Holistic fertility support in Munich

We speak of difficulty conceiving when no pregnancy occurs after about a year of regular unprotected intercourse. From the mid-thirties, an earlier assessment makes sense because fertility declines with age. Even with a very irregular cycle, severe period pain, known endometriosis, PCOS, a thyroid condition or after miscarriages, it is worth not waiting long. The causes can lie with the woman, the man or both; often several factors act together. That is why a complete assessment always includes examination of the partner. In women we check the cycle, ovulation, hormones, thyroid and the uterus on ultrasound. Whether the fallopian tubes are open is examined separately if needed.

The thyroid controls metabolism and works closely with the ovaries. Even a mild underactive thyroid or Hashimoto's thyroiditis – a chronic inflammation of the thyroid – can affect the cycle, ovulation and early pregnancy. Among other things, Prof. Schulte-Uebbing has published “Unfulfilled desire to have a child and Hashimoto's disease. The thyroid disorder is a frequently underestimated (partial) cause” (CO’MED, 2013) and “Frequently neglected causes of recurrent miscarriage” (gynäkologie + geburtshilfe, 2013). When you are trying to conceive, we therefore measure thyroid values and antibodies and make sure they are well controlled before and during pregnancy. During pregnancy the need for thyroid hormone rises; regular checks are then important. A well-controlled thyroid is an important precondition, but it does not by itself ensure a pregnancy.

For a pregnancy, ovulation and the luteal phase have to work well together. After ovulation, the corpus luteum produces progesterone. It prepares the uterine lining for implantation and supports early pregnancy. If the luteal phase is shortened or progesterone production is too low, this is called corpus luteum insufficiency. Prof. Schulte-Uebbing describes progesterone as a key hormone in women, for example in “Progesterone – the all-rounder hormone” (Liv, 2012). An imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone, PCOS – polycystic ovary syndrome – or endometriosis can also affect fertility. We measure the hormones at the right point in the cycle and discuss whether natural hormone therapy with bioidentical progesterone is suitable for you.

Acupuncture and ear acupuncture have been among the main areas of focus of our practice for decades, including as a complement when you are trying to conceive. The method is based on the idea in Traditional Chinese Medicine that body functions can be regulated via certain points. The aim is to support the cycle, relaxation and well-being. Prof. Schulte-Uebbing is a member and lecturer of the German Medical Acupuncture Association (DÄGfA). Together with E. Seiler he wrote the textbook “Acupuncture for Pregnancy, Birth and the Postpartum Period” (Pschyrembel/De Gruyter, 2000; new edition Gesund Media, 2018), as well as the chapter “Ear Acupuncture in Obstetrics” (Thieme, 2010). The evidence from studies on acupuncture for fertility is not consistent. We therefore use it as a complement and do not promise a pregnancy.

Many factors that you can influence yourself affect the fertility of women and men: smoking, alcohol, being significantly overweight or underweight, lack of sleep and lasting stress. Women are advised to take folic acid before a pregnancy. We also check vitamin D, iron and other micronutrients and correct a deficiency in a targeted way. One research focus of Prof. Schulte-Uebbing is endocrine disruptors – substances from plastics, cosmetics, fragrances or drinking water that can act like hormones in the body. One related publication is “Hormonally active substances in drinking water and their effects on the female hormonal system.” (gyn, 2018). How strongly such substances affect fertility has not yet been conclusively established. Less exposure in everyday life, however, is a step you can take yourself.

Sometimes balancing hormones and thyroid is not enough. Reproductive medicine treatment may then make sense: an insemination, in which prepared sperm cells are placed in the uterus, or assisted fertilisation outside the body (IVF or ICSI). These procedures are offered by specialist fertility practices and centres, not by our practice. We tell you openly when this route makes sense and recommend that you go and be assessed there. If you wish, we continue to support you in parallel, for example with acupuncture, getting your thyroid well controlled or conversations – in consultation with your fertility practice. Under certain conditions, statutory health insurers contribute to the cost of such treatment.