I stumbled across an article that does a good job of explaining the philosophy of Chinese Medicine compared to that of Western Medicine.  I adamantly believe that both forms of medicine are equally important and actually compliment one another.

The article, from preconception.com, more specifically discusses Chinese medicine and fertility.  More and more people are seeking help from acupuncturists for infertility issues from PCOS to male factor infertility to unexplained infertility.  One reason for this increased acceptance is that we’ve seen good success helping men and women conceive over the years.  However, another important reason is that through scientific research and patients advocating for themselves, Western physicians have taken notice of the positive role acupuncture plays both medicinally and emotionally and are actually being more proactive with respect to acupuncture and the role it may play in improving the odds of conceiving.

One caveat, they talk about working to raise FSH levels in the article.  Yes, Chinese medicine can be useful in raising FSH levels if they are low, however, we more often use Chinese medicine to lower FSH levels.

I started out this blog wanting to share an article with you, and it got me thinking about infertility and what exactly it means - because frankly, it means a lot of different things.  Some people have to try to change their lifestyles, reducing caffeine and sugar, and increasing exercise.  Others may need to add protein to their diet or actually reduce or revise exercise.  Some wade through the mysteries of male factor infertility.  Others struggle with PCOS, endometriosis, blocked tubes, poor egg quality, cancer, and a host of other causes.  Still others are lumped into the group of unexplained infertility where answers can seem few.  The medical and emotional aspects of infertility can be overwhelming.

All of these people, more than 7 million by most recent estimates, make their ways through this process as best they can.  And while they each may take a different path, they all share a similar goal.  They’re all striving to achieve essentially the same thing.

So in the spirit of National Infertility Awareness Week, I hope to help you become more AWARE of not only your particular situation, but also the situations so many others find themselves in.  Awareness does involve educating ourselves and those around us, but I think more importantly it speaks to compassion and empathy.  In sharing our hearts with others, we often find peace in our own journeys.

Delivering Hope: The Extraordinary Journey of a Surrogate Mom is a book that was written by local San Diego author, Pamela MacPhee.  Her story is this week’s San Diego Infertility & Miscarriage Examiner article.  This weekly column is written by another local author, Erin Miserlis.  If you haven't done so already, subscribe to her column.

Statistics show that nearly 12% (7.3 million) of US women ages 15 - 44 struggle with fertility. That percentage rises to more than 15% for US women ages 34 - 39.

I encourage you to become a Facebook friend of RESOLVE San Diego. Even if you aren't trying to conceive, someone you know probably is.

 RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association was founded in 1974 by a nurse with infertility, Barbara Eck, who started the first RESOLVE support group around her kitchen table. The same support groups meet today all over the country and is still a huge part of helping women and men diagnosed with infertility find resolution.

RESOLVE is the only non-profit organization with a nationwide network of chapters mandated to promote reproductive health and to ensure equal access to all family building options for men and women experiencing infertility. Across the U.S., RESOLVE local affiliates provide support groups, educational programs and opportunities to meet and connect with others experiencing infertility. Supported by a strong volunteer network, RESOLVE is a source of information and support for the family building journey.

RESOLVE has a variety of free online resources that address treatment, coping, third party reproduction, adoption and living childfree. www.resolve.org offers wide ranging information on the infertility journey. A robust online community provides virtual support to anyone. Information on membership, the RESOLVE network and an events calendar are easily accessible. Learn. Connect. Take Charge.