Preparing the body, mind and spirit This first phase of treatment can last from 3 months to one year. It takes a full year for an egg to develop and a minimum of 3 months to impact egg quality and regulate the cycle. During this time both partners should have their reproductive health addressed. It’s a great time to assess hormone levels, nutrition, structural issues and any chronic health issues.
For males, it takes 4 months for sperm to develop in the testes. Due to this treatment of males is generally quicker and we can see results after 4 months of treatment. I always ask all my clients at the beginning of treatment to get a sperm test. We use this as our marker and it also enables us to focus not just on reproductive health, but also improving your overall health and wellbeing.
For those who have already had a baby there may be unresolved postpartum issues that will need to be treated. For those who are still breast feeding this is very important as it may prevent you from falling pregnant while breastfeeding.
When preparing to conceive, it is vitally important that we treat both partners, as it takes two to make a baby, and we want you to achieve your dream of holding your own little bundle of joy in your arms and taking them home.
This begins, with first “tilling the soil”. I always refer to it this way – prior to a farmer planting his crops, he will always make sure that the soil has been turned, aired, fertilized and that it has vital nutrients in the soil so that it is capable of growing his crops and growing them in a capacity that they are healthy and produce a high yield. The same can be said for ourselves with preparing to conceive – by first nurturing the soil, we then improve the quality of our eggs and our sperm, which will improve our chance of conception.
We need to give ourselves time to tend to our “garden” – being the uterus, uterine lining, fallopian tubes, and our ovaries and eggs for females.
For males – the testes, vas deferens, and penis and making sure that the sperm are getting the correct nutrients, that “old” sperm are being released frequently and that everything is in good working condition.
This is why we recommend 3 months of treatment prior to trying to conceive as it gives us time to address any imbalances in the body, any hormone issues, reduce the effects of stress on the body, adjust any issues with your periods – this may mean regulating your cycle, or improving the uterine lining, or reducing period pain. We also look at the body holistically and can assist with improving sleep quality, diet and recommend any nutritional changes or advice on supplements.
For males, we work on improving sperm motility, morphology and volume as well as addressing any other health concerns, similarly to female issues, we will work with you to improve your overall health and will also focus reducing effects of stress, digestive issues, anxiety, depression and working to overall improve your health in all areas, not just focusing on fertility.
We may use a variety of treatments within preconception planning, but it is essential prior to beginning to conceive that both males and females stop drinking alcohol. Recent studies have suggested at least 6 months to prior to conceiving. For males this is particularly important as alcohol depletes the body of zinc and B vitamins which are essential for sperm production, motility and morphology.
A healthy diet is recommended and involves lots of fresh food – not package food. So, fruit, vegetables, meat, legumes, high protein foods and water.
For male’s bamboo boxer shorts and underwear is recommended.
Both partners should be taking a preconception multi vitamin.
Chinese Herbal Medicine may be prescribed as well, depending on the individual couples.
The basis of pre-conception treatment is to get you into the best health – reproductive health and overall health to make sure that you are in the best position to conceive a child.
Prior to trying for a baby, we highly recommend weekly Acupuncture treatments for both partners once a week for a minimum of 12 weeks.
During this time, we will be tracking your cycles – using the BBT method (please see our blog on BBT – http://www.rebalancetcm.com/menstrual-cycle/ if you are unsure what it is), improving overall health – assisting with stress, sleep, digestive issues, offering lifestyle advice and diet assistance.
Even if you need to go to IVF – this treatment method is recommended so that we can assist your body to be at it is best prior to conceiving.
If you would like to arrange a personalised consultation where I can help you with your preconception planning, then you can book now:
We also have the Rebalance Health and Wellness Facebook group which provides valuable tips and expertise to help you rebalance your health. If you would like to join this group you can do so here.