Infertility & InVitro
Can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
help me become pregnant?
Studies done with IVF embryo transfer
show that acupuncture given just before
and just after the transfer
improves the success rate of 30-40%.
Yes! TCM is an appropriate modality for treating women that are trying to conceive naturally and for women having ART (assisted reproductive therapy) such as IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF (invitro-fertilization). Studies done with IVF embryo transfer show that acupuncture given just before and just after the transfer improves the success rate of 40%. Studies also show that at least 3 months of TCM treatments is optimal for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Women trying to conceive naturally or that plan to go through ART should invest at least 3-6 months of acupuncture and herbal medicine to prepare the body for pregnancy. But, sometimes women don't discover the benefits of TCM for fertility until they have already begun their first cycle of ART, so in this case even doing acupuncture days, weeks, or months is beneficial to the success rate of ART.
How long are treatments?
Your first visit is will be 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
Follow up visits are usually one hour or less.
What should I wear?
Loose fitting, comfortable clothing is preferred.
Should I eat before my visit?
Yes, acupuncture is best received when is one has eaten.
Avoid caffeine before your visit, and avoid brushing your tongue.
Should I exercise before or after my treatment?
It is best to plan your exercise before your acupuncture treatment. This will allow the treatment to work optimally.
Is it OK to receive massage or chiropractic
on the same day as acupuncture?
Yes, these modalities are both best before an acupuncture treatment..
Does acupuncture hurt?
Some people are more sensitive than other however, usually, you feel very little but at times one feels a slight prick of the needle (not at all like the prick of an injection needle which is hollow and much larger in diameter) Some points in large muscular areas produce a gentle ache, which subsides within moments. NOTE: sensation on some points considered beneficial and therapeutic.
Will insurance cover my treatments?
Check with your insurance provider to find out if they cover acupuncture, and how many visits you are allotted per year. Payment is due at the time of the visit, and you will be provided with a superbill to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
How does Chinese medicine help improve IVF success rates?
1. It improves the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs.
2. It regulates the hormones to produce a larger number of follicles.
3. It increases the blood flow to the uterus and increases the thickness of the uterine lining.
4. It relaxes the patient and decreases stress.
5. It helps prevent uterine contractions.
6. It lessens the side effects of the Western drugs used in IVF.
7. It strengthens and regulates the patient’s immune system.
8. It improves male semen to create better quality and quantity of embryos.
9. It decreases the chance of miscarriage.
For best results, Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and Chinese dietary and lifestyle therapy, should be used before, during, and after IVF. Chinese medicine can help prepare both partners before IVF to strengthen the function of the ovaries, regulate the immune system, reduce stress, and improve the quantity and quality of sperm and the quality of the seminal fluid. This is accomplished in the female partner by treating any menstrual irregularities, such as amenorrhea, PMS, endometriosis, uterine myomas (a.k.a. fibroids), or heavy bleeding due to lack of ovulation. Such preparatory treatment usually lasts 3-6 months. After successful implantation of the embryo has taken place, Chinese medicine can also be used to help prevent miscarriage.
Patricia J. Ahner, A.P.
Call or email for an appointment today: ph. 954-600-3878~email: pahner@healingx.org
~with offices in Dania Beach, Plantation, Downtown Miami~
