Categories: Infertility

Alternatives to IVF

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

The injection of sperm into the uterus by means of a catheter directed through the cervix. This procedure has been around for many years. This technique bypasses the need for the sperm to pass through the cervix, especially when a lack of cervical mucus is a problem. The sperm must be washed before being injected to mimic the role the cervical mucus plays. The cervical mucus conducts the process called apacitation, where the head of the sperm is broken down so it can release the enzymes necessary to burrow through the wall of the egg. The cervical mucus also breaks down the seminal plasma which contains prostaglandins that can cause life-threatening reactions by the woman if it is allowed to reach the uterus.Lastly, the cervical fluid breaks down the antimotility factors that are present in seminal fluid.

Intravaginal Insemination (IVI)

This is where sperm is simply injected into the vagina during fertile times or when ovulation is being artificially induced. It would be used mostly when there are impotence problems, problems with ejaculation, when surrogacy has been chosen, or when the woman wanting to conceive does not have a partner or is gay.

Artificial Insemination by Donor (AID)

This involves the use of donor sperm either because the woman’s partner is infertile, she does not have a partner, or she is gay. Usually, frozen sperm that has been screened for life-threatening illness is used in this situation.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

This is where incubated eggs and capacitated sperm are placed directly into the fallopian tubes via laparoscopy. The procedure of preparing for this is very similar to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The pregnancy rates for this technique are quite high.

Natural Cycle IVF

This is IVF without the drugs used to stimulate ovulation. One or two follicles are extracted (the one or two that look like they may be the ones that are going to be ovulated) just before ovulation. They are then inseminated just as in a normal IVF procedure. Not using drugs is less expensive. Although, the maturation of the follicles can happen at any time, so very close monitoring is necessary. This sometimes results is retrievals at difficult times of the day or week. The rates of pregnancy using natural cycle IVF are much lower than regular IVF.
It does make sense to be used if the problem is blocked tubes, in an otherwise healthy younger woman.

Dr Spence Pentland

Dr. Pentland is founder of The IVF Acupuncture Group of Greater Vancouver, available 7 days a week for on site embryo transfer and acupuncture treatments at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) and Genesis Fertility Centre. “The integrated relationship I have established with these clinics is something that I value very much as it expands my knowledge, gives me the opportunity to reach more people, and helps me better understand how to support women on their journey toward family.” says Dr. Pentland. Dr. Pentland, along with Dr. Jeffrey Roberts of The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), and Dr. Christine Sutton of the University of British Columbia, authored research published in Fertility & Sterility on the stress reducing effects of acupuncture when administered in the weeks leading up to an IVF embryo transfer. In 2015 Spence published BEING FERTILE - 10 Steps to Help You Overcome the Struggles of Infertility, Get Pregnant, and Create a Happy, Healthy Family. A book written to provide hope, tools and resources for women and couples experiencing difficulty starting or expanding their families. Dr. Pentland is founder of The IVF Acupuncture Group of Greater Vancouver, available 7 days a week for on site embryo transfer and acupuncture treatments at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) and Genesis Fertility Centre. “The integrated relationship I have established with these clinics is something that I value very much as it expands my knowledge, gives me the opportunity to reach more people, and helps me better understand how to support women on their journey toward family.” says Dr. Pentland. Dr. Pentland, along with Dr. Jeffrey Roberts of The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), and Dr. Christine Sutton of the University of British Columbia, authored research published in Fertility & Sterility on the stress reducing effects of acupuncture when administered in the weeks leading up to an IVF embryo transfer. In 2015 Spence published BEING FERTILE - 10 Steps to Help You Overcome the Struggles of Infertility, Get Pregnant, and Create a Happy, Healthy Family. A book written to provide hope, tools and resources for women and couples experiencing difficulty starting or expanding their families. Further demonstrating his commitment to reproductive health, he is a devoted member of IAAC (Infertility Awareness Association), CFAS (Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society), and ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine). As the former president of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association of British Columbia and the provincial BC TCM quality assurance committee, Dr. Pentland is well respected by peers and patients alike. He remains actively involved in educating healthcare colleagues and the public on the powerful benefits of Chinese medicine & acupuncture, working steadily on the integration of ancient Daoist wisdom into modern western life as a way to build awareness about reproductive health. This compassionate expertise is reflected in patient testimonials. When not helping others start their families, Spence can be found spending time with his own--his adoring wife Chantal and their two beautiful sons. “I am very proud to be part of the team of professionals at Yinstill. We are all dedicated to raising the bar in the field of complimentary and alternative reproductive medicine. Nothing is more important than family,” he says. Professional Development Certifications Combining TCM and IVF to Improve Clinical Outcomes - Jane Lyttleton Treating Complex Gynecological Conditions with Evidence-based Acupuncture - Elisabet Stener-Victorin High-Performance Summit - Darren Hardy Acupuncture during Pregnancy: safe and ethical practice - Claudia Citkovitz Treating Irregular Menstrual Bleeding - Sharon Weizenbaum Management of High Risk Pregnancy Conditions - David Bray Physiology & Pathology of Gynecology - Giovanni Maciocia Treatment protocols for Menopause and Endometriosis - Kiiko Matsumoto Chinese medicine approach to the treatment of Poor Ovarian Reserve - Brandon Horn Clinical problems and solutions in Oriental Reproductive medicine - Dr. Daoshing Ni Treatment strategies for PCOS, Weight Loss, & type 2 Diabetes - Sharon Weizenbaum Allergic and Autoimmune diseases - Mazin Al-Khafaji Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth - Debra Betts Treating Infertility with Chinese medicine - Bob Flaws Masters class in Diagnosis - Bob Flaws East meets West in Reproductive medicine - Mike Berkley The Infertility Cure - Chinese wellness program - Randine Lewis Men’s Health and Fertility - Peter Deadman Integrating acupuncture and IVF - Diane Cridennda and Dr. Paul Magarelli Treatment of Infertility with Chinese medicine - Jane Lyttleton Yang School lecture series Part 1 - Dr. Liu Fang Advanced acupuncture in pregnancy - Jean Levesque Certified Western herbalist - Packard School of Nutrition Courageous conversations - Justice Institute Biology of Empowerment - Dr. Lee Pulos Secrets of Chinese Pulse Diagnosis - Bob Flaws and Honora Lee Wolfe View Articles and Blog Posts by Dr. Pentland Read Dr. Pentland's Success Stories Become Spence's friend on facebook

Published by

Recent Posts

  • Nutrition

The Most Viewed Diet Pill Guide In The World Has A Surprise For You in 2021

Dear friend, If you’re struggling to maintain a diet I don't blame you it's been… Read More

  • physique

Top 10 Dumbbell Exercises For A Bigger And Stronger Back

A strong back is an excellent way to prevent pain and injury and will help… Read More

  • Nutrition

PhenGold Review – The New King Of Weight Loss in 2021?

What is this supplement? Who is it made by? In this PhenGold review you are… Read More

  • physique

8 Best Cable Exercises For A Bigger Chest in 2021

If you want to build a bigger chest forget endless bench presses. In this guide… Read More

  • Nutrition

Best Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies (updated for 2021)

Hi nice to see you here :) Apple Cider Gummies were a sensation when they… Read More

  • Nutrition

PhenQ Customer Reviews 2021 (Genuine)

Also see the best guaranteed weight loss pills Read More

NEWS FLASH Read about the new health supplement and fat burner sending shock waves around the world.

Click here to read more