Celebrating Good News: Why We Say What We Say

Something I find myself saying on an almost daily basis is to “celebrate this news in a way that feels right to you.”⁠ ⁠

I want to take a moment to unpack this statement a little bit. Infertility is tough, really tough. Everyone copes with this difficulty in their own way and many find themselves not wanting to get their hopes up for fear of disappointment. This is, of course normal (btw, you don’t have to be ‘optimistic’ for it to work) and cautious optimism can be a great way to support your mental health. However, when good news does finally come, whether it is finally having enough follicles for a retrieval, a lining thick enough for transfer, finding the right medication dosage that seems to support a healthy cycle, or even finally getting news you are pregnant, we think it is so important to honor that moment. ⁠

You worked hard and went though so much to get to this moment and you deserve a small moment of celebration! We encourage couples to take some time and celebrate. This celebration can look different for different families and situations. You may have just found out you were pregnant, but have a history of loss that might make your celebratory moment look a bit different that someone without that history, and that is ok! A simple hug and expressing hope to your partner or a friend can be enough. Maybe you go have your favorite meal or get a bouquet of flowers. It doesn’t have to be much, but honor how far you’ve come in a way that also honors how far you might still have to go. ⁠ ⁠

You will get there, remember to love yourself along the way! 🧡

-Sarah Prater, L.Ac. Tennessee Center For Reproductive Acupuncture

Fertility Supplements: A Guide for Couples Trying to Conceive

By Sarah Prater
/
Acupuncture, Fertility, IVF, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Supplements

There is so much information online about what supplements may or may not be helpful for fertility. It seems that almost everyone has an opinion and, if you search long enough, you’ll find story after story that goes like this “I took x for only one cycle and was pregnant after x months!” While these can feel encouraging, supplements typically aren’t the magic bullet for a single cycle. Some can even cause cycle irregularity if used in cases where they are not indicated (I’m looking at you vitex!). The truth is that achieving pregnancy is, like most other things, a journey that involves a healthy diet and lifestyle, appropriate supplements, and possibly treatment from a reproductive endocrinologist in conjunction with other providers as needed.

So, what supplements are helpful? We wanted to break down our most commonly recommended supplements and why they might be helpful so you can talk with your fertility team about what is best for you.

This list of supplements comes from Theralogix and we chose this particular company because of their high standards and focus on researched backed supplements. All of their supplements are dye free, dairy and gluten free. They have clean labeling, so you’ll never get an ingredient you aren’t expecting. And they are third party certified by NSF International.

Links to product pages below include our PRC discount code (137923) for Theralogix so you can be sure you are receiving the best pricing. The PRC code (137923) can also be entered at checkout to receive the discounted price. We do receive some compensation for sales generated through these links.

Prenatal Vitamins

I’m sure you expected this one, but a good prenatal is always recommended for all women trying to conceive. Prenatal vitamins contain nutrients like folic acid, iron, and others that work to make sure your body’s nutrient profile is optimized for pregnancy which can help support fertility as well as help your body be ready when you finally find success.

Getting a good quality prenatal vitamin is essential. We recommend Theralogix brand prenatal vitamins and they have a full lineup of choices from a preconception specific vitamin to their most comprehensive prenatal, Theranatal Complete. Choose one you will take daily, some contain multiple softgels/pills per day which can be hard for some women especially in early pregnancy.

Their line-up includes Theranatal Complete, Theranatal One, and Theranatal Core, a preconception focused prenatal. For breastfeeding mothers, they also offer Theranatal Lactation Complete to make sure you’re getting the nutrients specific for nourishing your baby.

Vitamin D

If we had to name an underdog in the fertility world we’d give it, hands down, to good ol’ vitamin D. A 2017 study showed that women with lower vitamin d levels had a harder time conceiving on their own. Low levels are also associated with poorer outcomes in ART (assisted reproductive technologies). There is even some evidence that lower vitamin D levels are associated with higher rates of preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Men also benefit from good levels of vitamin d. Studies show that healthy vitamin D levels may improve testosterone levels as well as sperm motility.

