The role of women in our society has drastically changed in the last 50 years. Women are expected to be a wife, mother, and provider. More often than not, we are expected to be superwomen and masters of multitasking while forever being healthy. However, we frequently place this burden onto ourselves.

“An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.”

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, who takes care of the doctor? It is a known fact that doctors make the worst patients. And until recently, I was no different. Being a doctor, wife, and an epileptic, I know poor health choices made today can cause health issues tomorrow. Therefore, I routinely get chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy treatments. And this is not because I hurt my back doing yoga, but to proactively maintain my overall health and support my fertility. Too much stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and excessive alcohol can increase the risk of seizures as well as cause complications during pregnancy. Epileptics must plan in advance because some anti-epileptic medication during pregnancy is contraindicated due to increase risk of congenital defects. Planning for children began years before I was married. It was a two-year process of multiple doctor visits to my OBGYN, neurologist, internist and acupuncturist. Today, I am 38 and finally approved for pregnancy.

With more career oriented women in the work force, women are waiting to have children until their 30s and 40s. Approximately 20 percent of women in the United States have their first child after age 35. One-third of which have fertility problems. By the time a woman turns35, her fertility sharply declines due to the reduction in number and quality of mature eggs, in addition to increased risks and complications of having babies born with congenital birth defects.

Even though I am now considered medically healthy, I realize I may still have difficulties getting pregnant. This is a common theme within my own practice. More than ever, women are seeking treatments for stress and anxiety to help support their health and fertility.

How can stress and depression affect infertility?

Depression often associated with infertility is not the same as typical depression. Lisa Tuttle, PhD, a psychologist who specializes in fertility counseling, stated that depression related to infertility is a combination of emotions; not just sadness, but jealousy, anger, grief and guilt. According to Alice Domar, PhD, women who learn a variety of stress-reducing techniques have higher pregnancy rates than women who do not.

Can alternative therapies help with stress and depression?

Studies show that 55 percent of patients who participate in mind/body therapy get pregnant within six months compared with 20 percent in a control group. Treating the depression and controlling stress may increase the chance for a successful pregnancy. As a method to reduce stress and promote relaxation, the doctors at Balancing Point use traditional alternative therapies, with additional tools that include proper breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, and yoga.

Studies show that 55 percent of patients who participate in mind/body therapy get pregnant within six months compared with 20 percent in a control group. Treating the depression and controlling stress may increase the chance for a successful pregnancy. As a method to reduce stress and promote relaxation, the doctors at Balancing Point use traditional alternative therapies, with additional tools that include proper breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, and yoga.

**Balancing point is sponsoring a FREE Acupuncture Fertility Study for a select number of women. Contact Us for additional information.**

Dr. Kristina Chung is CEO and founder of Balancing Point: Center for Wellness and has been serving the Chicago area for 12 years. She harnesses her training and knowledge of both eastern and western medicine in order to help her patients achieve their optimal level of healing. Want to learn more about how alternative therapy can help you? Contact us and schedule your complimentary consultation today.