What is IVF?
IVF refers to in vitro fertilisation and is a technique used to assist a woman to fall pregnant.
A human egg is fertilised in a laboratory and then implanted into a woman’s uterus. If the embryo implants into the lining of the uterus then the woman will fall pregnant. How do you know if you actually need IVF? Many clients who come to me are not actually sure if they need IVF yet or not. The recent recommendations are as follows: Younger than 30 (both partners) if you have been trying for a year or more, without achieving a pregnancy – please see your Doctor.
If you are over 30 (both partners) – if you have been trying to conceive for 6 months or more – please see your Doctor.
If you are unsure about whether or not you need IVF then here is a checklist you can also use: ss because your specialist will be clearer on what’s going on, or that you fall pregnant naturally.
Pre IVF checklist:
Have you been given a diagnosis as to why you can’t get pregnant?
Females have you had a
Hormone panel test done – Day 2 FSH and day 21 ( or 7 days post ovulation ) – progesterone hormone test
Vitamin D
Iron studies
Thyroid function test – TSH, free T3, Free T4 and thyroid antibodies.
Tubal patency test and ultrasound.
Men – have you tested your sperm? This is the major test that we need to see. FBC, Iron studies, Thyroid studies, Vit D, Male Hormone panel – FSH, LH, SHBG, Testosterone, progesterone.
Another question to ask is – do you have a history of undescended testicles, any accidents to the groin or testes, any previous torsions – as these can all affect sperm. If you would like to read through this checklist in more detail you can refer to our blog “What you should consider before you start IVF.’ How can acupuncture assist with IVF?
Acupuncture may improve pregnancy success rates with IVF and IUI. We work closely to follow and support the plan put together by you and your reproductive specialist.
Acupuncture may help to assist IVF / IUI and a medicated cycle by:
- increasing implantation rates after IUI and with an IVF embryo transfer
- increasing rate of pregnancy
- improving egg quality & increasing ovarian responsiveness
- nourishing the uterine lining and normalizing reproductive hormones
- improving blood flow to the ovaries & uterus
- improving sperm count, morphology, & motility
- Pregnancy Consolidation: Assists in the consolidation of pregnancy.
- decrease side effects of medication (such as fatigue, hotflashes, abdominal cramping and mood swings)
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Mental Health Support: Addresses anxiety and depression.
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Ovarian Reserve Influence: Affects markers of ovarian reserve. It is ideal for a woman to begin treatment 3 months prior to the time she wants to conceive.
The 3 months enables us to prepare the body for conception. It gives us enough time to normalize a cycle if there are irregularites, improve the uterine lining by building up blood and also increases the chances of a healthy baby and pregnancy. We address any issues with your period during this time, as well as working on the improving your egg quality. This is achieved in combination with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, diet and lifestyle changes and supplements may also be given.
We recommend taking a prenatal vitamin supplement 4 months prior to beginning your IVF/ IUI cycle. For males and for male sperm donors, our treatment plan is very similar. We always ask you to get your Sperm tested alongside hormones and other blood tests to have a look at the health and the quality of the sperm. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are used to enable us to support the improvement of the quality of the sperm – with a focus on sperm morphology, motility and overall volume and progressive motility (this means the sperm need to be moving forward and not in circles).
It takes 4 months for sperm to develop in the testes, so we do recommend for males, beginning about 6 months prior to an IUI or IVF cycle, as this gives us at least 1 cycle of growth to monitor how sperm is improving. We also recommend diet and lifestyle changes based on your individual needs and incorporate supplements as well. We will also provide you with a healthy sperm smoothie, which is packed full of antioxidants, selenium, zinc and omega fatty acids, which all assist with sperm production. Treatment for males or the male sperm donor is once a week for a at least 3 months prior to an IUI / IVF cycle, especially if there have been issues with sperm quality previously. Often when a woman is undergoing ART she comes in the month that the procedure is beginning.
At this point treatments are 1-3 times per week for the duration of the cycle. No Chinese herbs are prescribed. Diet and lifestyle changes can be made and side effects from the medication mitigated. After the procedure the focus changes to supporting implantation.
Recent studies have shown that there is a higher chance of a healthy baby after IVF when Whole Systems TCM has been added to the cycle. This means acupuncture alongside Chinese Herbal Medicine, with changes in lifestyle and diet according to Traditional Chinese Medicine yields better results! Men’s Fertility Men’s fertility acupuncture works in much the same way as it does for women. Research has shown that 40% of fertility cases are female factor, 40% male factor and 20% unknown. Chinese medicine has a long history of supporting male fertility, virility and longevity. Common issues such as low motility, morphology, and count, erectile dysfunction and low libido are direct markers of men’s future cardiovascular and overall health. By treating the root cause of the dysfunction the fertility issues resolve and overall health is restored. We use an integrative approach in treating male reproductive and sexual health.
