FERTILITY
How does acupuncture support fertility?
Scientific research has revealed:
In one study, acupuncture in conjunction with IVF led to a 50% increase in success rate versus IVF without acupuncture support. Acupuncture was performed 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer.
In another study, women who received acupuncture were 65% more likely to have a successful embryo transfer.
Acupuncture can:
Increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus
Relax the uterus + address uterine spasm after embryo transfer or IUI
Reduces stress + side effects from fertility drugs
Support you emotionally throughout your journey
Help bring you back to baseline after egg freezing, IUI, or IVF.
When should I start coming in for fertility support?
The earlier the better! If you have a history of irregular periods, PCOS, or miscarriages, the more time we have to prepare your body the better.
Acupuncture will help support a regular menstrual cycle and healthy blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries. Herbal formulas and appropriate supplementation can help to nourish the body, tonify the blood, support egg quality and ovulation, and prepare the uterus to hold a healthy pregnancy.
There are many ways to support you in your fertility journey, from acupuncture to herbs to diet and lifestyle changes. Each client is unique, and each treatment plan is tailored to meet your needs.
How many treatments will I need? And how often will I need them?
The answer varies depending on where you are in your fertility journey and can be adjusted as needed.
It would be great to see you at least a month before you start IVF, egg retrieval, or IUI in order to prepare you and your body for the best possible outcomes. If you are looking to conceive naturally and trying to regulate your period first, I recommend a minimum of three months to prepare. Here are some general guidelines below:
Fertility Support - Those with a prior history of irregular periods, anovulation, miscarriages, or a long history of trying to conceive with no success - 1x a week for a minimum of 3 months up to a year.
*In order to support you appropriately, I would love at least 3 months during which you are not actively attempting to conceive. This allows me to fully support you during each phase of your cycle before starting to conceive.
IUI and IVF Support - 1x a week while going through the IVF process, additionally once before transfer and once after transfer (within 24 hours).
During pregnancy as needed based on pregnancy symptoms. Often times used for 1st trimester pregnancy symptoms, second trimester body woes, and third trimester labor prep!
Can I take herbal formulas while going through ART?
I do not recommend herbal formulas in combination with ART. Herbal formulas can be taken before ART is started to prepare for best possible outcomes, but generally not during the course of treatment as the body is already working through many medications.
If you have any questions beyond this FAQ, please feel free to reach out to erika at erika@mamasacupuncture.com