Acupuncture has been used as an adjunct therapy to complement various assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). This complementary approach involving Eastern and Western medicine aims to help ease the fertility journey for women who wish to start a family. If you have thought about starting IVF and are keen to complement it with acupuncture, when is the best time to start acupuncture sessions?
When is the Best Time to Start Acupuncture for Fertility/IVF?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique that uses tiny, sterile needles that are carefully placed at specific acupuncture points (acupoints) to stimulate the body’s internal healing processes. As part of TCM’s treatment philosophy, acupuncture serves to restore the body’s balance, as imbalances caused by blood and Qi stagnation, among other factors, can result in illnesses and other complications. Acupuncture aims to relieve these imbalances by targeting specific acupoints to clear up blockages that prevent normal blood and Qi circulation.
Acupuncture is believed to benefit IVF treatments by improving blood circulation, which promotes a healthier environment that is favourable for implantation. Some studies have explored the IVF success rate with acupuncture, suggesting it may improve outcomes by enhancing endometrial receptivity and reducing stress. As a result, it nourishes the embryo and ensures there are no complications leading to conception. Acupuncture is also known to help promote relaxation and calmness, which may be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety you may face during your IVF timeline.
Note that while acupuncture can play a role in supporting your IVF treatment, you will also need to consider other aspects of TCM’s approach to help facilitate this process. That can include having a well-balanced diet, taking TCM herbal remedies to support your fertility, and more.
Acupuncture Sessions Before IVF Treatment
Taking care of your health is a vital aspect of preparing for your IVF treatment. As such, acupuncture can begin as early as three to six months before your IVF appointment. Early sessions may help improve the success rate and ensure your body is in optimal health for a successful implantation.
Initial Consultation
You will first see a TCM physician, who will review your medical history and ask questions relevant to your health. They will use this information to set up a personalised TCM treatment plan to help restore your body’s balance and ensure uninterrupted blood and Qi flow. Besides that, according to TCM, your acupuncture treatment’s goals are to:
- Regulate your menstrual cycle
- Support healthy ovulation
- Maintain reproductive hormone levels via targeted meridian therapy
- Promote relaxation and reduce stress
- Weekly sessions help prepare the body for the rigours of IVF treatments
Acupuncture Timeline for IVF Treatment
Acupuncture Sessions During IVF Treatment
As you undergo the various stages of IVF treatment, your acupuncture sessions will continue in tandem with your current IVF phase.
Pre-Stimulation
IVF treatments will put your menstrual cycle on hold, but regulating ovarian functions with specific fertility drugs may cause complications. As such in TCM, your weekly acupuncture sessions may continue to promote follicle growth and allow your body to adapt to the changes it undergoes. This may include alleviating potential side effects, such as hot flashes and headaches.
Stress hormones can also interfere with the pre-stimulation phase, so acupuncture may help to keep you calm and relaxed to prevent this from happening.
Ovarian Stimulation
During this stage, the follicles and uterine lining begin to develop as IVF stimulation ensures the ovaries can produce high-quality eggs needed for the IVF process. At this stage, in TCM, acupuncture sessions can be held twice a week, believed to encourage follicle growth and further manage your mental and physical balance. Your condition is closely monitored to prevent unpleasant complications; our TCM physician may recommend an additional session.
You may also benefit from an acupuncture session on the day before or the day of the embryo transfer. In most cases, the recommended timeframe is within 24 hours before the embryo transfer. Acupuncture before embryo transfer may help increase blood flow to the uterus, support relaxation, and improve implantation rates. It also helps to calm you before your IVF appointment, ensuring a well-nourished environment that increases the chances of successful implantation and conception.
Acupuncture Sessions For Embryo Transfer
Within 24 hours after the embryo transfer is complete, a follow-up acupuncture session is arranged to facilitate the implantation process, maintain optimal conditions in the womb, and reduce uterine contractions. Doing this is believed to help minimise the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (where the embryo grows outside the uterus) and increase the uterus’ receptivity to the embryo.
Following that, the two-week wait may also be a rather stressful time as you await the results. Weekly acupuncture sessions can be resumed to provide valuable stress and anxiety relief to keep you relaxed during this waiting period.
Once you receive a positive result, you may continue your acupuncture sessions to maintain your current well-being throughout your pregnancy.
Support Your Fertility Journey with 1TCM
Interested in finding out more about acupuncture for IVF? Contact 1TCM at your earliest convenience, and our TCM physicians will be happy to support your fertility journey.
