Chinese herbs for fertility

Chinese herbs for fertility

If you are considering herbs to boost your fertility, you must read this.

Your chances of achieving pregnancy with herbs are 3,5 times greater than with conventional medical drug therapy alone. When you take correct herbs dispensed to your TCM* diagnosis, it is nearly twice more effective than IVF. This was the conclusion of a large study (systematic review) completed by the University of Adelaide.

TCM – traditional Chinese medicine includes acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines as well as Tuina (TCM osteopathy) and lifestyle recommendations.

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The study was a substantial one. It involved 1851 women and explored the efficacy of Chinese medicine and compared it to conventional treatments for infertility.

The researchers concluded that Chinese medicine diagnosis and syndrome differentiation were fundamental to the successful treatment of female infertility. This means in order to have successful treatment, you need to see a qualified TCM doctor, who will make a Chinese medical diagnosis. Consecutively, prescribe you herbs based on your diagnosis and your current symptoms.

In other words, we take into account your symptoms, your body complexion, your lifestyle and then, based on all that information we prescribe herbal formulae. We practice TCM acupuncture according to the same principles. And for our acupuncture patients, we already have all the information handy and are able to prescribe the herbs without having to have any additional consultations. Furthermore, our female patients need different herbs at different times of the cycle.

IVF does not always result in a viable pregnancy and live birth. In 2017, more than 82,000 ART cycles were recorded in Australia and New Zealand, and of these 22.9% resulted in clinical pregnancy, and 18.1% resulted in a live delivery.

“Traditional Chinese Medicine, offer less invasive and less costly treatment compared with standard Western Medical treatment. However, awareness of TCM therapy for infertility is generally low and often not suggested by Western Medical practitioners.”

Herbs for fertility: Conclusion

If correctly prescribed, herbs for fertility are substantially safer, less invasive and so much more cost-effective option than IVF. If you have haven’t been diagnosed with blocked fallopian tubes, it would make sense to consider exploring herbal medicines and acupuncture first.

Adelaide University study included women who have been diagnosed with primary or secondary infertility with various diagnoses. If your infertility has been associated with endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, amenorrhea, advanced maternal age or unexplained infertility, you are likely to benefit from Chinese herbal medicines and acupuncture treatment.

Note: The 2017 report “Of the 82,215 initiated ART cycles, 67,704 (82.4%) resulted in either an embryo transfer or all oocytes/embryos being cryopreserved. Of the initiated cycles, 22.9% (18,860) resulted in a clinical pregnancy and 18.1% (14,882) in a live delivery.”

You should get your herbal prescription reassessed by a herbalist/acupuncturist specialising in reproductive health trained in Chinese Medicine. The Adelaide study found that Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis based on your symptoms is essential for successful treatment of female infertility. TCM diagnosis determines specific individual treatment including Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture.

If you have self-prescribed, most likely the herbs will not have the desired effect, or could even decrease the chances of success. Naturopaths don’t commonly use herbs the same way Chinese medicine practitioners do. Usually, they are not trained in Chinese medicine and therefore can not correctly utilise Chinese medicine diagnosis. Chinese medicine diagnosis is a sophisticated field requiring a thorough knowledge of Chinese medicine and syndrome differentiation. It takes years to master. Seek qualified help early.

The herbs I use in my practice have been processed into pills. The herbal pills hardly smell or taste. Unlike raw herbs they require no time-consuming preparation. Decoctions made from raw herbs have strong taste and odour. Not everyone can tolerate them. The biggest issue with raw herbs, however, is the variation in their quality.

The herbs are considered very safe if they are good quality and are prescribed by a qualified TCM practitioner. The herbal pills I use in my practice are manufactured from premium quality “A” grade herbs and have been tested for active ingredients, pollutants to ensure efficacy and safety.

Dr Vitalis Acupuncturist in Auckland: IVF, Fertility acupuncture

Vitalis Skiauteris

Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Father

Vitalis is a highly qualified, experienced acupuncturist and herbalist in Auckland, New Zealand.

Vitalis maintains strong special interest in treatment of infertility with acupuncture and herbal medicines since 1999 (including advanced maternal age, unexplained infertility, PCOS and IVF support treatments).

Learn more about our acupuncturists.

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Willing to explore Chinese herbs for fertility? We specialise in Fertility TCM since 1999. Book an appointment today to discover how our expertise can help your situation.