University Hospital Connor Whole Health is offering integrative care to infertility patients thanks to a grant from the Vitamix Foundation.
CLEVELAND — It is estimated that 10% to 15% of couples experience infertility issues. The reason can cause stress, which definitely affects health.
A year ago, a university hospital’s fertility center surveyed patients about their unmet psychosocial needs. The survey found that 80% of survey participants wanted access to acupuncture during their travels, and 70% wanted guidance on health, nutrition, stress, exercise, and supplements.
The results come after the Vitamix Foundation awarded University Hospital Connor Whole Health a $200,000 grant to help patients with more integrative options focused on holistic health to launch the Vitamix Fertility Assistance Program. It was helpful.
“In fact, there’s a lot of research being done specifically around acupuncture and IVF treatments. I’d say it’s been studied for over 15 years now. And we’ve added acupuncture to our IVF protocols. I’m going to take it a step further and also add an element of lifestyle medicine to my approach to fertility. Studies have also shown a correlation with improved fertility. Because we believe it’s important to focus on nutrition, stress management, sleep, and exercise, our Vitamix group is focused on learning. With the support of a health coach, implement healthy habit changes that are difficult to make on your own. And incorporate them with other treatments we offer here, such as acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic. You can do that,” he said. Christine Kaiser, DACM, LAc, LCH, FABORM, serves as the Connor Endowed Director and Clinical Manager of Acupuncture in the Department of Reproductive Wellbeing at University Hospital Connor Whole Health.
Meghan and Christian Kreutl, who live in Strongsville, have been trying to start a family for two years. The couple has undergone infertility tests and Meghan has undergone numerous surgeries, but so far without success.
Meghan was offered a place at California State University’s pilot program, an eight-week course designed to teach lifestyle medicine and health coaching to infertility patients.
Although she was skeptical, acupuncture was one of the first things she tried.
“To be completely honest, I didn’t believe it. I didn’t think it would help me get pregnant. It’s medicine, it’s science, but I was hopeless,” she said. Ta.
Meghan learned something unexpected. She was educated on nutritional options, exercise, stress management, yoga, meditation, sound baths, and breathing techniques that may aid fertility. She accepted the concept and began to notice a difference.
“I used to be someone who would eat bacon, eggs, toast, etc. for breakfast. Now I eat avocado. I didn’t exercise much. I work out at 6 a.m. every morning. They tell you to I’m just advocating that you take care of yourself and your body first,” Meghan said.
She also noticed that she had lost a few pounds, had brighter skin, and felt happier. The eight-week course ended in December, and although none of the participants are pregnant yet, she says she believes the change in mindset will help in other areas of life as well.
“This makes me a healthier person whether I get pregnant or not. As you know, you only have one body in your life, so I want to protect it and take care of it. ” said Duchess Meghan.
She also plans to continue undergoing acupuncture treatments in the hopes that the 10,000-year-old practice will help treat infertility. Some studies have shown that acupuncture may have benefits when it comes to fertility, but much of this may depend on the condition causing infertility and the age of the patient. It is also important to see an acupuncturist who specializes in infertility issues.
Meghan also shared her personal perspective, which she hopes will help others struggling with infertility.
My husband and I got married in June 2021 and since we didn’t live together before marriage, we spent the first seven months enjoying marital bliss. After that, we decided that we were ready to conceive a child for her in February 2022. Neither of us had any pre-existing health conditions, so we went into the pregnancy with high hopes that we would be able to conceive quickly.
We tried for 9 months without success. We requested a semen test for my husband because my OGBYN told me I would have to wait a full year before I could test myself. Luckily, my infertility doctor started testing right away.
Over the course of 2 years of effort, I underwent blood tests, sonoHSG, 9 letrozole, 4 failed IUIs, 2 trigger shots, multiple ultrasounds, and laparoscopic surgery, where I was surprised. Best of all, stage 3 endometriosis was discovered and removed. I recently started infertility acupuncture and infertility massage. My husband had a semen test and we both had genetic carrier tests. Other than the discovery (and removal) of endometriosis, all of our test results came back “normal,” but we’ve never gotten pregnant, which puts us in the unfortunate category of “unexplained infertility.” will be done. Neither health insurance company covers infertility treatment, so so far he has paid $10,000 out of pocket with no results.
We are currently on our 5th and final round of IVF, but if it fails, IVF is the only option and we have received an estimate of over $20,000 upfront from our current clinic. I have been told. We are seeking a second opinion at another fertility clinic, but he is waiting 6 months to get one.
A holistic approach to infertility
Science and modern medicine play a very special and important role in society, but taking a holistic approach can also be just as powerful, if not more powerful, in fighting infertility. . I’ve never been one to focus too much on aspects of my health, such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and supplements. After being asked to join Conner University Whole Health’s new program when I was at my heaviest and having my darkest thoughts, I immediately realized that if I wasn’t healthy from the inside out, I would stay healthy post-pregnancy. I learned that it’s not healthy.
This program really encourages you to review your current routine and make small adjustments that will have a bigger impact. Since completing the 8 week course, I have been training daily, eating better and continuing my fertility acupuncture treatments. My mind is clearer, I feel more focused again, and I’ve noticed positive changes in my skin, weight, and overall health. I highly encourage everyone, not just those who are struggling to conceive, to take a step back and make small changes that only benefit you. You are only given one body in your lifetime, so you must take care of it.
What people need to know about infertility
Like any medical diagnosis, infertility is brutal, unforgiving, and far more common than people realize. Many couples don’t disclose their infertility, so it’s not appropriate to give unsolicited advice to those who do.
Telling someone to “get drunk” or “go on vacation” is the absolute worst thing to say when we’ve all been to the ends of the earth trying to get pregnant. Saying “please don’t stress over that” is not only hurtful but ignorant. Unless you are infertile or experiencing infertility, don’t say anything, just say, “I’m thinking of you right now.”
Advice for people struggling with infertility
Assert yourself because no one else will. If you don’t like how things are going or aren’t satisfied with the tests your doctor orders, speak up. If you feel you’ve reached your limit, seek a second opinion at another clinic. Keep fighting for your future baby.
