ACRM

Part 2 - Acupuncture and Infertility

Part 2 of 2 on Acupuncture and how it  can help in infertility treatment - To read Part 1, click on the archived link to the right of this page.

 

What can I expect from Acupuncture treatment?

Most people report a feeling of relaxation and well-being during and after the treatment.  Studies have shown that conception rates can be improved with the use of acupuncture.  As in any form of healing, a patient's attitude, diet, and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment.  The number of treatments you will need will depend on your overall health, your body's response to acupuncture and /or Western reproductive treatments, and the nature and duration of your condition.

Is Acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture needles are very thin and flexible, much smaller thant those used for traditional injections given by your doctor.  In most cases, insertion by a skilled acupuncturist is performed with minimal discomfort.

During acupuncture treatment, patients may feel a sensation called "'arrival of Qi" (deqi).  Patients describe this sensation as a dull ache, distention, pressure, tingling, or warmth.  Acupuncture is a relaxing experience and should any needle cause discomfort, it will be adjusted or removed.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Yes.  When performed by a qualified Licensed Acupuncturist, acupuncture and related techniques have proven to be extremely safe.  Only single-use, sterile, disposable needles are used.  Complications due to acupuncture are very rare; serious side-effects are less than one per 10,000 treatments.

For more about acupuncture and infertility, visit www.acrm.com. 

How does Acupuncture assist with Infertility Treatment?

Part 1 of 2 in a short series on Acupuncture and Infertility....

What is Acupuncture?

Oriental Medicine is the oldest literate medicine in the world, with over 2,500 years of recorded clinical writings.  Acupuncture is an essential part of traditional Chinese medicine.  It is performed by inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body known to treat particular diseases.  Acupuncture subtlety balances the flow of energy in the body, promoting the body's own natural healing power and maintaining or re-establishing physical and emotional health.  The National Institute of Health has found acupuncture to be helpful treating pain and stress-related illnesses, as well as digestive disease, neurological symptoms, endocrine system disorders , menopause symptoms and menstrual problems. 

How may Acupuncture help enhance fertility?

• Increase rates of pregnancy and live births
• Regulate menstrual cycles
• Regulate hormones to help produce a larger number of follicles during IVF stimulation
• Increase blood flow to the reproductive organs and increase the thickness of the uterine lining
• Improve sperm quality and quantity
• Help to relieve the side effects of drugs commonly used during IUI and IVF treatment
• Reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and promote deep relaxation
• Strengthen the immune system
• Reduce risk of early miscarriage
• Help to prevent uterine contractions after embryo transfer

How does Acupuncture work?

The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy that existed in all life forms and processes.  In Chinese this energy is called "Qi".  In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease, these healing practitioners discovered that this energy flows along specific pathways called channels and collateral (jingluo). Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ.  Disease is believed to arise when an imbalance either deficiency or excess) manifests in the channels and collaterals and/or their related organ systems.

Modern research shows that acupuncture leads to the release of various neurotransmitters and hormones that affect most of the body's systems (central nervous system, digestion, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, etc).  The exact mechanism for this is not yet known, however, we can see the effects:  changes in blood flow, blood pressure, body temperature, inflammation, pain, digestion, reproductive function, and more.  Research has suggested that acupuncture can help to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, the processing center for the menstrual cycle and ovulation.

Tomorrow...Part 2 of 2 on Acupuncture and Infertility.

 

Free Event: Infertility & Your Options: Tuesday, July 13

Reminder of ACRM's free seminar on Tuesday, July 13 at The Palisades Building, 5909 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Suite 720. "Infertility and Your Options" will be presented by Dr. Jim Toner. To learn more and reserve your seat(s), go to www.acrm.com .

Dr. Lisa Hasty recognized by Atlanta Magazine as Top Doc 2010

Please join ACRM in congratulating Dr. Lisa Hasty on her recent recognition in

Atlanta Magazine as one of Atlanta's 2010 Top Doctors. 

 

 

 

In Atlanta Magazine's annual Top Doc issue, Lisa Hasty, MD, has been recognized by hundreds of her esteemed colleagues and peers in the metro area as one of the most respected doctors in Reproductive Endocrinology. 

