Associate Senior Physician Lin Jia Yi is a registered TCM physician with Eu Yan Sang. All TCM physicians are meticulously selected by our internal Medical Board and licensed by the TCM Practitioners Board, a regulatory body under the charge of the Ministry of Health. She has a strong passion in fertility treatments and has more than 5 years of clinical experience.
Human Sessions held on August 31st.
Struggling to conceive? Don't worry, you're not alone. About 15% of the couples in Singapore do not get pregnant successfully within 12 months of trying to have a child. Infertility in 50% of these couples is due to the man who may have a medical disorder. Many couples are seeking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment to improve their chances of pregnancy.
Physician Lin answered questions on:
- How can TCM help with fertility problems
- Infertility from a TCM perspective
- TCM fertility diet
- TCM treatment options to improve fertility in Singapore
- Cost of TCM fertility treatments in Singapore
How do TCM physicians diagnose infertility?
Hi Zhen Yi,
Thanks for the D2D. If, despite regular unprotected intercourse, pregnancy does not occur after six months to a year, then the couple may be facing fertility problem. It is an increasingly common problem in modern societies, affecting 10-15% Singaporean couples. If you are unable to conceive after 6 months to a year of trying, it is better to seek medical evaluation and help.
What are the causes of infertility from a TCM perspective?
Hi Darren,
Thanks for the D2D. From a TCM perspective, the kidneys, spleen and liver are the most important organs in maintaining fertility. The kidneys play a key role in successful conception and reproduction. The spleen is in charge of producing qi and blood while the liver is responsible for maintaining its smooth flow within the body.
How does a TCM diet help me boost my fertility?
Hi Winnie,
Thanks for the D2D. TCM embraces lifestyle change. A diet that is in sync with the treatment will definitely increase its efficacy.
Most of you have probably heard about “cold uterus”. it is a result of deficient Yang energy in the body. Yang is the warming energy that supports ovulation and implantation, thus facilitating reproduction. If uterus is cold and yang is weak, quality of eggs may be poor, ovulation and implantation may also be affected.
What are the TCM treatment options for infertility in Singapore?
Hi Marilyn,
Thanks for the D2D. Herbal medication and acupuncture are the two methods commonly used to treat infertility problem.
TCM Herbal prescription is customised according to individual’s body constitution. It consists of several herbs combined together to nourish and balance the body, especially the kidneys, spleen and liver which regulate the reproductive organs.
What is the most effective TCM treatment method for infertility?
Hi Tammy,
Thanks for the D2D. Herbal medication and acupuncture are the two effective methods to treat infertility.
TCM herbal prescription is customised according to individual’s body constitution. It consists of several herbs combined together to nourish and balance the body, especially the kidneys, spleen and liver which regulate the reproductive organs.
Are there any risks or side effects to TCM fertility treatments?
Hi Nonna,
Thanks for the D2D. For patients undergoing acupuncture, some may experience slight bruising or bleeding after acupuncture.
If this occurs, apply small pressure to the affected sites and the slight bleeding should cease soon after, bruising and soreness will usually disappear after a few days.
Am I able to combine TCM therapeutic treatments and western medicine to treat my infertility problem?
Hi Gerlina,
Thanks for the D2D. Yes, you're able to combine TCM therapeutic treatments and western medicine to treat my infertility problem.
Many of my patients seek help from both Chinese and Western medicine to treat infertility. It is common for patients to take Chinese and western medicine concurrently. Many receive TCM treatments while undergoing IVF or IUI procedure.
How does age affect TCM fertility treatments and success rates?
Hi Jasper,
Thanks for the D2D. Age is a huge factor in fertility. Clinical practice has observed that treatment is most effective towards adults aged between 21-35.
Fertility decreases as one ages. As a woman ages, it takes longer to conceive and the risk of not being able to get pregnant increases. The risk of miscarriage and complications in pregnancy and childbirth also increase. A man's fertility and sexual performance also decline progressively as he ages.
Does acupuncture for fertility really work?
Hi Hannah,
Thanks for the D2D. Yes, acupuncture is effective for fertility.
Acupuncture treatment which involves inserting needles at specific acupoints along the meridians, regulates the flow of qi and blood and restore healthy balance of yin and Yang. It serves to tonify where there is deficiency, drain where there is excess, and promote free flow where there is stagnation.
How much is the cost of TCM fertility treatment in Singapore, and what affects the cost of this treatment?
Hi Fei Fei,
Thanks for the D2D. The cost depends on the treatment plan that may vary with individual. Treatment involves herbal medication, acupuncture or both. Duration and intensity of treatment also differs from person to person.
How long does it take to become pregnant after starting a TCM fertility treatment course?
Hi Pei Jie,
Thanks for the D2D. It varies with individual’s body condition. Usually, we are looking at a time frame of 3 to 6 months to improve one’s body constitution and to prepare the body for pregnancy. Depending on individual’s condition, some takes a shorter time to conceive while others require a longer period of time.
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