Infertility 

According to the American Fertility Society, fertility issues affect at least one in six couples in the United States. Reproductive health, like all health, is about balance. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been used for thousands of years to successfully address infertility by restoring optimal hormonal balance, increasing circulation through the reproductive organs, and creating an overall environment where new life may flourish. Using Chinese medicine, we can assess the underlying imbalances and detect stress and/or weakness throughout the body. A good evaluation by a well-trained practitioner allows for a clear understanding of each individual case. Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors including: advanced age, genetic disposition, poor diet, overwork, insufficient rest & exercise, illness, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, and high mental/emotional stress. Maintaining and restoring balance is at the heart of diagnosis and treatment in Chinese Medicine. Common treatment prescriptions include acupuncture, herbs, diet, lifestyle changes, or a combination of all four to bring your system back to its proper functioning.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine may enhance fertility by:

Females - Regulating the menstrual cycle

• Regulating FSH & hormone levels to produce a larger number of follicles
• Increasing blood flow to the uterus and increase the thickness of the uterine lining
• Improving the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs
• Increasing libido
• Correcting blocked fallopian tubes
• Enhancing response to IVF – lessening side effects of IVF on the body
• Relaxing the mind & body
• Preventing miscarriage

Males

• Improving sperm count and motility
• Increasing libido
• Correcting erectile dysfunction
• Increasing semen quantity

Targeted Fertility Treatment

Treatment for infertility is usually over a course of 3-6 months. While some patients get pregnant in as little as 6 weeks others may take much longer. Each person's condition is unique and each person responds differently to treatment.
Using acupuncture to assist conception alone can achieve anywhere from 45-60% clinical pregnancy rate. All fertility patients are evaluated prior to treatment to see if they are indeed candidates for treatment.

 

 IVF-Acupuncture Combined Treatment

Combining IVF treatment with acupuncture has shown to dramatically increase the chances for conception by as much as 60-80%. It is highly recommended that treatment begin prior to retrieval and continue through the implantation procedure.
On the day the embryos are implanted, receiving a special acupuncture procedure before and after implantation will further increase the chances of a successful implantation. Special arrangements will be made around this appointment as these are the most important acupuncture treatments of the series.