IVF Support
For many couples, assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF are part of their journey to creating a family. 3.3% of all children born in Australia have been conceived using ART (2). Of all fresh cycles in 2008 in Australia and New Zealand, approximately 28% were due to male fertility issues, 32% were due to female infertility, 15% were combined factors and 23% were due to unexplained infertility (the remainder was not stated) (3).
Over the years I’ve helped countless couples during their IVF or IUI (intra-uterine insemination). Some of the more common fertility issues among my clients are endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, recurrent miscarriage, poor sperm quality, quantity or motility, or unexplained infertility. There are many ways that Naturopathy can help e.g. optimising nutrition, reducing the effects of stress, improving vitality or using herbal medicine for specific fertility concerns.
IVF clinics differ in their policies regarding the use of complementary medicines. Being respectful of my client’s choices and their doctor’s practice, I will work within these policies. For example, some IVF clinics allow the use of herbal medicine provided that herbs with hormone modulating or liver stimulating activity are not used at the same time as IVF medication. Being a herbal medicine specialist with a Masters degree in Herbal Medicine, I am committed to providing my clients with evidence-based solutions that are compatible with any medication you are taking. Other clinics allow the use of nutritional supplements but not herbal medicine. Whatever your situation, there are many solutions in my ‘toolbox’ that could assist you on your fertility journey.
References:
1. Wang YA, Chambers GM, & Sullivan EA 2010. Assisted reproductive technology in Australia and New Zealand 2008, p. 1. Assisted reproduction technology series no. 14. Cat. no. PER 49. Canberra: AIHW.
2. Wang YA, Chambers GM, & Sullivan EA 2010. Assisted reproductive technology in Australia and New Zealand 2008, p. viii. Assisted reproduction technology series no. 14. Cat. no. PER 49. Canberra: AIHW.
3. Wang YA, Chambers GM, & Sullivan EA 2010. Assisted reproductive technology in Australia and New Zealand 2008, p. 13. Assisted reproduction technology series no. 14. Cat. no. PER 49. Canberra: AIHW.
