclusively in the area of reproductive medicine and enjoys working in conjunction with some of New York’s most prestigious reproductive endocrinologists.
Dr. Berkley is a Member, in good standing, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM); Resolve of New York, American Fertility Association (AFA), the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the Acupuncture Society of New York; and the American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM). In addition, he is an Advisory Board member of The InterNational Council on Infertility Information Dissemination, Inc. (INCIID). He is also on the Board of Doctors at ATIME, and he is an Advisory Board Member of the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM). Dr. Berkley is also sits on the Advisory Board of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM).
About exhale
Widely recognized for revolutionizing the day spa business, exhale is a brand synonymous with transformation and healing. In just six years, exhale has earned a position as a leading lifestyle brand in the health and wellness space that enjoys a high level of demand from the hospitality and real estate industry.
The Company currently operates 13 locations in key metropolitan markets + the Caribbean, and is opening another 2 properties in August, and within the next year growing to 18 in total by mid 2010. Exhale plans to grow its wellbeing paradigm to 50 locations in prestigious and philosophically aligned resorts, residential hotel developments, and strategic partnerships. For more information please visit www.exhalespa.com.
.
Exhale Acupuncture Specialists Trained in The Berkley Method of Fertility Treatment to Bring Holistic Approach to Reproductive Health to Exhale Facilities
NEW YORK, NY (October 2009) – Exhale, the highly acclaimed national mind body spa brand, has instituted a new wellness program under the direction of Robert MacDonald, exhale’s Director of Healing, to provide clinical services to families struggling with infertility. Working extensively with Dr. Michael Berkley, founder and director of The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, exhale’s team of seasoned acupuncturists received advanced training in the treatment of infertility and reproductive wellness and now offer that expertise to guests in the tranquil healing environment of exhale’s facilities. The fertility and reproductive wellness program at exhale offers three, six, and nine month programs that follow the “Berkley Method” of holistic infertility treatment.
“Dr. Berkley’s east meets west approach to infertility treatment has proven to be highly successful in helping patients achieve their goals of becoming parents,” said Robert MacDonald. “We’re pleased that we are now able to offer this revolutionary program to our guests that may be struggling with this very sensitive subject.”
Exhale’s fertility and reproductive wellness programs incorporate:
• Acupuncture and herbal medicine provided by highly trained and supported specialists in the natural treatment of infertility
• Nutritional counseling to enhance physical health and wellbeing
• Yoga and exhale’s proprietary Core Fusion® classes, designed to strengthen the body and increase vitality
• Massage therapy to relieve stress and increase circulation to the reproductive organs
Exhale practitioners utilize the techniques behind The Berkley Method to heal the root causes of infertility and provide overall wellness. Acupuncture can improve the function of the ovaries to produce higher quality eggs, increase blood flow to the uterus, relax and de-stress the body, prevent uterine contraction post IVF embryo transfer, reduce side efforts of IVF medications, strengthen the immune system, increase energy and improve sperm count; all factors that can ultimately improve the chances of conceiving.
Similarly, fertility massage improves circulation and encourages relaxation of tense uterine muscles. An increase of blood flow is a very simple and natural way to significantly improve the functions of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Exhale acupuncturists underwent extensive training in this kind of massage in order to make the body best ready to conceive and carry out a full term pregnancy.
In addition to acupuncture, massage and nutritional counseling, physical activity such as yoga and exhale’s proprietary Core Fusion® classes are an essential component to each comprehensive reproductive wellness plan. Exhale’s Core Fusion® program is a results-oriented fitness experience that truly transforms the body through a fusion of core conditioning, Pilates, yoga and orthopedic stretching. A sound mind, body and spirit improves overall by incorporating exhale’s fitness modalities into the fertility program, guests will see an improvement in physical health, which enhances overall reproductive wellbeing.
About Robert MacDonald, MS, L.Ac., LMT
Robert MacDonald is the founder of Intentional Health and Wellness (IHW), and exhale’s Director of Healing, responsible for staffing, programming, and operations of exhale's healing department, including program development, product development, marketing and operational protocols, and coordination of all integrated healing department services. Robert also develops proprietary healing products for exhale that are sold in the spas such as the elemental healing teas and the essential oils. IHW is a practice dedicated to guiding people to their highest level of health through self-knowledge and focused intent. He has been helping his patients recover from debilitating dysfunction and disease for more than 15 years. Robert initially trained extensively in deep tissue structural bodywork, various disciplines of energetic work, clinical counseling and hypnotherapy. It is upon this foundation that he builds his work as a practitioner of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Robert has a Master of Science degree in the field, and is Board Certified and State Licensed in New York, Massachusetts and Illinois. He has treated a wide variety of patient conditions in both hospital and clinical settings with a treatment style that is gentle and compassionate. Robert sees his skills and experience as tools to help his patients attain their highest level of health and functionality.
About Dr. Mike Berkley
Dr. Mike Berkley, Founder and Director of The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, in New York City, is licensed and Board Certified in Acupuncture in the states of New York and Connecticut, and licensed as a Doctor of Acupuncture in the State of Rhode Island. Dr. Berkley is also Board Certified in Clinical Herbal Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Dr. Berkley is the first acupuncturist/herbalist in the United States to work exclusively in the field of reproductive medicine. He has developed unique acupuncture protocols and herbal formulae which have been shown to increase success rates. He works exclusively in the area of reproductive medicine and enjoys working in conjunction with some of New York’s most prestigious reproductive endocrinologists.
Dr. Berkley is a Member, in good standing, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM); Resolve of New York, American Fertility Association (AFA), the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the Acupuncture Society of New York; and the American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM). In addition, he is an Advisory Board member of The InterNational Council on Infertility Information Dissemination, Inc. (INCIID). He is also on the Board of Doctors at ATIME, and he is an Advisory Board Member of the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM). Dr. Berkley is also sits on the Advisory Board of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM).
About exhale
Widely recognized for revolutionizing the day spa business, exhale is a brand synonymous with transformation and healing. In just six years, exhale has earned a position as a leading lifestyle brand in the health and wellness space that enjoys a high level of demand from the hospitality and real estate industry.
The Company currently operates 13 locations in key metropolitan markets + the Caribbean, and is opening another 2 properties in August, and within the next year growing to 18 in total by mid 2010. Exhale plans to grow its wellbeing paradigm to 50 locations in prestigious and philosophically aligned resorts, residential hotel developments, and strategic partnerships. For more information please visit www.exhalespa.com.
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