It is a momentous decision to undergo the IVF process — financially, emotionally, and physically. Anyone starting this process wants to make sure they can maximize their chances of success at each stage, receiving the highest number of the highest-quality eggs and embryos possible. Acupuncture is perhaps the only long-studied methodology that can improve egg quality and quantity, reduce stress, reduce pain, and improve embryo transfer outcomes.
Impacts on Egg Quality and Quantity
We recommend that anyone planning to use assisted reproduction begin acupuncture at least 3-4 months prior to egg retrieval. Eggs take three to four months to mature within the body before they are released during ovulation or harvested prior to ovulation. To maximize the health and growth of these eggs, acupuncture is used to improve cellular energy, increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, and reduce the mother’s stress, thereby positively benefiting sex hormone production.
Impacts on Embryo Transfer Success
For those undergoing an embryo transfer, a lot of hard work, time, money, and effort has gone into creating that genetically normal embryo. To maximize the chances of success during the transfer we recommend post-transfer acupuncture which has been shown to improve the odds of pregnancy after an embryo transfer. These acupuncture points are used to improve blood flow to the uterus and decrease maternal stress — improving odds of a positive pregnancy outcome.
Support of the Mother During the IVF Process
Just as importantly as supporting egg quality, quantity, and embryo transfer success, we find that acupuncture is hugely beneficial for those undergoing the IVF process. The process is inherently difficult with multiple medications, multiple injections daily, many trips for monitoring, and life put “on hold” while participating heavily for many weeks in the IVF process. This combines with fear of messing up the process by administering medications wrong, the stress of an impaired work or school schedule, and the strain that such a momentous process can put on relations with partners and family members.
Acupuncture is used to relieve stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, provide a respite from the hectic IVF schedule, help to relieve bloating and physical discomfort from the IVF process, and shore up the mother’s resources to enable her to power through this challenging phase.
A fertility acupuncturist will also commonly have recommendations for women going through the process — everything from ways to manage administering the shots more easily, to nutrition and sleep advice, to visualization and meditation exercises that relieve stress and improve fertility outcomes.
When to Begin the Acupuncture Process
We recommend consulting with an acupuncturist as soon as you know that you’re struggling with conception. A fertility acupuncturist can help you understand during that consultation when it’s appropriate to begin acupuncture based on where you are in the process. If you have a male partner that you are conceiving with, the acupuncturist may also recommend that the male partner receive acupuncture and/or herbal medicine to improve sperm quality and quantity.
We always offer free consultations at Inspire Family Acupuncture — so reach out when you are ready to receive support!
Here’s to your health, and to your future family.
