If you are engaged in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, your doctor may ask you to stop taking herbal remedies. This is especially true during the ovarian stimulation phase of the IVF cycle. Because there is not a reliable body of research on the interactions of Chinese herbs with ovarian stimulation drugs, most doctors are concerned about how the herbs may interact with the medications. In addition to general safety concerns, many doctors have expressed concern that the herbs may somehow alter or diminish the effects of the medications. Given that ovarian stimulation drugs are very expensive, often have negative side-effects, and are given as part of a very expensive IVF procedure, this is a very understandable concern. One would hate to spend so much money on an IVF procedure, bear the cost of the drugs, and endure the injections only to have some herbal remedies interfere and derail the process!

For patients who are undergoing IVF, we usually administer herbal treatments in the weeks and months leading up to the ovarian stimulation phase of the IVF cycle, and use this time to help to maximize the body’s response to the stimulation medications. Once the stimulation begins, most patients discontinue the use of herbal medications as per their doctor’s instructions.

The Texas Center for Reproductive Acupuncture works very closely with many of the areas leading Reproductive Endocrinologists and Fertility Specialists. We are deeply committed to the harmonious integration of Chinese Medicine with western fertility treatments, and believe that these two systems of medicine work best when they are used to complement one another. If your doctor recommends that you do not take herbs during certain phases of your fertility care, you do not have to feel conflicted. You will never be forced to choose between the advice of your fertility doctor and the advice of your acupuncturist.