I often think the experience of Sub- fertility is like wandering around a big field in the dark. You often have no idea where you are on the field, if will you find a path soon or if you are just going around in circles. And when will it stop being so dark!
For a lot of couples their diagnosis is unexplained. Or there is a diagnosis but no previous conception or ability to carry to term. This can be a painful and confronting experience.
The Process
As much as possible I like to shed light onto the situation. Through a process of listening to your concerns, experience’s, observations and inklings. Reviewing evidence from investigations, your history, specialist’s opinions and BBT charts. And adding your Oriental Medical diagnosis. We often end up with a picture that lends itself to a road ahead.
I go as fast or as slow as feels right for you. This looks different for every couple/ person, but typically looks something like…
First cycle
Gather info- collect blood tests, instigate more blood tests if needed, start charting with the Basal Body Temperature.
Begin weekly Acupuncture with the primary focus on addressing your Oriental Medicine diagnosis. During the discussion part of each session we look at how you are going, what else can be done, updating our approach if needed as further Blood tests come in, interpreting the BBT and exploring more indepth what else may be going on.
Over time we look at diet, relaxation, interpreting the strength of ovulation, relationships and many other factors in your day to day life that influence optimal health.
Second cycle and beyond
For some lucky couples, that’s enough! They are pregnant and we move the focus of treatment into early pregnancy care- see pregnancy.
For the others, by this stage blood test’s have either gleaned some more light on the situation or not and the path ahead is redefined. A cycles worth of BBT has been completed and the choice to use Chinese Herbal Medicine or not is made having added the later two factors.
The beauty with having so many diagnostic tools is we can see how fast we are moving down the path. For some it is obvious, and the month they fall pregnant is even predictable. For others it is a slower path of gradual change, backed up by blood tests to make sure fertility is viable and the changes are positive.
If at any stage it becomes apparent that we need more help on board I will explain my observations and make recommendations of Practitioners that I know deal with Sub-Fertility. And if at any stage I am not seeing the changes we are needing I will mention it, and we can look at where to from here for you.
What can be considered
For a selection of published articles on conditions Oriental Medicine has been recognised to influence see www.acupunctureivf.com.au Factors such as low sperm count, motility, volume, morphology, anti sperm antibodies. Rising FSH, polycystic ovaries, PCOS, mild endometriosis, re- occurring miscarriage, unexplained sub- fertility, low progesterone, early ovulation, late ovulation, no ovulation, luteal phase defect, scant periods, thyroid disorders, secondary sub- fertility with ovulation being under par, stress, grief, shock, over or under weight and auto immune factors.
If you have a condition that I have not mentioned, please feel free to get in touch and we can discuss your situation.
Further Support
Fertility New Zealand is committed to supporting, advocating for and educating all people who face infertility challenges at all stages of their journey and beyond¦.. www.fertilitynz.org.nz