We recommend that all male partners be evaluated according to both Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic methods as well as with Western mediicne diagnosis – such as including:
– A sperm test
– a male hormone panel
– Thyorid fucntion test
Full blood count, Iron Studies and Vitamin D levels.
We also recommned that all men have a mens wellness check up – we highly recommend making an appointment with the Men’s Health Clinic in Melbourne – https://www.menshealthmelbourne.com.au/
Our Acupuncturists may assist in supporting you in your journey to conceive by providing education to help with stress and sleep which have been known to affect fertility.
A recent meta analaysis and systemic review –https://biomedres.us/pdfs/BJSTR.MS.ID.008851.pdf found that acupuncture ” has particular clinical advantages in improving clinical symptoms and can be used as a supplementary treatment for Western medicine in the treatment of male infertility without increasing the risk of adverse reactions”
In the Journal of integrative medicine in Nephrology and Andrology – Integrative Medicine in Nephrology and Andrology 11(4):e23-00028, December 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/IMNA-D-23-00028
The current literature suggests that acupuncture may be a viable treatment option for male infertility. However, high-quality randomized controlled double-blind clinical trials and basic research must be conducted to generate robust evidence and clarify the mechanisms underlying acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating male infertility.
References:
- Acupuncture for the treatment if male infertiity: A Systemic Reveiw and met-anayalsis – . https://biomedres.us/pdfs/BJSTR.MS.ID.008851.pdf
- Integrative Medicine in Nephrology and Andrology 11(4):e23-00028, December 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/IMNA-D-23-00028
Acupuncture Treatment Recommendations
We suggest:
- Weekly acupuncture session for 3 months for most conditions.
- We recommend a minimum of 1 treatment around women’s ovulation for natural conception.
- We also recommend a minimum of one treatment within 24 hours of a sperm sample that will be given for IUI or IVF.
We will discuss common issues that may reduce fertility:
- Poor diet
- Cycling and over exercise
- Poor sleep and sleep hygiene
- Stress
- Overwork
- Hormonal imbalances
Contact Rebalance Chinese Medicine to find out more on how we may be able to support you.
We understand that when it comes to fertility, there can be a lot of questions. Sometimes, getting the best support means seeing a specialist, and that’s where an andrologist comes in. Think of an andrologist as a urologist who has gone through extra, specialized training specifically focused on male reproductive health and fertility. They are the experts when it comes to issues that can affect a man’s ability to conceive.
To get a clearer picture of your situation, we might ask you some important questions about your past health, such as:
- Have you ever had mumps?
- Did you experience an undescended testicle as a child?
- Have you ever had a torsion of the testis (twisting of the testicle)?
- Have you experienced any injury to your testicles?
These kinds of childhood or past issues can sometimes have an impact on your fertility later in life. If you’re unsure about any of these, it might be worth having a quick chat with your mum to see if she remembers any concerns when you were younger.
Interestingly, even something like a lower back injury can sometimes affect male fertility. That’s why we also find that complementary therapies like massage, osteopathy, chiropractic, and reflexology can be really beneficial. These “body work” approaches can work alongside our Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments to help your body function at its best.
If we feel you would benefit from more specialized assessment or treatment for your fertility, we’ll definitely refer you to a trusted andrologist. They have the in-depth knowledge and tools to provide you with the most comprehensive care
IVF Support with Acupuncture Preparation for an IVF cycle
It is best to begin acupuncture and herbal treatments three months before your IVF cycle begins. This becomes especially important if there has been a previous unsuccessful IUI/ IVF cycle. If this is not possible, begin treatment as soon as possible in your IVF cycle.
We work closely with local fertility clinics and are very familiar with the process and how acupuncture can assist in increasing your chances of a healthy pregnancy and child.
In conjunction with a holistic approach, this incorporates acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, diet and lifestyle changes and also supplements. Once your IVF cycle begins we use scientifically proven protocols to compliment each phase and maximize your success.
Combined Effect of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
• A 2015 retrospective cohort study that reviewed outcomes of 1231 IVF patient records undergoing IVF found that patients receiving IVF with adjuvant whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine, was associated with greater odds of live birth in donor and non-donor cycles. Whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine is a complex intervention that can include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and dietary and lifestyle recommendations,.. In the study, patients received either IVF with no additional treatment; IVF and elective acupuncture on day of embryo transfer; or IVF and elective WS-TCM. acupuncture or whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine (WS-TCM) as an adjuvant IVF treatment. The primary outcome was live birth. Of 1069 non-donor cycles, WS-TCM was associated with greater odds of live birth compared with IVF alone, or embryo transfer with acupuncture only. Of 162 donor cycles, WS-TCM was associated with increased live births compared with all groups or embryo transfer with acupuncture only These results should be taken cautiously as more rigorous research is needed.
