Acupuncture + IVF: a combination gaining momentum
Considering IVF, or know someone who is? Research has shown that acupuncture can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy by 40 to 60 per cent. While acupuncture and herbs have been used to treat women’s health for centuries, techniques and new treatment principles have been developed specifically to work alongside IVF and other forms of assisted reproduction.
Acupuncture is a form of medicine that uses very fine needles to stimulate specific points on the body. These points are used to regulate and maintain free flow within the body, and to nourish and restore function of the organs.
USING ACUPUNCTURE TO SUPPORT AN IVF CYCLE
PRE TREATMENT:
Although starting treatment at any stage has proven beneficial, studies have found that treatment one to two months prior to the IVF procedure increases chances of a successful pregnancy. During these early sessions, acupuncture is used to:
Improve ovarian function to allow for better quality eggs
Strengthen the immune system
Reduce stress and thus support hormone balance
Regulate the menstrual cycle
Address any concerns specific to the patient
DURING THE IVF CYCLE:
Once the IVF cycle begins, there are a few phases of the cycle when an acupuncture treatment is most valuable.
During the stimulation phase, acupuncture has been shown to:
Support stimulation in order to produce more follicles
Support egg quality
Prepare the body for the transfer
Decrease any side effects of simulation medications
Recent studies suggest the most crucial treatments are those on the day of, or very close to, the transfer. Two acupuncture treatments are recommended:
A pre-transfer treatment will:
Decrease stress
Make the body more receptive to the embryo
Post-transfer, acupuncture:
Decreases stress
Encourages blood flow to the uterus
Supports implantation
IT’S NOT JUST FOR THE LADIES
Acupuncture has been shown to improve sperm movement (motility) and shape (morphology), two parameters important for conception. Just as beginning treatment prior to the IVF cycle is important for women, early treatment is helpful for men. We also suggest a treatment within 24 hours of sperm retrieval, to encourage motility.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A TREATMENT
Expect an initial session to last up to 75 minutes, as one of our practitioners will do a comprehensive consult to gather a full health and fertility history, before beginning a treatment tailored to the individual. Acupuncture needles will be inserted into the muscles in various locations on the body and retained for anywhere from 15 – 40 minutes. In many cases, Chinese herbs, supplements or lifestyle advice will be recommended to support the treatment and ultimately promote the chances of a successful conception.
IVF can be a stressful journey, but well worth the effort. We are here for you, to support and care for you every step of the way!
For more information about IVF acupuncture, email info@shiftnaturalmedicine.com.au
(Data taken from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s official journal – “Fertility and Sterility”. Please contact info@shiftnaturalmedicine.com.au for full reference list).