The diagnosis of Unexplained Infertility (idiopathic infertility) affects 15-30% (1 in 4) couples and is reached when a series of medical test results are unable to provide a cause. Researching the possible causes for female infertility medical/clinical investigations focus on identification of physical abnormalities. The NHS website states problems with ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries) as a key factor, such as when an egg is not being released at all or an egg being released during some cycles but not others. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid problems, overactive/underactive thyroid gland can prevent ovulation or premature ovarian failure where the ovaries stop working before the age of 40.The list continues with a host of physical conditions that may be responsible for a females’ inability to conceive. Whilst acknowledging the importance of undergoing tests to eliminate physical causes when this process is completed with no definitive answer where is there to go. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that women with unexplained infertility who have not conceived after 2 years of having regular unprotected sex should be offered IVF treatment. This lengthy process of undergoing tests and examinations can be painful and highly stressful increasing emotional strain on all concerned. To support women during this time a more holistic approach is offered via complementary medicine claiming that it can adjust and harmonize the state of the female body from a holistic approach to achieve a better therapeutic effect (1). Research evidence on the effectiveness of a range of complementary therapies in this area is scant. However, Women choosing complementary therapies and reporting successful outcomes ( PROMs) and therapeutic experiences (PREMs)* is increasing (2). Recognising this increaseCoulter et al (2014) argues that it is considered unethical to ask patients to comment on their experiences if these comments are going to be ignored (2). Suggesting shifting previously labelled anecdotal evidence to credible requires more robust research to initiate GP referrals. Even when a women’s right to choose is supported by a growing body of positive patient feedback comments. From a personal perspective as an experienced complementary practitioner the therapies I offer to support women achieve natural conception are based on the holistic principle of mind, body and emotions working in harmony. All too often I find that women who seek my help are experiencing high stress levels. Clinical Reflexology is evidenced as having a relaxing effect and reducing anxiety. (3) In so doing it theoretically reduces the physical effects of stress. Such as lowering Adrenalin/Cortisol and balancing the Sympathetic/Parasympathetic actions of the Autonomic Nervous System. The mind has a powerful influence on how the body functions and negative feelings and emotions are not helpful. Encouraging and equipping women with techniques to help calm the “worry thoughts” and help clear the mind in order to make space for informed decision making is a helping strategy of Counselling. With difficulty sleeping mentioned by many, symptoms of a low energy (and mood) and irregular eating patterns often exist. Nutritional Therapy will assess how to improve eating habits and achieve pre-conception optimum health. It is well reported that certain foodstuffs stimulate a quick fix energy lift which is in direct conflict to creating balance and harmony between the nervous and hormonal systems. If you think I might be able to help, please get in touch.
*PREMs & PROMs have evolved into measures capable of guiding diagnosis, management and monitoring of patients’ health conditions; and improving health outcome used to benchmark services and care providers, thereby supporting patient choice about where and by whom they receive care(2)
(1)Jiaxing Feng , 1 Jing Wang , 2 Yuehui Zhang , 3 Yizhuo Zhang,1 Liyan Jia,3 Dongqi Zhang,1 Jiao Zhang,4 Yanhua Han,3 and Shoujuan Luo The Efficacy of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Treatment of Female Infertility Hindawi Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2021, Article ID 6634309, 21 pages https://doi.org/10.1155/20Volume 2021, Article ID 6634309, 21 pages https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6634309
(2)Patient Experience Journal Volume 9, Issue 1 – 2022, pp. 12-18 Patient Experience Journal, Volume 9, Issue 1 © The Author(s), 2022. Published in association with The Beryl Institute. Downloaded from www.pxjournal.org 12 Commentary Current PROM and PREM use in health system performance measurement: Still a way to go Claudia Bull, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, claudia.bull@monash.edu Emily J. Callander, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, emily.calander@monash.edu
(3)Langstone-Wring A. Whatley J(2023) Patient’s experiences of clinical foot reflexology in a hospital cancer service. Cancer Nursing Practice Jan 2024 Vol 23 Number 1. P22-28.