Fertility Research
Auricular electro-acupuncture as an additional perioperative analgesic
method during oocyte aspiration in IVF treatment.
Sator-Katzenschlager SM, Wölfler MM, Kozek-Langenecker SA, Sator K,
Sator PG, Li B, Heinze G, Sator MO.
Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical
University of Vienna, Austria. sabine-katzenschlager@meduniwien.ac.at
Hum Reprod. 2006 Aug;21(8):2114-20. Epub 2006 May 5
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the pain-relieving
effect and the subjective well-being between auricular electro-acupuncture
(EA) analgesia, auricular acupuncture (A) and conventional analgesia
with remifentanil (CO). METHODS: A total of 94 women undergoing IVF
were randomized to auricular acupuncture with (EA, n = 32) or without
(A, n = 32) continuous 1 Hz auricular stimulation (using a battery-powered
miniaturized stimulator, P-Stim) or with adhesive tapes instead of
needles and no electrical stimulation (control group, CO, n = 30)
at the auricular acupuncture points 29, 55 and 57. All patients received
patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with remifentanil. Pain intensity
and psychological well-being were assessed by means of visual analogue
scales (VAS); tiredness, nausea and vomiting and analgesic drug consumption
were documented. RESULTS: Pain relief and subjective well-being were
significantly greater in group EA during and after the procedure as
compared with groups A and CO (P < 0.001). The patients were significantly
more tired in group CO than in groups A and EA (P < 0.001). Consumption
of the opioid remifentanil was significantly lower in group EA, comparable
nausea (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Auricular EA significantly reduces
pain intensity and analgesic consumption of the opioid remifentanil
during oocyte aspiration in IVF treatment.
Testimonials From Fertility Patients
After complications following the birth of my first child I was diagnosed with Asherman's Syndrome - a disease which causes adhesions in the uterine lining. Traditional doctors told me that it would be unlikely that I would have a second child. Naturally, I was extremely grateful to already have one healthy baby bit I longed for a second and wanted, at minimum, to have the ability and choice to provide my daughter with a sibiling.
After being diagnosed with Asherman's, I had two surgeries in an attempt to eradicate the scarring which was causing the walls of mu uteros to ostensibly be stuck together, preventing pregnancy. I worked with Kaleb throughout this time over the course of a year. During the routine pre-op blood work ordered by my western doctor on my way to a third surgery, I learned that I would not need to have the surgery after all as I was pregnant!
I firmly believe that the work Kaleb and I did together _ a combination of acupuncture, re-establishing a framework of openness, acceptance and calm in my life through meditative exercises, journaling, simple yoga stretches and having fun (yes, he gave me homework to have fun and laugh!!!) fuelled my full recovery. My sessions with Kaleb left me feeling listened to, emotionally bouyed and unburdened and no doubt helped me to get -and stay- pregnant.
On May 8th 2007 I gave birth to a secnd healthy baby girl. I thank Kaleb from the bottom of my heart for helping me and my family fulfill a dream and overcome what others said wasn't possible.
Prior to starting fertility treatments with Dr. Kaleb we had tried all types of conventional medical treatments as well as naturopathic remedies and much much more, it's been a challenging several years with no results. Two months after moving from Australia to Canada for work we found Dr. Kaleb, who not only performed acupuncture treatments and gave me herbs to take, he insisted on listening, which is very rare and also incredibly helpful for couples that are having trouble conceiving. To our joy, several months into my treatment we conceived a child that is due to enter the world on 14th January - this little miracle is very much owed to your dedication, care and expert knowledge in fertility. Thank you just doesn't seem enough of the joy that you've helped us bring (very soon) into our world.
Forever indebted - Ilona & Arthur
It's incredible how much difference one treatment can make. I tend to get
impatient with treatments that take a while to produce any results, although
I acknowledge that they do make a difference. I was delighted that even
after 1 session with you, I saw a major difference in my condition.
Also, I really appreciate how receptive you are to my concerns. I've had my
share of doctors, Eastern and Western, that are ready to tell you, "my way
or the highway!" Rarely have I encountered someone who is willing to work
with the patient in finding not only the most effective treatment, but one
that incorporates the patients fears, states of mind and beliefs. It truly
feels more like a partnership than a doctor-client relationship.
Miguel
Trying to Conceive for 3 years
My husband and I had been trying to conceive for three years. After much
frustration we decided to go the IVF route in conjunction with acupuncture
treatment. Dr. Kaleb was recommended to me and I could not thank that person
enough. We had tremendous success with this treatment. The IVF went smoothly
with no sickness or complications, we were able to transfer more eggs than
normal, our egg quality was superb and I am happy to report that I am 4
months pregnant! I continued with my acupuncture treatment for the first
three months of my pregnancy and again I had no sickness or complications.
I would highly recommend acupuncture to anyone anticipating child birth,
undergoing fertility treatments or for general health. I truly believe it
was a big reason for our success.
Amanda
Resources
- Buy Inexpensive and acurate pregnancy tests and ovulation predictor kits
- Fertility Research
- Pregnancy Food Chart
- Directions for Taking Herbs
- Food and Recipes that aid with Fertility Treatments and Pregnancy Care
- Acupressure For Pain Relief During Labour (pdf 924 Kb)
- Moxibustion Therapy
- Nausea During Pregnancy (pdf 120 Kb)