IVF Support
Preparation for an IVF cycle
In general terms we like to see patients for three months prior to their IVF cycle as this is a full egg development cycle. However, if this is not possible, we still see good results with treatment while you are in the cycle, and we will often increase frequency of visits. Depending on your history and presentations, treatment frequency can vary. We often recommend between 1-3 month in preparation for an upcoming IVF cycle. This becomes especially important if there has been a previous unsuccessful IVF cycle.
During an IVF cycle
During your IVF cycle we provide a variety of treatments built off of evidence-based protocols and individualized treatments to assist your Western reproductive medicine treatments. We determine the best protocol based on your history and how well you are responding through the cycle and tailor this this treatment specifically for you. We often recommend between 4-12 treatments during this time.
Stress is often a large factor leading to a decrease in success. Acupuncture is very beneficial to reduce stress and anxiety and its effects on the body as well as decrease side effects from Western fertility medications used through an IVF cycle.
Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer
We offer acupuncture pre and post embryo transfer to assist you current IVF cycle. We work closely with the local fertility clinics and very familiar with the process and how acupuncture can help increase pregnancy success. We have been tracking patient IVF outcomes for more than five years ad have idea of how it best helps you and improves your outcomes.
In 2001, there was a study conducted to determine the benefit of acupuncture to assist clinical pregnancy rates know as the “German Study.” This study showed that 42.5% of the patients who included acupuncture experienced clinical pregnancy, compared to 26.3% in the group that did not use acupuncture.
Increased uterine contractions at the time of embryo transfer have been associate with poor outcome. In general acupuncture treatments at the time of embryo transfer help to promote uterine blood flow, enhance positive implantation, prevent uterine contractions, reduce overall stress, promote relaxation and increase successful pregnancy. Fertility and Sterility, Vol.77, No.4, April 2002
Acupuncture after the embryo transfer
Although conception our fist goal, we look at fertility as the ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to full term. Our focus is to create an optimal environment for embryo. We recommend following up with another acupuncture treatment 5-7 days after embryo transfer to further assist implantation and embryo development. When pregnancy occurs we highly recommend acupuncture through the first trimester to prevent miscarriage. Research is confirming our clinical evidence that acupuncture can reduce miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies, and to increase the rate of live birth. From our experience when there is a history of fertility challenges this can increase the risk of complications. The focus of these treatments are to assist implantation and prevent miscarriage, increase energy, and prevent pregnancy complications.
