Women come to me in all different stages of their fertility journey. I’ve seen 23 year old women who have never had regular periods for fertility enhancement. I’ve also helped a 52 year old women with postpartum depression (her sequela of an IVF procedure at age 49). Typically the younger women, those under the age of 30, come to me because they were diagnosed with endometriosis, PCOS or blocked fallopian tubes. Women over 35 seek assistance because they know they are not as fertile as they were 15 years prior or they have had several miscarriages. While women over the age of 35 are more likely to combine Eastern and Western methods of fertility enhancement, depending on the situation, it can be the best choice for young women as well. For example, In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is often the treatment of choice if the male partner has no sperm in his semen or a single woman or lesbian couple wishes to conceive. In the following article I am going to outline my approach to working with men and women who are using an Integrative approach to Fertility Enhancement.

Clomid is the first line of treatment for the diagnosis of infertility and is often prescribed by OB/GYN physicians. While it can make the body ovulate, frequently more than one egg per month, ironically, it can also inhibit key fertility processes such as the formation of a thick endometrial lining for the embryo to implant, or drying up cervical fluid. Other hormonal options are Femara, or the broad category of gonadotropins. These may or may not be combined with intra-uterine insemination (IUI). Typically the chances of pregnancy increase when IUI is used, especially if the male partner has poor semen quality. For these patients, the treatment plan often includes weekly acupuncture treatments that are timed around ovulation. Depending on where the difficulty lies, I may see a woman three times between day one of her cycle and ovulation, and just once between ovulation and the onset of her next menstrual cycle (if there is one and she is not pregnant). Herbal formulas and nutritional supplements are carefully timed though out the cycle to maximize her chances of conception and minimize any side effects from the hormone stimulation.

Even though IUI may be used, ideally the male partner will also participate in the process of healthy conception by taking antioxidants, herbal formulas if needed and receiving acupuncture treatment. Frankly, some men absolutely need to participate in these treatments to increase the odds of pregnancy. It depends on their age, if they have ever fathered children and their sperm analysis results, in addition to other factors. I make recommendations after seeing him, hopefully during a Couples Fertility Program appointment.

IVF is a very popular option for couples where: she is over 40, he has a very poor semen analysis and/or there are physical impediments to conception and pregnancy such as severe endometriosis or scarring of the fallopian tubes. For these couples I combine modern research with ancient diagnostic principals and treatments. I use the Cridennda/Magarelli Acupuncture Protocol (CMAP) and add points based on an individual’s unique Oriental medical diagnosis. To read more about my preceptorship and research background with the amazing duo-Dianne Cridennda, LAC and Paul Magarelli, MD, FACOG click here.

Additionally, when needed, I will add herbal formulas during different phases to augment the IVF cycle. I feel confident in doing this and have taught licensed acupuncturists how to do this in doctoral level reproductive medicine courses. However, I do feel strongly that herbal medicinals should only be a part of the treatment plan if prescribed by a very experienced clinician.

Sometimes women first contact me at the very beginning of their IVF cycle. While the CMAP is still an option, the three months prior to an IVF cycle, or any assisted reproductive therapy (ART) for that matter, is a very important time. From an Oriental medical perspective, the potential for conception and a healthy pregnancy is much greater with a good foundation. Ideally I meet the parents-to-be at least three months prior to ART so we can map out a treatment plan.

I have had very good results with my fertility patients. When I was working in San Francisco, only two years after I got my license, I earned the title of “Fertility Goddess”. This was bestowed upon me by a receptionist working at the clinic, who refused to be treated by me for fear that she would become pregnant. She and her husband were clear that that did not want children and though I was only two years into my practice, I was having very good results with fertility enhancement.

I really enjoy this aspect of my practice. Helping a couple conceive, assisting her through the ups and downs of pregnancy and finally the birth of a healthy baby is by far one of the most gratifying aspects of my practice.