Building a Baby: When Should I Start Acupuncture for Fertility?
If you are trying to get pregnant, you may be wondering when the best time is to start acupuncture for fertility. This is one of the most common questions we get from our fertility patients.
Our answer is: now.
For whatever concern you are experiencing with your fertility, the best time to address it is now, weather that be on the Eastern or Western medicine side. Do not put off concerns even if you think they are no big deal.
In our 20’s and early 30’s getting pregnant might seem easier and because of young hormones, it is. As life progresses and we decide to build families later in life, it is indeed a bit tougher.
“A woman’s peak reproductive years are between the late teens and late 20s. By age 30, fertility (the ability to get pregnant) starts to decline. This decline becomes more rapid once you reach your mid-30s. By 45, fertility has declined so much that getting pregnant naturally is unlikely for most women.”
Source: ACOG.org
Fertility concerns can range from irregular cycles, PCOS, Endometriosis, painful cycles, severe PMS, trying for baby #2, prolactin issues, pre-diabetes, difficult first delivery, addiction, past surgeries, not ovulating, painful intercourse, to name a few issues.
Why start now?
Like any mammoth project the outcome does require planning. There needs to be a plan and accountability. Do you build a house without a plan? Do you retire without a plan? Do you do an iron man race without planning?
Some of us do some of these things without a plan and with luck, it might come off ok.
But more often it flops. Planning to build a baby is the biggest deal of one’s life, why don’t we plan (health wise for that)?
For folks considering acupuncture, herbs and expert guidance for fertility concerns this timing answer is similar: start now. For both men and women an evaluation and treatment will provide a path to building your family.
How can Eastern Medicine assist?
Working alongside your OBG, we have a separate system of diagnosis that often provides balance to your menstrual cycles, aides with sleep, emotions, high stress. We can also help with PCOS, endometriosis and the above list of concerns using acupuncture, herbal medicine, supplements, diet and lifestyle.
What often gets neglected is our range of support by answering lots of questions, explaining assisted schedules, what one can expect during certain cycles and always, appropriate referrals. Our appointments are one hour and 15-20 minutes of that time is talking, which is a huge part of the journey.
What happens at the first appointment?
At Many Lives Chinese Medicine our initial fertility consult is virtual.
Why? Because in one hour, we go over intake forms and lab work that are sent before the appointment. We review systems, go over extensive menstrual history but more than that, we talk about your personal journey. According to your individual situation we give achievable fertility ideas that can be used the minute the call ends.
Then what?
An acupuncture appointment is scheduled where, for an hour, we discuss any questions, complete additional information, and recommend a treatment protocol. Acupuncture is given and if needed, herbal medicine.
To prepare to be pregnant can be a perfect journey for cleaning out your physical closet.
For the best chances of a quality pregnancy, we encourage treatment three months before deciding to try for baby. If you have less time, that is ok, start where you are.
Pregnancy preparation is not only for women, we strongly encourage men to also come in to prepare themselves for the fertility journey as well.
We look forward to your journey, schedule for a 15-minute free consult with Beth. Or book your initial visit here.
Beth Schiffman
Many Lives Chinese Medicine
Acupuncturist Redwood City
650-366-4299
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