Don’t be stressed out! Stress releases cortisol which is not only hard on your arteries but also can impact your testosterone levels.

• Practice deep breathing  and add a little zen to your life through practicing meditation with calming visualizations.
• Does music sooth your soul? Well sit back or better yet turn on the tunes and move to the beat. You know dancing is shown to have a mind body connection that helps to stimulate the brain as well as gets the blood going so dance like no ones watching or try thai chi or yoga to relaxing music which both simulate your bodies natural systems and have a calming effect.
• Make it a habit to laugh which is a great for relieving stress plus it releases positive endorphins and more.

Visit your dentist: Yes, your teeth and gum health can impact your fertility. Not only does good oral hygiene help protect you from plaque build up (effecting heart and arteries) but also oral infection bacteria known as Bacteriospermia  can be found in semen  and is linked to poor fertility success.   Brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist every six months to rule out any underlying dental issues or infections that may be causing fertility issues.

In conclusion
A holistic approach to your health and wellness by combining a healthy lifestyle, diet and taking care of yourself  with regular medical check ups,  dental visits can greatly contribute to your success in conceiving.

Sources:
Male infertility: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/maleinfertility.html
Healthy Sperm: Improving Your Fertility (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Stress and male fertility:
Bacteriospermia and sperm quality: http://web.usm.my/mjm/issues/vol4no2/short2.pdf
The effect of obesity on sperm disorders and male infertility, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20157305
Kenkel S, Rolf C, Nieschlag E. “Occupational risks for male fertility: an analysis of patients attending a tertiary referral centre.” International Journal of Andrology. 2001 Dec;24(6):318-26.
Sex every day increases male fertility,  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1566279/Sex-every-day-increases-male-fertility.html

Disclaimer: This article provided by San Diego Fertility Acupuncture is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to
diagnose, treat,  or prevent disease or health issues. It is advised that you contact your physician first before implementing or adding any complimentary treatments.  Article is based upon the opinion, knowledge and experience of  San Diego Fertility Acupuncture.

San Diego Fertility Acupuncture and Chinese Medical Clinic is located in Encinitas California and provides integrative natural and alternative health care treatments to San Diego area men and women facing  fertility and health issues who are seeking to incorporate acupuncture and Chinese medial treatments  as a holistic approach to their fertility issues including as a compliment to current IVF, ICSI  physician treatments.

There are many factors that can contribute to male infertility.

1. Having a varicocele -   enlarged varicose veins that occur in the scrotum. They are fairly common, affecting 15% of men overall and 40% of men with known infertility.
2. Chronic diseases, such as Diabetes, heart disease, endocrine system issues and cystic fibrosis which is shown to cause the inability to ejaculate in 97% of sufferers.
3. STDs. Can cause scaring and infection within the testicles.
4. Environmental factors such as  heat or toxic chemicals, radiation, gasses, lead exposure   can effect sperm quality &/or their endocrine system.
5. Lifestyle unhealthy diet, stress and even some recreational sports activities can be a contributing factor to male infertility issues.
6. Prescribed medications such as anti depressants, high blood pressure meds or antibiotics  and more may be the underlying cause.
7. Recreational drugs For example marijuana causes male infertility, impotence and sperm dysfunction with decreased seminal fluid,  according to a study by University of Buffalo
8. Hormone imbalance.
   

This is just a brief list of male infertility causes while in many cases the cause of male infertility is unknown.  This diagnosis of  “unknown causes”  can be quite frustrating especially for couples who are seeking to conceive.  So what can you do and where do you start when the cause of your infertility is unknown?

Before we start on how Acupuncture and Chinese medical treatments may help male infertility in some cases we highly recommend that both partners receive a through medical exam before any alternative or complimentary health treatments just to make certain there are not any unknown underlying medical causes . If you are  currently under medical care or taking prescribed medications that you contact your physician first for the ok to utilize alternative therapies in conjunction with your medical treatments.

Good News Study Shows That Acupuncture May Help Male Infertility.

According to a study published in the July issue of Fertility and Sterility acupuncture may help some men improve the quality of their sperm as well as helping to improve sperm count and over come structural abnormalities in the sperm.