It is always a good idea to ask your doctor to test your vitamin D levels, as very low levels require a prescription dose and follow up with testing after supplementing for awhile to make sure your levels stay in a healthy range.

Most good quality prenatal vitamins and even Conception XR will have adequate levels of vitamin D, but it might be worth an additional supplement if your prenatal has less than 1000IUs per dose. If you need an additional supplement due to a diagnosed deficiency or your prenatal is lacking, Theralogix has a great stand-alone vitamin d supplement. Please check the FAQ section for possible drug interactions.

CoQ10

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that may improve egg quality and help support optimal chromosomal division during fertilization. CoQ10 helps to improve how the egg cells create energy which can improve cell division and overall egg health. Cells’ ability to create energy becomes less efficient as we age. It may also improve response to ovarian stimulation for some women with poor ovarian reserve.

We recommend this supplement to anyone concerned about ovarian reserve. It is usually very well tolerated. It is not known to be beneficial during pregnancy, so you can stop taking it once you find out your cycle was a success.

There is also evidence that CoQ10 may be beneficial for male fertility as well.

Theralogix makes a highly absorbable CoQ10 supplement that is one of our most popular supplements. Please read the FAQs for possible drug interactions.

Fish Oil

Fish oil, omega three fatty acids and DHA, are found in seafood and have an important role in cells throughout the body. They are an important part of cell walls and membranes and support the receptors, including those that regulate genetic function, in these walls to allow good communication between the cells in the body. They also are the starting point for hormones that regulate inflammation and contractions of artery walls.

For supporting fertility, there is evidence that fish oil can support pregnancy rates for those trying naturally and that it may play a role in reducing miscarriage. It may also increase uterine blood flow and help to regulate the immune system. There is also evidence that fish oil can improve male fertility as well.

Some prenatal vitamins will contain DHA and omega-3 fatty acids, but here is a link to a great standalone supplement from Theralogix.

Fish oil can act as a blood thinner, so please read the FAQs for possible contraindications as well as recommendations around surgical procedures.

Melatonin

This powerful antioxidant is most known for its use in treating circadian rhythm disorders or occasional insomnia, but more and more research is coming out showing that melatonin may be a key player in the development of healthy eggs and embryos.

Research shows that melatonin can help increase the number of mature oocytes (eggs) retrieved, improve fertilization rates, and improve embryo quality for those undergoing IVF. Additionally, pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates improve with melatonin.

3mg Melatonin should be taken about 30 minutes before bedtime and we recommend stopping it once you are pregnant. It is also not recommended for women trying naturally, as it can impact ovulation. There are some medications (see FAQs) that are possibly contraindicated with melatonin, so please talk with your doctor before starting supplementation.

Ovasitol

Ovasitol contains 2 forms of inositol which provide 4,000 mg of myo-inositol and 100 mg of D-chiro-inositol, in the body’s naturally occurring ratio of 40:1. Inositol is a nutrient found in fruits, beans, grains, and nuts and is also made by the body.

Research shows inositol can balance hormones leading to more regular, ovulatory menstrual cycles. It also promotes healthy ovarian function, lipid levels, reduce insulin sensitivity, and may support better egg quality. In ART, it has been shown to support oocyte development and maturation and improve pregnancy rates.

Ovasitol is recommended for those that have been diagnosed with PCOS. It comes as a tasteless powder that is mixed into the beverage of your choice twice daily. Most of our patients report that it is actually is, in fact, tasteless. If you are taking a thyroid medication, please review the FAQ’s for details on timing Ovasitol.

Male Prenatal

Obisouly, most of this post has focused on supplements for women, but we all know that it takes a healthy sperm and egg to create a healthy embryo. Fortunately, there is a supplement designed just for men. Theralogix Conception XR Reproductive Health Formula is formulate with fertility specific nutrients and powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium, designed to support sperm health. We consider this a “male prenatal” and recommend it anyone trying to conceive or going through IVF, where motility is not a concern.

