The Hidden Infertility Factor: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

The Hidden Infertility Factor: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

by Marc Sklar, LAc, FABORM

It’s only Tuesday and she is the third patient I have seen with these symptoms this week. She is hopeful and motivated, but confused by her inability to become pregnant. A comprehensive history tells me how much she has been through already, but doesn’t provide me with the data I am seeking. I probe further, inquiring about intimate details that women rarely share with anyone- sometimes even their doctors. After a few moments of investigation and less than ten questions, there it is- the most likely reason for the infertility: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). She stares back at me: her look a combination of “deer in the headlights” and “PolyWHAT?”

PCOS is the most common metabolic disorder affecting women today, and goes undetected in approximately 75% of the women who have this disorder. While women of all ethnic groups may suffer from PCOS, there is an increased incidence in women who are Hispanic, Native American and Asian. It occurs in as many as 10% of women in their childbearing years and can wreak havoc with fertility.

PCOS was initially identified in 1935 and was known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome. Whether incidence of this syndrome has increased, or has simply been better detected as physicians have become more equipped to diagnose and treat PCOS, this has become one of the most common culprits in infertility.

The mechanism in PCOS is an excessive production of androgens, or “male hormones” (although we all have them), that inhibit normal ovulation. Instead of producing and ripening one large ovum, or egg, each month, women with PCOS may develop many, tiny, fluid-filled cysts on their ovaries (which, in turn, increases the androgen level even further).

Typical signs and symptoms associated with PCOS include:
Irregular menses (when not taking Oral Contraception)
Extremely light menstrual periods
Overweight, even if only by 5-10% of body weight
Excessive hair growth (on the face, pubic region, and abdomen particularly)
Acne
Increased levels of testosterone
Infertility
Other symptoms that may accompany PCOS are Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IR), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease.
Treatment for PCOS is grounded in lifestyle change. By improving nutrition, increasing exercise, lowering cholesterol and avoiding tobacco and other toxins, the impact of PCOS may be significantly diminished. In addition, treatment with medication such as metformin (Glucophage) may improve hyperinsulinism, menstrual regularity, and fertility.

At Reproductive Wellness, we provide an integrative approach to reproductive and menstrual disorders. We support lifestyle change, regular use of acupuncture to balance hormones and decrease stress, and full collaboration with your medical team! For more information, visit our website at www.ReproductiveWellness.com.

Air pollution lowers success rate of birth via IVF

Apart from several health concerns reported for air pollution, a new study finds pollutants as major factors affecting the success rate in in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Certain studies have linked prenatal exposure to air pollution to not only preterm labor and low birth weight but also lower IQ scores in the newborn.

According to the study published in Human Reproduction, exposure to air pollution lowers the chance of having a baby in women trying to conceive through IVF.

Air pollution causes widespread inflammation in the body, increasing the production of cell-damaging oxygen-free radicals and placing the individual at an increased risk of developing blood clots, both of which are considered as known threats for pregnancy.

Higher than average levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a common pollutant produced by vehicle exhaust, lowers the success of conceiving through IVF, the study found.

Exposure to high levels of another pollutant, known as ozone, after embryo implantation in the womb lowered the success of having a baby. High ozone exposure around the time of ovulation, however, improved the chance of conceiving.

Scientists, therefore, concluded that NO2 levels affect the success of having a baby in expectant moms, stressing that the influence of these pollutants in real life is "subtle".

Oriental Medicine and Male Sexual Disorders

Oriental Medicine and Male Sexual Disorders


By Marc Sklar, LAc, FABORM
Clinical Director or Reproductive Wellness

Oriental Medicine To Improve Your Sex Life
Throughout Chinese history its society has been dominated by men. As this is an unfortunate reality it has also lead Chinese Medicine to be able to focus its medical knowledge on treating men's health and longevity. As far back as the Yellow Emperor's reign many classical texts were devoted to increasing men's sexual performance and health. Although centuries have past since the Yellow Emperor began inquiring about health and wellness, men today still look for various ways to stay healthy sexually.
Sexual health is not the only concern for men today. As men age they begin battling with various other male disorders. Aside from impotence, men also suffer from conditions affecting urination, the prostate and testicles.