The study of 28 males which were treated twice a week over a period of five weeks and were compared to a untreated control group.   The result was that the males receiving acupuncture treatments the number of normal sperm ejaculated were significantly improved

Sometimes a integrated approach can produce results:

Acupuncture works to re-balance the bodies systems and combined with Chinese medical treatment which addresses lifestyle factors, health, nutrition and stress and life style changes can greatly improve your chances of producing healthy sperm thereby increasing your chances of conception.

Typically treatment cycle is 3 months  to help you and your body help its self to get to optimal health.

Prior to your treatment your fertility acupuncture specialist will sit with you to gather your medical information as well as consult with you on a multiple of factors that could be the underlying contributing factors that may be at the root of your infertility issues.  Basically the whole idea is to move you as a whole person to better health and balance. The healthier you become the healthier your sperm becomes too.

Fertility and Chinese medicine also work well in conjunction with your traditional medical treatments such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and over the course of treatment many who may have failed initially find that acupuncture and Chinese medical support can improve sperm quality and fertilization rates in ART.

Acupuncture and herbal therapy can help increase sperm count, morphology, and motility levels, making it a great treatment option either with or without ART

SOURCE: Study by, Pei, J. Fertility and Sterility, July 2005; vol 84: pp 141-147.

Disclaimer: This article provided by San Diego Fertility Acupuncture is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to
diagnose, treat,  or prevent disease or health issues. It is advised that you contact your physician first before implementing or adding any complimentary treatments.
Article is based upon the opinion, knowledge and experience of  San Diego Fertility Acupuncture.

San Diego Fertility Acupuncture and Chinese Medical Clinic is located in Encinitas California and provides integrative holistic care services to San Diego area men and women facing  fertility and health issues who are seeking to incorporate acupuncture and Chinese medial treatments  as a holistic approach to their fertility issues including as a compliment to current IVF, ICSI  physican treatments.

Constipation:

this is a huge complaint during pregnancy, especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Some easy things that you can to to combat this:

Eat a handful of prunes each night….this usually helps for mild constipation

Take a magnesium supplement at night( a good one is mama calm, by natural calm)…this supplement is also a great idea because it also works for sleeplessness and anxiety.

Heartburn:

A good calcium supplement at night works wonders(I like new chapter’s bone strength) . Also if you dont want to go the supplement route for this, a cup of milk before bed is sometimes enough to calm it down.

Sciatic pain:

Make sure to support your hips and body when laying down and sleeping. Put enough cushioning between your knees so that your hips aren’t stressed overnight.

Try stretching at home or doing a prenatal yoga cd..(a good one is healthy mom, happy baby prenatal yoga by Fairhaven health)

Dizziness/ lightheadedness:

A great supplement during pregnancy as well as postpartum is floradix “iron + herbs” liquid iron. This awesome product will build your energy and iron without constipating so is fabulous during pregnancy.

Water swelling/ edema:

Make sure you are drinking enough fluids(mainly water) as well as putting your feet up periodically throughout the day. Massage works wonders for this….so have your partner or husband massage your feet and hands every night with a soothing peppermint lotion…yay!! Note most swelling is nothing to worry about but it is always  best to talk with  your doctor or treating medical professional about swelling of the feet and legs to rule out preeclampsia.

Crabbiness/ irritability:

Go outside!! Take a walk, try and get away from the hustle bussel of everyday life for at least 30 min a day. Of course don’t do this if you are on bedrest. Also, this may only apply to first time moms, since if you have other children at home it us virtually impossible ;o. …..so even more reason to enjoy it right!!

