In Australia, one in six couples are affected by infertility and there are a number of factors, both male and female, that can cause a sub-fertile state. Infertility is diagnosed when a couple has been trying to conceive for six to twelve months, without success.
Research shows that in approximately 30% of cases the cause is attributed to the female, in 30% the cause is attributed to the male, in 30% the cause is attributed to both and in 10% of cases the cause is unknown.
The most common treatment options include artificial reproductive technologies (ART) such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), intra-cytoplasmic sperm insertion (ICSI) and gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT). Unfortunately, couples with infertility are often referred immediately for these invasive and costly methods of conception, without assessing the underlying causes for their fertility problems, which can often be successfully addressed using preconception care, natural medicine and acupuncture.
natural treatment to enhance fertility
If you are just starting out, or if you have been trying for some time, natural medicine treatment can improve your fertility and increase your chance of conceiving. Our natural fertility specialist naturopaths and Chinese medicine practitioners are experienced in addressing fertility issues due to a range of causes, including medically diagnosed and unexplained infertility. Our treatments are safe, non-invasive and can improve your health, your fertility and your chance of conceiving.
As part of the natural approach to treating infertility, we often recommend a period of pre-conception care during which time we can address and treat your specific fertility issues, as well as address any underlying health issues and/or deficiencies that may be contributing to the problem. Pre-conception care is generally undertaken over a four-month period and focuses on the health and nutrition of each prospective parent during the critical 3-4 month maturation of the gamete cells (sperm and eggs) that go on the form a baby. The healthier you are during the period, the healthier these maturing cells will be, which increases the likelihood of achieving a successful conception and a healthy baby.
During the period of pre-conception care, we will address your overall health and investigate and treat any factors that may be affecting your fertility. For many of our patients, this is all that is required to achieve a healthy pregnancy.
Other patients with more complicated fertility issues may need to combine this approach with other reproductive medicine strategies to help them achieve a successful pregnancy. The support that we can give to these patients to improve the health of their eggs and sperm, reduce stress, address toxicity issues, correct deficiencies and improve their overall health all increase the chance of a successful outcome.
meet our practitioners who specialise in infertility
Rebecca Tanner – Naturopath, Acupuncturist and Natural Fertility Specialist
Geoff Brothers – Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Chevonne Clasen – Naturopath and Natural Fertility Specialist
Julia Chazan – Naturopath and Homoeopath
