It is our experience at the Axelrad Clinic that with Acupuncture and targeted nutritional support, gaps in medical knowledge can often by filled by the body’s innate healing mechanisms. For patients undergoing IVF, this becomes a critical part of the equation because of the very focused approach of IVF treatment, which does wonders for egg production and fertilization, but may not cover other bases such as subtle immune system dysfunction, sub-clinical circulatory problems, over-production of stress hormones, and undetectable but significant uterine instability.

It is generally accepted that issues with egg quality, uterine lining, the general hormonal environment, and stress levels can all be greatly impacted by subtle physiological imbalances that have their source in diet, lifestyle, emotional patterns, and environmental factors. It is also known that fertility drugs have limited influence over these issues. By incorporating focused, individualized nutritional guidance along with coaching on stress management and the unique effects of acupuncture, the body is better able to self-regulate these uncertain and difficult-to-manage parameters. This results in IVF success rates that are greatly increased.

Currently at the Axelrad Clinic, our single IVF cycle success rate stands at approximately 72%. What this means is that a disproportionate number of pregnancies over the national average occur for patients who combine our services with IVF. Additionally, our miscarriage rate with IVF patients is less than 10%.

For these success rates, we have excluded patients who either drop out of care early or who do not follow through with our recommended treatment guidelines which are currently as follows:

1. At least 4 weeks of weekly acupuncture before the IVF cycle begins.
2. Weekly acupuncture during the IVF cycle PLUS one pre-retrieval and one pre-transfer treatment in addition.
3. A minimum of 6 to 12 weekly acupuncture visits during the first trimester of a resulting pregnancy.

We have seen time and time again that the patients who seek our help after one or more failed cycles almost always report better results during the subsequent cycle. We define better results as follows:

1. The number of fertilized embryos almost always increases, even in cases where egg counts are lower.
2. Side-effects are reduced significantly during the stimulation phase of the IVF cycle.
3. Stress levels are greatly reduced compared to previous cycle(s).

We believe that the unusually high success rates achieved with our patients is a result of our unique process. We promote a highly individualized approach to treatment that consistently achieves a high degree of patient satisfaction. Our IVF preparation and support program is based around the following core principles:

1. Encourage compliance with the instructions of the Reproductive Endocrinologist and IVF clinic staff.
2. Identify sub-clinical nutritional deficiencies in each patient and recommend a focused, practical supplementation plan to correct them.
3. Educate each patient about the IVF process, and prepare them mentally for what they will be doing.
4. Help each patient prepare their body to handle the medications and procedures that IVF requires.
5. Where time and logistics permit, use herbals and nutritionals ahead of the cycle to regulate hormonal functions and correct subclinical imbalances in blood sugar, adrenal and thyroid function, etc.
6. Weekly visits to provide individualized coaching on mind-body relaxation, and acupuncture treatments targeted to their specific challenges (i.e. blood flow, poor response, etc.)

Our experience indicates this program results in a more compliant, better informed patient who asks appropriate questions and feels less overwhelmed by the IVF process We will provide you with brochures and information sheets designed to explain, in plain English, the potential benefits of incorporating Acupuncture with In-Vitro Fertilization. These offer a way to introduce your patients to the unique opportunity to dramatically increase their probability of a successful cycle. By making your patients aware of this golden opportunity, you increase satisfaction with your services, as well as the success rates at your clinic. We look forward to serving your patient population and achieving the best results you and your patients.

Sincerely,
Chris Axelrad, M.S.O.M., L. Ac., FABORM, Director