If there are concerns about motility, we’d recommend the other product in Theralogix’s male fertility line, Conception XR Motility Support Formula. While more expensive, it contains and additional ingredient, L-carnitine, to help support motility. This is a great choice for those with motility issues or anyone trying to conceive naturally, with a medicated cycle, or through IUI.

Please review the FAQs on each page for drug interactions.

While both of these contain vitamin D, they do not contain Fish oil or CoQ10, so we’d add those on to the recommendation for male fertility.

Contraindications

With any medication, supplement, or herb, there is always the possibility of a drug interaction. Please review the FAQ page for each supplement for an overview of drug interactions and other contraindications and always talk with your doctor before starting any new supplement. It also a good idea to review supplements with your team prior to starting a new cycle as well.

References:

https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(17)30420-X/fulltext

https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-017-1408-3

https://www.ccrmivf.com/blog/how-vitamin-d-may-impact-your-fertility/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5870379/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6516448/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21154195/

https://www.ccrmivf.com/blog/fertility-benefits-omega3-fatty-acids/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fsn3.3464

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221007848#:~:text=Melatonin%20plays%20an%20important%20role,assisted%20reproductive%20technology%20(ART).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5097808/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8226917/

Subchorionic Hemorrhage: What are they and what you need to know

Subchorionic Hemorrhage

Lately we’ve had a few patients with subchorionic hemorrhage come through our office doors. We wanted to take a moment and share what SCH is, what do if you have one, and how acupuncture might be able to help.

First, what is a SCH?

A subchorionic hemorrhage is a collection of blood between the chorion (the outermost membrane that surrounds the fetus) and the uterine wall. It is a common cause of vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy, affecting up to 20% of women. Most subchorionic hemorrhages are small and go away on their own without any problems for the pregnancy. However, larger hemorrhages can increase the risk of some complications. The exact cause of subchorionic hemorrhages is unknown, but they are thought to be caused by a tear in the chorion.

Second, what should you do?

Any time you have any bleeding in pregnancy, your first call should be to your OB or RE. They can run some blood work and do an ultrasound to make sure your pregnancy is healthy and rule out miscarriage. They may recommend additional progesterone, bed rest, pelvic rest, or other treatments.

Third, how can acupuncture help?

To be clear, acupuncture should never be used in lieu of treatment from your doctor, we always recommend an integrative approach. There is evidence that acupuncture combined with progesterone can “improve the effective rate of patients with threatened abortion in early pregnancy complicated with subchorionic hematoma, regulate immune factors, promote the hematoma absorption, and has a better synergistic effect” with progesterone. It can also help alleviate anxiety as any bleeding during pregnancy is terrifying!

If you have questions, feel free to give us a call, 865-315-3845 or email us at info@TennesseeReproductiveAcupuncture.com, we’re always happy to help!

Fertility Myths: Separating the Truth from Fiction

Friends, family, and the internet are full of well-meaning advice meant to help those trying for a child. However, much of this information is, at best, a well-meaning half truth. We took a few of the most common fertility myths we come across and tried to break them down.

You have to wait one year to see a fertility doctor:

This advice encouraging couples to wait one year assumes they are under 35 and that the female partner has regular cycles. If you have irregular cycles, are over 35, have a history of endometriosis, PCOS, etc please contact your doctor sooner than one year. We’ve seen so many couples wait the “recommended year” while they only have 2 periods in a year, etc. Early testing and interventions can reduce months of heartache and get you on the correct treatment path sooner. When in doubt, check with your doctor to see what they might or might not recommend. One caveat, there are some insurance companies that will not pay for fertility testing until the couple has been trying for a year, so do your due diligence to avoid an unexpected medical bill.

