Historically in the East, herbal medicine was a principal measure for women’s health issues and important part of fertility enhancement. Combining herbal medicine with IVF is commonplace today in integrative fertility clinics in Korea, Japan and China. It is less common in the western world, although continuing research is demonstrating herbal medicine can raise IVF success rates.
Most common indication for herbal medication use at Pathways has been the problem of Thin Endometrium which can impair implantation and cause recurrent miscarriage. Herbal medicine traditionally used to improve implantation and prevent miscarriage are thought to work by mechanisms including improving uterine receptivity, hormone receptor sensitivity and angiogenesis.
If you have fertility problems related to egg production and/or egg quality issues or the loss of organ reserve and energy production problems which are diagnosed as diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian ageing, or metabolic disorders such as PCOS, a custom-formulated herbal medication will be prescribed as part of the treatment plan. Most herbal medicines are used to prior to your cycle.
The use of Herbs for IVF / IUI / timed intercourse
- You should continue to take the herbal medicine until you stop the birth control pill. If you are not taking the pill, then you can usually take the herbal medicine until your suppression check.
- You should discontinue the herbal medication when you begin stimulation medications (unless otherwise instructed).
- Herbal medicine may on occasion, be prescribed alongside the stimulation medications for various reasons such as past failed cycles.
- On conception, your herbal prescription will either be discontinued or changed depending on your presenting symptoms. (Miscarriage, stillbirth, etc)
- Should you miscarry, your body needs to recover properly and herbal medicine can aid restoration and prepare you for the next cycle.