Hullender Rubin LE, Opsahl MS, Wiemer KE, Mist SD, Caughey AB. Impact of whole systems traditional Chinese medicine on in-vitro fertilization outcomes. Reprod Biomed Online. 2015 Jun;30(6):602-12. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.02.005. Epub 2015 Feb 24. PMID: 25911598; PMCID: PMC4458185.
We choose your treatments based on your age, reproductive history, and reaction to your IVF protocols.
Treatments are given 1-3 times a week per cycle. We recommend starting acupuncture weekly 3 months prior to the procedure. We highly advise a treatment within 4 hours of the transfer to assist with implantation of the embryo. This can be either before or after your transfer.
Our main focus for this treatment is to assit with keeping you calm and to aid with reducing stress.
• A 2020 randomised controlled trial concluded that three sessions of acupuncture before and after egg transfer significantly increased the pregnancy rates in women with unexplained infertility. It was also found that acupuncture significantly reduced anxiety levels that occurred before egg transfer.
Guven PG, Cayir Y, Borekci B. Effectiveness of acupuncture on pregnancy success rates for women undergoing in vitro fertilization: A randomized controlled trial. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Mar;59(2):282- 286. doi: 10.1016/j.tjog.2020.01.018. PMID: 32127151.
Whether acupuncture is started three months prior to the beginning of an IVF cycle or one week prior to transfer, the focus on the treatments will be to improve the egg quality and increase blood flow to the uterus promoting the formation of a healthy uterine lining. Without a high quality egg it is impossible to have a high quality, viable embryo. Decreased blood flow to the uterus has been associated with high failure rates of IVF cycles.
Acupuncture on the Day of Embryo Transfer
There have been numerous studies that have shown the increased success of a transfer when combined with acupuncture as soon as possible after the procedure.
Acupuncture at this time is designed to assist in implantation of the embryo in the uterus.
Paulus, W. E., Zhang, M., Strehler, E., El-Danasouri, I., & Sterzik, K. (2002). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility, 77(4), 721-724.
This study, published in Fertility and Sterility in 2002 (though often referenced as 2001 due to the online publication date in late 2001), investigated the effect of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), specifically IVF.
Key findings of the Paulus et al. (2002) study:
The study was a prospective randomized controlled trial involving 160 women undergoing ART with good quality embryos.
80 patients received acupuncture 25 minutes before and 25 minutes after embryo transfer.
The control group of 80 patients underwent embryo transfer without any acupuncture.
The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the acupuncture group (42.5%) compared to the control group (26.3%).
The authors concluded that acupuncture appeared to be a useful tool for improving pregnancy rates after ART.
General Information on Acupuncture and Embryo Implantation:
Following the Paulus study, numerous other investigations have explored the potential benefits of acupuncture in conjunction with IVF and embryo transfer. The proposed mechanisms by which acupuncture might assist implantation include:
Improved blood flow to the uterus and ovaries: Acupuncture may help to dilate blood vessels and increase circulation to the reproductive organs, potentially creating a more receptive uterine environment for embryo implantation.
Reduced uterine contractility: Some studies suggest that acupuncture can help to calm uterine muscle contractions, which could theoretically improve the chances of the embryo attaching to the uterine wall.
Stress reduction: Infertility treatment can be a significant source of stress. Acupuncture is known for its relaxing effects and may help to lower stress and anxiety levels, which some believe can positively influence IVF outcomes.
Modulation of the immune system: There is some evidence that acupuncture may help to regulate the immune response in the uterus, which could play a role in successful implantation.
However, it’s important to note that the findings across different studies on acupuncture and IVF have been mixed. Some meta-analyses and systematic reviews have shown a positive association between acupuncture around the time of embryo transfer and increased pregnancy rates, while others have not found a significant benefit. Factors such as the timing of acupuncture sessions, the number of treatments, the specific acupuncture points used, and the overall study design can influence the results.
Acupuncture Immediately After Embryo Transfer:
The Paulus study specifically administered acupuncture shortly before and after embryo transfer. Some subsequent research has focused on the timing of acupuncture and its impact on success rates. Some studies suggest that acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer might be beneficial, while others indicate that additional sessions before or after the transfer may also play a role.
