1. Q: Can Acupuncture help with Infertility?

A: For thousands of years acupuncture has been used to treat reproductive disorders and to help prevent miscarriages. Studies have shown that women who receive acupuncture have significant increases in both uterine and ovarian blood flow leading to more successful implantation rates. These positive physiologic changes can lead to an increased rate of successful pregnancy. Western medicine and research are now confirming that acupuncture can increase pregnancy rates, decrease the chance of miscarriage, and help to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Return to Top

 

2. Q: If I am currently undergoing medical infertility treatment, including In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intra-uterine insemination (IUI) or if I am a donor-egg recipient, can I still have acupuncture?

A: Yes. In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF*) is a procedure that uses pharmaceutical medication to stimulate the body to produce multiple mature eggs at the same time. These eggs are then harvested in a procedure called "egg retrieval". In a laboratory, the eggs are then combined with sperm where they can grow. After several days, the resulting embryos are graded and the healthiest ones are placed into the uterus. Only about a third of women on average undergoing IVF will become pregnant. The percentage is reduced with age especially for women over 40. In addition, there is 20% or higher chance of miscarriage.

Acupuncture can have a significant impact on those who have responded poorly to IVF. In one study, poor responders who received acupuncture achieved the same pregnancy rates as normal responders. Recent analysis of various studies has shown that the odds of having a live birth are almost doubled when acupuncture treatment is utilized as opposed to those who did not utilize acupuncture treatment.

*If you are in an IUI, IVF, or donor-egg recipient, schedule appointments for your pre and post acupuncture treatments in conjunction with your procedure. This increases your chances of success significantly!

Return to Top

 

3. Q: Who is the typical infertility patient?

A: Typical patients (both male and female) are between the ages of twenty to forty-five, who have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for at least a year. Some patients only want to try a natural approach before considering medical fertility treatment and others want to utilize acupuncture in conjunction with their medical treatment. Clinical studies are showing and it is our experience that by utilizing acupuncture, pregnancy rates are greater.

Return to Top

 

4. Q: Should my partner be treated?

A: Infertility is a problem that can affect either partner. While usually only one of the partners has reproductive issues, initially both need to be evaluated to determine if assistance is required. While treatment typically centers on women, men can be affected also. Sperm counts can be below normal, and sperm motility/mobility (how well they swim) or morphology (If the sperm are normal in appearance) can be poor. Acupuncture treatments show impressive results in improving sperm count, morphology, and motility/mobility.

Return to Top

 

5. Q: How does acupuncture help treat infertility?

A: Acupuncture and herbal medicine improve blood-flow to the reproductive organs in women and men, thereby improving egg-quality and endometrial lining quality, as well as sperm quality. In women, the initial phase of treatment involves regulating hormones and the menstrual cycle and clearing any underlying physiologic imbalances. In order to reestablish a normal reproductive balance two to six months is usually required depending on circumstances (i.e. nutritional deficits, lifestyle factors, stress, etc). After balancing the reproductive cycle many women will become fertile and open for conception. Regularity of periods, bright red blood flow without clots, minimal or no menstrual cramping or breast tenderness, better emotional balance, enriching sleep, warm hands and feet, and much more energy are customarily noticed. Once conception occurs, the second phase of treatment decreases the possibility of miscarriage, increasing the probability of a successful full term pregnancy.

Return to Top

 

6. Q: I understand that herbal medicine is often used with patients. What do the herbs do and, are they safe?

A: Often, herbal medicine is used in conjunction with acupuncture. Herbal medicine is used to help correct deep physiologic imbalances and when used with acupuncture enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment. If you are undergoing medical fertility treatments an herbal protocol will be established for you in conjunction with your fertility specialist.

Yes, herbs are safe. Herbs that are used are whole plant substances, not extracts or concentrates. Herbs can be used in conjunction with most pharmaceutical medications without negative interaction.

Return to Top

 

7. Q: How long will I have to be treated?

A: Treatment begins prior to conception and can continue through delivery to insure a successful pregnancy. Treatment schedules and plans vary by patient. Studies show that 90% of all failed pregnancies occur within the first trimester and acupuncture and herbal medicine can help reduce this possibility.

Return to Top

 

8. Q: If pregnant, what other ailments can acupuncture treat?

A: Many common pregnancy complaints such as low back pain, morning sickness, miscarriage prevention (cramping, bleeding etc.), headaches, and edema can be treated with acupuncture. Women who are having a difficult time starting labor can be induced without drugs using acupuncture.

Return to Top

 

9. Q: Do you work weekends or other odd hours?

A: We are committed to our patients. If your transfer occurs on a Saturday, Sunday or Holiday, we will be there for you. We see patients during regular office hours Monday to Friday 8 am – 6pm, by appointment.

Return to Top

 

10. Q: How long does it take to get an appointment?

A: Please contact our office. (954) 977-9077. We usually are able to schedule you the same or next day.

Return to Top