About Conception

Complementary Medicine

Overview

Complementary medicine is being used by a growing number of people to improve their overall physical health and wellbeing. It is also being used in preparing the body for pregnancy.

For many of these therapies, evidence is very limited. Therefore, IVFAustralia does not routinely recommend using complementary medicines to improve conception. Nonetheless, improving health and wellbeing is clearly beneficial and some types of complementary medicine are likely to contribute to this.

It is important that you tell your fertility specialist about any complementary medicines you are taking if you are undergoing, or about to undergo, fertility treatment. This is because some can interfere with the medication prescribed as part of fertility treatment.

Below are some common complementary therapies and how they relate to fertility.

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is a popular technique used by woman trying to conceive. Acupuncture may have the effect of:

improving ovarian function
influencing the menstrual cycle, ovulation and fertility, stimulating blood flow to the uterus
and reducing stress, therefore increasing the quality of life of the person undertaking treatment.

Recent research suggests that acupuncture to coincide with embryo transfer, a critical phase of an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle, may significantly improve a woman’s chance of pregnancy and a live birth.

Useful links:

www.acupuncture.org.au
www.acupunctureivf.com.au
www.lilyliu.com.au

Chinese Herbal Medicine:

Traditional Chinese Medicine dates back thousands of years. Often used in conjunction with acupuncture, gentle nourishing herbs such as goji berry, may be recommended to help follicular and egg quality and minimise possible side-effects such as mood swings and fluid retention.

IVFAustralia recommends these complementary medicines should only be used with professional guidance from qualified practitioners specialising in fertility.

Multi-vitamins

Some nutrients that can help to support a healthy conception include:

Antioxidants – these help protect cells from damage by free radicals derived from environmental and other toxins.
Coenzyme (Q10) – an important antioxidant and ‘energy nutrient’ within every cell.
Vitamin E – an antioxidant that may promote circulation to the reproductive system, including to the placenta.
Vitamin C – an antioxidant important within the ovary itself. As the developing egg needs vitamin C to mature and ovulate, more vitamin C is used up around the time of ovulation.
Mixed carotenoids – Vitamin A (retinoid) is involved in creating DNA. In small amounts it is essential for healthy foetal development, particularly for the immune system and eyes. Great care should be taken to avoid overdosage of Vitamin A.
Manganese – involved in enzyme functions that have antioxidant effects and transfer genetic information.
Zinc – one of the most important nutrients for a healthy reproductive system. Involved in sexual development, ovulation and the menstrual cycle.
Selenium – an antioxidant that supports normal conception.
Omega-3 fatty acids – improving omega-3 fatty acids ensures that a woman’s fat tissue stores retain a reserve of these fatty acids for the developing foetus, a healthy pregnancy and optimally fed newborn.
B-Vitamins – Vitamin B12, B6 and folate are three B vitamins significant for the reproductive system.
For further information visit preconception.com.au