Chinese medicine and the IVF patientDr Jane Lyttleton introduces

an audience of GPs and health professionals to the

Chinese medicine treatment of infertility at an

information evening organised by IVF Australia

One patient; Two approachesBoth Work (sometimes together)

(

The Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis

The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Case History includes details of the

medical history, all symptoms, the patient’s appearance, their constitution,

their life circumstances, the pulse and the tongue.

A diagnosis is made, and a treatment plan designed. There are as many

approaches to treatment as there are patients themselves.

Tools of a TCM practitioner • Acupuncture

• Chinese Herbs

• Lifestyle and Dietary advice

How does TCM improve fertility?

Chinese medicine treats• PCOS• Endometriosis• Oligomenorrhoea• Poor sperm morphology and

motility

And• Reduces stress hormones• Improves ovary function and

oocyte energy

What might TCM contribute to the IVF patient?

1 reduce stress and increase resilience 2 increase implantation rates 3 improve endometrium quality 4 improve ovarian response 5 improve sperm function 6 reduce miscarriage rates 7 improve embryo vitality 8 minimise side effects of IVF drugs, reduce OHSS9 regulate immune factors