Acupuncture works wonders on all of these lovely pregnancy problems,
so give it a shot, and give yourself a nice relaxing break before your sweet but super exhausting baby comes along:)

Here are some simple tips you can do to make1st trimester pregnancy more tolerable:

1. Eat Regularly: Eat every 1-2 hours throughout the day…even if you don’t feel good. Bring snacks with you on the road and to work. An empty stomach will just make things worse, so try to snack constantly…even if the thought of eating makes you sick. Some ideas that aren’t too nausea creating are crackers, almonds, string cheese, yogurt, toast, apple, dry cereal, or whatever is appetizing to you at the time.
2. Ginger: Carry naturally candied Ginger with you at all times, and suck on it when you are not eating. This helps mellow the sick/ nauseas feeling out. You can usually find this product at health food stores.
3. Sip Tea: Drink peppermint or ginger tea throughout the day. This will also help to calm your stomach.
4. Order Out: If you can’t stand the idea of making food, work out some easy, healthy dinner options for you and your family. Pick up pre-made healthy dishes at your local market and just pop in the oven instead of suffering through the cooking process or opting for fast food every night.
   Get Meals To Go in Encinitas &  San Diego:
   Jimbo’s and Wholefoods has healthy “to go”  hot and cold meal options  also explore.
   Trader Joe’s also has some healthy options that are tasty. “make sure to look at sodium levels”
   Encinitas
   Take N Bake: Healthy Creations is a good organic food option. (they also have gluten free)
   Restaurants: Naked Cafe, Ki’s Restaurant & Swami’s Cafe are local healthy favorites.
   (note if your visiting SD Fertility Acupuncture from outside of Encinitas you could order ahead and pick it up after your appointment on your way home)
5. Mild Foods: Stick to bland foods (sorry) but this will help you to avoid sensitive stomach issues at the beginning of your pregnancy.
6. Balance: Make sure your eating balanced small meals throughout the day. This means meals that have enough protein, iron & calcium in them.
7. Smells: Avoid strong smells and fried foods.
8. Relax: Meditation and deep breathing practice can help you to quite your body, help with headaches and dizziness,  plus it will be a useful skill at birth time.

Make sure you are getting enough fluids, especially if you are throwing up throughout the day. It is necessary to stay hydrated during pregnancy.

Make sure to notify your doctor if you are throwing up regularly and can not keep anything down. It is important during your pregnancy to stay hydrated and balanced in your nutrition.

Acupuncture might improve the odds of conceiving if done right before or after embryos are placed in the womb.
at msnbc

Chinese Medicine and Assisted Reproductive Technology for the Modern Couple www.acupuncture.com

ACUPUNCTURE: A CURE FOR INFERTILITY?
Fox News

Acupuncture has numerous potential fertility-boosting benefits according to New York Weill Cornell physician-scientists
cornell

Study: Acupuncture Improves Fertility in Men, Too
Acupuncture Today

Acupuncture May Improve Success Rate of Test-Tube Pregnancies
Acupuncture Today

Needles & Nerves
Discover Magazine

Ways In Which You Can Manage Your Wellness through balance -article

Alternative Health Resources

Taking Charge of your Fertility: This book and software are revolutionizing Women’s reproductive health .
Ovusoft

Alternative Medicine Directory & Holistic Health Resource | Alternatives for Healing Alternatives for Healing is a leading complementary and alternative medicine directory and holistic resource for finding holistic physicians, practitioners, holistic products, books, dvds, cds, stores, expos and healthful hints.

Healing Power Meditations – CD’s
Meditations for Cancer Recovery, Cardiac Relaxation, and Rehabilitation- for pain reduction and relaxation, are available in CD and cassette format. Meditations contain guided imagery, progressive relaxation, breathe work, illness specific images.

Health and Wellness Through Balance
An in depth look at Health and Wellness Management and the effects of yin and yang energy on our health. It is essential to read and understand which foods contain extreme yin and/or yang energy and should be avoided.

Fertility & Pregnancy Information

Symptoms of Pregnancy. American Pregnancy. Org contains a wealth of information and resources on fertility and pregnancy.

La Jolla IVF Dr. Lori Arnold -embryology team has over 20 years of collective experience with IVF La Jolla IVF provides a relaxing environment for you and your partner as you begin the journey of fertility treatment.

HypnoBirthing Childbirth Classes San Diego , A Well Lived Life , will guide you in bring about a shorter, easier, and more joyful labor & birthing, free of harmful drugs for you and your baby through the Mongan Method of Hypnobirthing.

Pregnancy & Baby Photographer

Ashley McNamara Photography , San Diego
Not your ordinary photographer, Ashley captures the beauty and art of what is an ordinary moment and through her lens creates what is an extraordinary life event & celebration.