How Chinese Medicine Views Sexual Disorders and Men's Health
Chinese Medicine can help treat various male disorders. At the center of treating all male disorders are the Kidneys. Although other organ systems tend to be involved such as the Liver, Spleen, Bladder, and Heart, the kidneys are usually at the core of the problem. One of the kidneys major functions according to Chinese Medicine is storing Jing (essence). Jing is one of three treasures, Qi and Shen (spirit) being the other two. “The life-giving processes of nature are manifest in the concept of Jing. It can be understood as the sap of life, the irreducible essence that contains all the critical ingredients needed to make new life that shares characteristics with its source.” As Jing has a direct connection with sperm in men you can begin to see why premature ejaculation and other sexual disorders were and are important to treat in men’s health.

As a man ages Jing naturally depletes. As a man turns 40 the decline of kidneys begins and with that Jing. Men experience their own kind of Men-opause as they age. This is different then that experienced by woman as there is no single physiological change. This is still a time that brings many imbalances in men as estrogen begins to be the dominant hormone in the body.
Another reason why the kidneys are the focus of treatment is its close connection with urinary function. According to Chinese Medicine one of the functions governed by the kidneys is the opening and closing of the bladder and penis. This function corresponds to urinary incontinence as well as premature ejaculation. Both of these functions depend upon the kidneys strength and control to govern these functions properly. If this ability is weakened someone might experience frequent urination, dribbling, or incontinence.

Acupuncture and Impotence
One condition that we hear about often on the television, in the newspapers and magazines, and on the radio is impotence. As mentioned previously, Chinese Emperors viewed sexual function as an important part of health and longevity. If an Emperor had impotence he would seek the advice of his medical staff, and in the case of Huang Di, the Yellow Emperor, he would ask the advice of Su Nu. Impotence is known as yang wei, which literally means flaccidity. Impotence refers to the inability to attain erection or the ability to attain only partial erection. This can be caused by several underlying reasons; however some of the more common causes are overindulgence in sexual activity and emotional disturbances.

Prostate Health
The condition of an enlarged prostate gland as a man ages is called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). In BPH the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the gland to press against the urethra. Symptoms commonly seen with BPH are:
a hesitant, interrupted, weak stream
urgency and leaking or dribbling
more frequent urination, especially at night

These conditions, if left untreated, could lead to more serious conditions such as prostate cancer, urine retention, urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones, and incontinence.
BPH according to Chinese Medicine is categorized into diseases relating to urination. Historically there was no mention of an enlarged prostate. The Chinese had no way of knowing that a prostate was enlarged, but they were aware of the symptoms it caused. These symptoms of frequent nighttime urination, painful urination, and difficult urination were observed and thus categorized as disease categories which are used today to diagnose and treat BPH.

Male Infertility
Male infertility is rarely spoken about but can frequently be the problem when couples are having trouble conceiving. In many cases men have poor quality sperm or a decreased quantity. According to the World Health Organization guidelines normal sperm count consists of 20 million sperm per ejaculate, with 50 percent motility and 60 percent normal morphology (form). The “Strict Krugers” morphology analysis defines normal as greater than 14%. The amount of semen in the ejaculation matters, too. If the concentration is less than 20 million sperm per milliliter of ejaculate, it may impair fertility. Still, if the sperm show adequate forward motility -- the ability to swim -- concentrations as low as 5 to 10 million can produce a pregnancy. It is important to remember that only 25 years ago, counts of 100 million sperm per ejaculate were the norm. Time, the effects of our environment and/or lifestyle seem to be gradually degrading male sperm counts. Within Chinese medicine once again the kidneys play an important role in semen production and quality; however this is not the only cause for infertility in men. Many times infertility is caused by dampness in Chinese Medicine. One major way that dampness is produced is through poor and improper dietary habits. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is a large contributor to health problems and that remains true with infertility.

For a study in Fertility and Sterility, Volume 71, Number 4 (April 1999), pp.684-689, on the Comparison of the sperm quality necessary for successful intrauterine insemination with World Health Organization threshold values for normal sperm, visit the http://www.inciid.org/fertinews/whothreshold.html

What Acupuncture Can Treat

Here is a brief list of Male Health problems that Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture can help:

Premature Ejaculation
Low Sperm Count
Diminished Sperm Motility
Poor Morphology
Impotence
Hernias
Testicular Pain
Prostatitis
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
Male Infertility
Male Climacteric (men-opause)

References:
The World Health Organization
“ A Brief History of Qi” by Zhang Yu Huan and Ken Rose – Paradigm Publications, Brookline Mass, 2001
“Practical Therapeutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine” – by Yan Wu and Warren Fischer – Paradigm Publications, Brookline, Mass, 1997
“ A Handbook of TCM Urology and Male Sexual Dysfunction” – BY Anna Lin, Blue Poppy Press, Inc. Boulder Colorado, 1999

