TCM Fertility Treatment in Singapore
Infertility is considered an inability to conceive in a sexually active couple who are trying to get pregnant for one year. About 8-12% of the couples in the world are facing problems with infertility, and in this modern times the per cent is getting bigger, and 20% of the cases are due to both male and female factor. If you are facing fertility issues of your own, EMW TCM uses evidence-based approach to combine both Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) and acupuncture treatment optimise your fertility health naturally in Singapore.
The philosophy in TCM is that you are able to treat infertility issues and conceive naturally when you are more balanced physically, mentally and emotionally. Using TCM, EMW TCM physicians guide our patients to achieve in their overall well-being rather than focusing on infertility definitions or tiny details of implantation.
How we help your fertility issues with TCM & acupuncture in Singapore
Whether you are having trouble getting pregnant, have had pregnancy loss or complications, or haven’t even started trying, boosting fertility naturally is an important step to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
There is never a wrong time to begin to utilize the powers of TCM to aid in your fertility journey. When women and couples come to see us, they are at one of the following three places;
- they want to optimize their chances of natural conception before any type of western medical intervention,
- they want support while going through western medical assisted reproductive technologies, or
- they have exhausted all western medical options and have turned to TCM as their last hope.
TCM is very much a partnership. Rather than telling you what is happening within your body, we will guide you through self-monitoring so that we can co-develop a plan that is tailored to you and addresses all areas of wellness – not only the symptom of infertility. The human body is highly intelligent and will tell you everything you need to know if you listen carefully.
EMW TCM Fertility Treatment Plan in Singapore
We strongly encourage both spouses to be part of the entire treatment process as fertility is a team sport. When you visit us for the first time, you will be introduced to fertility acupuncture and TCM herbal prescriptions, used alone or in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). Your treatment is completely individualized based on your body’s needs. We mainly address fertility issues such as endometriosis, polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS), unexplained infertility, anovulatory disorders as well as male infertility.
For couples trying naturally
A recent Australian study done showed that acupuncture intervention, compared to lifestyle only, resulted in significant increases in fertility awareness and quality of life measures in relation to wellbeing; it increased the ability of the recipients to engage in desired activities, such as exercise or rest, and it shortened the time to conception by half. [1]
In a study published in International Review of Neurobiology in 2017, research shows that Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) improved sperm motility and quality, increased sperm count and rebalanced inadequate hormone levels, and adjusted immune functions leading to the increased number of fertility. Further, CHM in combination with conventional therapies improved efficacy of conventional treatments.
CHM also helps with female fertility issues. In a study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2015 suggests that management of female infertility with Chinese herbal medicine can improve pregnancy rates 2-fold within a 3–6 month period.
In EMW Physiotherapy & TCM, we use TCM treatment approaches that are evidence-based and tailored to individual needs. Just as we are intricately different, our fertility challenges are also different. Every treatment plan is customised and no treatment prescription is identical.
For couples undergoing IVF/IUI treatments
For couples undergoing IVF/IUI treatments, you can opt for our TCM-IVF Enhancement Programme.
EMW Physiotherapy & TCM develops a customised TCM course for you during your IVF fresh or frozen cycle. During your cycle, only acupuncture will be administered. However, if you are able to start your treatment prior to your IVF cycle, we recommend starting TCM herbal medications and acupuncture at least 3-6 months prior to your cycle to improve your reproductive health.
Benefits of TCM Fertility Treatment in Singapore
1. Stress reduction
Acupuncture is effective for relieving stress and relaxing the sympathetic nervous system through the release of endorphins in the body.This can increase the body’s ability to produce and respond to changes in hormonal signals and increase overall blood flow throughout the body. In addition to acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Herbs can also be administered to support the growth of a healthy endometrium lining.
2. Improve IVF outcomes
The results of a review suggests that acupuncture has a positive effect of pregnancy rates when given with IVF. The researchers conclude that acupuncture given with embryo transfer, improves rates of pregnancy and live birth in women who are undergoing in vitro fertilisation. [2]
3. Improve uterine blood flow
A study showed that blood flow to the uterine arteries was significantly increased not only during the time of treatments, but for up to 14 days after! [3] This study shows that acupuncture can be particularly useful to women that have known blood flow issues to the uterus and ovaries, but it can help all women going through IVF.
4. Improve implantation rates
The most immediate possible effect is that acupuncture served to “relax” the uterus around the time of the transfer. Several studies have shown that the uterus has contractions and that these contractions could cause expulsion of the transferred IVF embryos. If the contractions were reduced by acupuncture then that could be a mechanism for an improvement in IVF pregnancy rate.
Our TCM Physicians
References
[1] Suzanne Cochrane, Caroline A. Smith, Alphia Possamai-Inesedy, and Alan Bensoussan. Prior to Conception: The Role of an Acupuncture Protocol in Improving Women’s Reproductive Functioning Assessed by a Pilot Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2016 | Article ID 3587569
[2] Manheimer E, Zhang G, Udoff L, Haramati A, Langenberg P, Berman BM, Bouter LM. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ. 2008 Mar 8;336(7643):545-9. doi: 10.1136/bmj.39471.430451.BE. Epub 2008 Feb 7.
[3] Stener-Victorin E, Waldenström U, Andersson SA, Wikland M. Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro-acupuncture. Hum Reprod. 1996 Jun;11(6):1314-7.
Principal Physician
Edmund Pang
Senior TCM Physician
Jasmine Xie
Lau Ee Wen