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Acupuncture and IVF explored by Elaine Otrofanowei of Eco Therapies in Leigh on Sea Essex

 Assisted reproductive techniques can be highly technical procedures and it is easy to feel that you are the object of a scientific process, and have little influence on that process or outcome.

However, there is a lot you can do physically and mentally to minimise side effects and enhance treatment, and help your body to recover afterwards.

Many studies show that acupuncture at certain key points during your assisted cycle can help enhance the chances of conception (see the research listed below). The number of treatments can vary with each individual and their response to the assisted reproductive techniques, however, the following gives an overview of when and how many treatments we recommend:

Pre IVF treatment

It is essential to prepare your body at least 3 months before you start your IVF cycle with the help of acupuncture,additional testing if necessary, eating healthy, taking pre-conception supplements , make life style choices and getting plenty of rest and relaxation.

Down regulation

During  ‘down regulation’ treatment can help support you if you are experiencing side effects from the medication such as headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings or irritability. If down-regulation has not occurred when it should, acupuncture can help encourage the process. We recommend 2 treatments during this stage of the cycle.

Stimulation

During ‘stimulation’, we recommend at least 2 treatments. The aim is to  support egg growth and establish strong uterine lining.

Egg collection

After egg collection 1 treatment, is recommended to relieve any lower abdominal discomfort or cramps.

Embryo transfer

Before embryo transfer, we recommend 1 treatment as close as possible to the time of the transfer. The aim of the treatment is to provide improved blood profusion and more energy to the uterus, and to calm the mind.

After transfer

After embryo transfer, we recommend 1 treatment as soon as possible after the transfer. The treatment is aimed at enhancing endometrial receptivity as well as general relaxation.

Waiting time

In the days following embryo transfer, we recommend treatment to help calm the mind and support implantation

It takes two!

Remember it takes two to make a baby and if there is a male factor issue involved, acupuncture treatment along with diet, supplements and lifestyle changes can help to improve sperm count, motility and morphology ( see male fertility)

SUGGESTED ACUPUNCTURE IVF SCHEDULE OF TREATMENTS

PREPARATION FOR IVF:3 MONTHS WEEKLY SESSIONS BEFORE START OF IVF CYCLE

 

DURING ACTUAL IVF CYCLE

DOWNREGULATION -2 SESSIONS

STIMULATION PHASE – 2 SESSIONS

AFTER TRIGGER INJECTION/BEFORE EGG RETRIVAL -1 SESSION

BEFORE EMBRYO TRANSFER- 1SESSION

AFTER TRANSFER- 1 SESSION

WAITING PERIOD- 2 SESSION

POSITIVE PREGNANCY TEST- WEEKLY SESSION UNTIL 12 WEEKS

 

 

FROZEN EGG TRANSFER

 

PREPARATIONS SESSION AS NECESSARY

ENDOMERTIAL PREPARATION – 2 SESSION

BEFORE TRANSFER- 1 SESSION

AFTER TRANSFER- 1 SESSION

WATING PERIOD -2 SESSION

POSITIVE PREGNANCY TEST- WEEKLY SESSIONS UNTIL 12 WEEKS

 

 

SESSIONS MAY VARY ACCORDING TO INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES

 

Research

  • regulating fertility hormones – stress and other factors can disrupt the function of the hypothalamic pituitary-ovarian axis (HPOA). Acupuncture promotes the release of beta-endorphin in the brain, which regulates gonadatrophin releasing hormone from the hypothalamus, follicle stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland, and oestrogen and progesterone levels from the ovary (Anderson 2007).
  • increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs (Ho 2009, Anderson 2007), which can improve the thickness of the endometrial lining, so increasing the chances of embryo implantation.
  • increasing egg production (Jin 2009) and improving oocyte quality (Chen 2009), which could increase the chance of fertilisation.
  • enhancing luteal function (Huang 2009)
  • regulating follicle stimulation hormone-receptor expression (Jin 2009).
  • normalising cortisol and prolactin levels on IVF medication days (Magarelli 2008); reducing stress (Anderson 2007)
  • promoting embryo implantation (Liu 2008).

Information available: acupuncture.org.uk