Fertility Websites

Guan Yin photo by BotheredByBees

There is so much great information out there about fertility and natural health care that I just had to share a few! Check out these sites and the amazing people who run them:

The Yin Ova Center has developed a site that tells you how to "type" your fertility. Go to the "Making Babies Program" website and and fill in the tests (there are options for both men and women). It's an interesting way to get a basic diagnosis, and they give you some great tips for your type. Natural Fertility Info.com is holding a Fertility Smoothie Challenge! Whip up delicious smoothie recipes for 10 days and enjoy the benefits of a healthy boost in the morning. Hethir will post a new recipe daily to keep it interesting- check out the site for daily recipes.

RESOLVE just went to Washington to advocate for coverage of fertility treatments as well as more research for infertility. RESOLVE is a resource that helps individuals or couples cope with infertility. They plan support groups for infertility, and individuals are encouraged to call and speak to someone about your experience with infertility. They are a great support system for questions about fertility, the health care system, and answer your questions.

Go to Twitter! There are so many wonderful people (including those listed) who are on Twitter and sending out information several times a day on fertility. I've noticed that women who are receiving fertility treatments are very supportive of one another on Twitter, and are also connected with practitioners.

The more information and facts you can learn about your fertility, the more empowered you will feel. Do your own research, ask all of the questions you like. You have a right to know the answers!

Fertility Blogs

Julianne at 30 weeks

In researching good online site for posting, I wanted to share a few educational blogs that focus on fertility. The blog from the Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness in New York City. Dr. Berkley just wrote a great post on the difference between Western treatment and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment of infertility. He talks about how the Western methods (drugs, surgeries, in-vitro fertilization, and intra-uterine fertilization) are necessary to promote a more fertile environment for some cases, but also includes how TCM can often regulate the system that may be the cause of infertility naturally.

Natural Fertility Info is another great site that discusses acupuncture and other forms of natural ways to to conceive. They have links to videos on using castor oil packs, dietary and herbal recommendations, and other great information (they even have a fertility smoothie recipe!). I also  They have a lot of good tips on promoting male fertility.

The Fertility Acupuncturist has a more TCM-based approach to fertility, and has several posts about omega 3 fatty acids and fertility, as well as information about charting fertility and using the basal body temperature to track cycles.

Acupuncture for Fertility

basal body temperature by by mitoztip

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) states that there are 6.1 million women who may have an impaired ability to bear children. However, we are fortunate enough to have Traditional Chinese medicine to ease the stress and help restore balance within the body to help with conception.

The use of acupuncture for infertility is recommended for the relaxing and calming effects on the mind, but it also increases the flow of energy and blood to the woman's uterus. This has been known to enhance conception when using in vitro fertilization (IVF) (see previous post on IVF treatments). Acupuncture is also extremely beneficial for women who aren't using IVF.

Taking the basal body temperature is another helpful method that can help women become more attuned to their bodies and understand what is going on. The temperature is taken first thing in the morning and recorded daily. Check here for an online resource. Experienced acupuncturists may be able find diagnose a woman's by using her basal body temperature charts and taking her pulse. Certain temperature differences in the chart can help to prescribe a more specific herbal formula or chose different points each month.

A book that was recommended to me is The Infertility Cure. It's a great resource to educate yourself about the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine and how it can help enhance fertility.

What can Acupuncture Treat? Fertility Treatment Video

I found this video on the Lorne Brown's clinic blog for the Acubalance Wellness Center in Vancouver, British Columbia. It's a very informative video that discusses fertility assistance, and the doctor on the show, Dr. Dao, gives some interesting information in regards to health before becoming pregnant. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfVY4Z7cA0M&eurl=http://www.acubalance.ca/content/tao-fertility-today-show[/youtube]

The Acubalance site and blog have a lot of great information in regards to fertility, and and I recommend exploring the rest of www.acubalance.ca.

The book recommended in the video is called the Dao of Fertility. You can read more about Dr. Dao and his book at his site: www.taoofwellness.com. He has a practice in California, and is business partner is the author of the book Secrets of Self-Healing. Enjoy!