Infertility
Treatments for Infertility
In infertility it is vital that a clear diagnosis is made first and
this must involve the technology of conventional medicine. We would wish
to know whether the fallopian tubes are scarred, whether the ovaries
are intact and what treatment potential exists for a normal pregnancy.
Complementary medicine does have much to offer in this area, in spite
of all the conventional tests, investigations and treatments that are
now available. Acupuncture appears to work really well for pelvic pain;
it seems to alter pelvic blood flow and may have an effect on healing
the damage caused by scarring as a consequence of infection or endometriosis.
It has also been shown to have some effect on hormonal regulation, an
observation supported by a number of clinical trials. People who have
a history of eating disorders or repeated miscarriages may well have
nutritional deficiencies, in particular relating to zinc, vitamin Bs
and essential fatty acids. Measuring these and correcting them over a
period of months with oral supplementation can certainly assist fertility.
There are a variety of herbal and homeopathic products that are claimed
to be valuable in infertility. However, it is important to prescribe
herbal remedies very cautiously in women who are trying to get pregnant,
as we have no idea what the effects of herbal medicines may be in early
pregnancy. Homeopathy, on the other hand, would appear to be safe in
pregnancy and may be effective in helping a variety of hormonal imbalances.
It appears from our experience that it is certainly worthwhile considering
nutritional and a variety of homeopathic approaches in infertility, but
not without a sound conventional diagnosis first.
