That one simple word evokes a myriad of emotions in women today.  Often the questions of why, how, what and "is there hope" are involved.  Debate is common with the question of when and how women should approach fertility challenges. There is so much information published, that often women are more confused and stressed about the process, than about the actual situation.

Acupuncture and Naturopathy have both been spotlighted in the news recently for results they produce.  This primarily is because both are forms of alternative medicine that look to support the woman's body; in other words, encourage better health and homeostasis (a state of balance where the body functions optimally).  One of the key issues with any fertility treatment, is that women are often not told of the side effects, or the impact the treatments will have on their bodies.  Basically women are "amplified" with hormones to increase their fertility.  This is very effective, but for some women it causes much confusion and stress as their hormonal load causes more emotional reactions in their day to day life.

Alternative therapies balance the woman's body before, during and after traditional treatments so women do not feel as stressed from the process.  How this is done in acupuncture; small needles are inserted into the body and the body releases endorphins.  The Acupuncturist will also make lifestyle and dietary suggestions based off of the patterns present in your life.  This helps women to both relax and allow the body to work on its own to homeostasis through the treatment and lifestyle changes.

Naturopathy often combines Acupuncture with nutrition, homeopathy and supplementation to increase a woman's fertility.  Typically the Naturopath will spend time going over a complex intake to see where the woman's health is now.  Properly trained alternative providers are trained to work with traditional fertility therapies.

What should you do if you are looking at these therapies?  Start early.

Women are not encouraged to improve their health before fertility treatments, and come to alternative providers as a last resort.  While it still can help, this is not the time to optimize the benefits of treatment.  Typically an alternative provider will want you to commit six months to improving your life now, so you will ideally be successful with fewer traditional treatments.  Establish good communication from the start and you will feel less lost in this entire process.  Be wary of any practioner that is unwilling to discuss prior to treatment how they treat the concerns you have.

Six months of treatments from alternative providers will vary, but expect to pay between $600 and $1500.00 depending on your current health.  This is a fraction of the $10,000 women pay for each round of fertility treatments; and some insurance companies will cover your treatments with the alternative provider.

Many cases of infertility are not based off of measured problems, but due to a woman's lifestyle of higher stress and the "I want it now" mentality.  The best advice to be given: take a moment and breathe.  Then discuss openly and honestly with your healthcare practioners what route of treatment will work best for you.