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Easy Ways to Check 4 Ovulation

April 7, 2016 By Karen Reynolds

Are you ovulating?

Are you ovulating?

Are you trying to get pregnant but not sure about regular ovulation? Do you know if you are in fact making an egg each month? In 17 years of my fertility acupuncture practice, I’ve worked with women with different challenges in getting pregnant. Some have long menstrual cycles, skipped cycles, painful cycles, or difficulty figuring out if they are ovulating.

Acupuncture is highly regulatory for these types of menstrual, ovulation and hormonal irregularities. A common treatment plan is for women to see me for a once per week acupuncture and customized Chinese herbal formulas for 2-3 menstrual cycles.

This article is about tracking your ovulation and the best ways to do so. I strongly suggest to my fertility clients that they track ovulation. Sometimes women think that ovulation happens smack dab in the middle of their cycle. Making an assumption about when you are ovulating can directly impact getting pregnant. There is the somewhat mythical idea that ovulation happens on cycle Day 14 of the fairytale 28 day cycle.

 In reality, few women ovulate exactly on Day 14. In fact, the ovulation day for many women can vary month to month, as much as three days. A 3-day variability can most directly impact your chances of getting pregnant. Since your egg only lives 24 to 48 hours unfertilized, you can easily miss opportunities for conception if you simply assume that you ovulate in the middle of your cycle.

Ways to Check for Ovulation

Ultrasound of the Ovaries

Ovulation Predictor Kit (OPK)

Easy Ways to Check Ovulation by Karen Reynolds, Licensed Acupuncturist

Easy Ways to Check Ovulation by Karen Reynolds, Licensed Acupuncturist

Fertility Monitors

Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

Cervical Mucous Changes

 

 

Ultrasound of the Ovaries

Doctors consider the most reliable method of determining ovulation to be an ultrasound of your ovaries. If you have not had a well woman examination with your gynecologist, obstetrician or nurse practitioner within the last year, I strongly recommend it. I also strongly recommend genetic pre-screening for both men and women before getting pregnant. Genetic carrier screening is typically not done until well into a woman’s first trimester. Testing can be done before pregnancy to rule out genetic issues and head off future heart ache. Please see my book Baby Blueprints for more information on that very important topic. https://karenreynolds.wpengine.com/baby-blueprints-book/

Do share with your MD or NP that you are seeking to get pregnant so they will better be able to select the most optimal time in your cycle to schedule your appointment. They may do an ultrasound at the time of your exam. An ultrasound is painless and fast and gives precise information about the activity of your ovaries as well as the thickness of your uterine lining.

 

Technology in your own hands: Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) and Fertility Monitors

Since monthly ultrasounds are usually not cost effective or possible from a scheduling perspective, the next way to track ovulation is with Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) available at drug stores, grocery stores, and on-line.

 

How do OPKs work?

OPKs contain strips which are used mid-stream in urination and vary in cost from approximately $15-70 per month. 12-48 Hours prior to your ovulation, a hormone called Luteinizing Hormone (LH) will be found in higher amounts in your urine. This rise in LH in your urine is called the “LH surge”. The color changes on OPK strips will let you know you’ll soon be ovulating. If you never get a solid color change, try checking twice per day, 8 hours apart and at consistent times. While most women will see their LH surge in mornings, some women consistently produce LH later in the afternoon.

 

Are you getting confusing OPK results?

If you have been using OPKs for some time and you are getting inconsistent readings, you may want to consider the purchase of a Fertility monitor. Systems typically cost between $200-$400. These track changes in salinity of saliva as well as vaginal fluids. Some companies even have new mobile fertility monitors, which are smart phone compatible.

 

Traditional methods: BBT and Cervical Mucous

Basal Body Temperature tracking (BBT) and cervical mucous tracking are older methods of tracking ovulation. Patience and consistency is necessary for BBT monitoring. Directions for measuring your BBT and charting the results must be followed exactly, so as not to skew results. First obtain a specialized basal body temperature thermometer. These are more accurate than general body thermometers. Typical cold and flu thermometers have markings to the 0.2 degree. A BBT is marked the 0.1 degree, which is better.

