Margit S.
"I'm 38 years old and my husband and I have been trying to conceive for about 8 years. We've had a few failed IVF and IUI attempts and then gave up trying in 2001. In 2006 we decided to have another go at IVF under the care of the ACU (part of UCH London). Our fertility problems in the past were diagnosed as being the result of blocked tubes - my eggs seemed to be okay in 2001 when I was getting between 9 and 10 per cycle.
It was quite a blow therefore when UCH did the preliminary FSH and E2 tests to discover that although my FSH was borderline (9.5), my ovaries did not respond to the E2 test at all (so no uplift in estradiol levels as a result of stimulating).
We were advised by the consultant that IVF would probably be unsuccessful and that we should reconsider investing the energy and funds. I was absolutely devastated and couldn't believe that the quality of my eggs had deteriorated so much in just 5 years. Although we were told that nothing could be done to improve egg quality, I set about searching the internet for advice and found some articles about how acupuncture has been used successfully to treat high FSH/diminished egg quality and quantity. This is also how I came across Mike's clinic and his articles on treating this condition.
We decided to proceed with the IVF cycle anyway the following month (I just couldn't bear the thought of giving up, had put aside the money and already booked time off work). Now ideally, the acupuncture treatment should start a few months prior to IVF, but Mike was confident that with intensive work for the few weeks before and during the cycle, he would be able to make a difference.
Unbelievably, I produced 15 eggs (a record for me), 7 embryos, 4 of which went on to become healthy blastocysts. Best of all, I am now 14 weeks pregnant with twins!!! And we have two frozen embryos in storage.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this incredible turn around is in part due to the acupuncture treatment. Of course the careful monitoring and care of the doctors, embryologists and staff at ACU were vital in making this happen for us, but your body needs to play its part too and I don't think mine would have done that without the acupuncture treatment (well, there was clear evidence before the time that it wouldn't). I'm also convinced that the treatment just prior to and after embryo transfer makes a difference - we've had two embryos put back on previous occasions without implantation.
On a personal note, about Mike, what I really liked about my first consultation with him is that I didn't have to explain any of the fertility terminology, he's very well versed in all things fertility related - something he's clearly passionate and knowledgeable about. He also takes a holistic view of the body and mind's state generally treats the whole person, not just the isolated problem. I also found Mike to be compassionate, professional and very supportive throughout the process and always looked forward to the treatments which left me feeling calm and positive during this stressful time.
It really surprises me that in this day and age, where evidence suggests that acupuncture can help infertile couples (both male and female infertility), that the medical profession doesn't encourage the use of acupuncture alongside formal medical treatment more frequently.
I would encourage anyone undergoing IVF or other fertility treatment to supplement their treatment with acupuncture and to seek out a professional who specializes in this area."
