Friday, April 17, 2015

8 Failed IVF Treatments Is a Heavy Burden to Bare

 After their 7th Failed IVF, They Decided to Try Something New


A patient came to us for our fertility expertise and advice after 7 failed IVF (In-vitro fertilization) attempts. In her initial visit, upon reviewing her history and the testing they had done over the last several years, we asked if she had talked to her doctor about the possibility of a blood clotting disorder? Or the more subtle possibility of a disturbed blood flow to her endometrium and the placenta causing repeated implantation failure? She had not heard of this before. She had not discussed this with her reproductive endocrinologist before. 

She was traveling out of state for her 8th IVF and we urged her, before her next transfer of her embryos, to have this conversation with her RE (reproductive endocrinologist, or rather, her fertility doctor). We also welcomed them to call us to discuss the case together. We did not hear from them.

Studies have proven that just by adding acupuncture to an IVF round, the take home baby rate increased by 50-62.5%.  Other studies also proved that by first seeking the fertility expertise with multiple systems and traditional chinese medicine (including: acupuncture, prescribed tcm herbal medicine by a trained chinese herbalist and acupuncturist (not the practitioners race, but type of medicine), vitamin therapy, heat therapy, lifestyle modification and dietary changes (like the fertility program individually prescribe for our patients) there is also a 50% increase in a healthy baby with IVF.

Their plan B, after 7 failed IVF attempts, was looking a lot brighter.


We explained to her that repeated implantation failure is common. In many fertility centers we have worked closely without throughout the Untied States they will check for this after either 3 miscarriages or 3 failed IVF attempts. The testing is non-invasive, a fraction of the cost of another IVF and the treatment is simple: heparin for thinning her blood for several months.

We treated her according to her pattern, which included blood stagnation to thin her blood. We recommended before continuing, she needed a fertility cleanse and intensive supplementation and acupuncture treatments twice a week, minimally.

She had her transfer in conjunction with our fertility program and she got pregnant with twin girls.
However, sadly, she had miscarried at 8 weeks. The baby girls were healthy.

8 Failed IVF treatments and miscarriages are a heavy burden to bare.


When she returned, months later, we discussed how she was doing emotionally. What she and her husband wanted to do next? She said they were heading into their 9th IVF soon.

We asked again, any consideration of testing for a blood clotting disorder before this IVF? She responded, Oh yes, they finally tested that and I do show some signs so we are proceeding with IVF, your fertility program for 2 months prior, acupuncture and Heparin this 9th IVF round.
I asked her if she understood why she will be taking Heparin and she said no. I explained to her that sometimes, we have microscopic blood clotting that easily passes through our veins and arteries. However, when we are working with teeny tiny babies, just a few cells, these very minute blood clots can inhibit the ability of blood flow to her uterus and to the placenta. The placenta nourishes the baby or babies and enables them not only to grow, but to live. If the clots, however small, congest this precious connection, it can cut off nutrients the babies need and they die.



This will only be her second IVF while working with us. The first one was a success, initially, however, they missed a critical factor that most likely caused her miscarriage. Thankfully the testing has now been completed, confirmed and will be treated. It is rare we must say this but we pray that the 9th time is the charm for this lovely couple.


For over 15 years we have taken some of the most challenging fertility cases throughout the world.  No matter where you are, we are available for a fertility consultation.  Please call our office to schedule your personalized program with us. (208) 938-1277

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