Acupuncture is a very effective supporting treatment for women undergoing IVF (in vitro fertilization), making the process more comfortable, less stressful, and increasing odds for success. To schedule acupuncture sessions carefully would achieve a better chance of success. In Traditional Chinese medicine, each person is treated individually, so recommendations may vary depending on your health and history.
Acupuncture in Difference phases of IVF support:
Prior to starting IVF Treatment
For women, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine prior to starting IVF treatment help increase blood supply to the uterus and a regulation of hormones which could be important to follicle development and implantation.
Suggested Schedule: 1-2 treatments per week for 4-6weeks
For men, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine prior to starting IVF treatment help sperm count, motility, morphology issues.This can be considered as part of a pre-conception programme even where there is a normal semen analysis.
Suggested Schedule: 1-2 treatments per week for 4-12 weeks
During the Stimulation Phase of IVF
For women, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can assist the medication by producing more follicles and good quality eggs, while reducing the side-effects. It can also thicken the lining of the uterus to prepare for the transfer of embryos.
Suggested Schedule: 2 treatments per week
For men, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can increase blood flow through the small blood vessels of many clinical trials, potentially improving delivery of nutrients to developing sperm and promoting optimal sperm vitality.
Suggested Schedule: 1-2 treatments per week before sperm donation
On the day of Sperm Donation
Acupuncture benefits in reducing anxiety, more energy, better sleep, and helps increase blood flow to the genital area before sperm donation.
Suggested Schedule: 1 treatment the day before or the morning of sperm donation.
Between Retrieval and Embryo Transfer
After eggs have been retrieved you may have some cramping and discomfort from the procedure. At this time, acupuncture is focused on reducing the local trauma from the procedure, relaxing the uterus, increasing circulation, and preparing the body for embryo transfer.
Suggested Schedule: 1-2 treatments between retrieval and embryo transfer
On the day of Embryo Transfer
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine help increase blood supply to the uterus and a regulation of hormones which could be important to implantation. Recent clinical trials have showed an increase in pregnancy rates of women receiving acupuncture (most commonly those for whom the expected pregnancy rate was 30% or less).
Suggested Schedule: one treatment before and one treatment after embryo transfer
After the Embryo Transfer
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine assist the whole implantation process, while reduce fatigue, stress, abdomen swelling and discomfort.
Suggested Schedule: 2 treatments per week until the pregnancy result. If your pregnancy test is positive, we would strongly recommend an assessment of your current body condition and support you with our pregnancy care program.