Acupuncture during IVF

Jo has an in depth knowledge and understanding of the IVF process. Research has shown that acupuncture can boost fertility. Jo uses a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine using evidence based approach for those trying naturally and those going down the assisted fertility route. Putting the building blocks in place before your IVF schedule is the key. Getting the cycle into balance is important to the success of the IVF treatment. Issues such as PMS, fibroids, PCOS, and painful periods are all signs of imbalance which need addressing.

A detailed history will be taken and different acupuncture points will be used depending on where you are in your IVF / natural cycle. Following the initial consultation, you will need acupuncture on a weekly basis before your IVF schedule. During your IVF schedule Jo would need to see you weekly again, and during early pregnancy to help secure it, and may also use Chinese herbal medicine depending on your history. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help at specific stages in the IVF schedule:

Fertilisation
IVF techniques are particularly good at getting the egg and the sperm together. In cases where there is a tubule blockage or the sperm is unable to reach its destination, IVF creates a solution. ICSI can be employed if the sperm are unable to fertilise the egg. Using Chinese medicine over a long period of time (1 year or more) can usually help very compromised sperm.

Good embryos
The early development of the embryo depends on the function of the quality of the sperm and egg, how they come together, and the compatibility of the genetic material. As such, both Chinese medicine, to improve quality of gametes, and IVF, to help the two get together, can help.

Good tubes
Well functioning tubes are necessary in natural conception, but not for IVF. Chinese medicine aims to improve the elasticity, the secretions and the internal environment of the fallopian tubes, but for absolute obstructions micro surgery is required or IVF can be employed to by pass the tubes altogether. Acupuncture is thought to be useful in facilitating movement in the tubes and preventing spasm of the fine muscles in the walls of the tubes.

Good uterine lining
Studies during IVF have shown that pre ovulatory endometrium thickness and ultrasound appearance is predictive of embryo implantation results. Anything less than 9-mm sagittal thickness, is associate with about a 5-fold reduction in live birth rate per embryo transfer. Women with poor development have a history (thus far) unexplained IVF failure or early recurrent miscarriage. Using Chinese medicine increases the thickness and the quality of the lining of the uterus. It does this by promoting corpus luteal function in producing high levels of progesterone and increasing blood flow to the uterus. Patients who have taken Chinese herbs before and after egg pick up often report unusually high progesterone readings.

Implantation
If the embryo is a strong one, and the stage and extent of development the endometrium is good, it is expected to produce a success implantation. At this stage, bar ensuring the embryos are transferred at the right time - IVF has little more influence. However acupuncture and Chinese medicine can influence blood flow to the uterine lining the hope of encouraging implantation, as can aspirin, which is now prescribed as part of many IVF protocols. If all the steps above leading up to this point has been successful - then Chinese medicine can still be of benefit.

Viable pregnancy
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture is sometimes used in the early stages of preganacy if there are any signs that the women's body is weakening and a miscarriage threatens. Morning sickness, sciatica, and pelvic pain can be treated during preganacy, as can problems with sleep and digestion. At the later stages, Chinese medicine is used if the babies' growth is not optimal, and even later again acupuncture will be sought if the baby is long overdue.

For more information on how to prepare for your IVF cycle click here to read an article by Jo.

What is the cost of treatment?
**All treatments/consultations are one hour in length