IVF/IUI Support

To those who are on procedure of IVF/IUI, or plan to get IVF/IUI

There are numerous published studies that demonstrate the direct effects acupuncture can have on the reproductive system. When properly performed, the success rate of ongoing In vitro fertilisation (IVF) pregnancies doubled from that of the control group. It has also been shown to increase implantation rates, decrease miscarriages, decrease ectopic pregnancies and increase live births.

With our comprehensive treatments and individualized approach, we have helped many couples achieve their goals. Our highly qualified and experienced practitioners not only have a background in western medicine but also have a substantial amount of experience using acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat problems such as infertility. Based on each diagnosis, we treat the key causes for infertility and follow the menstruation cycle to improve different stage's physiological homeostasis at a particular time. Within our practice, more than half of all clients treated for infertility conceived. While some clients were successful through IVF, some experienced natural pregnancies during preparing for IVF. We would like to extend our thanks to the doctors/specialists at Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) as well as other facilities in Great Vancouver for their continued support of our practice.

We offer a range of infertility treatment options for both males and females. We understand the stress and frustration that couples can experience and provide extensive support for pre- and post-natal assistance. Our goal is to assess all the physical and emotional factors that may be the cause of fertility problems and design a treatment plan to help optimize the chances of success.

Treating Unexplained Infertility

Unexplained Infertility is one of the most common diagnosesof infertility in western medicine and our clinical practice. Unexplained Infertilityis idiopathic infertility due to unknown reasons even though the lab results of the fertility examinations (Day 2 or Day 3 hormone tests, uterus status, and hysterosalpingogram (HSG) for females and sperm count, morphology, and motility for males) are normal. IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is usually suggested by the specialists to people who are diagnosed with unexplained infertility.

With more than a decade of clinical practice, we have found that some infertility factors of many unexplained infertility cases could be identified. Western medicine focuses on hormone values but the performance of the hormones or physiological responses triggered by the hormones are often overlooked. We however closely monitored the clients' body temperature, which is an indicator of the performance of the hormones, when we provide treatment to our clients. Our observation shows that the progesterone level of the luteal phase may not increase even when the hormones and the LH surge (i.e. OPK (Ovulation Prediction Kits))of the follicular phase are normal. This suggests that no ovulation occurs due to unsuccessful communication between the pituitary gland and the ovary. This situation is usually referred to as an "imbalance" in Eastern medicine. Long-term hormone imbalance induces infertility even though a couple has intercourse regularly during the OPK period.

To our clients with this type of unexplained infertility, we have applied an individualized acupuncture treatment that re-establishes hormone balance and assists them to ovulate, which makes natural pregnancy possible. Our approach provides our clients with a natural and effective option so they may not need to seek IVF treatment, which is expensive and involves exposure to a large amount of hormones with an uncertain outcome. Additionally, long-term hormone imbalance affects the development and quality of the oocytes, which is the key for becoming pregnant, regardless of IVF or natural conception.

We have accumulated substantial amount of successful clinical cases and experiences in treating unexplained infertility. There are many "unexpected surprises" that happen to our clients every year.

More details at Acupuncture for IVF/IUI support