Acupuncture with IVF

In Vitro Fertilization

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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a process by which an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body. The process usually includes stimulating ovulation, retrieving eggs from a woman's ovaries and allowing the sperm to fertilize the eggs in a laboratory setting. The fertilized egg is then cultured and implanted in a woman's uterus, with the intention of establishing a successful pregnancy.

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Acupuncture with IVF

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Studies have shown that acupuncture can increase the success of IVF.
 
Scientific research on the effects of acupuncture is relatively new but continues to develop at an ever-increasing rate. The landmark German study in 2002 by Wolfgang E. Paulus1 compared pregnancy rates of two groups of women undergoing IVF. The group receiving acupuncture 25 minutes before, and 25 minutes after embryo transfer had a pregnancy rate of 42.5% compared to 26% for the non-acupuncture group. 

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Embryo Transfer Treatments
 

The most common way Traditional Chinese Medicine is used for patients undergoing IVF is by providing acupuncture treatments done on the day of the embryo transfer, both pre- and post- transfer.
 
This clinic has routinely administered pre- and post- transfer acupuncture treatments for IVF patients. 

1 PAULUS W, ET. AL., INFLUENCE OF ACUPUNCTURE ON THE PREGNANCY RATE IN PATIENTS WHO UNDERGO ASSISTED REPRODUCTION THERAPY. FERTILITY AND STERILITY, VOLUME 77, APRIL 2002, 721-724.

Pre-Cycle Treatments

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Our acupuncture treatment plan for IVF patients can include treatments pre-conception and pre-egg-retrieval and goes far beyond just the pre- and post- embryo transfer treatments. 
 
Wherever possible, Acupuncture and Wellness Clinic strongly recommends that patients receive consistent acupuncture treatments in the 4 to 6 months prior to the IVF retrieval-fertilization-transfer cycle.
 
Consistent acupuncture treatments can balance your hormones, improve your overall health and fertility naturally, and put you in the best position to conceive before the cycle even begins.

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Benefits of IVF Acupuncture

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Patients undergoing In Vitro Fertilization can use acupuncture to:
 

• Increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
   

• Improve the lining of the uterus
   

• Regulate fertility hormones which may improve the quantity and quality of follicles 
   

• Minimize IVF and medication symptoms
   

• Reduce stress pre- and post- transfer
   

• Decrease chance of miscarriage and increase chance of implant and full-term birth
    

• Improve male factor — volume, motility and morphology