Individuals and couples looking to get pregnant may consider exploring alternative treatments like herbal supplements and acupuncture to improve their chances. But how effective are they, really? The article covers what you need to know if you want to try these methods.
Before taking anything new, it’s important to understand the potential benefits and risks of combining holistic methods and modern fertility treatments. Getting expert guidance and consultation with specialists at a leading IVF and ICSI clinic in Bangkok, V Fertility Clinic, is a must.
What Herbs are Used for Fertility?
Fertility herbs are plant-based supplements traditionally believed to support reproductive health. These herbs have usually long been used in various cultures to help regulate hormonal balance, promote ovulation, and prepare for conception.
While some traditional herbs suggest benefits like menstrual regularity and uterine health, further scientific studies and clinical research are necessary to confirm these effects. Herbal therapies should not be used as substitutes for medical fertility treatments.
Herbs with Potential Benefits for Fertility
- Vitex or chasteberry: Used to support progesterone and menstrual regularity.
- Maca root: Believed to support libido and hormone balance in women and improve sperm quality and motility in men.
- Red raspberry leaf: Traditionally used to tone and strengthen uterine muscles.
- Dong quai: Used in traditional Chinese medicine to help blood flow and improve circulation to the reproductive organs.
- Ashwagandha: Helps balance cortisol and supports hormonal health and balance.
- Evening primrose oil: May improve cervical mucus quality and help in sperm mobility.
- Ginseng: In men, it’s believed to enhance sperm count and motility and boost testosterone levels and libido. In women, it may improve ovarian follicular development.
- Tribulus terrestris: An herb used in traditional herbal medicine, which shows potential in improving fertility, such as sperm motility, concentration, and vitality. It’s also used to enhance libido in men and women.
How is Acupuncture Used for Fertility?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine where thin needles are inserted at specific points on the body to treat various ailments and promote well-being. While there are minimal risks and complications when using acupuncture for fertility, it’s important to work with an acupuncturist specializing in fertility support.
Potential Benefits of Acupuncture on Fertility
- Improved blood flow to reproductive organs like the uterus to improve egg quality and uterine lining thickness to support embryo implantation and development.
- Hormonal regulation, particularly in women with irregular menstrual cycles or PCOS.
- Lower stress can calm the nervous system and lower blood pressure, positively impacting hormone balance and function.
- Support during IVF, ICSI, or IUI, especially in conjunction with your IVF cycle and treatment schedule.
Risks and Precautions to Consider
Herbal supplements and acupuncture may carry potential risks when used without medical supervision or approval. Always consult with your fertility doctor first before using these treatment methods. Consider factors such as quality control, which means ensuring that the supplements are from a reliable and trustworthy source. Since there may be a lack of regulation in herbal supplements, there may also be dosage inconsistencies.
Some herbs may cause side effects that affect the effectiveness of certain fertility medications or hormone therapies. They may also affect your IVF cycles and early pregnancy. Women with thyroid disorders, PCOS, or other hormonal imbalances may experience more symptoms after taking certain herbs.
When to See a Fertility Specialist
If you’re considering using herbs or acupuncture to boost fertility, it’s best to consult a qualified fertility doctor first. They’ll conduct fertility testing or medical evaluation to understand your condition and determine the root cause of your reproductive problems. Only take herbal supplements as part of a preconception health plan under guidance from your fertility doctor.
At V Fertility Clinic, we provide full-spectrum support to achieve optimal results for our patients, combining integrative care with advanced technology and evidence-based treatments. Starting from fertility screenings to assess your reproductive health, our specialists will craft a personalized treatment plan that may include natural therapies alongside medical treatments like IVF or ICSI. We’ll advise you on the safest and most effective approach to enhancing your fertility and increasing your chances of a successful pregnancy. Book a consultation today.
References:
https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/herbs-for-fertility/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/acupuncture-for-fertility
The team of specialists in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive medicine
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