Women may not even consider acupuncture during IVF. While most people think of acupuncture more as a treatment for pain, the research says Acupuncture can actually have some overwhelming results when it comes to conception, pregnancy and for the improvement and support of IVF procedures.
Acupuncture can have positive results when it comes to managing stress and anxiety as well, perfect for balancing & regulating the body pre-pregnancy, and ensuring a successful implantation. Here we discuss the question "Can Acupuncture help IVF?"
3 issues surrounding IVF that make you want to get it RIGHT as soon as possible:
- The Cost of IVF
- Timing or if its a Last Resort
- The Stress of IVF
In the context of "Can Acupuncture help IVF?" let's take a look at these in more detail:
1. The Cost of IVF
IVF is an expensive procedure, no question. This is why there are IVF programs available through Medicare and services like Bump. Adding the help of IVF Acupuncture sessions, you can work to increase your chances that this procedure is a success. With many clinics charging thousands of dollars for IVF procedures the process sometimes doesn't work on its own.
The Bottom Line: To get the most from your investment, incorporating acupuncture is wise and really supports the IVF process and improves the chance of pregnancy.
2. IVF as a Last Resort
The other issue that many face when using IVF is that quite often it is a last resort. IVF procedures are generally used when people have difficulty with conception or have specific health concerns preventing a natural pregnancy such as blocked fallopian tubes, pelvic trauma, low AMH or poor follicle development. In these more extreme cases IVF stands as one of the best and perhaps only chances that a person may have at getting pregnant.
Before Egg Collection
Clinical studies in acupuncture have shown that regular acupuncture appointments before IVF procedures, can prepare the body well for egg collection. The recommendation for fertility support using Acupuncture, is that 3 months of groundwork leading up to IVF can help prepare the body for successful egg retrieval.
Before Embryo Transfer
Regarding embryo transfer, Clinical studies show acupuncture improves blood flow to the uterus and thickens the endometrium lining which can promote a more successful implantation of the egg. Recommendation is to have acupuncture directly before and after the Embryo Transfer treatment to maximise chances of succesful conception.
The Bottom Line: When time isn't a luxury, using Acupuncture to enhance outcomes is a really sensible approach.
3. The Stress of IVF
Acupuncture rocks when it comes to Stress relief. The added pressure of wishing a successful IVF procedure, the fertility drugs and the whole big picture can be a very stressful process for women.
Did you know that Stress chemicals the body produces makes it difficult for implantation to take place? Stress, Inflammation & Immune factors are what gets in the way of a good implnatation. By limiting stress as well as creating the best possible chance for IVF success, many patients are using acupuncture during an IVF cycle.
The Bottom Line: Stress has been proven to be a hinderance to good implantation. Using Acupuncture to moderate your stress and promote good implantation is a no-brainer. If it helps, why not?
If you're considering using Acupuncture as part of your fertility plan or to enhance your IVF cycle and journey, please contact me at Spring Fertility. Email or call to discuss your story today on info@springfertility.com.au or call 0414 459 659. I'd love to hear from you and answer your questions.
To read more on Acupuncture Embryo Transfer treatments, click here.
To browse or purchase our Acupuncture IVF treatment package right now, click here.