For a couple preparing to begin their life altering journey into parenthood there is always joy and excitement however it can also be a daunting and sometimes overwhelming process. Unless conception happens immediately upon trying couples can begin to despair and can sometimes become all consumed with their desire to grow their family. Here at The Which Doctor we will attempt to guide you through this confusing process with warmth, nurturing and expertise to make this magical journey as stress free as possible.

For women extensive testing needs to be undertaken to rule out conditions that may be preventing pregnancy including; Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, fibroids and hormonal imbalances. Reducing stress and ensuring vitamin and nutrient levels are high are also crucial in fertility support. Vitamins such as Vitamin D, Vitamin B9 (Folate) and Zinc are all linked to fertility and egg quality. Once certain conditions are ruled out and supplementation is adequate a regular menstrual cycle must be established including obvious ovulation signs. The Which Doctor often uses measurement of Basal Body Temperature (BBT) as well as hormonal testing to establish when ovulation has occurred and therefore the optimal time to conceive. Chinese Medicine is a unique medicinal approach that complements each persons strengths and weaknesses. By monitering the delicate balance of Yin and Yang within the body and well as any deficiencies Chinese Medicine will attempt to create a more balanced, healthier woman whom is in optimal health to conceive. In terms of Chinese Medicine it’s also important that women access their Yin constitution (the relaxed, slow moving and feminine energy) and partake in exercise that is low impact and gentle such as walking, swimming and yoga.

The importance of men’s health in conception is increasingly under rated. As well as contributing 50% of the DNA to the embryo,having a supportive, loving partner who is as invested in the pregnancy as his partner is crucial for success in conception and beyond. It’s vital that the men are as healthy and dense in nutrients as the women to provide the best chance of a happy, healthy pregnancy and baby. Sperm analysis is an important aspect of men’s fertility support as it gives us a good understanding of overall health and areas we can improve on. Men also require certain nutrients including selenium, zinc and CoQ10 to help build healthy sperm and increase chances of conception. Men need to access their natural Yang component (masculine energy) and ensure their testosterone is adequate by increasing weight training.

The Which Doctor also provides IVF support for couples that may not be able to conceive naturally, including same-sex couples. Acupuncture has been used in conjunction with IVF for many years and is widely seen as a beneficiary addition to an IVF protocol. Acupuncture is generally done before and after an embryo transfer due to it’s possible mechanism of action of increasing blood flow to the uterus.

For any further information on how we may be able to help you on your fertility journey please feel free to contact us for a chat today!