Acupuncture and TCM can be used along with all Assisted Reproductive Technologies(ART) safely and without side effects. There are no negative interactions with fertility medications or procedures, and in fact work well at enhancing all fertility treatments.
Research has shown that acupuncture can increase the effectiveness of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and other ART’s. When acupuncture is used along with IVF, the likelihood of conception can increase up to 60%. Many couples who have had numerous unsuccessful attempts at IVF have become pregnant after acupuncture treatment is used in conjunction with IVF. Ideally, acupuncture treatment should begin about 3 months prior to IVF for the greatest chance of success. However, acupuncture at any point during IVF or IUI treatments can still be very beneficial.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can regulate abnormal hormone function, which is often a factor in infertility. Acupuncture can help the ovaries respond better to the stimulating medications by producing more follicles and better quality eggs. Based on clinical experience, acupuncture can also enhance the quality and quantity of the embryos.
Acupuncture is effective in increasing the likelihood of pregnancy along with IVF because it increases blood flow throughout the body and specifically to the ovaries and uterus. This blood flow to the uterus leads to a thicker lining of the uterine wall and thus increases the likelihood of an embryo implanting.
For men who are doing IVF/IUI, acupuncture can help improve the quantity and quality of sperm. This can lead to a healthier embryo and a decreased chance of miscarriage.
Acupuncture also has a significant impact on “poor responders”, who do not respond well to standard IVF protocols. In one study, poor responders that had acupuncture achieved the same pregnancy rates as normal responders.
Acupuncture administered along with ART can help to:
- Improve the function of the ovaries to produce higher quality eggs
- Regulate hormones to produce a larger number of follicles
- Increase blood flow to the uterus and thicken the uterine lining
- Decrease stress and anxiety
- Improve sperm count, motility and morphology
- Increase the chances of conceiving
- Decrease the chance of miscarriage