IVF Support & Assisted
Reproductive Technologies (ART)
Working in the field
of infertility and IVF/ART support, I have assisted countless
couples successfully through this process. A naturopathic approach
works particularly well in both improving the outcome and reducing
any negative side effects for those couples using IVF and/ or other
ART treatments.
The aim is to
integrate with and complement your medical treatments in a holistic
manner and in co-operation and consultation with your other health
professionals. Always, for all concerned, the aim will be to ensure
a healthy conception, pregnancy, birth process and general well
being for yourselves and your child.
ART – what does it
do?
It is important to
keep in mind that the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (IUI, IVF,
ICSI etc) deal mostly with a ‘transport problem’. The focus is on
getting the sperm and ova together (in the case of ICSI actually
injecting the sperm into the ova) so that a conception can take
place (in a Petri dish) and then the small embryo is implanted in to
an area where it is hoped it will implant and grow (the uterus). It
does not address the QUALITY of the sperm or ova or the QUALITY of
the environment in which the embryo is to implant, grow and thrive.
Naturopathic ART and
IVF support improves the health of your whole system including ova
and sperm so that when conception does occur, the healthiest of
cells are coming together and then implant into a lusciously healthy
uterine lining. A recent study in the UK, conducted by Foresight
the Association for Preconceptual Health Care, found that 3-4 months
of preconception health care preceding IVF treatment more than
doubled the success rates for IVF.
Christine finds that
many couples undertaking the preconception health care program prior
to a planned IVF cycle for ‘unexplained infertility’ often conceive
by themselves, naturally. This is because many of the underlying
nutritional, lifestyle and sub-clinical health issues preventing
them from conceiving had been overcome. However, for those who do
require ART treatments, taking the time to do the preconception
health care program can end up being time and money saved in the
long run as the chances of success at the first attempt are
increased. This applies even for older couples.
How can naturopathic
treatment help the outcome for us?
Improving sperm
count, motility, morphology (shape) and DNA integrity
Improving egg
quality – cell membrane, receptors, ability to accept sperm and
energy to begin division
Modulate FSH
production which may be elevated in those having difficulty
conceiving
Improve response to
IVF drugs and reducing negative side effects via improving cell
membrane integrity and receptor response and improving the liver’s
processing of the drugs
Support of the
nervous system and adrenal function before during and after
procedures
Support and
modulation of the immune system to reduce antibody production or
immune rejection of the embryo as well as reducing inflammation or
potential for infection due to the procedures
Will the
naturopathic treatment interfere with our ART procedures and drugs
or vice versa?
Assisted reproductive
technologies (ART) and a naturopathic preconception program are not
incompatible. In fact, a naturopathic approach will significantly
improve your chances of becoming pregnant and will support pregnancy
health as well as reducing any negative side effects from the drug
regime as well as the inherent risks associated with ART.
Hormonally active
herbs are not used during ART cycles. However, due to the
stressful nature of ART cycles, it is possible that herbs that
support the nervous system and adrenal function may be prescribed
but only with the consent of your medical practitioner.
