Acupuncture for IVF Support
"Acupuncture used in conjunction with IVF treatments may improve the success of IVF by as much as 40-60%." (Wolfgang E. Paulus, M.D., Mingmen Zhang, M.D., Erwin Strehler, M.D., Inman El-Danasouri, Ph.D., & Karl Sterzik, M.D., “Influence of Acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy”, Fertility and Sterility, Vol. 77, No. 4, Apr. 2002.)
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Acupuncture used in conjunction with IVF treatments may improve the success of IVF by as much as 40-60%. (Wolfgang E. Paulus, M.D., Mingmen Zhang, M.D., Erwin Strehler, M.D., Inman El-Danasouri, Ph.D., & Karl Sterzik, M.D., “Influence of Acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy”, Fertility and Sterility, Vol. 77, No. 4, Apr. 2002.
IVF or In Vitro Fertilisation is a process by wish sperm and egg are mixed together outside the body and allowed to develop into an zygote and then an embryo before being implanted into the uterus to continue developing. IVF is a major treatment option for infertility when other methods of assisted reproductive technology have failed. Acupuncture used prior to and in conjuction with IVF treatments helps to prepare the body for IVF and is shown to reduce the side effects of the medications often use throughout the procedure, and increase the success of the IVF procedure. This can mean possible less overall IVF cycles, and a better outcome for mum and baby in terms of stress, side effects, and overall vitality. Natural Fertiltiy methods such as Acupuncture focus on the overall quality and vitality of the sperm, egg, Mother and Father, this is because it is the health of the Mother and Father at point of conception that will determine the constitution of the future child.
ICSI or intracytoplasmic sperm injection is a process by which instead of letting egg meet sperm naturally, sperm is directly injected into the egg, and is often used when there is not enough "good" sperm to fertilise the egg. The problem with ICSI is that it doesn't allow for the process of natural selection, thus it may not be the strongest sperm that "wins" and gets to fertilise the egg. The result can be a genetically weak sperm that does not go through to blastocyst phase (best phase for freezing and implanting the egg) resulting in fewer viable embryos (and possible more rounds of IVF if the first round is not sucessful). The good news is that Acupuncture and Chinese herbs (taken before the IVF cycle) may increase the quality and quantity of the sperm preventing the need for ICSI and allowing a more "natural" IVF cycle to occur.
*Note- Chinese Herbs are not prescribed during the IVF procedure.
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Acupuncture Treatment Plan for IVF support and Fertility
Acupuncture Before IVF- For best results plan ahead
The Annerley Acupuncture clinic recommends that for the for best results when using Acupuncture to support IVF, that Acupuncture and Herbal medicine be given once per week for 12 weeks before the IVF phase. note- Herbs are Not prescribed during the IVF phase. This may help to address any underlying health imbalances, regulate the cycle and hormones, and strengthen the vitality of the mother and father. According to Chinese medicine theory the constitutional strength of the future child is dependent on the vitality of the mother and father at time of conception. By addressing any underlying imbalances of the body and bringing the body back into full health the constitution and health of the conceived child may be increased.
Treatment- Acupuncture and herbs once per week for 12 weeks
IVF & ACUPUNCTURE FOR WOMEN (for men see below)
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Acupuncture at the beginnign of the IVF cycle
Acupuncture may help to increase blood supply to the uterus and ovaries, regulates the hormones, and encourage follicular development, thicken linning of uterus, increases success of future implantation. Acupuncture may also reduces side effects of IVF medication such as fatigue, abdominal swelling or discomfort, and moodiness.
Treatment- Acupuncture once per week leading up to egg collection
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Acupuncture before and after egg collection
This is best done within 2 days of the procedure as it may help to reduce any trauma and bleeding, also helps prepare the body for the arriving embryo.
Treatment- Two Acupuncture treatments one before and one after egg collection.
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Acupuncture before and after implantation
This may help increase blood flow to the uterus, thickens the lining and improves the chance of implantation, which may result in an increase in pregnancy rates.
Treatment- Two acupuncture treatments once before and one after egg transfer.
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Acupuncture during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
This has demonstrated to have immune modulation effects. These immune modulation effects may help to reduce the risk of the mother’s immune system rejecting the newly implanted embryo, and may help to secure the established pregnancy. Acupuncture once or twice per week has also been shown to reduce and control the symptoms of morning sickness.
Treatment- One acupuncture treatment once per week for 12 weeks.
IVF & ACUPUNCTURE FOR MEN
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Increase sperm morphology and motility: Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs are prescribed and may increase the quality and quantity of the sperm.
Treatment- Once per week for 12 weeks prior to IVF.
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Vasectomy reversal: Acupuncture, homeopathy and Chinese Herbs are prescribed to decrease the trauma and increase the success of a vasectomy reversal.
Treatment- Twice per week for 2-4 weeks after the procedure.
*Acupuncture for IVF Brisbane clinic is an Annerley based fertility clinic offering Natural Fertitliy, IVF and Pregnancy support using Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Naturopathy and Herbs. It currently services surrounding suburbs including Annerley, Fairfield, Greenslopes, Salisbury, Holland Park, Buranda, Stones Coner, Yeronga, Yeerongpilly, Moorooka, Tennyson, Tarragindi, Dutton Park, Highgate Hill and West End.