Medical Science
The paradigm of modern medical science is very different to that of acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Modern medical science adopts a reductionist approach. This involves the examination and intervention on very specific areas of the body and specific bodily processes. It is essentially a physical modality of medicine, which is based on anatomy and physiology (the body structures and mechanics). Contrary to this, acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine are both modalities of energetic medicine. They take a more holistic approach and consider the whole person. The aim is to create an energetic balance and harmony within the body. As a consequence, modern medical science accounts for infertility very differently from the theory of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Using principals of physiology, modern medicine categorises the causes of female infertility into four major categories:
1. problems with egg reproduction;
2. physical abnormalities causing blockages of sperm, egg, and/or embryo through the reproductive tract;
3. problems with embryo implantation;
4. numerous other factors which cause unexplained infertility (such as psychological/emotional factors, age, body weight, borderline hormonal imbalances, smoking/alcohol/caffeine, immunity problems).
Medical treatment for infertility is largely conducted under the supervision of a gynaecologist or IVF specialist. Their treatment intervention will involve the prescription of drugs (including hormones), surgery and IVF procedures. If you are under the care of one of these doctors, you may consider using acupuncture as an adjunct therapy. Since it is by nature non-pharmacological, most medical doctors are happy for their patients to use acupuncture to support their treatment. Being non-pharmacological, it eliminates any possible co-interaction with the medication being prescribe.
Make An Appointment
Make an appointment for a consultation with Dr Wilson, call 1300 864 325 or email kirk@fertilityacupuncturesydney.com.au.
The Clinic is conveniently located in Sydney CBD in The Dymocks Building at: Level 10, Suite 6/428 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
You can also use our form to let us know any questions or queries you have.
THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH INFERTILITY
ARE YOU FEELING ALONE?
Please let somebody know how you are feeling. It is not necessary for you to take the burden on your own. First of all, let those who are close to you know how you feeling. I am sure your partner would be concerned and willing to support you. Share your thoughts with a close confidant.
Do not get hung up on the stigma associated with infertility.
Be encouraged that only 2-3% of women are truly infertile, the rest will conceive in time. Also remember acupuncture is effective at treating both stress and anxiety.
At the Fertility & IVF Acupuncture Clinic I have witnessed a spike in the number of women who are experiencing significant levels of stress or anxiety due to their difficulty in trying to conceive. The worrying commonality between these women is they are trying to bear the battle with infertility on their own.
If this sounds familiar to you, please let somebody know how you are feeling. You may well find those who you take into your confidence have experienced problems associated with infertility as well. Statistics suggest that 85% of couples will take longer than one year to conceive, and that one in six couples will experience infertility at some stage in their life.
If you feel the stress is getting too much, let your doctor or your treating physician know. They will be able to refer to you an expert who will help you see through the tough times. Try to keep things into perspective, be patient, the longer you stay in the game, the more chance you will have.
Dr. Kirk Wilson