Frequently Asked Questions

The short answer is no. Most clients are surprised to discover that treatments involve little or no pain, and are usually quite relaxing. You can expect to feel perhaps, a light tingling, a feeling of heaviness, warmth, or a slight numbness at the acupuncture site.

Unlike the needles used to give standard pharmaceutical injections, the filaments used in acupuncture treatments are extremely fine, only twice the width of a single hair. These needles are designed to enter the skin with the least resistance and with barely any noticeable discomfort.

We only use disposable needles that are fully pre-sterilized and individually packaged.

Generally, 12 weeks provides adequate time for the body to respond to treatment. One of the many reasons for the 12 week mark is because the body requires a minimum of 3 months in order to make the necessary changes in female factor hormonal imbalances. Concurrently the maturation and selection of oocytes (eggs) also takes between 60-90 days.

This three-month minimum time period is especially important if a woman is also undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Studies have shown the benefit of optimizing a woman’s endocrine system at least 90 days prior to any transfer procedures. It is during this time that her follicles are developing and consequently the best time to improve the quality of her follicles verses only focusing on increasing the follicular quantity.

New sperm generation takes about the same 90 days. It will take this amount of time to begin affecting potential male factor abnormalities, such as low count, motility or morphology issues.

For this, and many other reasons, the very minimum amount of time necessary to affect a meaningful change in a person’s reproductive system is three complete menstrual cycles, or 90 days. If this is achieved, there will be an increased probability of conception.

It should be noted that the above requirements are the minimum, and that treatment may require a longer period of time. For individuals and couples who are looking for ongoing support, or complimentary support to their conventional western treatments our programs can be customized for your needs. Although we like to work with patients for at least 3 months, that is not always possible. When undergoing IVF treatments we may recommend a shorter period of time with increased frequency of treatments to accommodate the treatment plan used at your medical doctors office.

We know that many couples feel that time is running out. This sense of urgency is understandable, but, unfortunately, this often leads to greater levels of stress and paradoxically reduces chances for a successful pregnancy. We understand and we empathize. Our approach differs however, in that we do not try and force a result. Instead we work harmoniously with mind and body to create a more normal equilibrium, conducive for conception.

Our approach can metaphorically be seen as a way to gently turn back the hands of time with regard to an individual’s reproductive condition. Attempting to reach this goal will require more than just taking an overnight pill; it will first need a well formulated treatment plan. At least 12 weeks is necessary before the body can have a chance to make the corrections.

If conditions are favorable, a healthy egg is released roughly every 25 – 35 days. However, if conditions are less than ideal, the quality of the egg, its potential release or the quality of the uterine lining can be impeded. This can be seen as a useful diagnostic indicator that there may be more systemic imbalances occurring in the body such as:

• Compromised blood flow to the reproductive organs
• Inadequate follicular nourishment
• Interruption or imbalance of hormonal signals

When ovarian blood flow is compromised, for example, the follicular fluid will start to show increasing levels of vascular endothelia growth factor. This is the same chemical also found in damaged heart fibers, and indicates that the tissue is becoming hypoxic - meaning that there is insufficient oxygen for normal growth.

Other systemic factors may affect the delicate follicular fluid, which prevents the follicle from responding correctly to the normal messages signaling it to mature.

Chinese herbal medicine is safe and effective when monitored by a qualified practitioner. All our practitioners pass a rigorous examination to receive their license from the state and national acupuncture boards. Herbal medicine is well known for its efficacy and lack of side effects when administered properly.

Over the centuries doctors have compiled detailed information about Botanical Medicine and placed great emphasis on patient safety. Allergic type reactions are rare, and will cause no lasting damage if treatment is stopped as soon as symptoms appear.

We use only the best known sources for botanical and herbal medicines.

Learn more about Herbal Medicine Fertility Treatment Therapy.

Warning: Self prescription of herbal medicines can be harmful when used without appropriate clinical guidance!

Botanical Medicines, Chinese Herbal Medicines, and Herbal Formulas, as used and prescribed at the Reproductive Wellness Clinic, are terms that refer to the same products. Herbal Medicines are natural, plant-based medicines based on classical Chinese formulas.

Learn more about Herbal Medicine

Our treatment program will benefit and enhance the effects of all of your ART modalities. We work in parallel and collaboratively with your Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) or your IVF clinic. Having our team working with your biomedical physicians is encouraged especially for pre and post implantation procedures.

We are acutely aware of the personal pressures of time and the desire to “get results” as quickly as possible. Conception and pregnancy is a delicate and miraculous process involving infinite changes that can not be rushed. Our team of experts is exceptionally proud to offer all those in need, our comprehensive Fertility Program as a natural and logical first choice for those beginning their journey toward a healthy natural pregnancy.

Learn more about ART, IVF, IUI Treatment Support Therapy

During times where conventional biomedical treatments such as Invitro Fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine inseminations (IUI) are being administered, we are, in most cases, able to perform our treatment protocols in conjunction with any of these biomedical procedures. Ideally you should schedule IVF during the last month of our Fertility Program. Individual acupuncture treatments can then be scheduled to fit exact needs of the IVF cycle.

This is a very important question. Although there have been reports of interaction between the two modes of treatment, the interaction between herbal medicine and pharmaceuticals is minimal when administered by a trained professional. Chinese herbology can be used to minimize side effects from pharmaceuticals. In some instances, when coordinated between your medical doctor and your herbal practitioner, pharmaceuticals can be replaced with herbal substitutes. Contact your herbal practitioner if you have any questions regarding the proper use of your herbal medicine prescription.

Herbal Medicines and Pharmaceutical drug interactions
As herbal remedies grow in popularity it becomes increasingly important that patients and their health care practitioners know of the potential interactions between these two forms of treatments. So always inform your medical doctors as to any prescriptions that you are planning on taking.

We offer a wide variety of payment plans in order to remove all financial barriers for all people needing care.

• We will bill your insurance provider so that you receive the maximum financial benefits provided for your treatments.
• We offer pre-paid discount plans.
• We offer interest free financing thru Care Credit which allows you to get the help you need today and pay later.

We also offer in office financing, so that you will always have a way to receive the health care you deserve and need without financial burden.

Many patients do not realize that their medical insurance might cover some of their treatments. California law requires insurers in California to offer employers a policy that provides coverage for fertility treatment; however that doesn't mean that an employer has to purchase the policy. Employers can choose between a policy that covers fertility treatment and one that doesn't. If you believe that all employers should be required to cover fertility costs, you can ask your employer to choose a policy that covers these treatments when they renew the company policy for the coming year. You can also be proactive by contacting your local legislator and asking them to propose a legislative bill that would require insurance companies to make fertility treatments part of any standard insurance policy. To contact your local legislators visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html.

If patients know that fertility treatments are in their future, using a company’s 'cafeteria plan/flexible spending plan' (section 125) is an excellent option. Flexible spending plans provide an opportunity for patients to use a predetermined amount of money, tax free, for medical expenses. Based on a patient’s annual income, the plan allows you to set aside money to cover medical expenses from which you will later be reimbursed. For more information on these plans speak to the Human Resources or Accounting department at your office in order to maximize your medical benefits.

The answer to this is "yes". Banks will often provide patients with a flexible personal loan to help them pay the high costs of IVF or Assisted Reproductive Technology fertility treatments. This may not be the optimal way to pay for treatments, but sometimes it is the only way. We often caution against jumping in to high interest rate loans just for the sake of speed and convenience. As with most banking decisions, it pays to shop around. If you have a long standing relationship with a bank, this is usually the best way to get a preferred low interest rate. Many patients also decide to take out equity on their homes to finance the cost, another lower interest rate option. Seeking a personal loan from a family member may allow for low or no interest rates and perhaps a more lenient and flexible repayment plan.

Shared Risk plans are offered by many fertility centers. These plans usually call for patients to pay a slightly higher fee for treatments. However, if the treatment is not successful then some percentage, if not the entire fee, is refunded. A good resource online to help assess your financial options is www.fertilitylifelines.com.

At Reproductive Wellness we offer qualified applicants a money back Guaranteed Pregnancy Shared-Risk Program, its called Planning for Healthy Pregnancy (PHP). Call 619-265-0291 to see if you qualify for this option.

Ask your fertility clinic if they offer in house financing. This can be quick, easy and usually available at lower interest rates. Fertility treatments take time to change the overall health of a patient’s reproductive system. Depending on your individual condition, we suggest that you first look at treatment options that do not immediately begin with the most expensive and invasive therapies. Complimentary treatments can reduce overall costs and can be utilized in conjunction with conventional treatments to increase success rates. Fertility treatments are difficult enough both physically and psychologically. Understanding your treatment and financial options can reduce the added economic and emotional strain.

