Fertility IVF Acupuncture

Recent research into IVF and acupuncture highlights its potential benefits for both psychological and physiological aspects of IVF treatment. Here’s an overview of best practices based on the latest evidence:

1. Commencement of Acupuncture:

• Before and During Stimulation Phase: Acupuncture should ideally be started before and continued during the ovarian stimulation phase of the IVF cycle. The research suggests that initiating acupuncture treatment in the menstrual cycle prior to IVF (or prior to a frozen embryo transfer) can improve uterine lining, which is crucial for implantation success.
• Pre-Treatment Period: Starting acupuncture treatment 1 month before the IVF cycle is considered optimal. Acupuncture treatments are particularly useful in preparing the body for the IVF process by addressing any underlying imbalances and promoting reproductive health.

2. How Many Sessions and When:

• Frequency and Timing:
  • Pre-IVF Cycle (1 month before): Ideally, aim for 1 to 2 acupuncture sessions per week for about 4 weeks leading up to the IVF cycle.
  • During Stimulation Phase: During the stimulation phase of the IVF cycle, you should aim to receive acupuncture 1 to 2 times a week for about 2 weeks.
• Evidence of Success: According to a recent meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Medicine, acupuncture treatments prior to and after embryo transfer can improve:
  • IVF success rates by 65%.
  • Continued pregnancy rates by 82%.
  • Live birth rates by 91%.
    
    

3. Acupuncture on the Day of Embryo Transfer:

• Benefits: Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer (or within 24 hours if same-day treatment is not feasible) is highly beneficial, particularly for:
  • Women with high stress levels.
  • Women who have undergone multiple IVF cycles without success.
  • Women with a low baseline pregnancy rate expectation.
• Role of Acupuncture: It can help reduce stress, balance hormones, and promote blood flow to the uterus, which is beneficial for embryo implantation.

4. Post-Transfer and the Two-Week Wait:

• Continuing acupuncture in the two-week wait after embryo transfer can help manage the stress and anxiety associated with awaiting test results. This is particularly important for women who have experienced difficulties with previous cycles or who are feeling particularly stressed.

Summary of Best Practice for IVF Acupuncture:

1. Start acupuncture 1 month before your IVF cycle and continue through the stimulation phase.
2. Book 1 to 2 sessions per week for 4 weeks prior to IVF and 2 weeks during stimulation.
3. Schedule acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer, or within 24 hours if that’s not possible.
4. Consider continuing acupuncture during the two-week wait for stress reduction and to enhance implantation chances.

These practices help optimize the physiological environment for IVF success and provide psychological benefits by managing stress and anxiety throughout the treatment process.