IVF & Acupuncture FAQ’s
Can acupuncture be used during my IVF cycle?
YES! Acupuncture is highly recommended as an adjunct therapy during the IVF cycle. Current research suggests the ‘Whole System Acupuncture’ approach, which involves regular treatments 2-3 months prior to starting your IVF cycle. This is to optimise the health of your eggs, uterus and sperm (yes, your partner/donor is included in preconception care too!).
How can acupuncture help?
Current research suggests that acupuncture assists the IVF cycle in 3 major ways:
Reducing stress hormones & promoting relaxation
Improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus
Regulation of hormone signalling via the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis
Reducing stress hormones & promoting relaxation
One of the best things about acupuncture is how it works to reduce your stress hormones (such as adrenaline and cortisol) by promoting the release of our ‘feel good’ hormones (e.g dopamine, serotonin & endorphins). Acupuncture can be used to support your emotions and ease some of the feelings of stress and anxiety that may arise during your IVF cycle.
Improving blood flow to the ovaries & uterus
From the beginning of your IVF cycle acupuncture can be used to support follicular development, promote thickening of the endometrial lining and improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. A healthy blood supply to the reproductive organs helps to promote the development of healthy follicles and produce a supportive and receptive uterine lining.
Regulation of hormone signalling
The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis regulates fertility by controlling the uterine and ovarian cycles. As well as aiding in the release of our feel-good neurotransmitters, the use of acupuncture during your IVF cycle can enhance the communication between the ovaries and brain via this axis to promote ovulation, follicular development and hormone regulation.
What is the research saying?
A systematic review and meta-analysis performed b Smith, C.A et al (2019) showed there was a 50% increase in clinical pregnancy rates when more than 3 sessions during a cycle was performed. Twelve sessions of acupuncture were also shown to have an improved outcome for live birth rates over embryo transfer alone. Rubin, L (2019) claims that acupuncture can increase the likelihood of pregnancy in previously failed IVF cycles by 42% and that the overall pregnancy rate of IVF with adjunct acupuncture was 34%.
How many sessions will I need?
Current research suggests starting acupuncture treatments 2-3 months prior to starting both stimulated and non-stimulated IVF cycles. This is to support your overall health in preparation for the cycle. During your cycle, weekly treatments are advised to reduce stress and side effects of medications. Pre-egg retrieval treatments are recommended within 3 days of retrieval. Pre-embryo transfer treatments are recommended within 2 days of the transfer, and post-embryo transfer treatments are recommended as close as possible afterwards (1 hour to 24 hours post transfer) *recommendations as made by current clinical studies.
How can I work with you?
You can book in with a free discovery session at either of my two clinic locations: Pack Health in Everton Hills and Womb to World Acupuncture in Greenslopes. I look forward to meeting you.
References
PMID 31871519
PMID 32309770
PMID 30658892
PMID 27995371
PMID 32309770
PMID 31200701
