Hormonal & Women's Health

Fertility Support Treatment in Greenville, SC

Fertility support in Greenville, SC. Dr. Hendry's acupuncture and functional medicine approach improves fertility outcomes naturally and with IVF. Call (864) 365-6156.

What Is Fertility Support?

Infertility affects approximately 12% of couples in the United States — and the incidence is rising. Defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (6 months for women over 35), infertility has causes in both partners: ovulatory dysfunction, endometriosis, uterine factors, male factor infertility, and unexplained infertility. Integrative medicine supports natural conception and significantly improves IVF and IUI success rates.

Common Symptoms

Inability to conceive after 12 months of trying (6 months if over 35)

Irregular or absent menstrual cycles (indicating ovulatory dysfunction)

Painful periods that may suggest endometriosis

Hormonal imbalances — elevated androgens, elevated LH:FSH ratio

Recurrent miscarriage — two or more consecutive pregnancy losses

Male factor findings — low sperm count, motility, or morphology

Elevated FSH or low AMH (diminished ovarian reserve markers)

Unexplained infertility — all standard testing normal but conception elusive

Root Causes: A Functional Medicine Perspective

Ovulatory dysfunction is the most common female infertility factor, often driven by PCOS, hypothalamic amenorrhea, or elevated prolactin. Uterine and tubal factors — endometriosis, fibroids, adhesions — mechanically interfere with implantation or fertilization. Thyroid dysfunction, even subclinical, impairs fertility — elevated TSH above 2.5 mIU/L is associated with reduced conception rates and increased miscarriage risk, yet many labs flag only values above 4–5 mIU/L as abnormal.

Systemically, nutritional status is critical: folate and B12 are essential for proper chromosomal division in early embryogenesis; CoQ10 improves egg quality by supporting mitochondrial energy production in oocytes; vitamin D deficiency is strongly associated with implantation failure; omega-3s reduce uterine inflammation. Male factor is involved in 40-50% of infertility cases, and sperm quality is highly responsive to nutritional and lifestyle optimization.

How We Treat Fertility Support at IHP

Acupuncture for fertility is among the most studied integrative fertility interventions. It regulates the HPO axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian), improves ovarian blood flow and follicular development, reduces uterine artery resistance to improve endometrial blood supply, regulates menstrual cycles, and reduces stress hormones that suppress reproductive function.

For IVF patients, acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer has been shown in multiple studies to improve implantation and live birth rates. Dr. Hendry's protocol for IVF support includes sessions during ovarian stimulation, retrieval, and transfer phases. Chinese herbal medicine — custom-formulated for each patient's TCM pattern — regulates the menstrual cycle and addresses underlying hormonal imbalances. Dr. Hendry's functional medicine evaluation optimizes thyroid function, nutrient status, and hormonal balance — creating the healthiest possible physiological environment for conception.

Dr. Hendry's Approach

Fertility is deeply personal. Dr. Hendry creates a comprehensive and empathetic treatment plan that acknowledges the emotional as well as physical dimensions of infertility. He has helped numerous couples in Greenville and the surrounding area achieve successful pregnancies — both naturally and in conjunction with assisted reproductive technology — and he brings both clinical expertise and genuine compassion to every fertility consultation.

Treatments We Use for Fertility Support

Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility Support

Does acupuncture really improve IVF success rates?

Multiple randomized trials show acupuncture performed on the day of embryo transfer increases implantation and live birth rates. The data on acupuncture throughout the IVF cycle is even more promising. Dr. Hendry is experienced working alongside fertility clinics to optimize outcomes.

Can acupuncture help with unexplained infertility?

Yes. 'Unexplained' infertility often has biological explanations that standard testing doesn't detect — subclinical thyroid dysfunction, subtle hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and inflammatory conditions. Functional medicine evaluation frequently identifies and corrects factors missed by conventional fertility workups.

How long before trying to conceive should I start acupuncture?

Ideally 3–6 months before your target conception window. This allows time to optimize egg quality (a 90-day maturation process), regulate cycles, balance hormones, and address nutritional deficiencies. However, acupuncture and functional medicine are beneficial at any stage of the fertility journey.

Can you treat male factor infertility?

Yes. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and targeted supplementation (CoQ10, vitamin C, zinc, selenium, carnitine) significantly improve sperm count, motility, and morphology. Male factor evaluation and treatment is a standard part of Dr. Hendry's fertility program.

Is acupuncture safe during the two-week wait after IVF transfer?

Yes, with specific point protocols. Dr. Hendry uses a conservative and evidence-informed approach during the two-week wait, focusing on supporting uterine circulation and reducing cortisol while avoiding any points contraindicated in early pregnancy.