IVF Support
Clinical studies support the use of acupuncture for those women undergoing IVF. These studies have demonstrated that acupuncture may increase the chances of pregnancy. Regular acupuncture throughout an IVF cycle also helps improve egg quality, implantation and to help offset the (sometimes) unpleasant side-effects which some fertility drugs have on your emotional well-being.
My approach to IVF involves three stages. You can commence treatment with me at any point in your IVF cycle, however for best results I recommend you consider treatment before, during and after your IVF cycle.
Pre-IVF Care: helps prepare your body, in advance of you commencing your IVF drug regime, to support a pregnancy by improving ovarian and uterine blood flow. Treatment also works on the the nervous system to help your mind and body to relax. In Chinese medicine we consider a relaxed body as a body with a better chance of conception. At this stage, your therapy will also address any underlying or longer-term health issues you have which may, or may not, be directly related to your fertility issues.
Through-IVF Care: at this stage we work to support your body when you are taking the drugs associated with IVF. Most often these drugs will aim to ‘down-regulate’ your ovaries – which means they stop your ovaries from naturally ovulating. At this time it is hoped your body is maturing several follicles in your ovaries. Many women report feeling anxious, bloated and nauseas at this stage of their IVF cycle. My therapies strive to reduce those symptoms and support your Fertility Specialist’s work with the precise selection of acupuncture points to assist with follicular development.
After your eggs have been removed and fertilised, no more than two are transferred back into your uterus. Studies have shown acupuncture on the day of transfer can increase the probability of a positive pregnancy test. My recommendation is to prepare your body for this day by having treatment prior to commencing your IVF cycle.
Post-IVF Care: once your eggs have been returned to your uterus you will then have to wait somewhere around two weeks (or less than this, depending on the approach your IVF doctor has taken with). Many women report feeling quite anxious during this time and I have found continuing acupuncture therapy during this time to be most useful in helping your body to manage this stress. I also recommend another treatment just a few days after your eggs are transferred so as to assist with implantation.
