IVF Support Acupuncture
for Women, Men and Couples
Many health practitioners and doctors may recommend acupuncture as an adjunct treatment to assist and complement IVF treatment. There is continuing and promising research about how acupuncture can assist with the effectiveness of IVF treatment. The British Medical Journal did a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of pregnancy and live birth rates among women undergoing IVF and found that acupuncture increased the clinical pregnancy rate by 65% when comparing to women who did not get acupuncture. [22]
Another recent study was done on the effect of Acupuncture on IVF outcomes. This was a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 30 trials totalling 6,344 participants and the conclusion was that; acupuncture improved the Clinical Pregnancy Rate (CPR) among women undergoing IVF.[20]
Stages of IVF Support
Here at Qi for Life Acupuncture in Bulimba, Brisbane, we have a preconception care treatment plan for those couples who want to prepare their body before the IVF cycle begins. We customize the acupuncture treatment according to where you are in your IVF cycle.
When it is recommended to get Acupuncture
1. Before starting the IVF cycle
Acupuncture & Chinese herbs prior to starting your IVF cycle will help regulate your cycle, assist with ovulation, improve quality of endometrium, and (for men) improve semen quantity, quality and motility.
We recommend weekly acupuncture treatments for 2-3 months prior to IVF to prepare your body. This also applies to frozen embryo transfers.
2. During the IVF stimulation phase
Acupuncture can help with optimal response of the ovaries to the stimulation drugs so they produce more follicles and good quality eggs. It also improves circulation of blood to the uterus in order to thicken the lining of the endometrium so it is a nourishing environment for when the embryo is transferred.
Another reason to get acupuncture in this phase is to reduce the side effects of the stimulating drugs such as bloating, headaches, dizziness, stress and anxiety. Weekly acupuncture is recommended. (Chinese Herbs are not taken during the stimulation phase on the first IVF attempt)
3. Post egg collection
In this phase, acupuncture can reduce swelling, bloating, pain and discomfort from the tissue trauma of the egg collection. Acupuncture can be done 2 or 3 days after the egg collection.
4. On the day of the embryo transfer
Pre and post embryo transfer acupuncture consists of two 30 min acupuncture treatments. The Pre Transfer treatment is best done within 24hrs before the transfer and the Post Transfer treatment is done within 24 hours after the transfer. These treatments aim to gently stimulate the blood flow to the uterus to improve the chances of implantation occurring. Acupuncture is also calming during this stressful time. [21]
Pre and Post Package (2 treatments) is available for $129.
5. After the embryo transfer
Acupuncture after the embryo transfer continues to gently circulate blood and nutrients to the uterus to support the growing embryo, reduce stress and anxiety and raise energy levels. Acupuncture is recommended about a week after embryo transfer to help with anxiety in this difficult waiting period. We also recommend that you take the “Post Embryo Transfer” Chinese herbal formula. 6. Early Pregnancy – It is recommended that you get weekly acupuncture for the 1 st trimester to continue to support the growing embryo and address symptoms such as fatigue and nausea.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Men.
The possibility of male infertility is something that always needs to be checked when a couple is
trying for a baby.
Men who get a sperm test may find out they have:
- Poor Sperm Motility (ability of sperm to move efficiently)
- Abnormal Sperm morphology (size and shape of the sperm)
- Low Sperm Count
- Infection
They may also have:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine boosts the energy and blood flow to the male genital
area to improve sperm count, motility and morphology. A research study was done in 2019 to
determine the effect of electrical acupuncture on sperm parameters. The study concluded that
electro acupuncture improves sperm count and motility in men. [24] Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs is also beneficial to address stress, anxiety, and fatigue.
For IVF and ICSI Support, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is recommended once a week
for 2-3 months prior to beginning the IVF cycle. It takes 74 days to produce new sperm so this is why the preparation time should be at least 2-3 months.
We also offer acupuncture for men on the day of sperm donation to circulate the energy and blood
to the genital organs and to reduce anxiety.