Visit Pregnancy, Maternity, Newborn Baby and Child Photographer Ashley McNamara

Great local San Diego health care practitioners

Fertility Counselor – Rachael Stracka, LCSW
Fertility Counselor helping individuals and couples to overcome the emotional and relational effects of infertility. Also offer support and therapy groups.

Encinitas Chiropractor – Dr. Chad Patrick

Pregnancy Massage Therapy in Encinitas - including prenatal massage for the mom to be and massage for stress, relaxation and sports performance, Encinitas Massage Therapist.

Healthy Lifestyle Kids & Family

San Diego Kids Yoga – Next Generation Yoga for kids provides children’s yoga in San Diego & New York. For yoga professionals NGY provides Yoga for children workshops & teacher training. Shop NGY for at home kids yoga videos, yoga books, clothing and more.

Baby Gifts

Evoke apparel & color theory: great, creative baby clothes and gifts

Reviews of Baby Strollers, car seat and more
Reviews, guides and information on a wide variety of baby gear and equipment. Get the information you need about car seats, high chairs, monitors, strollers, and more.

Baby Shower Games and Baby Shower Planning
We have taken the hard work out of baby shower games and baby shower’s by reviewing only the very best baby shower products.

For the average woman, this period of time, in which we actively prevent pregnancy while “creating a successful life” is around 15 years…this whole time, we are scared to death of getting pregnant right… “Oh my god, I would die if I got pregnant right now…I can’t even imagine what I would do”. We struggle to find the right partner, the right job, the right age when we feel like we can settle down. Then, although the feeling of being quite “ready” seems to elude most of us, the time somehow arrives when we just know we are supposed to get started. We stop taking this miraculous pill or other birth control device that we believe has prevented us from becoming mothers of 10 before our time, and of course we are going to get pregnant!!!! We think that since we have been preventing it for so long, getting pregnant should occur almost instantaneously as we start trying.

For many women pregancy will be instantaneous, but for a whole bunch of us, it will not, and this is a big shock.

For me, the fact that we can use a preventative measure for years and years, go off of it, and not instantaneously achieve the result that we have been preventing is a little humbling. After a few months of trying to become pregnant, most women become really really frustrated. Because we are ready, and have decided that this is the right time, it doesn’t mean that our bodies are ready also. It doesn’t mean that they never will be, it just means that a little TLC and a jump start may be in store.

Being a practitioner of Traditional Chinese medicine, an acupuncturist and herbalist specializing in women’s health and fertility, I see this situation a lot.

For most women, the inability to not get pregnant exactly when they want drives them into panic mode…and understandably so. Now that we have waited till everything is perfect, we are on a very strict time schedule right?! That is right, but your body is trying to tell you something, and for the benefit of yourself, and your future babies, you need to listen. So before you reach for the Clomid and a syringe filled with your partner’s sperm, please give your body a chance to get itself back into balance.

This is where acupuncture and Chinese medicine come into play. With this ancient medicine, your body’s energy (Qi) can be manipulated so that it returns to a balanced state.

For those of you who aren’t into this sort of alternative mumbo, acupuncture regulates your hormones, brings blood to your reproductive organs, and makes sure that your hypothalamic-pituitary axis is functioning correctly. With acupuncture and herbal medicine, and insight about our natural cycles, we can help optimize healthy ovulation, bring back absent periods, lengthen the luteal phase, and a whole bunch more. If you can get pregnant naturally, you will have better chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby…your body will thank you for it!

Not to say that Western Medicine doesn’t have its place in the world of fertility.