A fertility clinic will always recommend IVF

There is such a stigma around seeking help from a fertility clinic. This stigma, fortunately, is a huge myth! Going to a see a reproductive endocrinologist (aka fertility doctor) will ensure that you get the best testing at the right times to get to the root of your issue. Once you have arrived at your diagnosis, a treatment plan will be presented to you that might start with monitoring a cycle, medication (while trying on your own at home), surgery, IUI, and in some cases IVF. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss this plan with your partner, doctor and even get a second opinion to make sure you’re getting the best care possible. There are so many treatment options prior to IVF for most couples.

We believe knowledge can empower your treatment decisions and know that it can help us determine what acupuncture can and cannot do for you. In addition, once you are pregnant, fertility clinics will monitor your blood levels immediately and re-run those tests frequently to address any issues as early as possible and give you peace of mind during the often stressful first few weeks of pregnancy.

If you are under 35, you won’t have fertility issues

Yes, fertility declines with age and women see a biggest drop after 35. Men also see a less pronounced decline in fertility with age. If you have been having unprotected sex for over a year, have irregular cycles, or other concerning symptoms or relevant medical history, please seek out the care of your OB/GYN or make an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist. On the flip side, being over 35 does not mean you don’t have a chance of getting pregnant. Many of our patients are over 35 and many go on to become pregnant.

Infertility is the women’s fault

First off, I hate the word fault. We’d never use that word to describe any other health condition, so let’s throw that out right now. Secondly, male factor infertility accounts for 1/3rd of all infertility cases. Female factor accounts for another 1/3 and a combination of male and female account for the other 1/3. In fact, one of the first tests your doctor will (or should) run is a semen analysis. A full diagnostic workup by a reproductive endocrinologist can help pinpoint your issues and guide appropriate treatment.

Ovulation always happens at cycle day 14

It is often assumed that ovulation always occurs at cd 14, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Ovulation can vary from woman to woman and even from cycle to cycle. Medications, stress, illness, etc can change the timing of ovulation as well. We recommend tracking your cycles with one of the many apps on the market and using ovulation predictor kits to determine when your ovulation occurs. Timing intercourse at the wrong time can be a reason a couple isn’t becoming pregnant.

If you just relax….

Stress DOES NOT cause infertility. We always tell our patients that if stress caused infertility, no one going through fertility treatment would become pregnant. What is true is that infertility causes stress. It is also linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety. This journey can be long and tough. It is important to take care of yourself so you can be your best self throughout the ups and downs. Acupuncture can help to reduce stress, which we see as a way to support our patients on this journey. We also recommend seeking the support of a therapist who specializes in infertility to help you navigate this time in your life.

Why We Recommend Theralogix

By Sarah Prater
/
Clinical, Fertility, IVF, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Supplements

One thing we often get asked about is supplementation and herbs to support fertility. While not every supplement is appropriate for every patient or in every situation, we often suggest some supplements to help support your fertility journey. For instance, being on a good quality prenatal is always recommended while trying to conceive.

At The Tennessee Center for Reproductive Acupuncture, the brand we recommend the most is Theralogix. We wanted to take a moment and share why this company does a great job with their supplements and specifically supplements for fertility. As always, please consult your medical doctor before starting any supplements. The following comes from Theralogix’s website:

1. Medical Advisory Board Oversite

The Theralogix Medical Advisory Board (MAB) is a multi-disciplinary group comprised of physicians, nationally reputed scientists, and faculty members from leading U.S. medical schools. Each product formulation has been approved by the MAB after detailed review of the scientific data.

The MAB continues to meet regularly to conduct extensive reviews of scientific research and to offer guidance on improving existing formulations or developing new products.

2. Research-Based Formulations

Theralogix will never sell a product that is not backed by solid scientific evidence. That is our promise to you.

3. High Quality Ingredients

Theralogix works in conjunction with top manufacturers to source the highest-quality ingredients for our products. Theralogix often specifies the raw material to be sourced, typically because we believe there is an advantage with a specific raw ingredient in quality, performance (bioavailability or other performance measure), or because a material is used in supporting research.

