Non-Traditional Approaches to Infertility

Julia Indichova, author of "Inconceivable: A Woman

by Dr. Jenn Berman

Most people don't expect to have trouble getting pregnant, but each year 6.1 million couples do. In last month's column, I explored some of the more traditional approaches to infertility. This month, I will examine the less traditional methods.

In the autobiographical book, "Inconceivable: A Woman's Triumph Over Despair and Statistics", author, Julia Indichova, tells how she refused to accept the "no's" she kept hearing from fertility experts. At 42, Indichova was told she had little chance of getting pregnant using her own eggs, but Indichova took her medical health into her own hands. After researching nontraditional experts, she defied the odds by using alternative approaches such as acupuncture, meditation, yoga, and dietary changes, and ultimately conceived her daughter naturally. She now runs an organization geared toward women looking for holistic approaches to infertility called Fertile Heart (FertileHeart.com). Her story speaks to the importance of exploring options, doing research, and listening to your own instincts.

On Pins and Needles Gynecologists and fertility experts have increasingly recommended acupuncture to fertility patients ever since an April 2002 study was released by the journal, "Fertility and Sterility". The study of 160 patients found that acupuncture significantly increased the pregnancy rates of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Acupuncture can be used on its own or in conjunction with fertility treatments, but it is important that both your Western medicine doctor and your Eastern medicine doctor are aware of what each other are doing. When choosing an acupuncturist, it is important to work with someone who has expertise in infertility and is a licensed practitioner.

"Just Relax" The longer you struggle with infertility, the more stressed you are likely to become. Women who are highly stressed and depressed are less likely to get pregnant, whether it is done naturally or through assisted reproductive technology. According to Dr. Alice Domar, author of "Conquering Infertility: Dr. Alice Domar's Mind Body Guide to Enhancing Fertility and Coping with Infertility", "If you're struggling with infertility, stress creates a vicious circle. You get stressed because you can't conceive, which makes you more stressed, and that makes it harder for you to conceive!" Scientists believe that high levels of stress can affect a woman's hypothalamus gland, which controls ovulation, and can lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Stress can also affect prolactin levels, which can also interfere with ovulation. In addition, stress can produce high levels of cortisol, the "fight or flight" hormone, which can interfere with the ability of an embryo to successfully implant in the uterine lining.

There is much you can do to reduce stress and help yourself relax. While psychotherapy and hypnotherapy are great methods to improve your stress levels, some books worth checking out are "The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook" (New Harbinger Publications) and the aforementioned Dr. Alice Domar guide (Penguin Books), which offer great at-home methods that are easy to use. In addition to reading, listen to a relaxation CD from "A Journey to the Heart," offering CDs by Jennifer Bloome (Anjionline.com or Amazon.com), or Health Journeys' guided meditations by Belleruth Naparstek (HealthJourneys.com).

Just Say "Om" or "Mom" Many people find yoga to be a gentle exercise that calms the mind. Yoga Villa in North Hollywood is the only studio in Los Angeles currently offering "Yoga for Fertility" classes. According to their website (YogaVilla.com), "This yin style of yoga focuses on maintaining homeostasis and increasing energetic flow in the area of the second chakra, or seat of creation, where the reproductive organs are located. Adapted specifically to support women on a journey toward wholeness in their reproductive capabilities and to reduce the stress created by its pursuit," this class is based on the work of Brenda Strong, who created the video "Yoga 4 Fertility" (Yoga4Fertility.com).

Baubles for Babies While there is no medical proof that fertility jewelry can aid in conception, many women find it to be comforting, whether because of the materials and or symbols used or the energy believed to be infused in the pieces. LaBelleDame (labelledame.com) sells bracelets and necklaces for fertility and even offers Reiki, an energetic healing practice, to accompany the jewelry they sell. Energy Muse (EnergyMuse.com) offers the Fertility Miracle Bead Necklace, which they recommend using for at least 40 days along with a fertility mantra. And, Herbal Shop (herbalshop.com) also offers fertility necklaces. In addition to whatever properties these baubles may possess, most women struggling with infertility can use the "pick me up", and a simple piece of jewelry is a great place to start.

Art for ART Many women enjoy utilizing fertility symbols, carrying them around and as art for their home. While some consider objects like this to be nothing more than old world superstition, others swear by them. One such example is the "Akua'ba" fertility doll, which the Asante tribe uses to help young women hoping for a child. Legend has it that a woman who has worn one of these dolls will give birth to a beautiful child. Traditionally, the user of the Asante doll would carry it the way she would a real child and generally tend to the doll as if it were alive. Asante dolls can be purchased at AuthenticAfrica.com and look beautiful in the home.

Knowledge is Power Infertility can deeply affect a person who is struggling to have a child. The more you know, the more equipped you will be to make decisions, so it is important that you do your research. It is imperative that you are surrounded by a team of professionals and loved ones. Take advantage of your support system to help you through this difficult time, and don't hesitate to get additional support from a professional therapist who is familiar with fertility issues. Make sure that you consult your treating physician about any nontraditional therapies you may want to use, and make sure that your doctor is on the same page as you are.