Hello, I am nearly 36, my husband is 39. We have `unexplained infertility'. After 6 failed IUI cycles, and 2 fresh cycles and 1 frozen cycle of IVF, we were starting to feel anxious and lose hope. However, we have recently started investigating Chinese Medicine and think it may help us. We have had poor embryo quality and my husband has a low sperm count. I have booked a consultation with a Chinese Acupuncturist here in Calgary and am just about to start a meditation class, as well as doing acupressure exercises at home. I am trying to persuade my husband to change his diet to help change his internal weather and Qi flow, however he is reluctant to do this (he likes his pizza, ice cream and wheat foods. Do you think the diet is very important for him to follow in order to improve our chances? I am happy to do anything it takes to give a chance of conceiving naturally, or in conjunction with further IVF treatment. Many thanks,Deb
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Hi Deb,
Your husband shares company with other men who are less motivated to make changes. Many need "research" to convince them to make these changes. The good news is there is growing evidence that diet can improve one's fertility. The bad news is that a poor diet can negatively impact one's fertility.
We have put the Acubalance fertility diet on line which is based on a locally grown whole foods diet. So please look through the recipes and choose some you think you will enjoy.
I have been personally reviewing literature on diminished ovarian reserve as well as discussing with other Chinese medicine practitioners from around the world on how they have successfully helped couples who have been through several IVF's and diagnosed having poor embryo quality. Have your acupuncturist look at out treatment program for diminished ovarian reserve to help guide them with your treatments.
And remember, much of what you can do, diet, lifestyle (exercise, rest and sleep) and deeep relaxtion can help improve your egg quality and your husbands sperm. It is true that IVF may not be your best option with age and diminshed ovarian reserve. You still have some options using natural means to optimize your fertility and you still have the option of donor eggs and adoption is you want children. So there is still hope.
Good luck!!!
Lorne Brown, DR TCM, FABORM
Founder, Clinical Director
Attend an Acubalance fertility information seminar for a First-Step Orientation
Phone cunsultations for those who live out of town
Hello Lorne,
Many thanks for your reply. I really appreciate your advice, the links to the recipes on your website and the information on diminished ovarian reserves. I am beginning to learn the importance of taking care of our bodies and the effect it has on fertility.
Your website is great and has wonderful resources and information.
Thanks again,
Deb