Whenever possible Theralogix will disclose the specific supplier of key raw materials on product labels. All raw materials must meet the sourcing and testing requirements of the NSF International Certification program. Theralogix will not source any ingredient that cannot be tested, identified, or that is not standardized.

4. Current Good Manufacturing Practices

Theralogix products are produced by the highest-quality, U.S.-based manufacturing facilities under conditions that exceed the Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards set forth by the FDA.

cGMP refers to the Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). cGMPs assure that manufacturers follow proper design, monitoring, and regulations when producing dietary supplements. Adherence to the cGMP regulations assures the identity, strength, quality, and purity of nutritional supplements.

5. Independent Testing and Certification

It is important to know precisely what is in the supplement you choose to take. To achieve that assurance, Theralogix works closely with NSF® International, a not-for-profit organization that is the world leader in standards development, product certification, education, and risk management for public health and safety.

NSF certification guarantees that the product contains exactly what is stated on its label, that there are no contaminants or other ingredients that are not listed on the label, and that cGMPs established by the FDA have been met during the production of the product.

Since our founding in 2002, every eligible Theralogix product is tested and certified through the NSF International Dietary Supplement Certification Program.

In addition to certification and testing by NSF International, Theralogix also voluntarily submits its products that contain fish oil for further testing. International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS)tests for contaminants and heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The fish oil used in our products is certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

6. Transparent Labeling

Theralogix follows a clean label policy. All products are artificial dye-free, gluten-free, and contain no proprietary blends or undisclosed ingredients. We strive to reduce or eliminate excipients as much as possible within our production process. Theralogix bottles are made with materials that are recyclable.

7. Clinical Trials

Theralogix products have been used in over a dozen clinical trials conducted by esteemed universities and research institutions across the United States. Several of these clinical trials have been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one of the world’s foremost medical research centers.

Our products have been chosen for use in clinical trials because of their high-quality ingredients and verified content-accuracy. We are truly honored to be trusted by so many of the country’s leading research institutions.

8. Our Nutrition Experts

Nutritional Science is the core of our company. From our Chief Scientific Officer to our registered dietitians, we are here to help you achieve optimal health. We strive to ensure our science-based formulations will deliver the highest-quality nutrients to support your individual needs. For answers to your nutrition questions, please call 1-888-899-3899, ext. 2 to speak with one of our registered dietitians.

Please use our PRC Discount Code to receive Theralogix’s best pricing. We receive a small commission from every sale using our PRC code.

Mask Policy Update 2022

We would like to announce that we are changing our mask policy.

We feel that, after being masked in the clinic for two years, current COVID-19 conditions, and a fully vaccinated and boosted staff, warrant a change in our policy. We are no longer requiring masks in the office. What does this mean for the clinic?

While we are lifting our previous mask policy, masks are still available to anyone who prefers to wear one; and all of our staff and providers are more than happy to mask upon request.

While masks will not be required we are continuing our cleaning, sanitizing, and hand washing practices and will revisit our policies as needed.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us at any time.

Updated COVID-19 Policy 2021-2022

TN Center for Reproductive Acupuncture COVID-19 Policy:

Clinics will remain closed during any stay at home mandated by local or federal government with exceptions made on a case by case basis. We will follow any and all local and/or federal guidelines with respect to elective medical procedures.

Employee Policies:

Each employee must wash hands when arriving for their shift and before and after any amount of patient contact.
Each employee must wear a mask during their shift.
Self assess health before arriving at the clinic and do not report to work if you:
1. Have a fever over 100.4 degrees.
2. Have any COVID symptoms.
3. Have been exposed to COVID-19 and are symptomatic. If you are asymptomatic:
  1. Vaccinated employee: You may return to work after a negative test
  2. Unvaccinated employee: required to quarantine per CDC guidelines.
Follow any updated CDC, local, or federal guidelines not covered by this document.
Minimize time patients spend in the waiting area.
All Employees and sublet tenants must be vaccinated by 1/1/2022. Exceptions only allowed on a case by case basis following CDC guidelines. Exemption requests must be submitted in writing with necessary documentation. Regular COVID 19 testing may be required.

