I had an interesting new patient yesterday. She was 33 years old and her husband was 39 years old. They had been trying-to-conceive for 3 years. One full year they used an ovulation predictor kit. They had both been evaluated by a reproductive endocrinologist at a major reproductive center in New York City.
Upon doing an extensive TCM intake I found nothing which required attention.
Both were unremarkable in their test results.
She did two IUI's without having a hysterosalpingogram before either. This of course is a major error on the part of her doctor.
I gently refused to treat her after an hour long intake. But I did make several suggestions for her to follow:
1). Have the husband get tested for sperm DNA fragmentation.
2) Have a hysterosalpingogram.
3. Get checked for ureaplasma.
4. Get evaluated for antisperm antibodies.
If all of these tests are -, I will have her get a pelvic MRI to try and visualize endometriosis while sparing her the laparoscopic procedure.
This is a clear case as to why practitioners of TCM should be familiar with Western medicine. I feel fairly confident that one of these tests will reveal a + finding.
Sometimes being a good practitioner of TCM requires that the practitioner knows when a case is slated for WM.
The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness specializes in fertility acupuncture and we are also a leading reproductive center. We specialize in acupuncture for conceiving.
Please visit www.berkleycenter.com for more information.