Acupuncture for IVF and IUI Procedures

Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy can dramatically improve the chances of conception and live birth for those couples who decide (or who are advised) to undergo IVF or IUI procedures.

How can acupuncture help with the process of IVF or IUI?

There is a wealth of evidence that acupuncture can increase the chances of conception and live birth following IVF by around 60%. It does this by improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, reducing stress hormones in the body such as adrenaline and cortisol (both of which are counter to achieving pregnancy), balancing reproductive hormones and improving receptivity of the endometrium to implantation, amongst other things. It can also reduce side effects associated with the medication required by IVF by reducing ovarian hyperstimulation, headaches, dizziness, abdominal distension and insomnia.

Undergoing IVF or IUI treatment can be taxing on the mind and emotions of both partners, and acupuncture can gently yet effectively relieve the physical manifestations of this anxiety and promote a feeling of wellbeing.

Acupuncture can also be beneficial in helping women’s bodies to rebalance following a failed IVF attempt, and to prepare them for the next attempt.

How soon should acupuncture treatments be started prior to starting IVF or IUI?

For couples using their own eggs, it is advisable to start treatment with acupuncture and potentially herbal medicine at least 3 months before first egg collection or insemination. This is because follicles develop and mature within the ovaries in a 100 day cycle (not 28 days as is commonly understood). If there are any hormonal imbalances (of Estrogen, Progesterone, Prolactin, Luteinising Hormone (LH) or Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)) then egg quality is likely to be compromised. The hormonal environment in which these follicles are developing during those 100 days really does matter, and since acupuncture has the ability to regulate the entire hormonal environment, those couples who start treatment 3 months or more ahead of egg collection or insemination will have improved egg quality and therefore give themselves the best chances of achieving and maintaining pregnancy whilst undergoing IVF or IUI.

Even if couples are using donor eggs, it is still advisable to start treatment with acupuncture as soon as possible (ideally 3 months prior to starting IVF/IUI protocols) since there are many factors affecting the chances of a successful outcome e.g. the thickness and receptivity of the endometrial lining as well as stress levels and hormone levels. All of which can be optimised by the hormone-balancing effects of acupuncture.

There is still proven benefit in following the standard protocol of treatments during each IVF cycle (whether or not acupuncture treatments in the preceding 3 or so months was possible), however.

For each IVF cycle, acupuncture treatments administered pre and post transfer can dramatically improve the outcome of IVF in five ways. It can:

  • improve the response to the hormonal stimulation

  • improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries

  • calm the uterus to increase the chances of implantation

  • alleviate side effects of the medications administered during the IVI process

  • reduce stress in the body due to the challenges inherent in the IVF process

Can acupuncture help with Low AMH Levels?

Women will often have blood tests to check their hormone levels prior to starting IVF, and in particular, their levels of Anti Mullerian Hormone, or AMH will be tested. The value of AMH is thought to be representative of a woman’s Ovarian Reserve or the number of potential follicles they have remaining in their ovaries. In practice, it is used as a predictor of response to the follicle stimulating hormones required by the IVF process. Some women, especially those over the age of 35, may be told their AMH levels, and therefore their Ovarian Reserve are low. This can cause great concern, however practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and herbal therapy) know that with regular acupuncture treatments over period of 3+ months, hormones will start to regulate, the ovaries will start to respond better to these hormones, which can lead to increased follicles (both in number and quality) and AMH levels will improve!

The most important message that I can give you (contrary to the impression you may have been given by your GP or your Fertility Clinic) is that ALL hormone levels are changeable with a few months of regular treatment with acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. This includes AMH levels!

How can I find out more about how acupuncture can help with IVF or IUI Support?

To find out more about how acupuncture can help with IVF or IUI or to make an appointment call or text Katie on 07854 987806 or email acupuncturehassocks@gmail.com.

All treatments are carried out at Acupuncture Hassocks Clinic based in Hassocks, West Sussex. The clinic is near to Hassocks train station, so is easily reachable from Brighton, Burgess Hill or Haywards Heath. If you are travelling by car from Hurstpierpoint, Ditchling or surrounding areas, there is free on road parking.