How to Choose a Fertility Acupuncturist

Posted on June 18, 2012 Julie Chang, L.Ac.

Due to the increasing popularity of fertility acupuncture, many acupuncturists now offer acupuncture for the treatment of infertility. Because of the growing number of choices, it can be difficult to choose the most appropriate acupuncturist to help you get pregnant.

To narrow down your choices after searching the internet and asking your friends, family, and fertility doctor for recommendations, here are some things to consider in choosing a fertility acupuncturist, in order of priority:

Experience
Without question, this is the most important factor you should consider. Ask the acupuncturist how much of their practice focuses on treating infertility. A practitioner who devotes most of his/her time to treating infertility is most likely more knowledgeable in that area. A practitioner who sees an occasional infertility patient may not have enough experience or expertise to offer the best treatment available (which does not mean that they cannot be helpful at all).
Part of this experience should include herbal medicine and supplements in conjunction with acupuncture for the best results. Unless you are in an active fertility treatment cycle where you have already started or will be starting prescription medications soon, it is common for women to take different herbal formulas at different parts of their menstrual cycle depending on their individual condition. Don’t be surprised if you get 4 different herbal prescriptions to take throughout the month.

A sign of inexperience with treating infertility is if the acupuncturist doesn’t ask for a semen analysis. Because male factor is seen in almost half of infertility cases and is easily treatable with acupuncture and supplements, not asking for a copy of a semen analysis and referring out for a thorough semen analysis if none has been done is an indication of the practitioner’s inexperience with treating infertility.

Attitude
Even if a practitioner is well respected and has impeccable qualifications, if you feel awkward, upset, or uncomfortable when visiting their office, then they may not be the right person for you. In order to maximize your relationship with the acupuncturist and achieve success, you must be comfortable discussing your feelings, goals, and all of the details about your body and health history. Successful fertility treatment may take several months, or even a year or more. You may spend a lot of time at the acupuncturist’s office, so bear that in mind when you are assessing how comfortable you feel with the practitioners, staff and facilities at any office that you visit.

Cost
Fees vary greatly among acupuncturists. While finances are always an important consideration, be careful about choosing an acupuncturist based on fees alone. The most expensive acupuncturist is not necessarily the most qualified. Do not assume because an acupuncturist charges more, that they have the most clinical experience.
On the flip side, don’t let the lure of saving money in the short term make your choice be based on the least expensive acupuncturist. When it comes to choosing an acupuncturist to help you restore reproductive health, it is best to keep your ultimate goal in mind when making your selection. Try to find the best qualified person with the most clinical experience and the best rate of success in treating your condition.

Beware!
Practitioners who give you promises that sound too good to be true e.g. “You can get pregnant in a month”. Even without a time limit, no one can offer any guarantee of success. As with any medicine, acupuncture’s success varies with the individual and usually takes at least 3 months of treatment.