IVF

Chinese Medicine is very successful in treating many gynecological disorder that accompany and contribute to infertility, such as irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and heavy bleeding(metrorrhagia) due to anovulation. Along with physical compilations and an imbalance of hormones, these disorders can affect a patient's ability to become pregnant. By treating the root causes of infertility, some patients may become pregnant naturally during the preparation time. For others, the chance of a successful In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) outcome is significantly increased.

Chinese Medical Preparation before IVF

Approximately three months prior to the IVF procedure, it is recommended that the patient received acupunture and herbal treatments to regulate the body's function and make IVF more successful. Sometimes after just these three months, the patient regains a normal menstrual cycle and is able to become pregnant naturally.

During the three months preparation time, the main objectives of Chinese medical therapy are to : improve the function of the ovaries; strengthen the immune system and reduce stress; improve semen quality and quantity

Chinese Medical Treatments before, during and after IVF

The preparation period is the most important stage in the IVF process for both western and Chinese medicine. When these two systems of medicine are used in conjunction, the results are greatly improved.

When start taking oral contraceptive pills for IVF, this is done one month prior to the IVF procedure to allow the ovaries to rest and to regulate the hormones. During this month, the patient should be supported with acupunture and Herbal to regulate the qi and blood flow to reproductive system and calms the spirit and relaxes the patient.

Two to three days after the menstrual cycle begins, the ovaries are stimulated with Follistim, Gonal-f, and Reprones, which functions like FSH and LH in order to produce more folicles. At this same time, acupuncture and Chinese herbal can also help the ovaries respond better to the stimulating drugs by producing more follicles and good quality eggs; thicken the lining of the uterus to prepare for the transfer of embryos; also reduce the side effects of the drugs.

When comes to embryos transfer, Chinese medicine is especially helpful. It can help slightly dilate the cervical opening in order to more easily transfer the embryo into the uterus. It also helps calm the patient, thereby relaxing the uterus. Therefore, when the transfer is being performed, the patient is less likely to experience cramping and uterine contractions, thus helping the embryo implantation.

After the transfer of embryos, acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatments will aim to assist blood circulation in the uterus, maintain implantation of the embryo, and nourish embryo growth; relaxing the uterus to prevent uterine contractions that could cause bleeding and miscarriage.

Your practitioner: Samoy Guan