Fertility
At Root & Branch Medicine we offer compassionate, integrative, and effective care to assist you in your journey to build a family.
Our methods can be used alone to support fertility or in conjunction with IVF, IUI, and other Assisted Reproductive Therapies (ART).
We address many factors that may prevent successful conception
Female:
Lack of ovulation
Poor egg quality
Low follicle count & quality
Thin endometrial lining
Miscarriages
Unexplained infertility
Functional hypothyroidism
Luteal Phase Defect (LPD) or low progesterone
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) or high FSH
Uterine fibroids
Blocked fallopian tubes
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Endometriosis
Adhesions
Infections
Stress
Male:
Low sperm count
Poor sperm quality
Hormonal imbalances
Erectile dysfunction
Recurring infections
infertility is the result of a complex set of interactions
The Chinese Medicine model has an expanded and comprehensive view of the factors involved in conception. Some of these theories can be understood in western medicine while many cannot. A skilled practitioner is able to support and improve the functioning of each organ system responsible for conception and healthy birth. By integrating this 5,000 medicine with a functional view, we are able to systematically treat multiple components associated with infertility.
How Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine enhances fertility:
- Regulates hormones - Enhances the HPA Axis and regulates production and communication among hormones to support ovulation, increase follicle count, and improve egg quality
- Promotes circulation - Optimizes blood flow to the uterus and ovaries as well as the rest of the body to provide nourishment at the cellular level
- Decreases inflammation of the fallopian tubes and mucosal membranes to allow for implantation and fertilization
- Improves uterine lining - Thickens and increases vascularization to allow for implantations and reduce occurrence of miscarriage
- Reduces anxiety & stress - Activates the parasympathetic nervous system and promotes a relaxed state to allow for optimal follicle or sperm development, ovulation, implantation, and a smoother pregnancy
- Improves sperm morphology, motility, and count
Nearly 50% of all infertility cases require some intervention with both parties. It is recommended that when possible, partners come in together to receive medical evaluation and treatment. We ideally like to see patients prior to conception in order to restore optimal functioning of all body systems, however, we are available to you no matter where you are in your journey.
Acupuncture treatments are coordinated prior to and immediately after IUI and IVF procedures to enhance your chances of success. The effectiveness of acupuncture in combination with IVF has a success rate of 42.5% compared to the 26.3% of IVF alone. Acupuncture also reduces the side-effects of fertility drugs and procedures (i.e. headaches, mood swings, bloating, pain and cramping, nausea, dizziness, night sweats).
Collaborative approach
We are happy to work in collaboration with reproductive endocrinologists, IVF/IUI fertility clinics, OB/GYNs, midwives, chiropractors, surrogates, donors, and others to support you in your fertility and pregnancy journey.
LGBTQ+ Community
Root & Branch Medicine recognizes that love makes a family and celebrates all routes to parenthood.
We are well-informed and experienced in the myriad of processes that LGBTQ+ families may need to go through in order to conceive. Dr. Lauren is proud and grateful to offer services and support to the community.
We welcome families of all shapes and sizes and feel that everyone deserves access to the best fertility and pregnancy support available.