Cleaning protocols: during the COVID-19 outbreak, strict cleaning protocols are to be followed:

All surfaces used are disinfected with a COVID approved cleaner after each patient. This includes but is not limited to:
1. Treatment room door knobs
2. Table and face cradle
3. Call buttons
Sheets are washed with Tide detergent on a hot cycle and changed in full between each patient
These and any other shared items must be disinfected with alcohol after every use and at the beginning and end or shift or before and after another staff member uses them:
1. Phone.
2. Ipad (also to be cleaned after each use by a patient)
Wipe down these and other commonly touched surfaces with a COVID approved cleaner at least daily:
1. Reception desk
2. Bathroom
3. Front door knobs/closet door knobs
4. Kitchen and other staff areas

Patients will not be seen if they:

Have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days
1. If they are vaccinated and asymptomatic, they can be seen with a negative COVID test
Have a fever over 100.4 degrees, or other COVID-19 symptoms
Refuse to abide by clinic policies

Clinic Policies:

Patients are asked to arrive on time for their appointment to minimize time in the waiting room.
Patients are asked to come alone to their visit unless they are accompanying a minor or on case by case expectations for other circumstances.
Patients and guardians are required to wear a cloth mask during their visit.
Patients and guardians are asked to wash hands with soap and water immediately upon arriving for their appointment.

When Should I Start Acupuncture for My IVF Cycle?

Acupuncture and IVF: When to start treatment

As you know by now, acupuncture makes a great compliment to an IVF cycle and can help improve pregnancy rates, and reduce miscarriage rates. But is there an optimal time to begin treatment? Short answer is yes, but the timing will vary based on cycle type and patient diagnosis.

Let’s back up and talk about dosage:

Acupuncture is a therapy based treatment, so it is usually done in a series of treatments to treat various symptoms. Much like exercise, it is best done regularly and frequently. You probably won’t get a six pack by hitting the gym once a month…. Acupuncture is the same way.

Another way to think about it is through the concept of dosing. Say you have a major headache and your doctor recommends 400mg of a medication to relieve it and you only take 50mg. You still have your headache. Does this mean the medication didn’t work? No. Any treatment has a proper dosage for maximum effectiveness and acupuncture is no different. In acupuncture, the dosage is the frequency of treatment. The more severe the symptoms, the more frequent the acupuncture to treat it.

In fertility, the concept of dosing is used to provide maximum benefit during specific times throughout the cycle with consideration for each couple’s situation and type of cycle.

Type of cycle and acupuncture start recommendations:

Retrieval Cycle

4-12 weeks prior to cycle.

The three month window of preconception acupuncture is recommended in cases of low ovarian reserve, poor egg or embryo quality. This window represents the full life cycle of the egg so we consider this an optimal time to use holistic treatments, dietary changes, and lifestyle changes to support your egg health.

One month is typically adequate for other diagnoses like endometriosis, male factor, polycystic ovarian syndrome, etc.

Frozen Embryo Transfer

4 weeks prior to the cycle start. In a frozen embryo cycle, 8-11 treatments before transfer is ideal to optimize results.

Natural Cycle IVF or Mini-stim IVF

4 weeks prior to the start of the cycle.

We refer to these treatments as preconception acupuncture. The treatments are designed to improve blood flow, regulate hormones, and reduce stress in advance of your cycle.

Here is a great Q&A session with the doctors at Long Island IVF and their acupuncturist going over the benefits of frequent treatment leading up to an IVF cycle.

Acupuncture During the Cycle

Once your cycle begins, we will increase our treatment frequency to twice weekly until your retrieval or transfer. For our purposes we consider the “start” when you begin ovarian stimulation medication, estrogen, or cycle day 1 in a natural cycle IVF.

