Up to 30% of couples now experience difficulty when trying for a baby, with this figure rising every year. In a great number of these cases, there is no clear diagnosis and the problem is simply described as ‘unexplained infertility’. Other people have a specific problem, such as blocked fallopian tubes, egg problems, or sperm issues in men (around 30% of fertility problems are due to male factors).

This is an area where there is almost universal agreement that natural Chinese Medicine has a huge amount to offer, and it is without doubt the treatment of choice for maximizing fertility (just look at the size of the Chinese population!). Chinese Medicine can be used by itself, and it also significantly increases the effectiveness of treatments such as IVF, IUI and ICSI when used in combination with them.

If you wish, I can send you for all the relevant tests to assess hormones, tubes, sperm and egg reserve. I also work with top gynecologists should a further opinion be required.

There are several factors that need to be in balance for pregnancy to happen and result in a baby. I carefully assess all of these on an individual basis; there are no standardised programmes. I will then agree a treatment plan with you, and your partner if relevant. This might typically involve herbal medicine, acupuncture at various stages of your cycle, nutritional supplements if needed and diet and lifestyle advice.

I am the UK expert on the use of basal body temperature for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.

See also Assisted reproduction optimisation (IVF, IUI, ICSI, etc) and Sperm problems – motility, low volume, etc

“I went to see Stefan after a year of trying to get pregnant. Not only did I feel much more “balanced” having seen him, I had a little girl a year afterwards. I absolutely believe in what he does – he is a true holistic practitioner, looking at all aspects of the body and treating through various methods. I cannot recommend him highly enough - go and see him!”

Kate Kassar, London

Dr Brian Kaplan on Infertility/Sub-fertility:

This is a very distressing problem for many couples and one that I have been interested in for many years. I have had some very gratifying results in treating both male and female fertility problems using a variety of approaches. Any or all of the following approaches may be used.

Sex Life:

Obviously a couple need to have sex to conceive a child. (Well not if they are having IVF but that really is a last resort in my approach to fertility) This sounds obvious but it’s not obviously true of every couple I see. Many couples have become so obsessed about having a baby that they often have mechanical, unenjoyable sex according to the calendar. I find ways of getting them to abandon this, avoid obsessing about the problem and reinvigorating their sex lives. I believe strong sexual attraction and chemistry between a couple to be an important part of fertility.

Male Fertility:

This is the first thing to check. If the sperm count is anything less than ideal, I’ll advise the man to come to a single homeopathic appointment where I’ll choose a constitutional remedy for him. In my experience, this is well worth doing.

Female Fertility:

This is much more complex. Certain conditions such as blocked Fallopian tubes need to be tested for because if they are – surgery is by far the best option and homeopathy, relaxation and advice about sex life will simply not work at all. Nutrition is also important and advice about diet and supplements is given in the great majority of cases.

After that I’ll recommend constitutional homeopathy and Autogenic Therapy for the many cases where stress is a factor. Stress is often a factor because the problem itself causes a lot of stress which then aggravates the problem in a classic vicious circle.

Overall:

An holistic approach involving homeopathy, diet and nutrition, relaxation and how to have a very good sex life often gets very good results and I have found fertility problems can be most rewarding to treat. Of course there are cases that need IVF and other specialist gynaecological procedures but I will always point this out immediately to you if this is applies to you.

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