Answering your questions about complementary medicine and fertility care

Many patients who have struggled with infertility have considered complementary medicine. Our Austin fertility center explains that this is an approach to healthcare that is not conventional, and which may have origins outside of Western medicine. Hopeful parents should combine this type of medicine with conventional medicine to optimize results.

Acupuncture is one type of complementary medicine

Acupuncture is perhaps the most well-known complementary medicine technique in fertility care. It involves placing thin needles in specific parts of the body. Acupuncture advocates recommend it for a variety of different fertility issues, including diminished ovarian reserve, endometriosis and PCOS.

Many patients report the treatment to be quite relaxing. Stress reduction may be one reason for acupuncture’s positive impact on fertility treatment. While some studies on acupuncture have shown a positive impact on fertility, others have not. If using acupuncture for fertility, our Austin fertility center recommends finding a practitioner who is skilled in fertility acupuncture.

Some patients seek out herbal supplements for fertility

Some complementary medicine providers recommend herbs to treat infertility. However, it is important to note that the FDA does not regulate herbal supplements. As a result, improper use of herbal supplements may impede fertility. Our Austin fertility center does not recommend the use of herbal supplements during active fertility treatment.

Other types of complementary medicine include hypnotherapy and yoga

Hypnotherapy is a type of complementary medicine that uses the mind to help positively affect health outcomes. One small study with IVF patients suggested a positive effect on pregnancy outcomes. However, larger studies on the impact of hypnotherapy on fertility are still lacking.

Infertility can be very stressful. For this reason, yoga proponents suggest that the ancient Indian practice of breathing, meditation and certain physical poses may help reduce stress – and possibly help treat infertility.

Our Austin fertility center strives to optimize your overall wellness as you embark on your fertility treatment journey. A variety of complementary medicine techniques can help you meet this goal. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more about strategies that may improve your specific situation.