INFERTILITY
WESTERN & CHINESE MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE
Infertility is the diagnosis when natural conception does not produce a desired pregnancy.
The cause can be pathology in the male and/or female reproductive system.
Our female bodies are in it’s full prime reproductive state from the time we have had our menarche, the onset of our period. As we become older, around the 40’s our hormone levels change gradually. This decline will produce lesser egg quality and a change in FSH, the follicle-stimulating hormone. As the ovaries decline in function, our bodies produce more FSH in order to induce ovulation. A blood test showing a FSH level above 10 indicates that our ovarian function is in decline and it is more difficult to become pregnant. The two other hormones, estrogen and progesterone, also decrease during our ageing process and causing a thinning of the endometrium, the inner lining of the womb. All these factors are vital for a pregnancy and implantation of an embryo.
Infertility is not only due to our natural ageing process. An imbalance in our hormonal system may result in irregular periods and/or period problems, failure to ovulate. Your physician might suggest a blood test to check thyroid and hormone levels.
Polycystic ovaries, uterine myomas, fallopian tube blockages and endometriosis may also prevent a pregnancy. Additionally vaginal and cervical infections can change the vaginal mucous and discharge can kill and /or inhibit the sperms. There may be also antibodies in the vaginal mucous which affect the sperms.
In my clinic I come across all of the above mentioned diagnoses for infertility. In Chinese Medicine we diagnose the underlying pattern or reason why we suffer from a particular symptom complex or disease in the first place.
In order to become pregnant and carry a pregnancy full term, the Yin,Yang, Qi, Blood Qi and Kidney Jing must all be perfectly balanced.
The following Chinese Medicine pattern relate to the following Western Medicine diagnoses :
KIDNEY YIN & BLOOD QI DEFICIENCY,
KIDNEY YANG & QI DEFICIENCY
may produce ovulation problems, thin endometrium, poor quality of follicles and eggs, unbalanced hormonal system (low estrogen and progesterone and high FSH) and low libido.
Qi STAGNATION , BLOOD STASIS & PHLEGM DAMP OBSTRUCTION SYNDROME
may cause stress, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, adhesions, ovarian cystitis, fallopian tube blockage and uterine fibroids,
DAMP HEAT SINKING OR BLOOD STASIS
may cause infections of fallopian tubes, vagina, cervix and pelvic area.
Male infertility in western medical terms can be due to testicular problems. Testosterone and sperm cells are produced in the testicles.
Mumps, glandular infections , mycoplasma , infections of a different nature and STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) can affect sperm quality and motility. Increased testicular temperature, like in the occurrence of varicocele ( twisted varicose vein ), can cause problems and damage to sperm cells. A blockage in the vas deferens ( tube which carries sperms) may be blocked and can be caused by chronic cold external temperatures. Also emotional problems regards sexuality can impact the male reproductive function. An overactive immune system can affect sperm quality, sperm count and motility.
KIDNEY YIN & QI AND BLOOD QI DEFICIENCY
may be the cause for ejaculation problems, autoimmunity, low testosterone, low semen volume, low sperm count and motility .
KIDNEY YANG DEFICIENCY
may be responsible for low libido, erectile dysfunction.
QI STAGNATION & BLOOD QI STASIS
may cause deficient sperm size, blockage of ejaculatory ducts and varicocele .
DAMP HEAT SINKING & HEAT INVASION
may cause infections and damage to sperm cells.
By treating the Chinese Medical pattern with acupuncture we are able to balance the body’s energy and organ activity. Chinese Medicine uses the terminology of ” The Fire Of Ming Men”. Ming Men is the triangle area between the kidneys, and the “Fire” is t the accumulation of our Kidney Yin, Kidney Yang, Kidney Qi and Kidney Jing. Kidney Jing is the ” Essence” , the necessary Substance in our body. Jing gives us our inherited DNA heritage, Jing determines the efficiency of our immune system . Jing and Yin help to restore our hormonal balance and facilitate a step towards conception and pregnancy. Nutritional advice will help you to eat foods which naturally enhance your fertility.