Dr. Lisa A. Hasty is a founding partner of ACRM and is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.  She received her undergraduate degree in Pre-Med from Davidson College and earned her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine.  In 1985, Dr. Hasty accepted a  residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.  Following her residency in 1989, Dr. Hasty remained with the University of Pennsylvania.  Dr. Hasty is an elected Fellow of the America College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and an active member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Atlanta OB/GYN Society, and the Atlanta Women's Medical Alliance of which she is an appointed member of the advisory board.  Her particular areas of interest include in vitro fertilization, treating uterine myomas and third party reproduction.

 

Atlanta Magazine partnered with Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a healthcare research firm based in New York, to complete this year's survey.  This unbias third party asked a randomly selected sample of board-certified physicians and key medical leaders to identify exceptional Atlantan doctors in their respective specialties.  As a result of the hundreds of medical professionals surveyed, Atlanta's Top Doc's are named.  To learn more about Castle Connolly's methodology, or to purchase a digital version of the June Atlanta Magazine, visit http://www.atlantamagazine.com.

Please join ACRM in congratulating Dr. Hasty and the other esteemed physicians that have been recognized in Atlanta Magazine's 2010 Top Doc issue.

Counseling for Individuals & Couples during Infertility Treatment at ACRM

One of our goals at Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine is to provide sensitive care to the "whole person."  We are unique among infertility programs in the Atlanta area in that we offer confidential, on-site counseling as an integral part of our program.  Our counselors have expertise in treating infertility patients and are available during all phases of your care.

Counseling can be a helpful step in preparing for and during treatment.  We know that positive support makes a difference for patients in infertility treatment.

A counseling session may be scheduled through one of our nurses or office schedulers.  Counseling sessions may include:

• Coping with stress, anxiety and depression
• Communication with your Partner
• Emotional distress and loss
• Decision-making
• Crisis counseling

Many infertility patients experience more stress, sadness, and isolation that they did in their "pre-infertility" stage of life.  For these patients, we offer the "Coping with Infertility Mind-Body Program" which is a 6-session workshop lasting 1.5 hours each session.

Another support group we offer is the 'Transition Into Pregnancy" for Individuals and Couples transitioning into pregnancy after infertility.

Lastly, we have Recipiency Support Groups.  Short-term, emotional - educational support groups are now forming for those patients considering egg or sperm donation, or embryo donor recipiency as a path toward family building.  Groups are led by an experienced licensed mental health professional specializing in reproductive health issues and third party reproduction.  Topics in this 4-session series include:

• Grieving the loss of genetic continuity
• Anonymous versus known donation
• Issues of genetic differences
• Disclosure to the child, family, and friends
• Building coping skills through relaxation and mind/body work
• Managing pregnancy and preparing for parenthood

"Infertility is a medical condition that touches all aspects of a person's life.  It affects how you feel about yourself, your relationships with others, and your perspective on life."-ASRM Fact Sheet: Counseling Support

Consider counseling if you experience:

• Persistent anxiety or irritability
• Persistent sadness or guilt
• Preoccupation with infertility
• Marital discord
• A loss of enjoyment or sense of self
• Indecision regarding treatment options

Counselors at ACRM include Linda Stamm, PsyD;, M. Coleman Allen, PhD, LPC; Maureen Martin, LCSW, LMFT.

For more information on ACRM's counseling services and other infertility information, please visit us at www.acrm.com.  ACRM -  Building Families.  Shaping Lives.

Acupuncture for Infertility at Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine (ACRM)

March 30, 2010, Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine (ACRM), a leading fertility research and treatment center announced today, its additional offering of fertility-focused acupuncture as a complementary therapy to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).  Mark Lewinter, L.Ac., Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist with Metro Acupuncture will assist and treat patients at ACRM beginning March 30, 2010.

 

Mark A. Lewinter, L.Ac. holds a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College.  Mark is a Diplomate of Acupuncture and a Diplomate of Chinese Herbology by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture of Oriental Medicine. He is a member of the Georgia State Oriental Medicine Association, Acupuncture Advisory Committee of the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and American Association of Oriental Medicine.

