INFERTILITY

Many things often go undetected by traditional medicine or are not considered when evaluating why a couple may not be able to conceive.  We now know that the nutritional status of both partners is the biggest factor and that there are basic nutrients that are the very foundation of conception and ability for a full-term pregnancy.  Nutrient deficiencies for males can decrease sperm count and motility, cause damage to reproductive tissues, create unhealthy sperm, and cause late sexual maturation.  Females who suffer from unexplained infertility commonly have deficiencies and imbalances resulting from the use of contraceptive pills and the copper coil.  The contraceptive pill causes severe imbalances in zinc/copper ratios (high levels of copper and imbalances in zinc and copper are also known to cause birth defects and lead to postnatal depression), induces deficiencies of the most needed nutrients for conception, affects liver function, and proper blood flow in the pelvic area.  These imbalances also negatively affect the pelvic region with restoration of cyclical ovulation and menstruation.  There have been cases where blocked fallopian tubes were a result of undiagnosed allergy and infection (imbalances in copper/zinc making them vulnerable to adhesion infections), where change in diet and addition of nutritional and medicinal support has spontaneously turned the problem around.

When approaching clients regarding their nutritional deficiencies, we are asked if it can be contributed to food choices.  Food choices do play a vital role in the conditioning and preparation of this process, but what we actually mean is nutritional deficiencies and latent infections in certain biologic pathways that can potentially breakdown the ability for conception and must be addressed with nutritional and biological supplementation.   The addition of these nutrients actually helps create the entire chain reaction required when trying to conceive or maintain a pregnancy.  So many people feel that supplementation is “to make you feel better,” when these nutrients actually act as the gears in the mechanisms of your body—in fact your body would completely fail if these were not always available in some way.  Conception is a very concise process and requires all of the missing links nutritionally and otherwise to accomplish it safely and accurately.

Not only is nutritional medicine an important role when treating infertility in men and women, recent studies and publications released in the United States have been focusing on acupuncture and its ability to treat infertility or assist in reproduction therapy in women.  Of course, Oriental Medicine (acupuncture and herbology) has been used for generations for treating infertility with amazing effectiveness.  These studies, coming from the Western medical view show that acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system, relaxes the uterus and optimizes endometrial receptivity.  In fact, acupuncture has become so popular for treating infertility you will now see acupuncturists working in fertility clinics alongside Western medical physicians.  One factor we have seen in these clinics being overlooked and underutilized is the use of the herbology for infertility.  The lack of knowledge from Western doctors has established a “no-use” policy of Chinese herbal medicine, and in almost all cases the herbology is the true magic in treating infertility.  

There are many reasons for infertility and there are not always answers for every couple.  Making sure that all of the possibilities for infertility are tested, treated and taken out of the equation makes for an extremely higher likelihood for conception.  Of course lifestyle choices that have a negative effect such as stress, smoking, alcohol intake, drugs, toxic chemicals and metals, lack of exercise and bad nutritional choices are also to be identified in all cases of infertility and changed immediately.

“I am 35 and my husband and I had been trying to have a baby for 2 years with no luck and were contemplating IVF.   I was not happy about the idea of taking the hormones and prescription drugs or about the cost of the procedure.  A friend of mine that had done acupuncture and herbs with Sabrina recommended that I see her before I made such an extreme decision.  After seeing Sabrina I began taking a list supplements and herbal medicines along with weekly acupuncture.  My periods began to change and I actually began to feel better than I had in some time.  After 6 months of treatment I found out I was pregnant.  I am so thankful that I was able to make a safe choice and still have my child.  Thank you Sabrina.”

                                                                             -Vicki B., Greenwood Village, CO-

“My name is Laura and I am 38 years old.  My husband and I were trying to have a baby through In-vitro Fertilization for 2 years.  My fertility specialist recommended that I do acupuncture during and between each procedure and still nothing changed.  After many procedures with no results I sought out more help.  Someone gave me Sabrina’s card and I went in for a consultation.  I never considered going this route for any kind of healthcare and especially this, but I had exhausted everything else.  When going in for my first visit I agreed to do consistent acupuncture, herbs and supplements for four months before trying the In-vitro again.  My doctor strongly recommended that I not do any herbs at all during this time.  After discussing this with Sabrina, I opted to do everything she recommended including the Chinese herbs.  We were pretty lucky and the procedure worked.  I now understand that there are imbalances unseen and un-testable by doctors that can cause the inability for a pregnancy.  I highly suggest this type of treatment for anyone who may be struggling with infertility issues.”

                                                                             -Mel H., Denver, CO-