For embryo transfer cycles, whether fresh or frozen, we will see you around the transfer itself and again 5-7 days after the transfer to support implantation.

All of these treatments work to support your body, help to improve outcomes and keep you comfortable and relaxed during your cycle. In research, these protocols show an increase in pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and a decrease in miscarriage.

For more information or questions on how this might work with your specific cycle, please give us a call, send an email (info@TennesseeReproductiveAcupuncture.com), or schedule an appointment online. We are always happy to help!

Clinic Reopening May 4th!

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding during this time. We are excited to announce that are reopening next week on Monday May 4th!!Now with this excitement we are also putting in place some policies to keep our clinic a safe place for all. Please read the following updates precautionary measures and policies we are implementing to maintain best practices during this time.

Clinic Policies:

1. Please arrive on time for your appointment or wait indoor vehicle instead of coming into the waiting room.

2. Patients are asked to come alone to their visit unless they are accompanying a minor.

3. Patients and guardians are asked to bring and wear a cloth mask during their appointment. Staff will also be wearing masks.

4. Patients and guardians are asked to wash hands with soap and water immediately upon arriving for their appointment.

Upon the arrival your temperature will be taken and you will be asked the following questions:

Have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19?
Are you experiencing cough, shortness of breath, or a sore throat?
Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?
Have you had a new loss of taste or smell?
Have you had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours?

Patients will not be seen if they:

Answered yes to any of the above questions.
Have a fever over 100.4 degrees.

These precautionary measures are from TN’s guidelines for reopening and will changed as needed to keep everyone as safe as possible as we navigate this next phase. Please be patient with us as we will also be keeping a lighter schedule to ensure enough time to properly clean and create a safe space for our staff and patients.

Keep an eye on our social media pages and connect with us! We will continue to be available via email, social media, phone if you would like to schedule or reach out with questions during this time.

With our hearts,

Sarah and Alex

Clinical Precautions for COVID-19

At Tennessee Center for Reproductive Acupuncture, we’re proactively taking steps to reduce the risk of the COVID-19 coronavirus to our patients and staff, especially now with a confirmed case of coronavirus in Tennessee. We’d like to share with you a few preventative measures to ensure the health and well-being of our patients and staff, as well as some links to helpful public health information. Our aim is to make our clinic a healthy place for all.

Many of our patients present with common non-contagious/non-serious upper respiratory symptoms such as allergies, asthma or a lingering cough following a cold, which we will continue to treat these conditions as they do not pose a risk to others.

If you are sick, the best option is to stay home. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Call your primary care physician if you’re in need of medical attention for these concerns. If you need to cancel your appointment due to illness, you will not be charged. We understand and will happily help you reschedule.

Some things to remember:

Please use hand sanitizer when you check in at the front desk, or wash your hands in the bathroom. We also have hand sanitizer in the treatment rooms. Feel free to help yourself. When washing your hands, please wash for at least 20 seconds.
We change sheets, pillowcases and face cradle covers after each patient.
We regularly sanitize surfaces that are frequently touched such as door knobs, doors and faucets. We clean our bathroom regularly.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than onto your hands. If you sneeze or cough on your hands or into tissues or a handkerchief, please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer afterwards.
If you are coughing for any reason, please wear a mask. We understand it may be from allergies, asthma, or even heartburn, but it will help alleviate concerns from others sharing the space.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose, eyes and face with unwashed/non-sanitized hands.

Here are some more guidelines and links to inform you about how to take care of yourself and recommended practices regarding covid-19:

CDC Facts About COVID-19

FAQ by an Intensive Care and Infectious Disease Physician

American Society of Acupuncturists Covid-19 Fact Sheet

Business and Employer Guidelines

We appreciate your understanding. With your participation we can continue to serve the patients who need us and keep our clinic a healthy and safe place for all. Thank you.