 

Jim Toner, MD, PhD of ACRM states, “Acupuncture has been used in Eastern societies for thousands of years, and is becoming a common and helpful addition to treatment in several traditional fields of medicine in the West.  Some recent infertility – related studies have demonstrated increased blood flow in the pelvic area, more eggs retrieved in IVF cycles, and improved pregnancy outcomes.  Especially in women with low egg supply attempting IVF, acupuncture may be quite helpful.”  Dr. Toner continued, “We also hear from most women that it makes them feel much more relaxed during treatment.  For these reasons, we are offering acupuncture for our patients at ACRM.”

 

Unique in its marketplace, ACRM employs a team approach in treating infertility.  This approach gives patients the benefit of the physicians’ combined years of experience and results in the development of efficient treatment approaches, with the best outcome…a baby.  One of the goals at ACRM is to provide sensitive care to the “whole person”.  ACRM is unique among infertility programs in the Atlanta area offering on-site counseling and now acupuncture as an integral part of our program.

 

For more information about acupuncture or to schedule an appointment, please call 770.928.2276 ext 142 or email: info@acrm.com.

 

 

Dr. Jim Toner of ACRM on WSB-TV discussing Egg Freezing

See Dr. Jim Toner of the Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine talking with Shayr Guthrie of WSB-TV as they discuss Egg Freezing for fertility preservation.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?edit=1#p/u/4/qNQL8UfD0PU

ACRM: Infertility and Insurance Coverage

Thinking of pursuing infertility treatment? Have you scheduled your first consultation, but anxious and unsure of what your insurance may or may not cover? 

We at ACRM have found that more and more insurance plans are covering some, if not all, of the patient's fertility testing and/or treatment.  Because we understand not only the physical aspects, but also the emotional and financial aspects of building your family through infertility treatment, we've included below, some questions that may be helpful to you in learning what your insurance may provide. 

Do you know what type of fertility coverage your insurance company provides?

Here are some suggested questions you can ask.

GENERAL

What are my fertility benefits?

Do I need a referral to obtain fertility treatments?

Do I need a pre-certification to obtain fertility treatments?

Do I have a co-pay or deductible for fertility treatments?

Do I have a lifetime maximum benefit for infertility? (maximum allowed attempts for IUI and/or IVF?

Are there any requirements which must be met before my fertility benefits become effective? (Certain number of IUIs before IVF can be attempted, documented medical history of infertility?

COVERED SERVICES:

What diagnostic testing is covered?

• Diagnostic prenatal labs (Hep B, Hep C, HIV, etc)?
• Progesterone and Estrogen levels?
• FSH, LH, TSH, AMH and Prolactin levels?
• Semen Analysis?
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), sonohysterogram (SHG), endometrial biopsy, ultrasound?

Are prenatal screening (infectious diseases) and genetic carrier screening tests covered?

Are lab services covered at the fertility center's lab, or am I restricted to certain lab/facilities?

What treatments are excluded?

• Are donor sperm and/or egg options covered?
• Is cystic fibrosis carrier screening covered?
• • CPT codes 83894, 83896, 83912, 83901
  • ICD9 code V26.3

Do you cover medication administration education (mixing medications and injections)?

What treatments (or procedures related to treatments) are covered?

• Ultrasound?
• Medical Fertility Therapy?
• IUI/artificial insemination?
• IVF?
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?
• Cryopreservation?
• Assisted Hatching?
• Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)?

MEDICATIONS:

Which medications are covered?

• Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid / Letrozole)?
• Gonadotropin Injectibles (FSH or LH medications: Follistim, Gonal-F, Bravelle, Luveris, Menopur, Repronex and others)?
• GnRH Agonists / Antagoinists (Lupron, Ganirelix, Cetrorelix and others)?
• Progesterone / Prometrium (tablets, suppositories, injections and others)?
• Estrogen (tablets or patches)?

While these questions are meant as a guide only, we hope the information will give you at least a starting place to find out what you can expect from your insurance provider. 

What topics interest you?  What would you like to see in future posts?  Please comment with your feedback, questions and ideas.  Thank you for spending some time with ACRM!

For more information on the Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine, please visit us at www.acrm.com.