© Copyright 2010 Marc Sklar, LAc, FABORM All Rights Reserved

Natural Ways to Prepare Body & Mind for Conception

Natural Ways to Prepare Body & Mind for Conception

NATURAL WAYS TO PREPARE BODY & MIND FOR CONCEPTION
Submitted by rwsklar on Apr 24, 2010

By Marc Sklar, DA, LAc, MSTOM

As the Baby Boomers edge into seniority, much of the subsequent generation has placed a greater focus on developing careers than on creating a family. Many have decided to delay families while getting careers in order, only to discover that when it was finally "the right time" to have children, it was no longer easy or feasible for their bodies.
Infertility is now a major medical condition amongst 30-45 year olds, affecting about one in every four reproductive-aged couples, leaving many with heartache and guilt.
The distress, depression and anxiety which accompany many cases of infertility also can negatively impact a body’s physiological reproductive processes and resulting in multiple impediments compounding an existing problem. Concurrently, being infertile leads to more stress and more obstacles to pregnancy - and so the vicious cycle continues.
There is a direct interaction between the body and the mind, making it vital to prepare all aspects of body and mind in any attempt to create the optimum conditions for conception and pregnancy. The following steps are highly recommended to those who want to significantly enhance their chances for a successful pregnancy:
Know your optimum fertility signs and times
This sounds straight forward, but knowing exactly when you’re ovulating, and recognizing the physical signs indicating when you’re at the peak time to conceive are sometimes easily confused or missed. For example, as long as your periods are regular, you can calculate that about 14 days after your period starts is the time when you are ovulating. Secondly, and usually around the same time, your cervical mucus becomes very thin, clearer and more stretchy; almost like egg white in quality. (Note antihistamines dry up mucus everywhere, not only in the head and chest). Just paying attention to these two, simple bodily developments will incrementally improve chances of conception.

Participate in a strong social support system
If you have been diagnosed with “infertility,” are using IVF treatments or you are experiencing difficulty conceiving, you have been saddled with a whole myriad of emotions. The ability to share and express the many emotional peaks and valleys that you may be going through can provide valuable peace of mind and a greater sense of control. Stress and depression disrupt the natural harmony of the body and reduce your chances for a successful pregnancy. A supportive group of like minded people will help reduce the stress which is important to creating a healthy environment for conception.

Get a full medical reproductive evaluation
The benefits of having a comprehensive female and male reproductive evaluation, including any lab work, imaging and diagnostics will greatly enhance your chances by giving your reproductive healthcare team the most complete and necessary information to deliver the best possible combinations of treatments. Developing a relationship with a reproductive healthcare provider that you trust and feel good with is extremely important. This will also reduce your stress level and further improve your chances for a successful pregnancy. Assuring that your healthcare provider is certified and properly trained in reproductive medicine will not only save you time but also save you money. To locate a certified and trained Reproductive Acupuncturist please visit www.aborm.org.

Explore complimentary therapies with licensed practitioners that have been proven effective for fertility enhancement, such as: Acupuncture, Botanical Medicines, Yoga, Qi-Gong, Deep Tissue Uterine Massage
Many research studies have shown the fertility enhancing value of complimentary therapies. One clinical Acupuncture study recently demonstrated the ability to optimize endometrial receptivity, resulting in almost double the pregnancy rate than that of IVF or ICSI alone. Complementary therapies can significantly enhance your chance of conceiving and delivering a healthy baby. Additional benefits can also be achieved with the combined use of other complimentary practices that have demonstrated benefits on conditions ranging from fallopian tube obstruction, fibroids, endometriosis, and menstrual irregularities.

Developing a daily relaxation discipline can greatly improve emotional well being
The benefits of being able to access a consistent and calm personal emotional space, has been demonstrated by the Harvard Medical School Mind Body Institute to measurably improve take home baby rates.

Developing a nutritional plan to improve your fertility chances may take a little time, however this is one of the more important changes you can directly make
As food and air are the primary means of sustaining life, it is essential that in wanting to create new life that a specific and appropriate nutritional plan be created that include the many essential ingredients that help lay the foundation for optimum maternal and embryonic health. Consulting with a trained professional with experience in the treatment of fertility can further improve your success.

