Advertisement
Topics
Gynaecological Health
Reproductive Health
Menopause & HRT
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Women's Cancers
Contraception
Thrush and Candida
Reproductive Health
Menopause & HRT
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Women's Cancers
Contraception
Thrush and Candida
Hot stuff
Newsletters
Promotions
Is there a link?
Deodorants and breast cancer investigated
Deodorants and breast cancer investigated
Lose weight today
Get a personal diet plan
Get a personal diet plan
Fertility issues chat with Dr Sarah Brewer
continued from page 5
A complementary approach while waiting for IVF
Q: I am currently on a seven-year waiting list for IVF as I suffer from hostile cervical mucus, PCOS and blocked tubes. We are trying to save up to have private IVF treatment but are desperate to try anything we can in the meantime. I read an article recently which stated that traditional Chinese medicines such as herbs and acupuncture can have amazing results for women with fertility problems and at one clinic in London over 70 per cent of the women on the treatment became pregnant after being told that IVF was their only option or previous attempts at IVF had failed.
I have regular reflexology sessions and the occasional kinesiology session in the hope that they might help me become pregnant. What is your opinion on alternative therapies? geelh
A: I am very much in favour of complementary alternatives - all approaches, both natural and conventional, have a role to play. It's not a question of choosing one or the other, but of selecting the best of both worlds. If you can afford a complementary approach while awaiting IVF, then go for it. Make sure your practitioner is fully trained, accredited and insured, however.
Conception after a miscarriage
Q: I had a miscarriage almost eight weeks ago (my second one) and started having acupuncture and taking herbal medicine having been diagnosed at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic with low energy and poor blood circulation. I was given a concoction of herbs, which I had to brew into tea and drink in the morning and at night for two weeks. Then the doctor told me I could take herbal pills (30 twice a day!) instead of the tea until my period came and then on the fifth day of my period swap back to tea for ten days (I guess this is to prepare for ovulation). I still have not had a period since the miscarriage and I usually have a 28-day cycle. Do you think that the acupuncture and/or the herbs are causing this problem? laurashew
A: After a miscarriage it can take six to eight weeks, or occasionally longer, for periods to restart. It is possible that the herbs are having an effect, however. Ask your practitioner about this, and double-check that the herbs are safe to take during very early pregnancy in case you conceive again quickly.
Back to main question page
A complementary approach while waiting for IVF
Q: I am currently on a seven-year waiting list for IVF as I suffer from hostile cervical mucus, PCOS and blocked tubes. We are trying to save up to have private IVF treatment but are desperate to try anything we can in the meantime. I read an article recently which stated that traditional Chinese medicines such as herbs and acupuncture can have amazing results for women with fertility problems and at one clinic in London over 70 per cent of the women on the treatment became pregnant after being told that IVF was their only option or previous attempts at IVF had failed.
I have regular reflexology sessions and the occasional kinesiology session in the hope that they might help me become pregnant. What is your opinion on alternative therapies? geelh
A: I am very much in favour of complementary alternatives - all approaches, both natural and conventional, have a role to play. It's not a question of choosing one or the other, but of selecting the best of both worlds. If you can afford a complementary approach while awaiting IVF, then go for it. Make sure your practitioner is fully trained, accredited and insured, however.
Conception after a miscarriage
Q: I had a miscarriage almost eight weeks ago (my second one) and started having acupuncture and taking herbal medicine having been diagnosed at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic with low energy and poor blood circulation. I was given a concoction of herbs, which I had to brew into tea and drink in the morning and at night for two weeks. Then the doctor told me I could take herbal pills (30 twice a day!) instead of the tea until my period came and then on the fifth day of my period swap back to tea for ten days (I guess this is to prepare for ovulation). I still have not had a period since the miscarriage and I usually have a 28-day cycle. Do you think that the acupuncture and/or the herbs are causing this problem? laurashew
A: After a miscarriage it can take six to eight weeks, or occasionally longer, for periods to restart. It is possible that the herbs are having an effect, however. Ask your practitioner about this, and double-check that the herbs are safe to take during very early pregnancy in case you conceive again quickly.
Back to main question page
previous | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
printer friendly
send to a friend
This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational
purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a
substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or
hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or
that of a child, please consult your family's health provider
immediately and do not wait for a response from our
professionals. For the full Disclaimer,
click here.
Delicious
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
iVillage Features
Message Boards
Pregnancy & Baby |
Parenting |
Health |
Diet & Fitness |
Beauty & Fashion|
Relationships |
Home & Garden |
Food & Drink |
Work & Career |
Entertainment
Horoscopes| Message Boards | Quizzes | Newsletters | Join
Horoscopes| Message Boards | Quizzes | Newsletters | Join
© iVillage Limited 2000-2008. All rights reserved. | © iVillage inc. 1995-2008. All rights reserved.
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB