Post-IVF Recovery - Make the Most of It

If you are an IVF patient who recently had a cycle that did not result in pregnancy, you were most likely told by your R.E. to wait two to three months, and try again. Common sense would dictate that it is wise to give your body a rest after the IVF cycle, because in essence your body has just finished working in "overdrive" mode, pushed harder than it has ever been pushed by the powerful drugs.

This can often be agonizing because you most likely did the IVF for the purpose of "getting on with it". Now, someone is telling you to wait?

This "waiting period", however, is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your future fertile potential, especially if you incorporate some gentle detoxification and rejuvenation routines.

Conventional thinking sees fertile potential over time as an absolute inverse equation, like this:

More Time = Less Fertility

However, looking deeper, we can see this is an oversimplification of the situation.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we speak of the Jing -- the Fertile Essence -- that is at the root of all creation and transformation in the human body, including cell division, manufacturing of vital substances (i.e. hormones and neurotransmitters), healing potential, and reproduction.

In the physical sense, Jing has a limited supply. In other words, you use it, you lose it.

But, on a spiritual level, Jing has an infinite supply and can be replenished and conserved in a very simple -- rest, tranquility, calm, stillness.

Most of us haven't slowed down for an extended period of time for our entire adult lives. It has been a constant bouncing from one activity to another since we became independent adults. This is a constant drain on our Jing, and it may actually be the reason you are having difficulty conceiving in the first place.

So, the BEST thing you can do after a failed IVF cycle is to slow down, cultivate some genuine patience, and give your body a break. Create a schedule and an environment that emphasizes rest, tranquility, calm, and stillness. Go to bed early each night. Instead of watching TV when you get home, dim the lights and listen to some peaceful, calming music. Trim your schedule to allow for more quality time with your partner and children if you have them.

And, invest in some one-on-one coaching to optimize your nutritional plan around replenishing your reproductive potential. Through vitamins and other nutraceuticals, along with targeted herbal support and Acupuncture, you will go a LONG way towards making the most of your two to three month break.

Conventional medicine may not think this will do anything at all to help you. But, ask yourself on an intuitive, root common sense level, and you will KNOW this is a path worth taking.

Until next time...

Chris Axelrad, M.S.O.M., L. Ac., FABORM, director of the Axelrad Clinic for Natural Fertility Enhancement and Women's Health,
is a recognized expert in women's health and fertility
enhancement using Traditional Chinese Medicine integrated with conventional medical knowledge. He is known for his
easy-going manner and sincere compassion for his patients.

Mr. Axelrad provides coaching and support to fertility patients across the country via his remote treatment programs, and he also maintains a busy full-time specialty clinical practice in Houston, TX.