Fertility

Tips for Managing Anxiety and Processing Emotions while Trying to Conceive

Tips for Managing Anxiety and Processing Emotions while Trying to Conceive

Validating and processing emotions is far more important for optimizing fertility than faking positivity. Many of our patients feel guilt or shame for having negative emotions like fear and anxiety while trying to get pregnant or during an IVF cycle.

Struggling to conceive is hard on any person who experiences it and no matter how hard you, your doctor or any support person tries, we can’t control or force a pregnancy to happen exactly when or how we want it to. This is what makes infertility so tough, and it can create frustration, fear, anger, resentment, jealousy, shame, or despair. These emotions are normal! But they don’t feel very good, so we like to help our patients navigate THROUGH them, rather than resist or suppress them.

Endometriosis…the Hidden Cause of Many “Unexplained Infertility” Cases. How an Acupuncturist Can Help

Endometriosis…the Hidden Cause of Many “Unexplained Infertility” Cases. How an Acupuncturist Can Help

Johns Hopkins Medicine estimates anywhere from 24-50% of infertility cases might be due to underlying endometriosis. Luckily, there are things you can do with or without a diagnosis if you suspect you might have it contributing to your fertility struggles. Here are some tips from a fertility acupuncturist and herbalist to help you navigate trying to conceive with this condition in the mix.

5 Tips for a Peaceful and Productive Egg Retrieval

5 Tips for a Peaceful and Productive Egg Retrieval

You have prepared for months, done your injections, acupuncture and are filled with anticipation, angst, and probably some fear as retrieval day approaches. To minimize some of the negative thoughts running through your hormone-infused head, we have some suggestions (and reassurance). Read our 5 tips for a peaceful and productive IVF egg retrieval from our integrative fertility doctors.

Optimizing Fertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Optimizing Fertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal medicine is a sophisticated herbal practice in which specific herbs are combined into targeted, customized formulas to help support each patient’s health goals. It has a wide applicability, supporting digestive issues, insomnia, headaches, and many more conditions, and has been shown in studies to enhance fertility in multiple ways…

An Integrative Approach to Managing Endometriosis

An Integrative Approach to Managing Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial cells that normally grow inside the uterus grow elsewhere in the body. It affects about 10% of women and can range in symptoms from extremely painful periods, severe PMS, painful intercourse, painful urination or bowel movements to absolutely no symptoms at all. Many women do not realize they have endometriosis until it interferes with their fertility.