 

Ideally at ovulation, the body temperature will bump up 0.4 degrees and stay elevated until the end of the cycle. Take your temperature first thing in the morning, at the same time each morning before even rising from bed. It is best to take measurements only after at least three hours of uninterrupted sleep. Have the thermometer at your beside so as not to have to get out of bed and move around before taking your temperature. Activity will drive your temperature up and give you false readings. BBT charts are easily downloadable on-line and there are many smart phone apps that now make this tracking process even easier.

 

Please do keep in mind several things about BBTs. Some women do not show the 0.4 increase in their basal body temperature, but that does not mean all is lost. Certain hormonal or medical situations impact whether your BBT rises. Some examples are PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) or medications.  Also keep in mind that once you see the rise in your basal body temperature, you have already ovulated.  So tracking with a BBT chart gives you insight to the trends in your ovulation patterns. However the best timing of intercourse is before that temperature rise happens.

 

If you notice consistent patterns in your BBT like an up and down, sawtooth temperature shape or others, which is not a 0.4 increase sustained until menstrual bleeding, this is a perfect issue with which to consult with an acupuncturist. Each type of pattern shape corresponds with specific diagnoses in Oriental medicine. Acupuncturists have a wealth of acupuncture points and Chinese herbs, which address irregularities specifically.

Best ways to check ovulation.

Best ways to check ovulation.

Checking cervical mucous is another more traditional way to monitor ovulation. Cervical mucous changes consistency at ovulation. It will become fluffy much like egg whites when you are ovulating. However, for some women, changes in cervical mucous are not so obvious. Most BBT charts provide extra columns for notes for you to track mucous changes as well as any other symptoms you may have.

 

All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish.

 Do please feel free to comment or ask questions here or per my Facebook page at: Karen Reynolds, LAc, RN Acupuncture for Optimal Health.

 For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: KReynoldsAcupuncture.com.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Fertility Tagged With: acupuncture, fertility, Fertility monitors, OPK, ovulation

Zika Virus Pregnancy Risks

March 8, 2016 By Karen Reynolds

Hello from Karen Reynolds, Acupuncturist and RN in Corte Madera, CA. In my acupuncture practice, I work with pregnant women and women trying to conceive. I’m noticing concern right now about Zika virus pregnancy risks. This article is about Zika virus pregnancy risks and how to protect yourself.

Mosquitoes spread the Zika virus; but keep in mind that does not mean all mosquitoes. It is specific mosquitoes in specific countries. If an infected mosquito bites a person, they typically will have a week of symptoms such as: rashes, joint pains, fever and red eyes. Many people do not even realize they have been infected, because the symptoms are mild and rarely cause trips to the hospital. If you are pregnant and worried, below are statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). I hope these put your mind at ease.

Countries where Zika virus is currently being found:

Africa, Brazil, the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia and Uganda.

US Territories where Zika Virus is currently being found:

American Samoa, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. 

 

As of March 2, 2016
Zika virus pregnancy risksThe number of Zika cases having occurred in the continental US is ZERO.
The number of Zika cases developing after travel abroad is 153.

What are the Zika virus pregnancy risks?
Babies with microcephaly have been born to women, bitten by infected mosquitoes. Microcephaly is when a baby’s head and brain are significantly smaller in size. These children can have problems with speech, vision, balance, swallowing, and have a decreased ability to learn.

What to keep in mind if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant?
During the first week a person has Zika virus, the virus is found in the person’s blood. That is how it is passed to the fetus of pregnant women. That also means it can be passed from an infected person to a sexual partner.
Men infected with Zika virus will have the virus in their semen (the fluid containing sperm). The virus also stays in the semen longer than in the bloodstream. If you are pregnant and your sexual partner has traveled to any areas noted above, use condoms during all sexual intercourse as well as all oral sex.Zika virus pregnancy risks

Please note that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website is wealth of knowledge. It has additional information about Zika virus pregnancy risks, traveling, and the best ways to protect against mosquito bites. Fortunately we are not seeing Zika virus outbreaks in the US and known cases in our country have occurred after travel abroad.

Safe sexual practices along with travel awareness will give you the best chance of avoiding exposure and having a healthy pregnancy and baby.

I hope this article is helpful and sets your mind at greater ease. All content is written personally by me. Please enjoy and feel free to share with me your thoughts or questions here. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share this article if you wish. For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: KReynoldsAcupuncture.com.