Join a facilitated group that explores cognitive behavioral techniques, enhanced communication skills and emotional expression
More than 20 years of studies and practice by the Harvard Medical School Mind Body Institute have shown that by participating in facilitated Mind–Body therapy can result in significant and measurably improved take home baby rates in excess of 50%.

Take the time to reconnect with your spiritual practice
What ever your personal beliefs, set aside time to reconnect with the practice that provides you with a deeper sense of control and belonging. One of the biggest complaints expressed by women suffering with infertility is that they feel “out of control.” Reconnecting with yourself and your spiritual practice can help you regain control of your fertility journey. Having the tools and knowledge to control and understand your journey can help reduce the stress and anxiety experienced.

Having a balanced exercise program assures that your body is functioning at top capacity
It is very important that a correct and balanced personal exercise regime be practiced, in most cases this means a consistent light to moderate routine. In others it may actually mean less exercise. Consulting with a trained fertility professional can help balance your exercise program.

Receiving proper pregnancy support
Achieving conception is just the first step. Receiving the proper support during your pregnancy can help to minimize the possibility of a miscarriage as well as other complications. Preparing for the time when you become pregnant and having the right physical and emotional treatment and support structure will further promote a full term healthy pregnancy. For example research also shows that the use of pre-birth acupuncture can help reduce labor by almost two hours, as well as a reduced rate of medical intervention.

Although infertility is affecting more and more couples, in reality very few women (and couples) are actually clinically infertile - most women and their partners are simply not physically and emotionally in full reproductive homeostasis (balance). Some are having difficulty conceiving, others may be suffering from recurrent miscarriage. This is vastly different to true infertility, which is clinically described as sterility. By incorporating some or all of the recommendations listed above women and their partners may have an easier time conceiving, sustaining a full term pregnancy, and delivering a health child.



Marc Sklar is a founding principal of the Reproductive Wellness Clinic in San Diego California. He has extensive experience and expertise in treating and resolving the causes of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss with classical Acupuncture and Chinese Medicines. A culmination of studying world religions and ancient healing techniques, combined with extensive world travel, gives Marc Sklar a unique understanding of the human body and spirit. A Doctor of Acupuncture, Board Certified Herbalist and Oriental Medicine Practitioner, and Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine, Sklar approaches his patients with an open mind, compassion and a medically integrative perspective.

BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM AILMENTS RESPOND TO ACUPUNCTURE

BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM AILMENTS RESPOND TO ACUPUNCTURE

Many people have experienced the benefits of Acupuncture treatment for pain of various types including low back pain and tension headaches. Recent articles and studies have also shown its benefits for conditions as diverse as post-traumatic stress disorder and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
But unless a person has lived in China and worked with traditional doctors treating a wide range of conditions, they may not know that even ailments associated with problems with the brain and nervous system often benefit from Acupuncture.

As an example, Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a difficult neurological disorder to treat. It is characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations referred to as “tics.” Symptoms tend to show up in childhood and include eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, jerking and head movements. A person suffering from this condition may hit himself or herself in the face and may have a compulsion to repeat what other people say or swear out loud.

As medical science does not know the exact cause of this condition, it cannot cure it. If the symptoms are serious enough, practitioners can only suppress them with a choice of clomipramine (Anafranil®), fluoxetine (Prozac®), fluvoxamine (Luvox®), paroxetine (Paxil®), and sertraline (Zoloft®). Each of these drugs is associated with an increased risk of suicidality.

In China, there has been success in treating children between the ages of 6 and 15 who suffer from TS using Acupuncture. A report was published of the treatment of 156 young patients diagnosed with TS who were treated at the Tianjin College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The children were divided into two groups based on analysis by the practitioners, and each group received the treatment appropriate to their analysis. Some treatments addressed deficiencies of the kidneys and heart.

Whatever the treatment pattern, the results were nothing short of excellent. Seventy-three percent of the patients were sufficiently relieved of their condition to discontinue medication. What a relief to their parents to be able to create better health for their children and stop administering dangerous drugs!

