35 - failed IVF & IUI, natural pregnancy when suppressed for FET

35 year old case manager. Patient and partner had been trying for 2 years without success.  Patient had unexplained infertility and husband (age 33 soccer coach) had low morphology and count.  They had had 3 failed  IUI cycles in the previous year before starting TCM treatment.  They had already begun their IVF cycle and had started synarel when they came for their initial consult with us.  Patient had a history of pulmonary embolism, and a prothrombin gene mutation; she was having nightsweats on the synarel. She also complained of depression, anxiety and tight neck/shoulers.  She showed signs of KD yang def (cold hands/feet, low libido, nocturia, frequent urination; she also showed signs of SP Qi def (fatigue, difficulty waking up in the am, and craving sweets).  Her stools were daily and alternating loose/hard. Her menses last 7 days and are every 28 days.  She reported her flow to be average with clots and only pms s/s was nightsweating.  Her height is 5'7" and weight is 128lbs.  

Husband was mostly treated by Spence.  He also suffered from low back pain and ankle pain on the right and occasional knee pain.

Patient began IVF protocol immediately, coming for acupuncture twice a week, and had a post-transfer treatment on transfer day, as well as subsequent weekly treatments. Patricia got her period 10 days post-transfer.  This first IVF cycle was not successful but she started a FET cycle the next cycle, and continued to come in only once a week for acupuncture.  She began the synarel spray on day 22 of that cycle.  She began coming in twice a week on day 28 of that cycle.  The breakthrough bleed never happened and on day 38 she had a positive pregnancy test!  She was also taking pre-natal and Cod Liver Oil as well as increased yoga to twice per week. She also took Fragmin once pregnant. Husband did acupuncture twice per week for 5 weeks and then weekly.  He also took 24 days of herbs. He also took antioxidants, fish oils, and multivitamin.  He was recommended to do half hour cario 1-2 times per week and some weights; to get enough sleep, to watch his diet, and to enjoy life.  

Unfortunately, the first IVF cycle was not successful, but a subsequent FET cycle was possible.  She became pregnant naturally while on synarel for this FET cycle. In addition to becoming pregnant naturally, her nightsweats were decreased, her stress was decreased (although they were preparing for a move tout of country throughout the treatment) and the pain in her neck and shoulders was decreased as well with the acupuncture. Husband also experienced pain relief in his back and ankle as well.