by Jackie Hart, MD
Q: Do herbal treatments or other alternative remedies work for infertility? My husband and I are 32 and 33 years of age and have been diagnosed with "unexplained infertility" for the past nine years. We have been thinking of trying herbal remedies, but the clinic we consulted quoted a very high price. Before spending that kind of money, we want to know if there is any validity to such treatments.
A: Let me start by saying how sorry I am that you are going through this. Infertility is emotionally painful and extremely challenging for any couple. Each decision about whether to proceed with a certain treatment option is difficult; plus, every time you menstruate it can be a reminder of a sense of loss and emptiness.
Unexplained infertility, as the name implies, means infertility without an apparent cause; this diagnosis is generally made only after an extensive search for an explanation by the physician(s). One recent review suggests that some cases of unexplained infertility may be caused by either very mild, unidentified endometriosis or from antibodies against sperm (anti-sperm antibodies or ASA).
Along those lines, there have been many trials showing a benefit of acupuncture for both male and female infertility. Acupuncture can be of particular use as a complement to standard medical treatments for infertility. In men, acupuncture can increase sperm count and improve the mobility of the sperm. Even with this improvement, though, most couples still require the conventional procedures of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive. I mention this because I wonder whether acupuncture is a part of the proposed treatment plan at the clinic you describe; if not, I think that you should consider acupuncture therapy as well.
Studies of herbal remedies and infertility are quite promising, particularly in terms of improving the quantity and mobility of sperm in men. Three traditional Chinese substances known as Qi Zi Er Xian Wan, Bu Shen Sheng Jing Tang, and Yi Jing Si Yu Tang have been used to improve sperm quality. Tai-bao, another traditional Chinese herb, has inhibitory effects on ASAs in animal studies. Hochuekkito is an herb used in Japan that has protected sperm against ASAs in test-tube studies. A component of Cornus officinalis enhances sperm motility as does astragalus in test tubes. Although it is difficult to generalize results of isolated studies to determine the appropriate use of these herbs in humans, I would suggest you inquire about the types of herbs used at the clinic you mention to see if any of the substances listed are included.
I hope that this helps in your decision-making process. As you know from your years of disappointment, there are no guarantees. But I find the information about acupuncture and herbal therapy (used under the guidance of a trained and certified professional) encouraging. Remember also that the success rate of conventional treatment for infertility is quite good; my advice would be to take advantage of the best of both worlds available to you.
Q: Do herbal treatments or other alternative remedies work for infertility? My husband and I are 32 and 33 years of age and have been diagnosed with "unexplained infertility" for the past nine years. We have been thinking of trying herbal remedies, but the clinic we consulted quoted a very high price. Before spending that kind of money, we want to know if there is any validity to such treatments.
A: Let me start by saying how sorry I am that you are going through this. Infertility is emotionally painful and extremely challenging for any couple. Each decision about whether to proceed with a certain treatment option is difficult; plus, every time you menstruate it can be a reminder of a sense of loss and emptiness.
Unexplained infertility, as the name implies, means infertility without an apparent cause; this diagnosis is generally made only after an extensive search for an explanation by the physician(s). One recent review suggests that some cases of unexplained infertility may be caused by either very mild, unidentified endometriosis or from antibodies against sperm (anti-sperm antibodies or ASA).
Along those lines, there have been many trials showing a benefit of acupuncture for both male and female infertility. Acupuncture can be of particular use as a complement to standard medical treatments for infertility. In men, acupuncture can increase sperm count and improve the mobility of the sperm. Even with this improvement, though, most couples still require the conventional procedures of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive. I mention this because I wonder whether acupuncture is a part of the proposed treatment plan at the clinic you describe; if not, I think that you should consider acupuncture therapy as well.
Studies of herbal remedies and infertility are quite promising, particularly in terms of improving the quantity and mobility of sperm in men. Three traditional Chinese substances known as Qi Zi Er Xian Wan, Bu Shen Sheng Jing Tang, and Yi Jing Si Yu Tang have been used to improve sperm quality. Tai-bao, another traditional Chinese herb, has inhibitory effects on ASAs in animal studies. Hochuekkito is an herb used in Japan that has protected sperm against ASAs in test-tube studies. A component of Cornus officinalis enhances sperm motility as does astragalus in test tubes. Although it is difficult to generalize results of isolated studies to determine the appropriate use of these herbs in humans, I would suggest you inquire about the types of herbs used at the clinic you mention to see if any of the substances listed are included.
I hope that this helps in your decision-making process. As you know from your years of disappointment, there are no guarantees. But I find the information about acupuncture and herbal therapy (used under the guidance of a trained and certified professional) encouraging. Remember also that the success rate of conventional treatment for infertility is quite good; my advice would be to take advantage of the best of both worlds available to you.