IVF Acupuncture For When You’re Going Through IVF

  • Updated: January 11, 2025

The Role of Acupuncture in IVF

Acupuncture can help to prepare, support and balance your body through your IVF cycle to ensure you have the best chances of success. Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with proper nutrition and lifestyle shifts, can also help to reduce some of the side effects of the IVF medications.

Ideally both partners will go into IVF with optimal health. During your initial consultation I will conduct a thorough diagnosis using Chinese medicine techniques, and look for any risk factors that may affect your IVF outcomes.

Additionally, having supported so many couples going through IVF I understand the protocols involved. I also have a strong knowledge and network of clinics and specialists to help guide you through what can be a confronting and confusing process and can help you find the right specialist and clinic for you as they are not all the same and the quality does differ between clinics and different Fertility Specialists have different focuses.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a complex and emotionally demanding process. Acupuncture can play a supportive role by addressing both the physical and emotional challenges that come with IVF. Research has shown that acupuncture can improve IVF success rates by enhancing blood flow to the uterus, reducing stress, and balancing hormones.

A study published in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility found that women who received acupuncture during IVF (before and after embryo transfer) had a significantly higher pregnancy rate compared to those who did not. This is because acupuncture helps to create an optimal environment for embryo implantation and development.

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How Acupuncture Supports IVF

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to regulate the flow of Qi (energy) and blood. During IVF, this can provide several key benefits:

  1. Improved Blood Flow to the Uterus:
    1. Enhanced blood flow to the uterus can improve the thickness and quality of the uterine lining, which is crucial for successful embryo implantation. A study in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine found that women who received acupuncture during IVF had thicker endometrial linings, correlating with higher implantation rates.
  2. Hormonal Balance:
    1. IVF involves the use of medications to stimulate the ovaries and regulate the menstrual cycle. Acupuncture can help balance hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, ensuring that your body is in the best possible state for conception.
  3. Stress Reduction:
    1. The emotional toll of IVF can be overwhelming. Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones, which can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. A study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynaecology found that women who received acupuncture during IVF reported lower stress levels and improved emotional well-being.
  4. Improved Ovarian Response:
    1. Acupuncture can enhance ovarian function, leading to better-quality eggs and a higher number of viable embryos. This is particularly beneficial for women with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or diminished ovarian reserve.
  5. Support for Male Fertility:
    1. Acupuncture isn’t just for women; it can also improve sperm quality, motility, and count in men. This is important because male factor infertility contributes to nearly 50% of all infertility cases.

What to Expect During an IVF Acupuncture Session

During your initial consultation, your acupuncturist will conduct a thorough assessment of your overall health and IVF protocol. This may include:

  • Pulse and Tongue Diagnosis:
    • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners use these techniques to assess your body’s energy flow and identify any imbalances.
  • Personalised Treatment Plan:
    • Based on the diagnosis, your acupuncturist will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and IVF timeline.

A typical acupuncture session lasts about 60 minutes. You’ll lie comfortably on a treatment table while the acupuncturist inserts fine, sterile needles into specific points on your body. Most people find the experience relaxing and pain-free.

Combining Acupuncture with Other IVF Support Therapies

In addition to acupuncture, there are several other therapies and lifestyle changes that can enhance your IVF outcomes:

  1. Nutrition:
    1. Focus on a fertility-friendly diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
    2. Include foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds, and oily fish to support reproductive health.
    3. Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, and trans fats, which can negatively impact hormone balance.
  2. Supplements:
    1. Consider taking supplements like CoQ10, folic acid, and vitamin D, which have been shown to improve egg and sperm quality.
    2. Always consult your fertility specialist before starting any new supplements.
  3. Stress Management:
    1. Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to reduce stress.
    2. Consider therapies like massage or reflexology to promote relaxation.
  4. Exercise:
    1. Engage in moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, to improve circulation and reduce stress.
    2. Avoid high-intensity workouts, which can disrupt hormonal balance.

Fertility Acupuncture FAQs

A: The number of sessions depends on your individual needs and IVF timeline. Generally, weekly sessions are recommended during the preparation phase, with additional sessions around the time of embryo transfer.
A: Yes, IVF acupuncture is safe when performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner. The needles used are sterile and single-use, minimising the risk of infection.
A: Research suggests that acupuncture can improve IVF success rates by enhancing blood flow to the uterus, balancing hormones, and reducing stress. However, results may vary depending on individual circumstances.
A: Yes, acupuncture can benefit both partners. For men, it can improve sperm quality, motility, and count, which are important factors in IVF success.
IVF is a challenging journey, but acupuncture can provide valuable support by addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of the process. By improving blood flow, balancing hormones, and reducing stress, acupuncture can enhance your chances of IVF success and help you feel more in control of your fertility journey. If you’re undergoing IVF, consider incorporating acupuncture into your treatment plan to give yourself the best possible chance of success.

References

Westergaard, L. G., et al. (2006). Acupuncture on the Day of Embryo Transfer Significantly Improves the Reproductive Outcome in Infertile Women: A Prospective, Randomised Trial. Available at: https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(05)03191-1/fulltext

Ho, M., et al. (2009). The Effect of Acupuncture on Uterine Blood Flow in Infertile Women. Available at: https://www.reproductive-medicine.com/article/S0143-4004(09)00123-4/fulltext

Domar, A. D., et al. (2009). The Impact of Acupuncture on Stress and Anxiety in Women Undergoing Fertility Treatments. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01674820903167823

American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (n.d.). IVF and Acupuncture: What You Need to Know. Available at: https://www.asrm.org/topics/topics-index/acupuncture-and-ivf/

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Acupuncture: In-Depth. Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-in-depth

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