No, the triple play of life is not your cable, phone and internet. Rather, it is your partner, career, and family.

For most women, there are 3 defining moments in our lives: your first boyfriend, your first job, and your first baby. You may not keep your first boyfriend, and definitely not your first job, but having your first baby is a monumental occasion.

Being a 37-year-old woman apparently “of a certain age,” I have to wonder, “Did I wait too long?” I have the husband and the career, but as yet, have not achieved the first baby milestone.

Are two out of three enough?

According to research, by the time a woman turns 35, her fertility declines sharply because of the reduction in the quality and number of mature eggs. In addition, there are increased risks and complications of having babies born with congenital birth defects.

Even though I am considered medically healthy, I realize that I may still have difficulties getting pregnant. And I am not alone. Many women are waiting until their 30’s and 40’s to have children. In fact, about 20 percent of women in the United States have their first child after age 35. Of those, about one-third of those couples experience fertility problems.

This is a common theme within my own practice as well. More than ever, my patients are seeking treatments for fertility support. Luckily, over the years, after working closely with select patients, I have been able to make a difference in their lives by successfully treating over 20 women who experienced difficulty conceiving. A number of these women, some of whom had attempted traditional hormone therapies without success, were able to successfully conceive within three to four months under this program using a combination of alternative therapies.

What is Infertility and what are some causes?

Infertility is defined as being inability to become after one year of trying. If a woman is 35 or older, the timeframe is reduced to 6 months. Some health problems also increase the risk of infertility. Women should talk to their doctors if they have:

• Irregular or no menstrual periods
• Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Fibroids
• Unabated emotional stress

How does Acupuncture help support fertility?

Acupuncture, and related therapies, can be used to help women and men suffering from infertility. In women, acupuncture can be used to improve ovarian reserve, enhance cervical mucus, improve the endometrial lining and implantation, and reduce the likelihood of miscarriage. In men, it can serve to increase virility by strengthening the related kidney meridian. Multiple studies have shown that it is also effective in relieving stress, which can ultimately hinder the ability to conceive in both men and women.

It is best to begin acupuncture and nutritional counseling early, as it will help prepare and balance the body to allow for conception. In addition, acupuncture has not only been shown to enhance fertility in both women and men when used alone, but also when used in conjunction with IVF treatment. With this combination of treatments, pregnancy rates appear to increase significantly. What I have found within my own practice is that it is better to begin treatments after 4-6 months of unsuccessful attempts rather than waiting until being diagnosed with infertility.

Women should keep in mind that knowledge is power. There are things you can do and actions you can take to help support your fertility. Taking advantage of the benefits of alternative medicine, including acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and nutritional counseling, in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, can make a difference. With expertise in fertility treatments, Balancing Point offers everything you need in one location for fertility enhancement throughout your entire pregnancy and into post partum rehabilitation. In addition to providing excellent care, we strive to empower you by providing the knowledge and resources to help you achieve optimal health, thereby allowing you to find ultimate fulfillment and joy in the gifts of life.

The doctors and professionals at Balancing Point Center for Wellness pride ourselves on providing current, relevant and sensible information to our patients as we understand and respect fact that patients have a desire to be fully informed about their bodies.

Dr. Kristina Chung, D.C. is CEO and founder of Balancing Point Center for Wellness. She has been serving the Chicagoland 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. Dr. Chung specializes in women’s health issues and sports medicine.

Please Contact Us by phone or email for more information.