Andrea Clow LAc a Fellow of the American Board of Reproductive Medicine (FABORM) combines training in holistic and whole medicine fertility support with the most up to date research in the field of reproductive medicine to ensure patients are receiving the most effective treatments available.

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For thousands of years, Chinese Medicine has recognized that the ability to conceive is dependent on the body being in balance. This physical balance is intimately connected with the health of our emotional and mental well-being.

 

When fertility is challenging, it penetrates every aspect of our beings.  It shakes us to our core and is often the place for self-reflection. This process is not isolated to the challenge of fertility, but rather the challenge of fertility also brings with it an opportunity for growth. It is from this centered place that emotions are soothed, hormones balanced and fertility enriched.  A peaceful heart is the highest expression of health as well as the greatest invitation for new life to grow.

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Traditional Chinese medicine strongly influences the reproductive and endocrine systems to address a wide variety of women’s health concerns that may hinder fertility such as PMS, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and PCOS. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can improve these gynecological conditions as well as promote overall emotional and physical well-being in order to restore balance and increase fertility.

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Studies have shown that Chinese medicine can have the following effects for those seeking to promote their fertility naturally or with the help of assisted reproductive therapies (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intra-uterine insemination (IUI).

• Regulate hormones and menstrual cycle

• Improve ovarian functions and the quality and quantity of follicles

• Increase blood flow to the uterus and thicken the uterine lining for implantation

• Reduce side-effects of western drugs and intervention

• Increase sperm count, mobility and quality

• Decrease the chance of miscarriage

• Strengthen the immune system

• Decrease stress and anxiety

• Relax the uterus- offering a warm and cozy place for a baby to grow

• Improve quality of sleep and increase energy

• Strengthen the immune system and support general heath to promotes healthy pregnancy and baby

 

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IVF, IUI, and LGQT

Many people today are using assisted reproductive therapies such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra-uterine injections (IUI) for conception.  As well as individuals who wish to freeze eggs or embryos until they are ready to think about starting a family. The addition of Chinese medicine to these therapies greatly improves the success of a pregnancy up to 25-46%. For those utilizing assisted reproductive technologies (ART), Chinese medicine can help:

• Improve the lining of the uterus

• Improve the quality and quantity of follicles (120 days)

• Significantly reduce stress associated with the cycle

• Decrease the chance of miscarriage

• Prevent uterine contraction post IVF embryo transfer

• Reduce the side-effects of IVF medications

• Improve male sperm — volume, motility and morphology (120 days)

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TREATMENT PLAN

Natural family planning- change wording for titles

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For couples seeking to conceive naturally it is recommended to start 3-6 months prior to trying to conceive, once a week is ideal to balance the stages of the menstrual cycle. --WHY

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Why three months is important: It takes about 90-150 days for a follicle to mature into a healthy egg ready to be released at ovulation. During a women's 28 day cycle, the most developed egg is released (ovulation), travels to the uterus, and then either is fertilized or is sloughed off in the process of menstruation. Three months is important to create healthy, quality follicles, balance hormones, and get the body as a whole in the best condition for conception to occur.

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ASSISTED FAMILY PLANNING

For couples utilizing ART it is recommended to start acupuncture and Chinese medicine 2-3 months prior, one treatment a week until the stimulation cycle begins, at that time two times a week is ideal.

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The pre and post embryo transfer treatment, which is performed on the same day, is the most crucial time to utilize acupuncture and Chinese medicine. We are trained in the Paulus Protocol, a benchmark study from Fertility and Sterility Journal in April 2002, which demonstrated increased pregnancy rates 26.1% to 42% among the group who received acupuncture before and after embryo transfer. The chance of conception can increase greatly when acupuncture is given at these times. Scientific studies have shown that acupuncture at these times:

• Improves uterine blood flow

• Decreases contractions

• Supports endometrial lining and implantation

• Calms the mind and soothes anxiety

 

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SURROGACY AND ADOPTION

These alternative roads to parenthood can have an effect on our mind, body and spirit as well. While the process of ups and down, challenges and excitement can take a toll on your body and mind. Conscious conception plays a key role of integrating “life before” to “life with” baby. We will help you transition into parenthood by restoring balance through peaceful acupuncture treatments.

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MALE INFERTILITY

Infertility affects both men and women in equal proportion. Male infertility accounts for 30-50% of infertility cases, and is commonly due to low sperm production, misshapen or immobile sperm, or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors can play a role in causing male infertility.

 

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been clinically shown to:

• Significantly increase sperm production

• Increase the percentage of healthy sperm

• Improve sperm motility

• Improve hormone levels responsible for fertility

• Improve sperm morphology and reduce sperm DNA fragmentation

• Increase the rate of pregnancy

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RECURRENT PREGNANCY LOSS

For many women conceiving is the easy part, it’s what happens next is the hardest.  Pregnancy loss at any level whether your first or you’ve had multiple losses, it take an enormous toll emotionally and creates high anxiety and stress with each and every pregnancy. The many root factors that could contrite to repeated loss include:

• Genetics

• Clotting disorders

• Autoimmune factors

• Hidden infections

• Chromosomal abnormalities

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Andrea will use a highly integrative approach as she sees the importance and need to work with skilled doctors to aid in investigating the hidden causes of repeated loss.  Combining Eastern and Western medicine, a plan is created to support the next pregnancy with all the tools we have, and build a solid foundation to not only ease the journey emotionally but ensure that support is always within reach.

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