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 can help to nourish the body, tonify the blood 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 different and each treatment plan is tailored to meet your needs.
How many treatments will I need? And how often will I need them?
Great question, love!
The answer varies depending on where you are in your fertility journey.
If 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 need 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 trying 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.
Can I take herbal formulas while going through ART?
No. I do not recommend herbal formulas in combination with ART as there is not enough research on drug-herb interactions. Herbal formulas can be taken before ART is started to prepare for best possible outcomes, but generally not during the course of treatment.
Do you have a support group outside of treatments?
Yes, this is in the works. If you are interested in being part of a drop-in virtual weekly support group, please let me know at erika@mamasacupuncture.com
Myself and another local acupuncturist have been brainstorming on how best to support our clients outside of the clinic. Fertility can be HARD and we would love for you to feel the love and support beyond in-house treatments and maybe meet some dear women going through similar life experiences along the way.
If you have any questions beyond this FAQ, please feel free to reach out to erika at erika@mamasacupuncture.com