Acupuncture and IVF: Increasing IVF Success Rates

Recent clinical research & medical studies have demonstrated the benefits of an integrated approach to reproductive care. Acupuncture has been shown to have a positive effect on IVF success and take-home baby rates.

“The time surrounding an IVF cycle can be intensely stressful, both physically & emotionally; I am glad to offer my help and support.”. - Erika

Preparing for IVF with Acupuncture

Couples planning for a future IVF cycle should ideally begin preparatory acupuncture treatment three months prior to beginning their medicated cycle. Because ovarian follicles go through a 90-120 day follicular development period before they mature for ovulation, and sperm require a period of at least 90 days for maturation, we generally recommend a minimum of three months of treatment prior to IVF stimulation in order to best maximize egg and sperm quality.

Oriental Medicine can greatly help to prepare the body in these areas where Western Medicine offers few treatment options. Improving the quality of the parent’s eggs and sperm prior to IVF can only help contribute to a successful pregnancy and a decreased risk for early miscarriage.

For women, treatment is directed towards improving egg quality and preparing an ideal uterine environment for implantation. We accomplish this through improving the functioning of her ovaries, regulating the reproductive hormones in her body, increasing circulation of blood to her ovaries and uterus, and by improving the quality of the follicular fluids her developing eggs receive their nourishment from.

Herbal treatment contributes to the quality of the developing eggs and the thickness of the endometrium. Pre-existing menstrual irregularities and other factors affecting her fertility can be treated during this time to maximize her natural reproductive health. The better prepared her body and mind are for the procedure ahead, the greater chance she has in achieving a healthy pregnancy through IVF.

For many couples choosing to undergo an IVF cycle, male fertility factors also play a role. In the three months prior to IVF, Oriental Medicine can be utilized to improve upon the quality of the man’s sperm. Treatment is aimed at improving sperm count, morphology and motility. As with the woman’s eggs, healthier sperm contribute to healthier, more viable embryos.

Acupuncture Treatment During the IVF Cycle

Complementary treatment with Oriental Medicine during the IVF cycle helps to increase a woman’s appropriate response to hormonal stimulation. Treatment varies dependent on the phase of IVF: down-regulation, ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, uterine preparation, and embryo transfer.

Acupuncture treatments are designed to support these different phases while decreasing the side-effects often experienced from the medications.

Recent research has shown acupuncture treatment to increase the success of implantation by 40-60% when given before and after the embryo transfer. The acupuncture points were chosen according to the principles of Oriental Medicine to relax the uterus and improve blood flow. The study concluded that Acupuncture may also affect the autonomic nervous system, and thus may make the lining of the uterus more receptive to receiving an embryo.

Acupuncture Treatment Following IVF

Treatment with Oriental Medicine should be continued throughout the first trimester to protect early pregnancy and prevent miscarriage. In women with a history of recurrent miscarriage, Oriental Medicine offers natural treatment options to help maintain a healthy, thriving pregnancy.

Erika Foy L.Ac., MSOM, FABORM is an experienced and compassionate practitioner of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine and is 100% dedicated to helping couples overcome their struggle with infertility. Erika practices at Practice Longevity in Brookfield Wisconsin.