Infertility Question and Answer
These are a compilation of specific questions we have received through email and
from our patients. This section is meant as a supplement to the
main infertility page.
Q: Can acupuncture help if my infertility is due to a Thin Uterine Lining?
A: Absolutely. Acupuncture is extremely effective in preparing the uterus for
pregnancy. We believe that much of our success in treating infertility arises
from our techniques for increasing blood flow and nutrients to the uterus and
balancing hormone levels. These treatments benefit not only those who suffer
from a thin uterine lining, but every woman who is trying to become pregnant.
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 the blockage is due to
chronic inflammation or scarring from infection, then acupuncture treatment may
take several months or even years to be effective. On the other hand, if there
is no physical blockage of the tube, but rather a decreased tube diameter due to
spasms or cramping, then acupuncture will have a much better and faster effect.
Q: Can acupuncture help me if my infertility is due to Poor Egg Quality?
A: Absolutely. We have seen many cases of infertility that were caused
primarily by poor egg quality. These patients often have other signs of poor
circulation, such as cold extremeties and low energy. In these cases, the root
cause of the poor egg quality is most often due to decreased circulation to the
uterus and the ovaries. If we find that is the case, our treatment will be
focused on increasing blood flow and nutrients to this area. Western studies have shown that acupuncture can significantly alter blood flow to the
uterus.
Q: Can acupuncture help if my infertility is due to high FSH?
A: Yes. There are many causes of high FSH, but in our experience, it is often
falsely attributed to old age and written off as a natural decline of ovarian
function. We have
observed that many women suffering from high FSH may also have one or more of
the following symptoms: 1) poor circulation (cold hands and feet), 2)
neurological disorders, and 3) endocrine disorders. If we find that poor
circulation is the cause, our treatments will be aimed at improving blood flow
and nutrients to the uterus and ovaries, as Western studies have shown that
acupuncture can significantly alter blood flow to the uterus and regulate
hormone levels. If we find that a neurological disorder is the cause, our
treatments will be aimed at improving neurlogical function. And lastly, if an
endocrine problem is the root cause of the infertility, our treatments will be
directed towards improving endocrine function.
Q: Can acupuncture help if my infertility is due to Endometriosis?
A: Yes. Endometriosis causes infertility because of endometrium-like tissue
growth on the ovaries and its connecting ligaments and blood vessels. Not only
does this restrict blood flow to the reproductive organs, but it can also cause
immense pain and discomfort. Our treatments will thus be directed at 1)
reversing the root cause of the endometriosis 2) improving blood flow to the
ovaries and 3) reducing any associated pain and discomfort.
Q: Can acupuncture help if my infertility is due to Ovarian Cysts or PCOS?
A: Ovarian cysts can arise when there is a hormonal imbalance that
disrupts the normal female menstrual cycle, leaving an unruptured egg inside the
ovary, which can then grow to become a cyst. The majority of ovarian cysts are
benign and do not cause any symptoms. However, when they do become enlarged and
multiply, a condition called PCOS, they can interupt the normal functioning of
the ovaries.
For women who have benign cysts, we recommend receiving acupuncture treatment to
reduce the chances of developing further complications. For women who are
already diagnosed with PCOS and PCOS-related infertility, we can help by
treating the root cause of the PCOS. Treatments will be focused on balancing and
regulating important hormones related to PCOS. We have also noticed that many of
our patients who suffer from PCOS also have back/spine related problems, and
hence, our treatment will focus on improving spine and back function. Once these
problems are addressed, we will focus on re-establishing and increasing blood
flow and nutrients to the uterus and ovaries. Patients will observe more regular
menstruation, less pain, and increased fertility.
Acupuncture is also extremely useful for reducing the pains and discomforts
associated with PCOS and the side effects from drugs used to treat it.
Q: If I am undergoing IVF, when should I start acupuncture?
A: If this is your first IVF cycle, we recommend you start at least a month
before embryo transfer. With one or two sessions per week, we can help you
prepare your body for pregnancy. However, if your previous IVF cycles have
failed, you must come in as early as possible before undergoing another cycle.
In most of our patients who have experienced failed cycles, there is a major
disorder in the body that needs to be treated before they can successfully
conceive.
Q: What do I do if I am taking a Clomid (or any other medication)?
A: Your doctor prescribed you medication for a reason. Many infertility drugs
are given to alter hormone levels to induce productive ovulation. We do not hold
negative opinions on Western medicines. In fact, we believe the right
combination of acupuncture and medication can achieve results that either alone
cannot match. To that end, we will always adjust our treatment to complement the
drugs / injections that you are currently taking. We believe that this can
greatly increase the effectiveness of the drugs while decreasing their
side-effects.
Q: If I am undergoing IVF, when should I start acupuncture?
A: If this is your first IVF cycle, we recommend you start at least a month
before embryo transfer. With one or two sessions per week, we can help you
prepare your body for pregnancy. However, if your previous IVF cycles have
failed, you must come in as early as possible before undergoing another cycle.
In most of our patients who have experienced failed cycles, there is a major
disorder in the body that needs to be treated before they can successfully
conceive.
Q: Do you prescribe herbs for infertility?
A: We will prescribe herbs free of charge if we believe it can help you (and in
the majority of cases we do). You can take the prescription to a Chinese
Pharmacy much like the way you bring a Western doctor's prescription to a
traditional pharmacy.
Q: How often should I have treatments for my infertility?
A: This is a question we hear very often, but there is no umbrella answer.
The length, frequency, and effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for infertility
depends heavily on the patient's specific disorder, lifestyle, and overall health.
We do understand most of our patients live busy lives and will help you create a
schedule based around your menstrual cycle that will optimize the effectiveness
of your treatments.
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: Absolutely, in our experience, acupuncture is just as effective for
women who are trying to conceive naturally. The reason why there is a relatively
small amount of literature for natural conception is because IVF clinical trials
are easier control and run.
Q: Can acupuncture help me after I become pregnant?
A: Yes. Acupuncture can help decrease the chances of miscarriage, help you better
your overall health, and prevent postpartum depression.
Q: I am over 40 years old and suffering from infertility. Can acupuncture still
help me?
A: Many of our patients who successfully had babies were over 40.
Acupuncture can help with many of the effects aging can have on a woman's
reproductive system. However, acupuncture cannot help if a woman has already
reached menopause.
Q: What else can I do to increase my chances?
A:
Based on your specific condition, we will make recommendations for how you can
proactively increase your chances of conception.
If you have additional questions, please email
acupuncturew57@gmail.com