Acupuncture, Infertility, Fertility

How Many Acupuncture for Infertility Treatments Does One Need?

There are two types of acupuncture treatments in addressing infertility: The preparatory acupuncture treatment and supportive acupuncture treatments for infertility.

The preparatory acupuncture or Pre-Retrieval Acupuncture Treatment infertility:

These acupuncture for infertility treatments usually start one three months before the start of anticipated trying cycle for all 3 category of patients (trying on their own, with IUI, with IVF). During the initial exam, Dr. Lee will determine, through pulse and tongue diagnosis, hand/feet exam, how close the patient is to the optimal fertility balance. For patients whose internal energies are within 10% the optimal balance, 2 to 4 acupuncture treatments for infertility may be sufficient. For those with only 20 to 40% of the normal energy, 9 to 12 infertility acupuncture treatments may be necessary prior to the start of anticipated trying cycle. Those with egg quality issues and low follicle counts should start 5 to 6 months ahead due to the fact that it often take 1 to 2 months to balance the body and 3 more months (85 days) for the egg to mature. Whose with multiple IUI or IVF failures and multiple miscarriages should start acupuncture 2 to 4 months prior to next IUI or IVF cycle. During this period, customized safe and effective Chinese herbs and teas are recommended to accelerate the fertility optimization process.

The supportive acupuncture or Post Retrieval Acupuncture Treatment for infertility:

Part A: 3 Acupuncture for Infertility Treatments: The first of these acupuncture for infertility treatments starts

On their own patients IUI patients IVF patients

#1 On the day of ovulation On the day of insemination On the day of transfer

#2 5 days after #1 5 days after #1 5 days after #1

#3 5 days after #2 5 days after #2 5 days after #2

Patients will usually take pregnancy test 3 to 4 days after treatment #3.

If the pregnancy test shows positive, then part B starts, If not, patients depend on their condition need to restart from preparatory acupuncture treatments again.

Part B: You've received the good news - you're pregnant. It is always exciting when we reach a goal, especially when it's planning a family. But now, the next goal is to stay pregnant. With his MPP (miscarriage prevention program), he is able to achieve 7% miscarriage rate for women age ranging 24 to 34 and 21

% for age ranging 35 to 47.

Reaching this next goal involves weekly acupuncture treatments for the next 8 weeks to maximize your fertility. These follow-up acupuncture treatments (done once a week for the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy) are just as important as the previous acupuncture treatments for infertility. Statistics show that on an average, there is a 20% chance of the pregnancy ending with a miscarriage within the first 12 weeks. This miscarriage rate increases to 50% if the patient is in their late 30s and early 40s. The ultimate goal of treating infertility is to have a child - getting pregnant is only the first step in an acupuncture for infertility program.

I have seen it time and time again that patients who continue acupuncture after they become pregnant have a much better chance in staying pregnant than those who do not. Having acupuncture once a week for the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy can help ensure the maximum blood flow to the uterus and increase your fertility, thus minimizing the chance of miscarriage. Let's work together in increase your fertility for your growing family.