Acupuncture with IVF & ART for Increased Fertility
Recent studies demonstrated that acupuncture before and after embryo transfer results in much higher pregnancy rates and lower miscarriage rates (you can read the full articles on our studies and research page). This is incredibly exciting news for both first time IVF/ART patients and patients who have tried IVF/ART without success in the past.
We do not know exactly why acupuncture is so successful in assisting IVF but a number of physiological effects may contribute to its effectiveness. It has been suggested that acupuncture and herbal therapies used before ART increase the thickness of the uterine lining. Progesterone levels have been found to be higher in women receiving acupuncture and herbal treatments before ART treatments. Another reason that acupuncture may have such a dramatic impact on IVF success is through increased blood flow to the uterus. It is well known that acupuncture stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which increases blood flow (vasodilatation) and also allows the patient to become incredibly relaxed. During implantation sometimes the uterus "flutters" and has small contractions. It has been suggested that acupuncture allows for such deep relaxation that this no longer occurs.
It is our experience that patients that have had several unsuccessful IVF cycles experience much improvement if they get regular acupuncture treatments and take herbs before their next cycle. We have seen more follicles grow, thicker uterine linings, more eggs retrieved and better quality embryos after treatment.
Recommended Protocol of Treatment for IVF & ART Patients
The beauty of Chinese Medicine is that it treats each patient individually, thus each patient's protocol is tailored to their specific needs. In general, coming for regular treatments for two months before ART is recommended, especially if the patient has tried ART/IVF in the past without success. This allows the herbs and acupuncture to really take hold and bring about a strong mind and body for implantation and future pregnancy. A minimal protocol for acupuncture assisted IVF would be two treatments a week leading up to IVF, two treatments as close to or on the day of IVF, and two treatments a week after IVF until fetal heartbeat is detected.
It is ideal for acupuncture to be given as close to transfer as possible. Yin and Tonic Acupuncture has someone on call even on Holiday weekends to make sure all of our patients can get treatment when they need it. If transfer is early in the morning we suggest acupuncture the night before and then again the morning after transfer.