For instance many women have fertility problems that can only be fixed with surgery, In vitro fertilization, or donor eggs and sperm. With the help of Western medicine and reproductive endocrinologists, they have been able to fulfill their dreams of having a family. The goal of this article is to help you give yourself a fighting chance first. With acupuncture, herbal therapy, dietary guidelines (Eastern and Western), and lifestyle advice, pregnancy can be achieved, and your family will be a lot healthier along the way

Have fun with this dietary modification process!
This is my favorite part. There are actually some really exciting, yummy foods that you can incorporate into your diet to aid in your fertility. Remember, you are trying to nourish your system, so this is more about adding things rather than taking things out. Caviar (the egg that can help you produce an egg and very luxurious), any type of nut or seed (walnuts, black sesame seeds and almonds are especially good and make a great snack), butter (that’s right…throw away the margarine and start spreading the real thing), eggs including the yolk (I know, and to think you have been separating them out for all these years years), olive oil (get out the Italian cookbook and go to work), oysters, clams, lobster, and crayfish ( Did someone say seafood buffet?), dark chocolate….in moderation of course ( Who doesn’t like this idea?…lots of beneficial antioxidants).

Eat organic foods and hormone free meats whenever possible.
Foods and meats treated with pesticides, chemicals and hormones contain estrogen-like substances, which when ingested will occupy estrogen receptor sites in your body and have negative effects on organ and endocrine systems (hormones…which directly effect pregnancy). Food is healthiest when it is closest to its source, so try to eat as much locally grown, fresh, non processed food as possible. (For example, fresh green beans from your local farmer’s market are much more beneficial to you than canned, or frozen…even if you did get them at Trader Joe’s). This way you will be taking advantage of the foods maximum nutritional benefits. As foods are processed, they loose nutritional value. When trying to get pregnant, and maintaining pregnancy, we need as much nutrition as possible, so don’t skimp when it comes making healthy choices.

Eat alkaline rather than acidic foods.
The reproductive system needs to have the right PH in order to support conception and implantation, as an environment that is too acidic can be hostile to sperm. What we eat has a direct effect on this PH. Foods which make the system more alkaline are noncitrus fruits, vegetables, sprouts and cereal grasses (wheatgrass, barley grass), and herbs like black cohosh and valerian root. Chewing food thoroughly and refraining from drinking liquids with your meal can also have an alkalizing effect. Allow your foods to be digested by your saliva, rather than just washing it down with a drink.

Include lots of essential fatty acids in your diet.
They are very important in the ovulation process. A great supplement is Barlean’s organic oils “The Essential Woman”, available at health food stores. Good sources of essential fatty acids to include in your diet are fish, fish oil, flaxseed oil, pumpkin-seed oil, eggs, soy products, raw nuts and seeds, and dark-green veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, beets, carrots, kale, collards, cabbage, turnips, rutabaga, and Brussels sprouts. These veggies are also beneficial because they contain a compound that stimulates more efficient use of estrogen by increasing the metabolism of estradiol. Excess estradiol is associated with breast pain, weight gain, breast and uterine cancer, moodiness, and low libido (not good when trying to get pregnant). Adding more of these veggies into your diet will decrease levels of estradiol, and allow your body to process estrogen more efficiently.

Get Your Vitamins & Minerals.
Supplement your diet with a natural, high-potency multivitamin and mineral complex with iron, folic acid, and B vitamins I recommend New Chapter’s “Perfect Prenatal”. Other supplements that boost your fertility are the following:
Greens supplement: Try to get as many greens as possible into your diet through food, but to help fill in on those days where it isn’t possible to eat Kale and broccoli. Take this every day!(found at health food stores. A great one is New Chapter’s “Berry Green”). Green food supplements nourish the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems.

Vitex Agnus-castus (chasteberry): This natural supplement stimulates the ovaries to ovulate and normalizes progesterone levels. (Take 160-240mg of a 6 percent aucubin extract each morning). Discontinue when you become pregnant.

Coenzyme Q-10: This assists the mitochondrial function in our cells, making them as healthy as possible. Healthy cells= healthy organs=healthy, well functioning systems.
Take a probiotic supplement (acidophilus& bifidus).
Probiotics help build up your body’s intestinal flora, making you more resistant to any type of infection, along with improving the health of your digestive system. While you are trying to get pregnant, and when you do become pregnant, you want to try and avoid taking medication as much as possible. By improving your body’s defense system, you are decreasing the likelihood of getting sick, and therefore won’t have to take meds which may interfere with your fertility and pregnancy.

Eat as much fresh organic pineapple as possible after ovulation.
Pineapples contain bromeline, an enzyme that helps an embryo implant into your endometrial lining.