Source: National Institutes of Health, Acupuncture-Like Treatments Improve Outcomes Compared to Usual Care for Low Back Pain, May 2009, http://www.nih.gov/news/health/may2009/nccam-11.htm

Source: National Institutes of Health, Acupuncture and Pain, February 2010, http://nccam.nih.gov/news/newsletter/2010_february/acu2.htm

Source: National Institutes of Health, Tourette’s Syndrome, February 10, 2010, http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tourette/tourette.htm

Source: National Institutes of Health, Office of Rare Diseases Research, Tourette Syndrome, February 24, 2010, http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/Condition/7783/QnA/21553/Tourette_syndrome.aspx#633

Source: Institute for Traditional Medicine, Acupuncture and Herbs for Mind and Brain Disorders, April 4, 2010, http://www.itmonline.org/articles/acubrain.htm

www.awcsandiego.com
www.reproductivewellness.com

Natural Approaches to Pregnancy Workshop : The Stork Talk

Are You Running Out Of Time To Start Your Family?
Do You Want Answers To Your Fertility Questions?

Register To Attend The Stork Talk

Friday, April 30th 5:30pm People’s Market
4765 Voltaire Street

Register now! Limited Seating!

• The first 10 people to register will receive a $250 gift certificate.
• Do you wonder about natural approaches to fertility issues?
• How to improve your pregnancy chances.
• What treatment options are available?
• How much time do I have left?
• A chance to meet the experts.

Call now to register! (619) 4-HEALTH
Very limited seating! (619) 443-2584

http://www.reproductivewellness.com/
http://www.awcsandiego.com/
Join us on Meet Up for future lectures & talks! 

http://www.meetup.com/AWCsandiego/

The Adam's Roots Festival & The Healing Arts Festival April 24th & 25th

Join us this weekend at the Healing Arts Festival!

Stop by our booth on Saturday or Sunday April 24th – 25th
The Healing Arts Festival is in association with the Roots Fest on Adams at the Adams Park Lawn & Mansfield St. in Normal Heights. It's free and open to all ages with music, massage, yoga, dance, drumming, and much more! Here's the list of events for the Healing Arts Fair section of the Roots Festival;

SATURDAY, April 24th – Adams Park Stage & Demo Zone:
10:30 – 11:00 AM – Opening Exercises with Falun Dafa-San Diego
11:00- 11:35AM – Erik Canzona & Al Howard of The Heavy Guilt
11:35 – 12:00 PM – Acro Yoga – DEMO
12:00 – 1:00 PM – Geoffrey Keezer Trio feat. Peter Sprague
1:00 – 1:30 PM – Balinese Monkey Chant w/ Infinity Holistic Network
1:30 – 2:45 PM –Jason Chase Trio
2:45 – 3:15 PM – Community Drumming for Wellness w/ Resounding Joy
3:15 – 4:30 PM –The Styletones
4:30 – 5:00 PM – Sabrina Bellydancer & Friends
5:00 – 6:30 PM – Stranger
6:30 – 6:45 PM – Closing Meditation w/ Red Lotus Society

SUNDAY, April 25th – Adams Park Stage & Demo Zone:
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM – Tai Chi w/ Master Jesse Tsao
11:30 – 11:45 AM – Opening Words / Intro
11:45 – 12:30 PM – Danny Green Trio
12:30 – 1:00 PM – Acro Yoga – DEMO
1:00 – 2:00 PM –Sene Africa
2:00 – 2:30 PM – Community Drumming for Wellness w/ Resounding Joy
2:30 – 3:45 PM – Pau Hana
3:45 – 4:15 PM – Capoeira Brasil Drum & Dance
4:15 – 5:45 PM – The Devastators
5:45 – 6:00 PM – Closing Meditation w/ Pilgrimage of the Heart

SAT – Workshop Area (Church Social Hall):
2:00 – 2:45 PM – Yoga w/ Pilgrimage of the Heart
3:00 – 3:45 PM – Qi Gong & Meditation w/ Red Lotus Society
4:00 – 4:45 PM – Conscious Breathing Workshop w/ Art of Living
5:00 – 5:45 PM – Musical Kirtan w/ Pilgrimage of the Heart
SUN – Workshop Area (Church Social Hall):
2:00 – 2:45 PM – Yoga w/ Pilgrimage of the Heart
3:00 – 3:45 PM – Qi Gong & Meditation w/ Red Lotus Society
4:00 – 4:45 PM – How to Eat Healthy w/ Zen Sanctuary
5:00 – 5:45 PM – Sound Healing w/ Toni Pope

For the rest of the Roots Festival Events use this link;

http://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/sites/default/files/2010%20Roots%20Line%20up.pdf





http://althealnet.org/healing-arts-festival-2010/
http://www.adamsaveonline.com/RootsFestival/default.htm

http://www.awcsandiego.com/
http://www.reproductivewellness.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Diego-CA/Acupuncture-and-Wellness-Clinic/110189881321