Frequently asked questions - Gatineau

Fertilia is a natural fertility clinic. We use natural approaches such as acupuncture, Chinese dietetics, Qigong, etc., to promote fertility by stimulating the body's innate processes of self-regulation and self-healing. Fertilia is also the name of the method we have developed for the treatment of functional (non-mechanical) infertility.

In general, we treat all types of functional infertility, primary or secondary. We offer natural treatments to promote fertility, either to induce a pregnancy or to help bring a pregnancy to term or both. We do not offer treatment for so-called mechanical infertility (such as blocked fallopian tubes). In addition, we treat these specific health conditions in women.

And in men, we can treat :

• Oligozoospermia: insufficient sperm count per unit volume
• Asthenozoospermia: poor sperm mobility/motility
• Teratozoospermia: too low a proportion of normal spermatozoa

An initial medical examination is strongly recommended. If only to detect any mechanical abnormality that could hinder fertilisation, such as blocked tubes, uterine malformation or obstruction of the spermatic tract.

On the other hand, knowledge of hormonal levels is not absolutely necessary since our treatments, although they help to restore hormonal balance, are based on an analysis that is different from that of conventional medicine. However, the more varied and important the medical information on your health status (hormone levels, test results, blood work, etc.), the better the understanding of the energetic imbalance will usually be. This is because our approach integrates knowledge and information from the two main medical currents (Western and Eastern).

Finally, it can be interesting, and certainly reassuring, to see a normalisation of blood parameters, including hormone levels, after our natural treatments.

Women, men and couples who have difficulty conceiving, regardless of age. See Is the Fertilia method for you?

Our treatments are mainly based on therapeutic approaches that have been tried and tested in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, such as acupuncture, dietetics and Qigong. We also sometimes use homeopathy.

We are primarily interested in the energy dimension of human beings. This energy dimension is conceptualized as supporting and energizing not only the physical dimension, but also the emotional and mental dimensions. Based on a holistic vision, acupuncture in particular will thus have a bioenergetic impact on all aspects of the person.

We also attach great importance to a healthy lifestyle. We encourage anything that contributes to better health, which we believe is a guarantee of better fertility.

In addition, we promote the integration of knowledge from both conventional and ancient natural medicine. In this way, we are familiar with the language of conventional (Western) medicine and integrate it into our analysis where appropriate.

At Fertilia, we want to help you regain fertility naturally. We believe in the wisdom and intelligence of nature. We see nature as the conductor of the body that needs to be supported, encouraged and nurtured; it alone knows all the harmonious and necessary processes leading to fertility. We therefore define ourselves as the "gardeners" of the body.

This is probably why we are able to offer an alternative to conventional medicine, especially for the treatment of unexplained infertility. At Fertilia, you will receive a warm welcome from a team that listens to you and is dedicated to your cause.

The Code of Ethics of the Quebec Order of Acupuncturists would not allow the publication of such "unverifiable" statistics, nor does it authorize testimonials from satisfied patients. But, in the absence of precise statistics, let us mention two studies to give us an idea of the usefulness of our method:

• A study (1) investigated the use of only two acupuncture treatments associated with in vitro fertilisation (IVF): one before and one after embryo transfer. The result was a 60% increase in pregnancy rate compared to IVF alone.
• A recent study (2) shows that the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine over a period of 4 months can achieve a pregnancy rate twice as high as that achieved by chemical medication or in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and increases the success rate of intrauterine insemination (IUI) by 50%.

(1) Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy, Fertility and sterility vol. 77, no. 4, april 2002 Wolfgang E. Paulus, M.D.,a Mingmin Zhang, M.D.,b Erwin Strehler, M.D.,a Imam El-Danasouri, Ph.D.,a and Karl Sterzik, M.D.a Christian-Lauritzen-Institut, Ulm, Germany

(2) Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in the management of female infertility: A systematic review. Ried K, Stuart K Complement Ther Med. 2011 Dec;19(6):319-31 Complementary Therapies in Medicine

When treatments are successful, as little as one cycle, about 1 month, to more than a year. It depends on the depth of the imbalance, the extent of the deficiency, and factors such as energy level, age, lifestyle, etc.

