Assisted Reproduction Support (IVF/ICSI)

As with natural conception, women’s chances of conceiving are increased with the use of acupuncture if they are undergoing ART, whether it be IUI, IVF, or ICSI.  Acupuncture studies have been clinically shown to:

  • Regulate and stabilise hormone levels
  • Help build more follicles
  • Increase uterine blood flow to the uterus and arteries
  • Thicken the endometrial lining
  • Reduce the risk of miscarriage
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Reduce stress and help with relaxation
  • Improve quality of sleep

The British Acupuncture Council’s briefing paper on Female fertility & IVF states that studies show: “Acupuncture has a positive impact on the birth rate of sub fertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI”.

Studies also indicate that acupuncture treatment can reduce stress and/or anxiety and helps women’s ability to cope with the IVF process.

For more information on the evidence to support Acupuncture and IVF go to: www.acupuncture.org.uk

Some key times for acupuncture sessions:

  • During the long protocol, the ‘downregulation part’, acupuncture can be useful for helping with the side effects of the medication.
  • At the ‘stimulation phase’ when the aim is to help increase the uterine lining and increase the blood supply to the uterus, one to two treatments are also recommended –  depending on how well the follicles are maturing.
  • Timing is geared towards the ‘trigger’ injection which is around 36 hours before egg retrieval. This is important as it is the final maturation phase of the egg which needs to be mature to have a healthy embryo.
  • Following egg retrieval acupuncture can be useful if you are experiencing lower abdominal discomfort, cramps or fullness by helping to reduce inflammation and preparing the endometrium for implantation.
  • At the time of embryo transfer, before and after, or one as close to embryo transfer as possible, is recommended to promote relaxation and to improve the blood supply to the uterus.
  • During the ‘2 week wait’, which can be a particularly stressful time, acupuncture can be used to calm the mind.

Key areas to consider:

Influencing follicle and egg development

With the increase in blood flow to the ovaries, acupuncture from just before the period and for 12-14 days into the cycle, along with a healthy lifestyle, should help with the quality of the eggs.

Ovulation Induction

For women who have irregular cycles there is evidence supporting the use of Electro Acupuncture over a 3 month period in the lead up to IVF.

The final egg maturation phase

At the BMAS Spring meeting, the presentation by Irina Szmelskyj highlighted that the emphasis of acupuncture treatment at this time should be directed towards the final egg maturation phase, as this is the time when damage to the egg might occur.

Start treatment early if possible

The egg quality is of utmost importance and we have a 6 month window to influence this with acupuncture and adopting a healthy lifestyle.  There is evidence that acupuncture increases the blood flow to the uterus which is thought to improve the egg quality.  In the cases of ‘unexplained infertility’, it is not uncommon for women who have come for acupuncture in preparation for possible IVF, to conceive naturally.

It is important to treat the men

Men are more reluctant to seek out acupuncture to help with fertility issues, and usually it is at the suggestion of the women.  Although there is not a lot of evidence as yet, it is thought that treatment over a 3 month period can increase testicular function and, possibly, the quality of the sperm.  Certain lifestyle changes should be implemented at least 3 months prior to planning conception.