Understanding alternative medicine for fertility challenges
At the Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine, we understand your deep desire to build or expand your family. Our team also knows the twists and turns on the journey to parenthood can lead to frustration and disappointment. This determination to succeed may lead you to consider any options, including alternative medicine for fertility. Robert Anderson MD and Don Royster MD, our Southern California fertility doctors, want to ensure our patients know the dos and don’ts when it comes to complementary medicine and fertility treatment.
What is alternative medicine?
Generally speaking, complementary medicine finds its origins outside of Western medicine. Hypnotherapy, acupuncture, meditation, herbal supplements and homeopathy are several common therapies used in alternative medicine. These remedies typically focus on the mind-body connection and promote general well-being.
Our Southern California fertility doctors believe alternative medicine for fertility can be combined with traditional fertility treatment to maximize results.
Tips for pairing complementary medicine with fertility treatment
Dr. Anderson and Dr. Royster believe complementary medicine can accompany proven fertility treatments. However, they want our patients to exercise caution when exploring alternative medicine for fertility. Here is some advice to guide you as you explore alternative treatments.
Don’t take anything new without consulting your doctor. Supplements are not regulated in the same way as prescriptions. As such, they may interfere with your prescribed fertility medication, so you should talk to your doctor before adding them to your treatment plan.
Consider techniques that reduce overall stress. Complementary medicine therapies like yoga and meditation can lessen anxiety, which promotes a healthier emotional state during treatment.
Use a trusted practitioner. You might be interested in acupuncture, which involves placing thin needles into specific parts of the body, or hypnotherapy, a trance-like state of hyper-focus. However, make sure to do your research and select a credible provider.
Our Southern California fertility doctors believe each couple and individual we see deserves personalized care and treatment. As you and your physician determine the best course of action, feel free to discuss complementary medicine options that may improve your specific situation. Contact our office for more information or to schedule an appointment.