Acupuncture And Infertility / Acupuncture And IVF Treatment

There are very few health topics and labels that are as emotionally charged, intensely personal and challenging as infertility. Strict medication and assisted reproductive technique schedules alone can be very stressful. When added on to the expectations and possible fears of living with fertility challenges, they can prove overwhelming.

Acupuncture is an effective and valuable tool in boosting fertility rates. Since acupuncture is inherently holistic, it also excels at relieving stressful emotional patterns, fatigue, and overall health challenges that can accompany issues of fertility.

The health and success of pregnancy is largely affected by the mother's and father's state of health and well being, both before and after conception.

Our first priority is to serve as a supportive, nourishing, and effective resource for all of our clients' needs. This usually begins with a regimen of acupuncture and herbs designed to strengthen and balance the overall health picture, with a particular emphasis on the functioning of the reproductive system.

These strategies work along with the woman's menstrual cycle to maximize the body's natural reproductive capacity.

"...I firmly believe the reason that my IVF cycle was successful this time was because of my acupuncture treatments with Rebecca. Every step of my IVF cycle I responded more positively, and was much more relaxed throughout the whole process. I am now expecting triplets and continue to see Rebecca once a week" Colleen, Albany, NY

In Chinese Medicine, Strategies To Improve Fertility Include:
  • Regulating the menstrual (hormonal) cycle
  • Eliminating or reducing obstructions to proper circulation and implantation
  • Resolving premenstrual syndrome patterns
  • Improving egg/sperm quality
  • Relieving stress, anxiety, depression
  • Mitigating chances of miscarriage
  • Augmenting ART procedure outcomes

Chinese herbs and acupuncture are the most commonly used therapies for infertility. Nutritional recommendations are also encouraged through a visit with Dr. Ronald Stram, M.D & Integrative Medicine Doctor or Dr. Korey DiRoma, but not required.

Our Experienced Acupuncturists

Our acupuncturists Rebecca Rice, L.Ac., MSAOM and Christopher R. Reilly, L.Ac., MSA, treat infertility using Chinese medicine alone or in conjunction with assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF or IUI.

Treatment:

General guidelines for duration and frequency of treatments:

Chinese Medicine Alone

  • Weekly treatments for at least 3-6 months

Acupuncture In Conjunction With IUI

  • Weekly treatments at least 3 months before IUI

Acupuncture In Conjunction With IUI

  • Weekly treatments at least 3 months before the month of IVF cycle.
  • two treatments per week before and after retrieval and transfer process

Success Rates

The determining factors of Chinese medicine's efficacy are similar to those of allopathic medicine. Those with tubal factors, uterine scarring and cysts may be treated with Chinese medicine and are encouraged to be examined with western diagnostic methods of exploring the reproductive system.

A 2001 study reported a 16% increase in pregnancy rates for women receiving acupuncture during their IVF cycle.

Costs

Treatments are $90 for the initial consultation and treatment, and $70/treatment thereafter. Herbal costs are around $10/week.

"I called the Center for Integrative Health and Healing after my husband and I had been trying to get pregnant for a year unsuccessfully. I was very frustrated and upset when I called the Center for information and Nadine was confident that Rebecca Rice would be able to help me. Nadine was extremely compassionate and reassuring, I immediately felt hope after I had made my appointment.

Rebecca took a lot of time to listen to me and get to know me. It is so refreshing to be treated for mind, body, and spirit, rather than just a medical condition.

I am so excited to say that after only a few visits with Rebecca I became pregnant! I have continued to see her for my first trimester, which thanks to Rebecca, has been completely nausea free and I have more energy now than I did ever with my first pregnancy. I am so thankful to Rebecca, Nadine and the Center and whole-heartedly recommend them to anyone." Christie F.

Our Special Team Approach To Your Health Care

At the Center, your acupuncturist has the opportunity to consult with complementary practitioners and medical doctors about your health concerns and the progress you are making. These practitioners are always available to you as well.

We take great pride in our staff's special team consulting approach to the care of our patients, giving you the best that Integrative Medicine has to offer.

Make An Appointment

Call The Center at 518.689.2244 or Click Here to Contact Us by Email and Nadine, April or Wendy will be happy to discuss your situation and make an appointment for you.

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