How can acupuncture support the IVF process and fertility?
- Relaxation and improved sleep can improve fertility
- Maximising egg quality and improving blood flow to the uterus also aids fertility
- Improving overall health and aiding the digestive system to utilise nutrients can help with fertility issues
- Alleviating side effects of the IVF drugs, for example headaches, bloating, emotional disturbances
There is some good research available on having acupuncture during IVF treatment to help improve fertility. This research suggests that the success rate of IVF treatment can be increased from 30% up to 50-60%. Research article: Acupuncture and IVF by using acupuncture treatments to support IVF and boost fertility.
Read what the Harley street fertility clinic has to say about using acupuncture treatment alongside IVF
When to have acupuncture fertility treatment during IVF
Egg quality is determined 90 days prior to ‘ovulation’ as is sperm quality. It is therefore a good idea to begin preparing for IVF 3 to 4 months before starting your drug protocol. In simple terms, couples should try to lead a healthy lifestyle for 3 to 4 months before IVF fertility treatment. This ensures they are in the best possible health when IVF begins.
Diet, general health and fertility
Dramatic changes or extreme diets are not advocated if you’re trying to get pregnant, just clean healthy living. As part of the acupuncture fertility treatment offered for fertility issues, Karen advises on how to clean up your diet. She also suggests reducing exposure to household chemicals. These can disrupt hormonal balance and affect fertility. A good quality fertility supplement can also be useful.
Acupuncture for fertility works in a variety of ways
Usually beginning on day 21 of the cycle, the down regulation drugs are designed to ‘quieten’ the ovaries. These drugs can affect patients differently, some feel fine and others experience varying degrees symptoms akin to PMT. An acupuncture session around the time of the bleed ensures a thorough expulsion of the endometrium. This helps the lining have a better chance of rebuilding smoothly. If you experience painful and/or clotty bleeds, acupuncture treatment in the preparatory phase can help. It is useful for rectifying this issue.
Acupuncture and moxa encourage good blood flow to aid fertility
Once you start stimulation, acupuncture can encourage good blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. It can improve the lining and follicular development. Sometimes points are added that help relieve the fluid build up that often occurs with IVF. If patients are particularly nervous about egg collection, we can schedule an appointment the evening before. Otherwise, it’s worth having a session after egg collection to reduce any inflammation and fluid retention. Pre and post embryo transfer acupuncture sessions have been shown to improve implantation and ultimately live birth rates.
From experience, I would add something here. There’s an element of having to ‘go with the flow’ when it comes to IVF. schedules don’t always run to plan so be prepared to takes things as they come.