Filed Under: Fertility, Pregnancy, Safety, Women's Health Tagged With: protection against zika virus, safe pregnancy, Zika virus

PCOS, Babies and You Part II

February 15, 2016 By Karen Reynolds

imagesWelcome to Part II of PCOS, Babies & You

Are you are trying to get pregnant but having problems with regular ovulation or your menstrual cycle? This blog has important information about what is called: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS directly affects fertility, but here is how acupuncture helps.

There are many fertility blood tests out there. Two important ones are:

  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and
  • Luteinizing Hormone.

These are best drawn on your Cycle Day #3. For the purposes of fertility, it is healthy for Lab work for fertilityyour FSH and LH to be in what is called a One to One ratio. So for example: if a woman’s FSH is 6, ideally her LH would also be 6. Women with Polycsytic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have a much higher LH (often 2-3x more LH) than FSH.

Science shows that acupuncture improves this very important fertility ratio of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone in your body. 1 (Please see Part I of this blog for additional information about other signs of PCOS.)

 

Acupuncture is effective for PCOS. Here is how:

Acupuncture promotes ovulation. 2

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are highly effective in lowering testosterone levels in women with PCOS. 3 (Testosterone is another hormone, which is related to getting pregnant. It is usually high in women with PCOS.)Chines herbs for fertility/KReynoldsAcupuncture.com

The results of a clinical trial by a researcher, Shi reflect lowering testosterone levels by 80.6% with Chinese herbs alone and lowering testosterone levels by 93.8%using       both acupuncture and Chinese herbs together.

Acupuncture regulates:

  •             Hormone (endocrine) functions (like FSH, LH & Testosterone)
  •             Blood sugar levels,
  •             Cholesterol (lipid) levels. 4

 A study done by the famous infertility researcher, Elisabet Stener-Victorin, states that Acupuncture when received consistently over time has lasting benefits on hormones and ovulation for PCOS. 5

PCOS is complicated. It impacts your ovulation, menstrual cycle, fertility hormones as well as blood sugar and cholesterol. Your body is a finely tuned but also delicate operation. Anything that throws wrenches in your gears, distorts your baby making production line. Acupuncture can help you and baby making run more smoothly.Fertility, Babies, KReynoldsAcupuncture.com

Thank you for reading PCOS, Babies, and You~Parts I & II. All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. Please enjoy and feel free to share with me your thoughts or questions here. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share this article if you wish. For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: KReynoldsAcupuncture.com.

1 Pastore, L.M., Williams, C.D., Jenkins, J., Patrie, J.T. (2011). True and sham acupuncture produced similar frequency of ovulation and improved LH to FSH in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 96(10):3143-3150.
 2 Liu, Z.C., Sun, F.M., Zhu, M.H., Wang, X.Z. (2004). Effect of acupuncture on insulin resistance in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 2(6): 8-11.
3 Shi, Y., Feng, H.J., Liu, H.R., Zhu, D. (2009). Observation on therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with Chinese herbs on polycystic ovary syndrome of kidney deficiency and phlegm stasis type. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu, 29(2):99-102. Chinese.
4 Liu, Z.C., Sun, F.M., Zhu, M.H., Wang, X.Z. (2004). Effect of acupuncture on insulin resistance in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 2(6): 8-11.
5Stener-Victorin, E., Jedel, E., Manneras, L. (2008). Acupuncture in polycystic ovary syndrome: Current experimental and clinical evidence. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 20(3): 290-298.

 

 

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Fertility, Lab Work, PCOS, Women's Health

PCOS, Babies & You

February 12, 2016 By Karen Reynolds

Have you been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS? Many women do not become aware that they have it until trying to get pregnant. Some indicators of PCOS are a late onset of the first menstrual cycle, irregular menstrual cycles, and problems with ovulation. Women with PCOS have cysts on their ovaries. These are visible during an ultrasound. Your lab work may also show blood sugar as well as hormone issues.


4~PCOS ovaries

Women with can additionally experience the following:

  •             Acne,
  •             Scalp hair loss,
  •             Heavier facial or body hair,
  •             High testosterone levels,
  •             Very high sex drive,
  •             Reduced breast tissue.

