Its Conceivable: Natural Mind/Body Techniques To Enhance Fertility

January 31, 2006 - Tuesday
7:58 PM to (EST)
Guest Speakers: Dr. Marc Sklar and Gerald Williams
Doctors of Acupuncture r(RI) and founders of Reproductive Wellness

Categories
Acupuncture • Fertility • Fertility and the Environment • Infertility • Yoga

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nishafyne1	thank you
nishafyne1	looking for help with conceving
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Dr_Williams	Good evening this is Dr GeradlWilliams online I am looking forward to answering as many of your questions as I can.
Dr._Sklar	Welcome everyone, its a pleasure to be here tonight. I would like to start off by asking Dr. Williams what he feels are the most important natural treatments to treating infertility.
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SnugglePigeon	Good evening Dr. Williams and Dr. Sklar
Cat	Do you think Ovulex works or natural vitamins?
Dr_Williams	Good question,
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Luly02	What are your thoughts on DHEA for high FSH levels?
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Dr._Sklar	Cat, that is a good question and one that we get often in our offices. My concern is that all supplements are not good for everyone. Each individual has different issues that need to be addressed. It is important to have a trained professional recommend a combination of supplements for you based on your condtion.
Dr_Williams	The most important natural treatments that can be started by anyone really begins with correct diet, often simple changes can yield the greatest results
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Cat	Is Ovulex worth a try? It is an herbal type pill which emphasizes getting pregnacy natural. Does this work?
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Symharmony	Does acupuncture help with improvement of hormone levels, such as progesterone?
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Dr._Sklar	Luly02, I haven't seen any Definitive results using DHEA for ths condition.
HRW	What is DHEA? And what, sprcifically do you recommend for women with a high FSH level (other than a change in diert)? Acupuncture? Herbal remedies (if so, which ones?)?
Dr._Sklar	Both for Cat and Luly02, it is important to have your conditions addressed by a practitioner who knows your history and is able to tell you if you should be on a specific supplement. Herbal treatments are important for treating infertility naturally but each person will need different herbs and supplements depending on your condition and medical history.
Dr_Williams	Acupunture can help to re kick start the bodies self regulating mechanisams, it will never work as instantly as synthetic progesterone but, will work at re regulating the HPO axsis and the cascade of chemicals that need to flow smoothly and regularly.
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Luly02	How often do you recommend Acupuncture treatments?
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Symharmony	I've been going to an acupuncturist for a couple of months, how long before I see positive results?
Cat	Where do you pratice wholeness?
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KT_Short	Do you have any recommendations to enhance chances of success with IVF? Ours is a case of male infertility and we did have a son with IVF two years ago, but we experienced a failed FET cycle in November. I was thinking about doing a "cleansing" diet but I don't want to stress out my organs.
Dr._Sklar	DHEA is a hormone and has been said to treat low hormone levels. As for treating FSH it is important to have treatment for three months at minimum using acupuncture, herbal medicine and supplements. We have also found that joining a support group such as a mind body class can also help improve this condition.
pam	I take Metformin for PCOS> Is it okay to take herbal medicine my acupuncturist gives me with it or am I losing the effect of one or both of them to combine western and eastern medicine?
Dr_Williams	Acupuncture generally achieves best results if it is applied at least once a week but for perhaps several months before being able to see any measureable any results.
Dr._Sklar	Symharmony, We recommend a minimum of three months of treatment to help begin to change the health of the reproductive organs. It can however take upwards of a year.
Cat	Where is your clinic?
deb_capone	Wow, we really came out of the box swinging tonight, but it would be helpful if Dr. Williams did answer Dr. Sklar's opening question about which treatment or treatments are most important in treating fertility.
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Symharmony	Where do you find a support group for a mind body class? I think my overwhelming thoughts of desperation are my biggest problem.
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Dr_Williams	Our clincs are located in San Diego and the close by town of Del Mar California
Dr._Sklar	Kt Short, If your husband is not seeing an herbalist/acupunctrurist then I would recommend that to begin with.
KT_Short	There is no treatment for his condition - his sperm was aspirated. I am interested in increasing my fertility in general. Thanks.
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deb_capone	Symharmony: the AFA has many telephone coaching groups. You can get information on them at www.theafa.org. Many are free of charge with a free "No Barriers" membership.
HRW	I have recently seen Dr of Naturopathy who has put me on a pretty strict (almost vegetarian) diet along with several herbs and a homeopathic remedy...Any comments? You mentioned supplements; what types of supplements are spevifically for a high FSH level?
Dr._Sklar	PAM, Again, I can't say if it is ok to combine these treatments because I am unfamiliar with your condition. If prescribed correctly eastern and western medicine should enhance eachother.
Symharmony	Thanks Deb
Dr_Williams	Apart from Correct nutrition I have seen patients acheive quicker results when they are able to join or participate in a some from of group support. They really see and feel the difference emotionally and physically
pam	thank you, dr. sklar. one more ?, do you do acupuncture treatments during the time between ovulation and when one would get their period or become pregnant?
pam	Deb, what are telephone coaching groups?
Dr._Sklar	PAM, You can receive treatments, and should, all throughout your cycle.
Cat	What percentage of sucess do you have e.g. live births?
Dr._Sklar	Symharmony, You can find support groups by contact the AFA or your local infertility support organization. If you need help locating one please contact us after the session so we can help you locate one.
Symharmony	Do you recommend receiving acupuncture once a week for three months straight before tapering off to once a month?
Dr_Williams	We address the High FSH levels more with our oriental botanical medicines together with acupunture treatments, with out knowing a more complete individual medical history it is difficult to give you any specific single suppliment for FSH
Symharmony	Thanks Dr Sklar
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KT_Short	It is my understanding that the data supporting acupuncture's affect on infertility is Chinese-style. Do you know whether the same results are achieved with Japanese-style acupuncture?
HRW	Thank you, Dr. Williams. Can you recommend any Drs of Acupuncture specializing in Fertility in the Boston, MA area?
deb_capone	The AFA's Telephone Coaching groups are support groups that take place over a telephone bridge line. The groups are run by therapist with expertise in dealing with fertility issues. You can get live support without leaving your living room.
Dr._Sklar	Symharmony, I do recommend once a week for three months, but as for tapering off to once a month it is difficult to say without know more. If you are seeing a trusted practitioner in your area trust their recommendations.
rosemariek74	I would love to hear the to hear the top 10 highly recommended steps to significantly enhance my chances for a successful pregnancy. I know that acupuncture and yoga are on that list, which I am doing....but I need to know the others to see if I can encorporate them into my personal program.
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Dr_Williams	HRW-If you send me an email to gwilliams@reproductivewellness.com, I will try and locate someone qualified. Cheers
wordsworth22	What do you think that the mind can do specifically to the body in terms of infertility either adversely or beneficially?
Dr._Sklar	1. Know your optimum fertility signs and times
HRW	Thank you, again Dr. Williams. I would greatly appreciate it.
Dr._Sklar	1 - Know your omtimum fertility signs and times
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Cat	Do you incorporate mental health treatment with therapists?
deb_capone	Rosemariek74: as an FYI, Dr Sklar's article addressing your question will be available in your next Connections online newsletter....if you are already a free "No Barriers" member of the AFA you'll get it in about two weeks. If you need to join, go to www.theafa.org
KT_Short	Thanks rosemariek74 - that's what I was trying to get at with my convoluted first message.
Symharmony	My acupuncturist places a box on my stomach and burns a herb (can't remember the herbs name). It is suppose to warm my baby chamber, as she puts it. Do you know what this is I'm referring to, and if you do have you seen positive results? Sorry I can't remember the herbs name.
Dr_Williams	The body responds to stress -real or percieved in exactly the same way. It initiates the fight or flight mechanisum, it dumps a mixture of chemicals (addrenalin, cortisol etc) which basically shuts off any resources taht would be directed to the reproductive organs. Infertiltiy is a high stress inducer. Tha is whay we have incorporated the Harvard Mind Body group support program into our treatment protocols.
rosemariek74	perfect, thank you, yes I am a no barriers member and will keep my eye out for that article.
deb_capone	Drs. Williams and Sklar, I think that KT_Short and Rosemariek74 are asking a great question. Beyond yoga and accupunture what other things do we need to incorporate to help with conception and pregnancy from a natural mind/body point of view?
Dr._Sklar	2 Participate in a strong social support system, 3 get a full medical evaluation, 4. incorporate natural treats such as oriental medicine, uterine massage, yoga and qi gong, 5, develop a nutritonal plan, 6. join a support group - mind/body lets start with that for know. Deb will be including the full article in the next newsletter.
Dr._Sklar	Symharmony, the herb is called Moxabustion (mugwort) and it is very effective in treating infertility.
Symharmony	Thank you...I hoping to see good results with it.
rosemariek74	I have not read much regarding any specific nutritional plan - can you give me any examples of what the things to stay away from and to encorporate are? Ofcourse I understand the need for a generally healthy diet....I was thinking of just starting the "preganancy diet" now (I am starting and IVF cycle next week)
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Cat	Any colleugues in the Northern VA area Washington, DC?
HRW	Have you had positive results (i.e. conception/pregnancy and resulting birth) with women who have come to you with high FSH levels (30 +)? If so, how long were they in teatment?
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Dr._Sklar	Thank you Deb. From the mind body piont of view incorporating acupuncture and yoga are only treating one aspect of this. To address the mind you have begin to join a group support class that incorporates guided imagery, relaxation response techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy and the like.
dklaustin1	Is it okay to start yoga if I have not been exercising in the last six months. We have tried clomid and iui and we are now moving to injections. Would it be okay to start exercise now?
Dr._Sklar	Dr. williams has been disconnected so I will try to anser all the questions, please be patient.
deb_capone	Ahhh, the dreaded techno-glitch has gotten Dr. WIlliams, but I do see he is back online....welcome back Dr. Williams.
rosemariek74	This is a great forum to share, thanks to both Doctors and to AFA for organizing....Dr Williams has even called me to follow up on my initial interest, which is unbelievable to me....thanks again Dr. Williams!
Symharmony	What is a uterine massage and where would you go to get one?
deb_capone	As a reminder, we do these sessions every Tuesday night from 8pm-9pm Eastern and your feedback is important. Let us know how we are doing. Send an email to pam@theafa.org with comments and suggestions.
Dr._Sklar	Rosemariek74, Nutritonally you need to increase your vegetable intake, becareful of processed foods, drink plenty of water, eliminate caffeine and alcohol. I hope this is a good start but seeing your daily diet would be helpful.
Dr._Sklar	HRW, with an FSH at or abaove 30 it will be difficult to acheive conception without an integrated approach using both eastern and western medicine.
rosemariek74	My acupuncturist has been urging me to meditate and try to see a baby in my womb...is that was guided imagery is like?
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KT_Short	Does drinking decaf coffee qualify as eliminating caffeine, or do you recommend a more strict approach (I know there is some caffeine in decaf, chocolate, etc.)?
belawe	Hello, I will probably duplicate some questions...hopefully not too many.
Dr._Sklar	dklasustin1, It is important for you to being exercising as soon as possible. Yoga would be an ideal way to begin the process and if you can find a local yoga class specific to fertility even better.
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Dr_Willaims	KT- Personally I do not reccomend my patients to switch to Decafe, I am concerned with further introducing unknown chemicals, if you can do it find a non caffine drink ( but not decafe)
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rosemariek74	I have not been able to find a local yoga class specific to fertility....all I found was more along the lines of pregnancy yoga, which I can't wait to do. I have mainly tried to use the internet to find fertility yoga....would you be able to give me any direction?
Cat	::wub What can I do to recover after the death of a baby? To recover naturally?
Symharmony	Do you recommend eliminating chocolate as well?
Dr._Sklar	Uterine massage is a specific form of massage on the reproductive organs that alleviates pain during menstruation, pain during intercourse, any adhesions, endometriosis and the like.
dklaustin1	Thank you, Dr. Is it safe to begin cardio as well? On a treadmill? If so how often? I had been reluctant because I had heard that exercise will could effect your cycles and such?
Luly02	How obsessive do we need to become with the exercise and diet? I am in acupuncture, do yoga, follow a healty diet but feel I can do more. I am afraid that if I take it to another level the stress of having to follow everything exactly as told will be worse. What are your thoughts on that? Where do we draw the line?
HRW	Thank you, Dr. Sklar. Just wondering what types of Western medicines you might have in mind...My Fertiltiy Dr. told me that there's no type of therapy (drugs, etc.) he can offer me...He said my only options were Donor Egg or adoption which is why I am interested in and pursuing other alternative approaches.
belawe	My RE recommend that my husband and I try repronex for our next course of treatment...but due to the cost at this time we were thinking about alternatives. We have always been interested in more natural techniques (i.e. acupuncture, yoga, massage, etc.) and just found aplace that specializes in (acupuncture) for fertility that doesn't charge that much. What can be expected during the treatment? Are the results usually pretty promising?
Dr._Sklar	Rosemarie, this is what guided imagery is like. We will be coming out with a CD in the next month or two that is focused on helping couples through this process using imagery.
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Dr._Sklar	Rosemarie, if you email us after the session we can help you find a local provider if there is one.
Dr_Willaims	Cat-Firstly I would locate a group support clas that offers support for pregnancy loss, the emotional impact and release that can come from recieving profeesional assitance that help shorten the time needed to return to a state of emothial and physical health conducive for another conception.
Symharmony	Where do you go to have a uterine massage done? I have painful menstrual cramps each month and I would love to have a natural fix to this problem.
belawe	Dr. Williams...you are from the Reproductive Wellness Center in San Diego, right?
Dr._Sklar	Symharmony, as for chocolate a woman needs to have some pleasure in their life. My love for chocolate is telling me to say that you can keep eating it, in moderation, and best if it is dark chocolate.
KT_Short	Any recommendations for general guided imagery resources? I know it is a learned skill but I think any training could help. I am asking for general resources because my IVF cycle begins 2/10 and there is no class at our local fertility centers in the meantime.
belawe	I have received information from you in the past and haven't followed up with booking a consultation. It looks like I will be doing that soon.
Luly02	rosemariek74 - there is a yoga for fertility DVD named "Yoga 4 Fertility" by Brenda Strong
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Dr._Sklar	dklaustin, I would begin wiht some lite exercise but I would also consult with your local practitioner to guide you in this process.
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Dr_Willaims	BelawIf you practioner really knows what they are doing, then yes, If possible find a sepecialist in this field, because ther is a great deal of training that is needed to be able to correctly administer individual treatments that cocide with a womans cycle-
deb_capone	As a side note, Brenda Strong (the voice from Desperate Housewives) is the AFA's national spokesperson. Brenda and her husband have a yoga studio in the LA area that specializes in yoga for fertility.
Dr_Willaims	Belawe-We look forward to being of profeesioanl service and of any help we can. Thanks
rosemariek74	Thanks Luly02, I will find it asap. I have felt the same way as you....I feel like I am doing alot, but tuned in tonight to find out if there are other natural ways that I can prepare for IVF this month. I want to do everything that I can, but I can only do those things that I can afford....surely I'm not alone there.
Dr._Sklar	Luly, I agree with you. My belief is that you doing this in moderation. There is a fine line between too little and too much, especially when it can contribute to stress. You seems to be doing plenty of things, so keep it up and try to minimize the stress in your life.
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Luly02	Thank you Dr Sklar
Lori	I am currently getting acupuncture for endo and fertility issues, the dotor is using seeds in my ears (tape) to help the endocrine and stress levels, does this sound accurate?
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Dr._Sklar	HRW, When I say western medicine it means IVF and the like in conjunction with eastern medicine. The two together are always better then just western medicine on its own.
HRW	Thank you, Dr. Sklar.
Dr._Sklar	belawe, that is correct, from san diego.
Dr_Willaims	KT-We are just finshing up a CD that will offer seveal guided imigary sessions, but its not quite ready. I would look for a simple audio meditation CD, perhaps even at your local library. Sorry I cant think of one off the top of my head.
Dr._Sklar	Symharmony, there are not many places that offer this. If you contact us afterwards we can try to find you something.
Symharmony	Thank you Dr Sklar...how do I contact you afterwards?
Dr_Willaims	Lorri02- Yes there are many points that are located and used in the ear, I dont know specifically what combination but can only assume that he/she is doing the best they can.
Dr._Sklar	You can reach both Dr. Williams and Myself at www.reproductivewellness.com or via email at msklar@reproductivewellness.com
HRW	Do you Drs incorporate any homeopathy into your therapy? If not, do you know anything about using homeopathic remedies for fertility?
Dr._Sklar	If you feel that we haven't answered your question or that we missed it in the shuffle, please let us know as we would like to answer as many questions as possible and address everyones needs.
Dr_Willaims	Have I missed any ones questions so far?
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MHanson	I have just gone through my third IVF cycle and used a imagery CD for someone going through IVF from www.anjionline.com. So far so good as my first test after transfer shows that I am pregnant. My acupuncuturist recommended it - it was very useful through the stages of the IVF cycle.
Lori	Do you offer herebal remedies to your patients?
jenniferl	I saw you mentioned using mugwort, or moxabustion, how do you go about taking this? And where would you buy something like this?
Luly02	What was the herb that was used for someone treatment that was burned on the belly in a square? I would like to speak to my acupuncturist about it this Saturday.
arestino	I joined late and do not know if this question was addressed. Is there an FSH level and age range for a woman that you feel acupuncture and IVF, etc. combined would not help? Is there a point where donor eggs is the way to go to increase the chances of conceiving?
