Acupuncture and IVF
Infertility is a lot more common than people realize. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 6% of married women in America between the ages of 15 and 44 are unable to get pregnant after trying for one year (infertility). About 12% of American women in the same age group have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term (impaired fecundity).
Thankfully, modern medicine can help some couples achieve their dream of becoming pregnant via in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
What is IVF Treatment?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment is the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology. IVF is a complex process that involves collecting a woman’s mature eggs then fertilizing them in a lab. After fertilization, an embryo is selected and transferred into the same or another woman's uterus, with the intention of establishing a successful pregnancy.
IVF can take several months to complete a single cycle. Sometimes multiple cycles are required, which can cause significant physical and/or emotional stress. That’s why a lot of women turn to acupuncture to help during IVF treatment.
How Acupuncture Helps IVF
Acupuncture in conjunction with IVF has been proven to increase the odds of a successful pregnancy by up to 65%. Acupuncture can also increase the odds of ongoing pregnancy by up to 87% and increases the live birth rate in IVF patients by 91%. Acupuncture will also relieve the many side effects and stress associated with assisted reproductive techniques (ART’s).
Acupuncture increases blood flow to the ovaries during the stimulation phase of IVF enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment provided by your fertility specialist. It also relaxes the uterus and decreases uterine spasms after embryo transfer.
Acupuncture balances the autonomic nervous system and reduces the stress and anxiety experienced by patients undergoing fertility treatment. Our treatments can also offset the side effects of fertility drugs.
When to Get Acupuncture for IVF
Retrieval Cycle (4-12 weeks prior to cycle)
A three-month commitment of preconception acupuncture is recommended in cases of low ovarian reserve, poor egg or embryo quality. This window allows us to track your cycle and implement treatments to support egg health. One month of preconception acupuncture is recommended for PCOS, endometriosis, and male factor infertility patients.
Natural Cycle IVF (4 weeks prior to the start of the IVF cycle)
These treatments focus on improving blood flow, balancing hormones, and reducing stress levels leading up to your cycle. Acupuncture 1-2 times a week is recommended.
Acupuncture During the IVF Cycle
Once the IVF cycle begins, treatment frequency will increase to twice a week until the retrieval or transfer. This process should start when the patient begins ovarian stimulation medication, estrogen, or on cycle day 1 in a natural cycle IVF.
Embryo Transfer
Acupuncture is recommended the day of your embryo transfer, both before and after the procedure. At Life Point, we are able to book transfer patients the day before their procedure. Please email Renee to request a time slot or call the office. We also recommend acupuncture 5-7 days after your transfer to support implantation.
Frozen Embryo Transfer
Acupuncture once a week for the 4 weeks leading up to your cycle is ideal. Acupuncture twice a week before embryo transfer is recommended.
The goal of these treatments is to support your body, improve outcomes, and manage the stress that comes with the IVF process. At your first appointment, we will discuss your goals and implement a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle.