Yes. Traditional Chinese Medicine is very effective treatment modality for infertility. In most cases Chinese Herbal Medicine will be the treatment of choice, however at times Acupuncture treatments will be administered as well.

Why is the treatment so long?

Chinese herbal medicine works gradually and decisively. The main goal with treating infertility is to restore and regain the patient's health. When the patient's health is at its best, conception occurs naturally. Since restoring the patient's health and the reproductive system ability are the goal, the scope of treatment is much broader, thus it requires longer time to obtain.

I am undergoing IVF treatment at the moment, should I get Chinese herbs?

No. Even though Chinese herbs will not interact with the hormone therapy you are receiving, most reproductive endocrinologists will oppose it. The best treatment modality is acupuncture, where no negative interaction is possible. In fact most reproductive endocrinologists recommend it to their patients. Research showed that success rate for IVF patients, who have had acupuncture 6-8 weeks prior to retrieval, were much higher then normal.

What is the protocol for IVF/IUI in conjunction with Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is being administered once a week for 4 weeks, twice a week for 2 more weeks and 3 times per week for 2 weeks until retrieval (IVF) or artificial insemination. For IVF 1 more treatment should be administered between retrieval and transfer of embryo. 3 additional more treatments are recommended in the first 10 days (up to the first blood test) post-transfer. 

What is the Chinese Herbal Medicine protocol?

Chinese Herbal Medicine is a complete treatment modality for infertility. Many patients who have had several unsuccessful IUIs/IVFs resort to Chinese Herbal Medicine treatment, and become pregnant. Chinese Herbal Medicine is not a miracle medicine and it is important to know that a good number of patients do not get pregnant with this treatment. Never the less, since Chinese Herbal Medicine aims directly at improving the patient's health, the overwhelming majority of patients finish the treatment much healthier then when they started.

Protocol

First the patient is being diagnosed correctly according to Chinese Medicine principles, and then a formula of herbs is being composed to fit the patient's individual condition. The patient then returns once a week for observation and the formula is being modified or changed-completely according to the progress. The patient receives the formula (raw herbs) for 1 week and cook it at home. She brews tea out of it according to specific instructions. The patient then drink the tea once a day for 6 days. The 7th day is off where the body can rest from the treatment.

In addition there is optional Plan B Herbal Formula given to the husband and wife to drink together (only available at our center). This formula is being taken by both husband and wife for 3 months every evening (or until earlier pregnancy). This formula does not substitute the regular herbal treatment and is in addition to it.

Are there many side effects to this treatment?

There are rarely any side effects from the intake of herbal medicine if it is administered correctly. One of the reasons that this treatment takes so long is the mild action of the herbs and the "body friendly" work they do. When taken without the supervision of a competent herbalist the side effects can be significant and sometime dangerous.

I find it hard to believe that IVF failed and herbs will help?

The good thing about IVF is that it normally is a very short procedure (unless there are complications). Many patients feel that their biological time is running out, and a quick resolve is needed. The psychological pressure is demanding and an IVF solution is necessary. At these times resorting to herbal treatments, that might last up to 5 months, is a very difficult choice. Because of this reality the majority of patients I see have gone through IUIs and IVFs several times until deciding for Chinese Medicine. Many of these patients get pregnant after taking herbs for 3-5 months and this is a fact. The success rate for herbal treatments does not fall below the success rate for IVF/IUI. The main difference is that at the end of the Herbal treatment cycle, the patient's health is much better then when started. (success rates for patients over 40 are actually much higher then IVF with patient's own eggs)

How much does it cost?

Initial consultation $90

Herbal treatment (including herbs for 1 week) $100.

Acupuncture $90 (10% discount is available if paying for 10 treatments or more)

Herbal + Acupuncture $180

How do I know if the acupuncturist/herbalist is the right one?

First, for infertility the main course of treatment is herbal medicine, so make sure your acupuncturist is also a certified herbalist. 

Acupuncture is a licensed profession but herbal medicine is not. Make sure your acupuncturist is nationally certified for acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine by the NCCAOM.

When receiving herbal treatment, never take one formula for several months. It is possible that the formula will not change from one week to the other, however some modifications must follow as your health changes. 

What kind of clientele do you have?

95% of my clients are females.
The largest age group of my clients is the 30 to 46 years of age category.
The most common complaints that I treat for infertility are :
1) Unexplained Infertility;2) Elevated FSH Levels 3) Poor Egg Quality; 4)  Endometriosis 5) Blocked Tubes; 6) Scar Tissue 7)No Egg Production 8) Other 9)Male Infertility

I live far away from Connecticut, how can I receive a treatment from you?

The best is if you can make the trip to my office (Greenwich, CT) at least once for initial diagnosis. Follow up treatments can follow by phone, where I will mail you the herbs by overnight mail. I have patients from Illinois, California, Florida, Puerto Rico, England and other places who receive their treatments in that fashion. When there is no choice initial consultation can be made over the phone as well.

Does health insurance cover herbal treatment for infertility?

Normally insurance companies do not cover herbal treatments. However you may submit the receipts to your insurance company. Randomly they do choose to pay.

Do I have to make an appointment ahead of time?

Yes. Our clinic is by appointment only. Treatment times are usually filled one week in advance, so you are best to book ahead for a time that suits your schedule. Occasionally there are cancellations and you may get in with shorter notice if you are flexible. Appointments are made by telephone only. Our phone number is (203) 325-2000.