34 - Low Morphology, a Varicocele, & 1 then Later 2 Children

Male: age 34, Accountant

Initial Intake – History
Story: He and his wife had been trying for 2.5 years to get pregnant. They have done IVF/ICSI in the past with good response but no successful pregnancies. They are now preparing for another cycle of IVF/ICSI.

General: He works 50 hours per week. Goes to the gym on a semi-regular basis. Has allergies to grass and pollen. Takes no medication, alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes. Drinks 3 glasses of water per day but also is a moderate coffee drinker.

Fertility Analysis: 7 months ago showed good results except for a low morphology. Also diagnosed with a varicocele.

Signs & Symptoms:
- wood type face, tall slender Shaoyin body
- cold hands and feet
- neck stiffness
- Pulse; wiry, forceful, moderate speed
Feels he would like to be a little more laid back.

TCM Pattern Differentiation: Liver depression Qi stagnation, mild Kidney Yang vacuity.

Treatment:
Acupuncture: 4x/May, 4x/June, 7x/July, 1x/Aug. – 16 treatments in 3 months. Points used: qi machine, Lr3, Li4 & Ren4 (each time), Sp6, St36, Ki14, Ren6, Bl23, 52, Ki7, Gb34, Ren12, Lr5, 13, 14, Sj6, moxa Du4. De Qi was achieved on each point.
Supplements: multi, ACES Plus, Cod liver oil, Zinc, B-Complex
Avoid: scented soaps, chemical exposure.

Results:
Near the end of July his wife started injections of Gonal F, a follicle stimulating drug at a fertility clinic for the IVF/ICSI cycle. In the first week of August he gave his semen sample to be used in the assisted reproductive cycle, just after the last acupuncture treatment given. At the same time his wives follicles/eggs were retrieved. Two weeks later Acubalance received a call that everything had been a success, a positive pregnancy was achieved. At time of writing they were at 14 weeks gestation.

Treatment Completion-Adherence Score: 8.5 / 10

By: Spence Pentland