It is very likely that you will be advised to wait for some time before trying to conceive, in order to prepare your body well, but also to reduce the risk of miscarriage. Indeed, the beginning of a pregnancy and a miscarriage drain the energy reserves; moreover, a miscarriage can postpone a new pregnancy by a few cycles, which is the time needed to regain a physiological, emotional and energetic balance.

Yes, more and more studies confirm the positive effects of acupuncture or herbs on fertility and on certain associated pathologies (endometriosis and PCOS, for example)

We have developed the Fertilia method to create "favorable conditions" and thus increase your chances of concieving a baby.

As we've observed over the years, these conditions require that you take all the time you need to listen, discuss, analyze, reflect, research, develop an individualized strategy and exchange ideas with your therapists. Once these conditions have been met, appropriate, individualized treatments can have maximum impact and effectiveness.

Your investment may vary according to the length and nature of your infertility, your age, and the duration and strategy of the treatment. 

 The cost of the initial consultation is $ 225. Treatment and costs vary according to a number of factors, including the problem, duration of treatment and approaches used. We will be able to provide you with more information during your consultation.

Some private insurances may cover part of the costs, especially for acupuncture treatments.

Simply call 819-777-9099 or contact us by email via this site.

• The Fertilia method, by addressing the energetic dimension of the human being, does not only treat the signs or symptoms, but rather activates the body's natural self-healing system to help restore better fertility.
• The techniques used by Fertilia are completely natural and with virtually no side effects
• Fertilia's natural approach, like the work of a "body gardener", strengthens, supports and balances the body to achieve the optimal state of health necessary for fertility.
• Fertilia uses, among other things, the knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, which have been successfully used for over 2500 years to help millions of people regain their fertility.
• As a complement, if desired, to conventional medicine, including in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
• At Fertilia, we advocate the integration of knowledge from the two main streams of medical thought.
• Our holistic approach can also help you regain and maintain better overall health

Once the analysis of the situation has been completed, it is time to carry out the treatment.

The technique consists of inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body, which are themselves located on the paths (meridians) where the Qi (energy) circulates.

The selection and method of stimulation of the points is based on energy assessment. All the points chosen, as well as their combinations, have an effect on a specific organ, region or function of the body.

The insertion of a needle is usually painless; otherwise, the sensation is very brief and is comparable to a mosquito bite. The needles, usually made of steel and copper (making them miniature batteries or dipoles), are very thin (about the diameter of a hair) and leave no marks. When the needles are in place, the patient often feels a sense of relaxation.

First of all, the needles are not inserted into the nerves or veins, but rather into the intermuscular space or directly onto the muscles. The depth does not affect the sensation. In general, it is between a few millimetres and 1 or 2 centimetres.

In addition, each point has precise indications as to the depth and angle of insertion of the needle. For thousands of years, these criteria have been passed on to acupuncturists so that they can practice their art safely and effectively.

We sometimes use electro-acupuncture by connecting certain needles to a small electrical stimulator, to increase their electro-magnetic effect.

 We also frequently use lasers to replace needles, or in combination with them. Its effect is comparable to that of needles.

In Quebec, acupuncturists are subject to a regulation, imposed by the Order of Acupuncturists, requiring them to use only single-use sterile needles. This measure makes it virtually impossible for a needle to transmit disease.

Although minimal and occasional, some side effects are possible. Normally, these reactions resolve themselves or are corrected during the course of treatment and rarely pose a problem for the client. These effects may include: slight bleeding, small bruises and/or tenderness at the needle insertion sites.

If the laser is used instead of needles, there is no risk of side effects such as bruising or bleeding. Some people may feel a slight heat in areas of dark hair, as the laser is a concentration of light, which produces heat in dark areas exposed to it.