Acupuncture for IVF in Sale Manchester and Stockport

After several unsuccessful attempts at IVF my husband and I decided to look into acupuncture to assist the IVF procedure, we were amazed with the outcome of our next IVF cycle as my body produced considerably more mature eggs and a much higher number fertilised. We went on to have a positive pregnancy test in which Lin gave me weekly treatment support to help reduce the chances of miscarrying up to the 12th week. I am very grateful to Lin for my positive outcome.    —- Sharon, Stockport

Our individualised acupuncture programme is tailored to support IVF.

Before IVF

Ideally, preparation for IVF should start at least 3-4 months prior to the IVF cycle, although even one month can make a difference. It aims to bring the body to the optimal pre-conception condition to maximise the chance of success. Acupuncture or/and herbs may be used during stage. Both male and female should be involved at this stage.

During IVF

Weekly acupuncture is advised to women from the first day of medication through to embryo transfer. Acupuncture helps 1) reduce the side effects of the drugs; 2) produce more follicles and maximise egg quality; 3) optimize the thickness of the endometrium to prepare for the transfer of embryos.

Where there is no male factor infertility, recommends a single acupuncture treatment is recommended prior to egg collection to relieve anxiety. Where there is male factor infertility, acupuncture treatments should have already started from the preparation stage.

Embryo Transfer

One session of acupuncture is recommended respectively before and after embryo transfer to improve pregnancy rate. Ideally, this is on the same day as close to your embryo transfer appointment. Choosing points that relax uterus optimizes endometrial receptivity, thus helping embryo implantation.

After Embryo Transfer

One or two acupuncture sessions are recommended during the two-week waiting period before a pregnancy test is taken. This is primarily to support emotionally, to ease anxiety and promote relaxation.

Once pregnant

Acupuncture is recommended weekly through the first trimester, up to week 12/13 as there is a higher risk of miscarriage in IVF induced pregnancies. It aims to support implantation and help promote a healthy pregnancy.

Further reading

In 2002, a study undertaken by German Neuroscientist, Dr Wolfgang Paulus found a significant connection between acupuncture during IVF/ICSI treatment and increased birth-rate.

The study found that, in a sample group of 160 people undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment, those who supplemented their treatment with acupuncture were almost 16% more likely to become pregnant than those who received no additional treatment. The study, carried out in Germany and published broadly within western medical journals, used strict medical analysis protocols and was subject to the most intensive of scientific criteria for unbiased study. It has concluded that acupuncture seems to be a useful tool for improving pregnancy rate after ART.

Nevertheless, it should be stressed that Dr Paulus concludes that the study would still need further investigation and that a placebo effect could not be altogether discounted. However, with that being said, the statistics remain impressive in themselves.