Dr._Sklar	HRW, we do not use homeopathy in our practice because we are not trained in that type of medicine. I have heard some new information from a local practitioner about this, but there is no research to support using homeopathy to treat infertility.
deb_capone	Congratultions and good luck, MHanson.
Dr_Willaims	MHanson, thank you I will check it out and perhaps reccomend it to my patients.
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rosemariek74	congrats MHanson, and thanks for a great tip....going to check it out immediately following this session! I am getting some great direction, THANK YOU AFA and Dr. Sklar and Dr. Williams.
HRW	Thank you, Dr. Sklar.
deb_capone	We are entering the home stretch tonight and have time for a few more questions before I ask Drs. Sklar and Williams to make some closing comments.
Dr._Sklar	Lori, Yes we do. You use herbal treatments and they are essential for the treatment of infertility.
deb_capone	I want to thank the doctors for their time. This has been an incredible session!
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Dr_Willaims	arestino-I have personally treated patients over 40 with FSH levels at 16. (they concieved after 3 months)
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Dr._Sklar	Jennifer and Luly, moxibustion can only be performed by your acupuncturist and it is not something you ingest. Rather it is burned at various locations on the body to help increase circulation, improve strength and fertility
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rosemariek74	I only wish I was enlightened to search for ways to improve my fertility a year ago....I would have loved the opportunity to enroll in one of Reproductive Wellness' programs. Now I am already at the starting gate of IVF and have slowly figured alot of these things out on my own.
deb_capone	As a reminder, Dr. Sklar's article expanding on some of what has been presented here tonight will be in your next Connections newsletter. If you are a "No Barriers" member of the AFA it will be in your inbox in a few weeks. If you aren't a member, join now at www.theafa.org--its free!
Lori	How do you tell what you're taking if written in Chinese? My concern is I have lots of allergies to ragweed and some food allergies. Should I be concerned. I just started the pills today.
Luly02	Thank you Dr. Sklar - I am going to do some research on it as well as mention it to my acupuncturist at my next appointment
girl007	This has been great. Thank you.
Cat	Do you know any Northern VA wellness people to recommend?
Dr_Willaims	Aretino-the donor egg question needs to be assesed on an individual basis. but after the age of 47, that need becomes greater.
rosemariek74	thank you, good night
Dr._Sklar	Lori, you need check with your practitioner.
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jenniferl	Do you know of a reference, where you could find an accupunturist in a certain state?
Dr_Willaims	Any last minute questions
deb_capone	Dr. Sklar and Dr. Williams can you make some closing comments...and if I reading correctly, you are also generously offering to have our guests contact you directly for more information.
Lori	They say, I'll be fine but it's hard to understand because of the language barrier.
Dr._Sklar	Rosemarie, you can still incorporate some of our treatments with your IVF treatments to help enhance and increase success rates by over 50 %.
HRW	Thank you, Drs., so much. This has been great. I will definitely be contacting you via e-mail as you suggested. Thanks again.
Symharmony	Thank you so much for your help, Dr Sklar and Dr Willaims. I will definitely contact you afterwards about uterine massage. ::smile
Luly02	Dr. Sklar and Dr. Williams - thank you for joining us tonight and for sharing your knowledge with us. I am sure I speak for others when I say this session has been of great help!
deb_capone	Jenniferl: The AFA is going to be offering referrals in this area in the next several months.
jenniferl	oh ok--great!! thank you
Lori	Thanks so much for your help! I'm bummed I checked in so late, but will try to contact you through your email.
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Dr_Willaims	Closing statements, would be to start with the most gentle treatments first, the worst that can happen is that you will be better prepared if you have to move up to the ART protocols.
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Dr._Sklar	Thank you for your questions, it has been a pleasure. As for referrals we can help you find someone who specializes in infertility.
Dr._Sklar	Goodnight!
Cat	Where do we email you?
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deb_capone	Thanks to everyone for contributing to our sesson, join us next week as we discuss endometriosis at 8pm Eastern with a highly-regarded Reproductive Endocrinologist who can field your questions.
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arestino	Thank you.
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deb_capone	Good night everyone. Thanks for joining us.
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Cat	Does anyone have their emails?na
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Luly02	www.reproductivewellness.com or via email at msklar@reproductivewellness.com
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Francesca76	how does accupunture work when undergoing ivf. I did accupuncture and I think that I was more stressed out about feeling the needles. And it did hurt
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Its Conceivable: Natural Mind/Body Techniques To Enhance Fertility

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