For more information on financing please speak to our office staff as we have many additional resources to offer our patients.

Reproductive Wellness has affiliate practitioners in cities throughout the United States as well as Internationally. Once you have finished one of our retreats, we can refer you to one of our associated and trained practitioners in your city. These practitioners range from psychologists and Oriental Medicine Practitioners to yoga instructors and massage therapists, all of whom have considerable experience in the treatment of infertility.

The most common sources of infertility include ovulation problems, egg quality, tubal obstruction, age-related , and sperm issues. While most of these causes impose themselves on women, 40-50% of all infertility cases are attributed to male infertility.

• If tests return indicating Low Sperm Motility, Abnormal Morphology or low sperm count, then by starting early treatment it will allow this portion of the fertility equation to be addressed and corrected without wasting time or resources.
• If tests indicate that it is exclusively a female factor issue (35-40% probability) we would still encourage joint treatment. In order to be 100% sure that no undiagnosed male factor issues are being overlooked, together with potentially losing valuable time, a concurrent female & male treatment program is advised.
• If tests assign the infertility to the 20-30% "unknown” or idiopathic factors we suggest a concurrent female & male treatment regimen.

Ultimately, only you can be the best judge as to where, with whom, and what form of therapy is the best investment of your time and money. What you can be assured of with our Fertility Program is that our fees are significantly less than almost all biomedical procedures.

Reproductive Wellness provides its clients with a natural, proven and whole-person directed fertility enhancing treatment and training program. We also happily treat any patients who are pursuing biomedically focused therapies and wholeheartedly work in a collaborative manner with their other physicians. Our Mind Body & Spirit Fertility Program will enhance any other ART treatment results.

We can direct you to several banking facilities that will be able to offer simple and affordable monthly payment plan options designed specifically to help make all reproductive treatments available to virtually everybody who needs it. Please contact us if you would like to receive the list of recommended companies.

Should you conceive before the end of the 12-week Fertility Program, you can transition into our Pregnancy Support Program. All payments made toward the Fertility Program will be pro-rated and credited toward the Pregnancy Support Program.

Gerald Williams and Marc Sklar, are both Doctors of Acupuncture (RI), as well as State licensed Acupuncturists (CA). Each holds a Masters of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM).

Both Williams and Sklar are trained in the most current research and the best techniques in Reproductive Acupuncture available. They are Board Certified Fellows of The American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (FABORM). This means that they have acquired enough specialized training and expertise to pass the ABORM's national board examination to become Board Certified as reproductive acupuncture specialists.

Williams and Sklar are the only two ABORM Certified Practitioners and sitting Board Members in the San Diego area.

Review background information: Gerald Williams - Marc Sklar

We utilize Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and other natural therapies to treat a wide range of male and female reproductive health conditions. For more detail, please visit our Reproductive Health Conditions Treated information page.

Our clinic pregnancy success rates reflect our experience in treating and resolving the causes of infertility using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Our success rates range between 60-80% overall, with a variation in pregnancy success rate resulting from medical history, age, and length of treatment.

Our pregnancy success rates for those with recurrent miscarriage are around 80%.

As of September 1st 2008, a female patient aged 51 years is currently our record holder for the most advanced maternal age at time of conception. We were able to assist her and her partner in conceiving.

When choosing a Fertility Acupuncture or Complementary Medicine Practitioner, consider licensing, certification, clinical experience, and specialized training in the treatment of infertility using Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and other complementary infertility treatment therapies.

Learn More About Reproductive Wellness

Reproductive Wellness ^TM Clinical Directors, Gerald Williams and Marc Sklar, are both licensed Acupuncturists (CA), Doctors of Acupuncture (RI), and have extensive training and clinical experience in treating infertility and other reproductive health disorders. Each holds a Masters of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM), and both are Board Certified in Reproductive Acupuncture by the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM).

The Reproductive Wellness clinic staff members have been carefully selected for their knowledge and experience in their chosen specialty, such as Nutrition, Massage Therapy, Yoga, and Patient Education.

When it comes to treating infertility and fertility-related issues with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, our clinical practitioners are caring, experienced and knowledgeable, and have studied with leading experts in Reproductive Medicine.

Learn More About Reproductive Wellness

To schedule an initial fertility consultation, call us at (619) 265-0291 or Click Here to review consultation and treatment options.