Assisted reproductive technology

IUI & IVF

Acupuncture works great with women who are also using ART (assisted reproductive technology such as IUI and IVF). Whether used to prepare for IUI or IVF, or used just before or after transfer, acupuncture really does have a positive influence on the outcome.

Prior to going through the IVF process, it is recommended to have acupuncture treatments 1x per week, ideally for three cycles. This is especially important as it helps to increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, boost fertility and use herbal formulas to improve egg quality if necessary, regulate hormones and menstruation, and help with stress management.

Before retrieval is done, it is recommended to have acupuncture 2x’s a week during the stimulation phase to increase blood flow to the ovaries for follicular growth and development, encourage follicular maturation, address any side effects such as bloating, fatigue, or abdominal discomfort, and assist with stress management. 

After retrieval, 1x per week is recommended to help reduce stress from the retrieval process, encourage blood flow to the uterus, reduce inflammation or swelling created during retrieval, encourages menstruation to start in a timely manner for the next cycle, and manage stress.

Prior to embryo transfer, the goal is to build a healthy uterine lining for implantation, and stress management. 1-2 treatments per week is recommended. 

The day of embryo transfer, acupuncture is used to encourage implantation. Acupuncture treatments can be done day of, or within a day of transfer. 

Post transfer, acupuncture is used to encourage implantation and bind implantation. Acupuncture can be used post transfer for stress management. Most points will be omitted during this time and the focus is on relieving stress. 

The timing of acupuncture in conjunction with the ART treatments are planned accordingly. Treatments are coordinated specifically to the patient’s ART schedule and individual needs.