Acupuncture Increases the Success Rate of IVF

For some women and couples in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the answer to their dream of having a child. Numerous studies have demonstrated that acupuncture improves IVF success rate. One large study found a 50% increase in success rate when acupuncture is done alongside IVF. IVF can take a significant emotional and financial toll so why not do everything possible to increase the chances of success?

Ideally, I like to start treating women at least three months prior to starting IVF in order to regulate their hormones and address any underlying issues that are contributing to infertility. It is not uncommon for women to become pregnant naturally during this time. If IVF is being done solely due to male fertility factors then one month of acupuncture prior to IVF would be ideal.

During the stimulation phase of IVF, I like to see women twice a week. Acupuncture works by increasing the blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, reducing stress and anxiety (which can impact fertility) and addressing any side effects of the medications. Following stimulation, one acupuncture treatment prior to egg retrieval and one between retrieval and transfer is the standard of care.

Acupuncture before and after transfer of the embryo is essential. Acupuncture can take place 24-48 hours before and after transfer. Pre and post transfer acupuncture works to relax the uterus and calm any uterine spasms from the transfer process as well as reduce anxiety and calm stress. An acupuncture treatment one week following transfer supports implantation. In cases of sub-fertility, it is ideal to continue with acupuncture once a week for the first trimester to protect the pregnancy.

Many women undergo IUI prior to IVF and acupuncture works in a similar fashion to improve the chances of success. I generally see women once a week throughout the IUI process.

Know someone considering IVF? Please share this information with them!

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(Note: Always discuss any supplements with your doctor and consult with a knowledgeable practitioner before starting them.)

For Both Men and Women: Multivitamin

Consider taking a good quality multivitamin, no matter what your age. If you’re thinking of pregnancy, a multivitamin is even more important as it may help you conceive, reduces the risk of birth defects, lowers the risk of a miscarriage — and at least two studies that came out in 2011 suggest that it may reduce the risk of autism and other learning disabilities.

For Women: Chasteberry

If you’re planning to conceive, chasteberry may help.

For Men: Additional Supplements

Additional supplements for men who struggle with infertility include

• Antioxidants (sperm is very sensitive to oxidative stress)
• Vitamin D – have your vitamin D level checked. There is preliminary evidence that a vitamin D deficiency corresponds to an increased risk of autism in the child.

There are a couple of herbal supplements that could help men who struggle with infertility, as well, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist and always ask about possible interactions between drugs and medications, even those that are bought without a prescription.

How Medical Creations Integrative Medicine Can Help

Integrative medicine combines effective strategies and therapies from multiple methods of healing, both conventional and alternative. At its heart, this type of patient care focuses on the true problem, not just the related symptoms and effects. Accordingly, our goal is to discover the root cause (or causes) of whatever issues you are experiencing, then we concentrate our efforts there.

Beginning with your first visit or phone call, we become partners in the healing process, and work together toward your optimum wellness. Our efforts take into consideration the whole body, as well as your mind and spirit, offering responsive as well as preventative care. This is the beauty of integrative medicine.

Call (678) 732-9065 for a free consultation.

About Dr. Neacsu

The founder of Medical Creations Integrative Medicine, Dana Neacsu, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine. She completed a fellowship at the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, was awarded the Joseph T. Trubiano award for professionalism in medicine, and has applied functional medicine in clinical practice at the Institute of Functional Medicine.