Yes, your hubby or partner has to do stuff too!
L-carnitine or acetylcarnitine (1,500 mg 2x a day): This improves sperm motility.
Coenzyme Q-10 (100mg a day): Improves sperm motility.
High potency multivitamin that includes vitamin B-12: Provides a base of nutrients that are important for fertility.

Things to avoid if possible when trying to concieve.

Coffee ( green tea is a great sub, as it still wakes you up, but opens your blood vessels instead of constricting them).

Alcohol ( I think a glass of wine with dinner is perfectly fine…and needed when going through this whole process…, but try to avoid excess consumption). Of course avoid alcohol all together if you are pregnant.

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflamitories) can actually inhibit ovulation, so try to steer clear of the ibuprofen.

Nicotine ages the ovaries (as well as the rest of your body), and makes the eggs less likely to be fertilized.

Stress…. this is the big fertility killer!!!! Really try hard to take time out of your day just for yourself. Meditate, light some candles, listen to a CD, take a bath….just 10 min a day to yourself can really make a difference.

Best Wishes! If you would like to explore further the benefits of integrating Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture for fertility and pregnancy along with your western medical therapies for fertility, please call me at San Diego Fertility Acupuncture (888)-341-1511 or visit my website at www.sdfertilityacupuncture.com, for more details about infertility support & treatments, woman’s health issues and more.
Note: Of course always check with your Doctor if you have underlying medical conditions or are undergoing medical treatment for infertility before taking any supplements or drastically changing your diet, especially if you are allergic to eggs or other suggested foods. The above article is meant as a general overview of a healthy diet for those who are trying to get pregnant or who are pregnant and is not meant as or to replace medical advice.

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian syndrome, is a disorder in which a woman’s ovaries become filled with cysts due to a hormonal imbalance. This hormonal imbalance causes many follicles within the ovaries to reach semi- maturation, but doesn’t allow for one to dominate, and ovulate, resulting in no ovulation, or very infrequent ovulation. The semi-mature follicles form cysts, which fill the ovaries. PCOS is a very broad diagnosis, and can include high testosterone levels, as well as insulin imbalance. We do not know the exact cause of PCOS, which results in Western medical treatment being very limited and with low success rates when it comes to pregnancy achievement.

Most women with PCOS usually notice an absent or infrequent menstrual cycle soon after puberty, and are most likely prescribed birth control pills to simulate some sort of normalcy in their cycle. When they decide to go off the pill and try to become pregnant later in life, they experience a lot of difficulty and not many treatment options. Most OB/GYNs will prescribe an insulin-regulating drug, which has a mediocre success rate with PCOS. This drug (Metformin), usually causes nausea and digestive upset, and is class C (there hasn’t been enough evidence to say if it is safe or not during pregnancy). Most OB/GYNs advise women that are taking Metforman pre-pregnancy to stay on it throughout their pregnancy. This to me is an alarming treatment option. The only other treatment option in Western Medicine for PCOS is to do an IVF or an IUI. Although these options can be successful, they are expensive, invasive, and are more dangerous for women with PCOS.

In my practice, I have seen so many women with the PCOS diagnosis become pregnant naturally and carry healthy babies to term after being told that they either will never get pregnant, or must do IUI or IVF to do so. It seems a little crazy that such a seemingly untreatable disorder in the eye of Western Medicine can be so successfully treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine. “How is that even possible?”

Acupuncture is amazing when it comes to balancing hormones. With PCOS, there is a hormonal imbalance that is not letting a mature dominant follicle release. Without this dominant follicle releasing, there is no chance for pregnancy, as a sperm and egg cant get together if there is no egg. With consistent acupuncture visits, the body’s hormones become more normalized, resulting in more frequent ovulations. The Hypothalamus and Pituitary glands (the body’s hormone control centers) become reset, allowing for the ovaries to respond to the ovulation hormones, and a woman has a much higher chance of conceiving.

If you have been given this seemingly hopeless diagnosis, please broaden your treatment options and give Acupuncture a shot. You will realize that your body is actually capable of ovulating on its own, and conceiving as a result