You’re probably here because you haven’t been able to reach your goal of growing your family. Maybe your doctor gave you a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, advanced maternal age, or abnormal semen parameters. Maybe you’re considering using a sperm or egg donor, or embryo donation program. Or perhaps you’ve already utilized Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) such as Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) without success and are beginning to wonder if you can make your dream of being a parent come true.
There are endless challenges while trying to conceive. Doctor appointments require time off from work. Family functions with well-intentioned family members asking, “When are y’all having kids?” Baby showers and logging into Facebook are reminders that you’re having difficulty conceiving. The financial strain that comes with fertility testing and medications, IUIs, and IVF cycles. The appearance that everyone around you is “easily” getting pregnant. Difficulty conceiving affects you mentally, emotionally, financially, and physically. Feelings of shame, anger, resentment, confusion, and frustration are common… but you are not alone.
I’ve worked with hundreds of couples since 2010 that started out in a place similar to where you are now. Some had a clear infertility diagnosis and Western treatment plan, but most were given the frustrating diagnosis of “unexplained infertility” and unsure of their next step(s). However, one thing they all had in common was wanting a practitioner that would listen and create a personalized plan for them, keeping in mind that they are a whole person, not just a fertility diagnosis.
What I Do
If you want a reproductive acupuncturist that will listen, guide, and support you on your fertility journey then you’re in the right place. I know your fertility experience is unique to you.
Over the years I’ve treated many reproductive health conditions, including but not limited to:
Having worked in the fertility field since 2010 I am familiar with many different methods of conception and support patients experiencing:
Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility Treatment
Should both partners be treated?
In most cases, yes, both partners should be treated. Here’s why.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), one-third of infertility cases are caused by male factor issues, one-third are caused by female factor issues, and the other third are caused by a combination of male and female issues. (More information can be found here.) Therefore, up to 60% of the time there is a male factor issue, and up to 60% of the time there is a female factor issue. This is why both partners may need treatment and are recommended to each book an initial consultation.
Roughly 5% – 10% of couples experiencing infertility are diagnosed with unexplained infertility. This is where all testing comes back within normal ranges, but the couple is still unable to conceive or maintain a pregnancy. In my experience, patients with unexplained infertility respond well to my services.
What is the recommended frequency for acupuncture treatments for fertility?
Each person and couple is given an individualized treatment plan within 2 business days of their consultation, and this plan includes acupuncture frequency recommendations. However, the following are good guidelines for what to expect if you’re trying to budget your time and finances before your consultation.
- Fertility Preparation: I recommend starting with acupuncture once a week for 12 weeks. This gives us time to make a positive impact on egg and sperm quality and lay a healthy foundation for conception and pregnancy.
- IVF & IUI Support: In an ideal world we would have 3 months to reach 12 treatments (acupuncture once a week). However, many patients are already preparing for an IUI or IVF cycle by the time they contact me. Based on the research, our goal is to get in as close to 12 treatments as possible before egg retrieval and/or embryo transfer. Although 12 acupuncture visits are ideal, in my experience any number of treatments before retrieval or transfer can help lower stress and anxiety, improve blood flow to the pelvis, and improve your overall fertility experience. Read more about my recommended frequency of treatment for IVF here and for IUI here.
- PCOS and Amenorrhea: More challenging conditions, such as PCOS and Amenorrhea, may need acupuncture once a week for 3-6 months before the body is able to regulate the menstrual cycle on its own.
I will evaluate your current health and fertility to create a personalized wellness plan. The goal of our work together will be to rebalance your hormones, and improve your overall health and fertility. We’ll do this by supporting your body with proper nutrition through food and supplements, stress reduction techniques, and acupuncture. Some side benefits you may experience include improved digestion, more restful sleep, and increased energy – all of which are a great foundation for a healthy conception, pregnancy, and life!
To get started, book a virtual or in-person consultation.
FEMALE patients should book one of the following:
- Fertility Program Consultation (virtual) – 40 Minutes
- Embryo Transfer (FET) Prep Consultation (virtual) – 30 Minutes
- Initial Consultation + Acupuncture Treatment – 90 Minutes (in person)
- Initial FET Consultation + Acupuncture Treatment (in person)
MALE patients should book one of the following:
- Male Patient – Consultation (virtual) – 40 minutes
- Male Patient Initial Consultation + Acupuncture Treatment – 90 minutes (in person)