Reproductive Technology has helped immensely in improving fertility rates for couples having difficulty in conceiving. There are several options through assisted Reproductive Technology and Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can serve as an adjunctive therapy to further improve fertility rates to 65% (Manheimer, E.  BMJ 2008; 336:545-549, (8 March)).

What to expect during my first visit?

Do we both need to get treatment?

What kind of treatment?

How often do I/we need treatment?

How will acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine help with my fertility treatments?

What to expect during your first visit?

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine is commonly used in conjunction to ART procedures.  Our treatment protocols are individualized and specific to each patient. We normally recommend for both partners to come in to the initial consultation, after which we decide whether both partners need to undergo treatment or just one.  During the consultation we take a thorough medical history and will require information regarding any blood work, ultrasounds, sonograms etc. that have been performed by your medical doctor.

Do we both need to get treatment?

We highly suggest for both partners to attend the initial consultation.  Either together or separately this gives a chance for the practitioner to go through a thorough intake with both partners.  After the initial consultation the practitioner will discuss treatment protocols.  It is more common to see the women undergo treatments but the male partner can also benefit from treatments to optimize sperm health and to alleviate stress and anxiety during this time.  You will be given a couple of options to find what works for you both.

What kind of treatment?

Acupuncture is almost always suggested in our clinic for both male and female fertility issues.  Chinese herbal medicine is also effective and we commonly combine it with acupuncture.  For some patients only Chinese herbal therapy may be recommended.

How often do I/we need treatment?

For women the treatments are very specific to the timing of your cycle.  For example if you are in week 2 of your cycle we would focus the treatments on stimulating ovulation.  So it varies from week to week.  We typically suggest at least once a week for acupuncture and for Chinese herbs it's prescribed once a day.  For men acupuncture would be suggested at least once to twice a week and once a day for Chinese herbs if it's also prescribed.

In addition to the weekly treatments, if you are undergoing ART treatments such as IVF or IUI we would also suggest a treatment prior to and after the embryo transfer.  This is to assist with implantation and prevent miscarriage.

How will acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine help in addition to my ART treatments?

Some clients will present themselves with specific conditions affecting their fertility such as poor sperm count, endometriosis, PCOS, etc.  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is very effective in treating these conditions.  But during your ART procedures acupuncture and Chinese herbs can prepare both partners by:

• regulating your menstrual cycle
• stimulating timely ovulation and healthy cervical mucus
• improving egg quality
• increasing uterine blood flow
• enhancing uterine lining
• increasing sperm count
• promoting healthy sperm morphology & motility

You might say well, that is why I am going through ART treatments, how else can acupuncture and Chinese herbs help me?

Studies have shown that having acupuncture assist ART treatments increase conception rates to a 65% success rate (Manheimer, E.  BMJ 2008; 336:545-549, (8 March)).

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs help to prepare and strengthen your body naturally, enhancing your receptiveness to the drugs administered through ART treatments, enhancing the uterine environment for implantation or fertilization to take place and preventing miscarriage.

Artificial Reproductive Technology (ART) Treatment Options Chart [pdf document]