It is wise to note that not all women with PCOS have all of these symptoms.

In my 16 years as a Fertility Acupuncturist and RN in Corte Madera, California, I have treated hundreds of women with PCOS. I have also seen instances in which PCOS is masked. So symptoms are less harsh. This can be the case if a woman is consistently on birth control pills at an early age and/or for a long period. However, fewer complaints does not mean getting pregnant will be easier. Frequently, PCOS is discovered when birth control pills are stopped to become pregnant and there is no consistent ovulation or menstruation.

So how does acupuncture help for you if you have PCOS? Here is what science says. First of all, multiple scientific papers cite that PCOS effects are reduced with consistent acupuncture. 1

research

More specifically

In 2011 the American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism published a study focusing on electro-acupuncture treating women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). As opposed to usual medical treatment or exercise alone, it found that:

  • Electro-acupuncture (EA) balances hormones in women with PCOS.
  • Electro-acupuncture (EA) regulates the menstrual cycle in women with PCOS.
  • Electro-acupuncture (EA) promotes ovulation in women with PCOS. 2

In case you are not familiar with Electro-acupuncture, it uses what is called microcurrent. Microcurrent is measured in milliamperes. 1 Milliampere is 1/1000th of a single ampere. So this is very small and gentle stimulation. What do you feel in an acupuncture treatment with electro-acupuncture? The sensation is a light tapping or fluttering. Because it is so relaxing, typically my patients fall asleep during their sessions with me.

images            Stay tuned for Part II of PCOS, Babies and You blog next week. I will discuss in more detail how Acupuncture balances female hormones. These are key in helping you become pregnant. All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. Please enjoy. Feel free to share your thoughts or questions here. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish. For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: KReynoldsAcupuncture.com.

 

1 Cochrane, S., Smith, C.A., Possami-Inesedy, A., & Bensoussan, A. (2014). Acupuncture and women’s health: an overview of the role of acupuncture and its clinical management in women’s reproductive health. International Journal of Women’s Health, 6, 313-325.
2 Jedel, E., Labrie, F., Oden, A. et al (2011). Impact of electro-acupuncture and physical exercise on hyperandrogenism and oligo/amenorrhea in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism, 300 (1): E37-E45.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Fertility, PCOS

Semen Analysis: Sperm Samples What You Need to Know Part II

February 4, 2016 By Karen Reynolds

 

What you need to know about sperm samples Part II

sperm_1790713c

In Part I of this blog series, I discussed the best approaches for physical examination for men as well as most recommended sperm sample processing. Below are important considerations for collecting your semen sample. Part III of this series will give you some information about interpreting your sample results.

Semen samples require specific steps in collection and transport. Here are some important directions to assure accurate results.

 

imagesDue to religious or personal beliefs, masturbation for sample collection may not be an option for all men. In this case, inquire with your MD regarding use of a Milex sheath or a Silastic Sperm Collection device. These specialized condoms are non-toxic to sperm, yet allow for effective collection.

 

imagesAbstain from ejaculation for 2-4 days prior to semen collection. Longer or shorter periods of abstinence will impact your results. Consult with your MD regarding appropriate lubricants for use during collection.Most lubricants are toxic to sperm or otherwise impact the specimen.

 

imagesCollect in a sterile container-obtain this from your MD. Make sure the entire ejaculate volume is collected. All is necessary for an accurate test. Samples must be kept at body temperature. Place the sample in a shirt pocket to maintain the temperature.

 

imagesDeliver the sample within 1 hour to your testing lab. Always check with your lab facility to be certain other requirements are not necessary.

 

 

Part III of this blog series will be released in the next few days and all are intended to give you key information on semen analyses and steps to take toward male fertility and health. Do please feel free to comment or ask questions on my blog or per my Facebook page at: Karen Reynolds, LAc, RN Acupuncture for Optimal Health.

patient Check List

 

 

 

Filed Under: Fertility Tagged With: accurate sperm counts, Men's fertility, semen samples, sperm samples

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Karen Reynolds Acupuncture offers acupuncture sessions, that help with women's health and fertility, healing after surgery and performance in sports.
KRA also offers Microneedling for wrinkles, anti-aging, acne, scarring and hair loss.

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