Assisted Reproduction Techniques
We offer treatments to support the chances of success for couples undergoing IVF/ICSI/IUI cycles and help with any side effects of the treatment like digestive issues, headaches, stress, anxiety etc.
Research has investigated whether acupuncture can influence factors, including ovarian response, endometrial thickness, oocyte and embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes during IVF. Some studies and meta-analyses have reported beneficial effects, although further high-quality research is needed.
The British Acupuncture Council suggests that acupuncture used alongside IVF may have beneficial effects on clinical pregnancy and live birth rates, particularly when treatment is provided throughout the stimulation phase and around embryo transfer. Studies have also investigated possible effects on ovarian blood flow, follicular development, embryo quality and emotional wellbeing.
For more information on how Fertility Acupuncture can assist view the Paulus Protocol that reported a clinical pregnancy rate of combining acupuncture treatment with IVF, against no acupuncture. The study showed a 42.5% pregnancy rate compared with no Acupuncture 26.3%. This was a smaller study and further larger, more rigorous studies are needed (ref: Paulus Wolfgang et al, 2002).
IVF & ICSI
IVF can be a highly stressful experience, particularly if the couple have already experienced a failed round.
Some of the potential benefits of using acupuncture during IVF include:
- Alleviates the side effects of the medical treatments and improves response to hormonal stimulation.
- Helps to reduce the stress and tension faced by patients going through the different procedures.
- Improve blood flow to the pelvic organs improving chances for successful implantation.
If you have undergone a failed round of IVF or you are about to embark on your first round, the following is recommended:
3 months before start of IVF
Ideally treatment will start with weekly Acupuncture sessions, 3 months before you start your round of IVF drugs. Here we will undertake a fertility review, make a TCM diagnosis and plan a course of treatment, including recommendations on diet, supplements and lifestyle in the lead up to the start of IVF. In some cases it can help increase the chances of conception before starting IVF.
Down Regulation
Weekly sessions to encourage the thinning of the endometrial lining and to help reduce side effects of the drugs.
Stimulation/Up Cycle/Egg Collection
Weekly sessions to support follicle growth and improve blood circulation and relax the body for egg collection.
Egg Transfer
On the day of transfer two sessions of acupuncture are recommended:
Pre-transfer to improve blood flow to the uterus, relax the cervix and prepare the body to receive embryos (the day before or on the morning of).
Post-transfer to encourage circulation, relax the uterus and aid implantation (on the same day after implantation or within 24hrs)
Two week wait
An optional session of acupuncture can be used in this period to support implantation and relax the body and mind.
IUI
As with IVF, we recommend beginning treatment three months before the planned date of the IUI round. Here we will do a fertility review, make a TCM diagnosis and plan a course of treatment in the lead up to the day of insemination. Acupuncture is then recommended 6 - 8 days post insemination.
Frozen Egg Transfers
For those ladies who have prepared for 3 months with us and have eggs frozen, we recommend coming in for treatment a few months before implantation to ensure the lining is healthy and there are no menstrual issues. And to calm and destress the mind/body.
Recurrent Implantation Failure
For failed IVF cycles the potential reasons can be:
1. Hormone problems
2. Infections and illness
3. Uterus or cervical issues
4. Enviromental factors
5. Chromosomal abnormalities
6. Immune system problems
Most of these underlying problems can be linked back to an underlying low-level immune system.
Memberships are with The Acupuncture Association, the Tibetan & Eastern Medicine Association, Acupuncture Regulatory Authority registrant and the Acupuncture Fertility Network