Infertility FAQ's

The following are some of the most common questions asked in our practice.

 

• Can acupuncture help if my infertility is due to a Thin Uterine Lining?
  
  
• Can acupuncture help if my infertility is due to a Blocked Fallopian Tube?
  
  
• Can acupuncture help me if my infertility is due to Poor Egg Quality?
  
  
• Can acupuncture help if my infertility is due to high FSH?
  
  
• Can acupuncture help if my infertility is due to Endometriosis?
  
  
• Can acupuncture help if my infertility is due to Ovarian Cysts or PCOS?
  
  
• If I am undergoing IVF, when should I start acupuncture?
  
  
• What do I do if I am taking a Clomid (or any other medication)?  
    
• Do you prescribe herbs for infertility?
  
  
• How often should I have treatments for my infertility?
  
  
• I have seen a lot of scientific literature that shows acupuncture can help women who are undergoing IVF, but can it also help those who are trying to conceive naturally?
  
  
• Can acupuncture help me after I become pregnant?
  
  
• What else can I do to increase my chances?

 

 

 

Q: Can acupuncture help if my infertility is due to a Thin Uterine Lining?
A: YES. Study after study has shown that Acupuncture increases the circulation to the uterus. It has also been proven to relax the uterus, thereby promoting proper blood flow and increasing the thickness of the lining.  Acupuncture also has a regulating effect on the endocrine system. This allows for proper hormonal activity which is essential for a healthy endometrial lining.

For more info about Thin Uterine Lining Click Here

 

Q: Can acupuncture help if my infertility is due to a Blocked Fallopian Tube?
A: The answer depends on the cause of the blockage. If there is a structural blockage, such as scar tissue or something you are born with, acupuncture may not be a useful technique to treat your condition. However, if there is no physical blockage of the tube, but rather a decreased tube diameter due to stress or cramping, or a blockage due to inflammation, then acupuncture can be very effective at relaxing the tubes and “unblocking them”

For more info about Blocked Fallopian Tubes Click Here

 

Q: Can acupuncture help me if my infertility is due to Poor Egg Quality?
A: Yes.  Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been able to improve Egg Quality.  By improving blood flow, balancing reproductive hormones and reducing stress, egg quality can be improved.  Using high quality anti-oxidants in conjunction with acupuncture also has a beneficial effect.

For more info about Poor Egg Quality Click Here

Q: Can acupuncture help if my infertility is due to high FSH?
A: YES. High FSH is attributed to low ovarian reserve.  The body produces higher levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone to help produce more eggs.  By benefiting the circulation to the ovaries and uterus, acupuncture rejuvenates the ovaries to help produce better quality follicles.  Therefore, your body will produce less FSH because the health of the ovaries is better.  The ovaries essentially become biologically younger.

For more info about High FSH Click Here

Q: Can acupuncture help if my infertility is due to Endometriosis?
A: Yes. Endometriosis is diagnosed as Blood Stagnation according to Chinese Medicine.  The use of herbal medicine is essential in treating endometriosis.  The focus of treatment is to break up the blood stagnation and alleviate pain.  Acupuncture will be effecting in moving the stagnant blood, alleviating pain, and reducing the inflammation associated with endometriosis.  Treatment for endometriosis takes time. Typically results will be seen after 2-4 menstrual cycles.

For more info about Endometriosis Click Here

 

Q: Can acupuncture help if my infertility is due to Ovarian Cysts or PCOS?
A:  YES: Acupuncture combines with a holistic approach has been very effective in correcting PCOS.  A low glycemic diet and exercise have shown significant beneficial effects. Acupuncture will be beneficial in correcting the hormonal imbalance as well as regulating the menstrual cycle and promoting ovulation.  It will also be effective in reducing the amount of dampness accumulation in the lower abdomen.  Chinese herbs are also essential in correcting the imbalance causing the ovarian cysts.  Treatment for PCOS takes time; typically results can be expected after 2-3 months of acupuncture and herbal medicine.

For more info about Thin Uterine Lining Click Here

Q: If I am undergoing IVF, when should I start acupuncture?
A: If you are going for IVF, chances are you have already done a number of IUI’s and they have failed.  It is our recommendation that you start acupuncture at least one month, but ideally two months prior to IVF retrieval.  Depending on the time of the month, one or two sessions per week will help you prepare your body for pregnancy. If you have a condition such as PCOS or Endometriosis, you would benefit from more frequent treatments.

For more info about IVF and Acupuncture Click Here

Q: What do I do if I am taking a Clomid (or any other medication)?                                    A: Research has shown that when Clomid is combined with the herbal formula Dang Gui Shao Yao San, the results have been better that Clomid alone.  However, we understand and are respectful of Reproductive Endocrinologists view on combining the two forms of medicinals.  If you are currently on any type of hormone medication, we will defer to your RE’s recommendations.  It is perfectly safe to include Acupuncture without herbal medicine into your treatment protocol during the IVF stimulation phase.      

For more info about taking a Clomid or other medication with herbs Click Here

      

  

Q: Do you prescribe herbs for infertility?
A: YES. If you are not currently on any hormone medication, we will more often than not prescribe herbal medicine.  Herbs have a long well documented history of safely and effectively treating conditions associated with infertility and gynecology.

For more info about Herbs for Infertility Click Here

 

Q: How often should I have treatments for my infertility?
A: It depends on many different circumstances.  The age of the patient- I you are under 35 and are in good overall health, once per week is generally recommended.  If you are over 35 and in good general health, twice per week is recommended.  If you have a medical condition that is related to your infertility, generally twice per week is recommended regardless of age.  At different times of the month, we may suggest that you come in for an additional visit if we feel it is necessary.  For example: during ovulation, or pre and post IVF transfer.

For more info about Acupuncture Infertility Treatments Click Here

Q: I have seen a lot of scientific literature that shows acupuncture can help women who are undergoing IVF, but can it also help those who are trying to conceive naturally?
A: YES. Much of the current research relating to acupuncture and infertility revolves around IVF.  The reason is,  it is much easier to have a control group with patients undergoing IVF.  However, acupuncture can be beneficial for anyone having trouble conceiving. In many instances, acupuncture should be the first modality used if you have not gotten pregnant on your own.  Many times it is a simple imbalance that can be corrected with acupuncture, which is causing the unexplained infertility.  

For more info about Conceiving Naturally with Acupuncture Click Here

Q: Can acupuncture help me after I become pregnant?
A: Yes. If you have had a miscarriage in the past, Acupuncture can help prevent another miscarriage. If you do not have a history of miscarriage, then the reasons for having acupuncture during your pregnancy would be different.  Acupuncture can help reduce nausea, heart-burn, back pain, fatigue, depression, including post partum depression.  Acupuncture is also very effective in helping to turn a breached baby.  It can also be used to ease labor pains and bring on labor.

For more info about Acupuncture After Pregnancy Click Here

 

Q: What else can I do to increase my chances?
A: The best approach is a holistic approach.  Eat organic foods, get daily exercise, get plenty of sleep (8 hours per day).  Eat foods that contain high anti-oxidants and omega3 fatty acids. When trying to conceive, it is important to make love! Don’t make getting pregnant the reason you have sex.  Get pregnant as a result of being healthy and being in a healthy sexual relationship with your spouse.

For more info about Increasing Your Chances for Pregnancy Click Here