How to Increase Egg Quality

by Linda
(New York, NY)

Hi Amelia,
I am 47 years old with an FSH of 8.0. I still want to try one more IVF with my own eggs. I respond very well to the medications. Upon retrieval the doctor usually retrieves anywhere from 8-14 eggs.

Upon transfer the doctor usually finds anywhere from 4-7 eggs of good to excellent quality to transfer back to my uterus. However, I've had no successful implantations with the 3 IVF cycles I undergone.

Do you think that herbs and acupuncture would help to increase the quality of my eggs?

Thank you,
Linda Pluto

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starstarstarstarstar 		Egg Quality or Lining Quality?
by: Amelia Hirota

Hi Linda,
It's interesting that you asked about acupuncture and herbs for egg quality. Check out my podcast with Jane Lyttleton, who is one of the most knowledgeable TCM practitioners in the world. She's speaking to a group of reproductive endocrinologists about how acupuncture and Chinese herbs address infertility.

You mentioned that you respond well to the drugs and that your produce good quality eggs. Also, with an FSH of 8.0, I wouldn't doubt that. I question the quality of your uterine lining or the quality of the sperm. What is the thickness of the lining at transfer? Have you had a hysteroscopy or sonohystogram to examine your lining? What is the count, motility, morphology and forward progression of the sperm? Was ICSI used?

I would recommend taking a few months off before your next cycle and using acupuncture, herbs, dietary therapy and lifestyle changes to really prepare your body for carrying a baby. Also, I would recommend that the sperm be equally well nourished.

Charting your cycle during the 2 month break would help you to get in touch with your luteal phase and overall hormonal balance. It's imperative that you have a strong 12 day (or longer) luteal phase to support implantation. See my charting articles for more about the menstrual phases and charting. Good luck to you! Send me an email via my contact form if you need an excellent fertility acupuncturist in Manhattan.

Sending Baby Dust Your Way,

Amelia Hirota
Licensed and Board Certified Acupuncturist and Herbalist

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