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.
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.
When to start TCM fertility treatment
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.
#miscarriage #IVF
T visited EMW on the back of a failed transfer. In 2019, she had a stillbirth at week 38 due to thrombosis – a big blow to her mentally and physically. She tried naturally in 2020 without any success and decided to on IVF in 2021. She did an egg retrieval and got 9 blastocysts(excellent and good quality) and did her 1st transfer. With excellent quality, she expected things to go smoothly. Unfortunately there wasn’t any implantation, which accordingly to her due to many medicine and steroids nursing her back pain at that time. This was when she found us.
This time she was determined to made her 2nd transfer work. We did acupuncture and changed her diet and lifestyle habits. After 1 cycle, she got her hcg+ and we continue to perform acupuncture on her till she got out of first trimester. And on May 2021, she gave birth to a cute little girl.
#miscarriage #fibroid
S’s journey to motherhood was not an easy one. After experiencing two miscarriages in a span of less than a year, she began to lose hope of ever having a successful pregnancy. She came to me in September 2021, at the age of 34.
During her first consultation, S shared that she experienced heavy menstrual flow with clots, and fatigue during menses. An ultrasound also revealed that she had uterine fibroids. After 4 cycles of taking TCM herbal medications and regular acupuncture sessions, S tested positive for pregnancy in January 2022.
Despite these challenges, S remained committed to her TCM treatments. She continued taking TCM herbs and doing acupuncture regularly to support her pregnancy. Her dedication paid off, and she successfully gave birth to her healthy baby in September 2022.
#PCOS
A, 26 years old, has been trying to conceive for the past 6 months. She was diagnosed with PCOS. She came to me on 20th Nov 2020 for regular reproductive health optimization while trying to conceive naturally. Her menstrual cycle was regular – usually about 35 days each cycle, but she experienced lower abdominal cramps and occasional clots during menses.
During her acupuncture treatment with me, she had been advised to monitor her BBT and cervical mucus so that she would be clear of her fertile window phase and the optimal time for intercourse to increase the chances of conceiving naturally. She had been diligent in following the dietary and lifestyle advice given at the same time. Throughout her acupuncture and Chinese herbs treatment with us, she managed to conceive naturally in June 21 and gave birth to her son in February 2022.
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 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 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
#unexplained
A came into clinic after trying naturally unsuccessfully for 2 years.Her cycle was rather regular with 26 days, but had bad headache, backache, sore breast and soft stools during menses. We did a detailed TCM fertility assessment on our first visit and we discussed in depth lifestyle and dietary changes.
We also did acupuncture and herbs for 2 cycles, before seeing a big fat positive on our 3rd cycle together. We continue our treatment until the end of first trimester as she has some pregnancy symptoms. Apr 2022, she received her first blessing!
#endometriosis #PCOS #IVF #miscarriage
A had been trying to conceive for 5 and a half years. She was diagnosed with endometriosis, PCOS and hypothyroidism. She came to me when she was 35 (Dec 2021) with a history of 2 miscarriages, a failed IUI and 2 failed IVFs. Her menstrual cycle was regular, but she had severe menstrual cramps, as well as lower backache and fatigue during menses. She was also found to be having a ‘cold womb’ on her first visit here.
She did a cycle of acupuncture and moxibustion before trying for another round of frozen embryo transfer in Jan 2022, and it came back positive. She continued doing acupuncture until the end of her first trimester and successfully gave birth to her baby in Oct 2022.
#unicornuate uterus #IVF
B, 35 years old, had been trying to conceive for the past 5 years. She was diagnosed with a unicornuate uterus condition. She came to me on 30th April 2021 just after her IVF-ER cycle on March 21. She was looking to optimize her body constitution and reproductive health before her upcoming FET on May 21. Her menstrual cycle was usually regular, but she would experience sharp pain around her right lower abdomen as her right ovary is dominant during ovulation.
She was comfortable and positive with acupuncture treatment as it helped her to be calm and less anxious with better night rest. While she was receiving acupuncture treatment at EMW, she had conceived naturally on May 21 to her pleasant surprise and continued to receive treatment up till the end of the first trimester. She successfully delivered her baby girl on Jan22.
When should you get TCM fertility acupuncture in Singapore?
Generally speaking, the most important times to have acupuncture are:
- During the follicular phase – day 4 – 10 of your menstrual cycle (day 1 being the first day of heavy flow)
- The day before, day of or day after ovulation (as indicated by your LH surge)
- During implantation time (6 – 10 days after ovulation).
This works out to be approximately once or twice a week except when you are menstruating.
In an ideal world, we would like to begin seeing you 3 – 6 months prior to conception/transfer so that we can help with egg quality, work on any cycle or lining irregularities, address any nutritional concerns, and help reduce stress. If you are going through IVF or FET, we are also working to prepare you for your transfer.
For couples undergoing IVF/IUI treatments, you can opt for our TCM-IVF Enhancement Programme. We are one of the few TCM clinics that focuses on fertility acupuncture treatment in Singapore!
Our TCM Physicians
Edmund Pang
Principal TCM Physician
- M.Med(TCM Gynaecology)
- B.Sc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- Dip. Naturopath
- Ayurvedic Therapist(500hrs)
- Registered TCM Physician (Singapore MOH)
Jasmine Xie
Senior TCM Physician
- M.Med(TCM Acupuncture & Moxibustion)
- B.Sc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- Certified Aromatherapist
- Registered TCM Physician (Singapore MOH)
Lau Ee Wen
TCM Physician
- M.Med(TCM Gynaecology)
- B.Sc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- Registered TCM Physician (Singapore MOH)
Lee Jia Ven
TCM Physician
- B.Med(TCM)
- B.Sc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
- Registered TCM Physician (Singapore MOH)
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.