While the evidence for acupuncture as a definitive way to improve IVF success rates is still evolving and requires further rigorous research, many individuals undergoing IVF find it to be a helpful complementary therapy for managing stress and potentially supporting their treatment. 1
• A 2019 study concluded that administration of acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer dramatically improved fertility results in women who underwent in vitro fertilization/intra-cytoplasm sperm injection for reproduction..The study analyzed the charts of a tacupuncture group, 46 cases) and without acupuncture (control group, 42 cases) were applied. The biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate after transplantation were compared between two groups. The clinical pregnancy rate in the acupuncture group was higher than that in the control group (60.9% vs. 33.3% respectively). Likewise, the live birth rate in the acupuncture group was also higher than that in the control group (71.7% vs. 31.0%).
Çoksüer H, Barut MU, Bozkurt M, Agacayak E, Sak S, Demir M, Calıskan E. Acupuncture Enhances Chances of Pregnancy in Unexplained Infertile Patients Who Undergo A Blastocyst Transfer in A Fresh-Cycle. Chin J Integr Med. 2019 Apr;25(4):298-302. doi: 10.1007/s11655-018-2918-6. Epub 2019 Jun 25. PMID: 31236890.
Conception is just the first step toward the birth of a healthy child. After the transfer of the embryo the focus of treatment is on creating an optimal environment for the embryo. Assisted reproduction technologies have been associated with higher incidences of complications during pregnancy. We recommend acupuncture 1-2 times per week post transfer through the first trimester. The focus is to assist implantation, moderate immunological factors, increase energy, and prevent pregnancy complications.
• A 2023 cohort study concluded that acupuncture benefits women with recurrent implantation failure. The study compared the outcomes of patients with recurrent implantation failure who underwent frozen embryo transfer with or without acupuncture. A total of 923 patients with recurrent implantation failure who underwent frozen embryo transfer were included in this study.The acupuncture group consisted of 303 recurrent implantation failure patients who received acupuncture therapy in addition to standard hormone replacement therapy /delayed hormone replacement therapy for frozen egg transfer. The Non-acupuncture group consisted of 620 recurrent implantation failure patients who received only standard hormone replacement therapy /delayed hormone replacement therapy for frozen egg transfer. The acupuncture group had significantly higher biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate than the non-acupuncture group. A potentially higher live birth rate and ongoing pregnancy rate were observed in the acupuncture group than in the non-acupuncture group. However, the survival analysis did not show that acupuncture significantly promoted live birth. Acupuncture is an appropriate adjunctive technique in the in vitro fertilization process as it improves biochemical and clinical
pregnancies.
Gan D, Liu LY, Zhong Y, Wu YN, Lai YY, Wei W, Guo XL, Tian R, Yu SY, Liang FR, Hu WH, Yang J. Acupuncture benefits to women with recurrent implantation failure: A propensity score-matched cohort study. Heliyon. 2023 Jul 16;9(7):e18193. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18193. PMID: 37539224; PMCID: PMC10395475.
Acupuncture’s Effect on Pregnancy Rate when Applied Before and After Egg Transfer Day
• A 2020 randomised controlled trial concluded that three sessions of acupuncture before and after egg transfer significantly increased the pregnancy rates in women with unexplained infertility. It was also found that acupuncture significantly reduced anxiety levels that occurred before egg transfer.
Guven PG, Cayir Y, Borekci B. Effectiveness of acupuncture on pregnancy success rates for women undergoing in vitro fertilization: A randomized controlled trial. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Mar;59(2):282- 286. doi: 10.1016/j.tjog.2020.01.018. PMID: 32127151.
• A 2019 study concluded that administration of acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer dramatically improved fertility results in women who underwent in vitro fertilization/intra-cytoplasm sperm injection for reproduction..The study analyzed the charts of a tacupuncture group, 46 cases) and without acupuncture (control group, 42 cases) were applied. The biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate after transplantation were compared between two groups. The clinical pregnancy rate in the acupuncture group was higher than that in the control group (60.9% vs. 33.3% respectively). Likewise, the live birth rate in the acupuncture group was also higher than that in the control group (71.7% vs. 31.0%).
Çoksüer H, Barut MU, Bozkurt M, Agacayak E, Sak S, Demir M, Calıskan E. Acupuncture Enhances Chances of Pregnancy in Unexplained Infertile Patients Who Undergo A Blastocyst Transfer in A Fresh-Cycle. Chin J Integr Med. 2019 Apr;25(4):298-302. doi: 10.1007/s11655-018-2918-6. Epub 2019 Jun 25. PMID: 31236890.
Combined Effect of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
• A 2015 retrospective cohort study that reviewed outcomes of 1231 IVF patient records undergoing IVF found that patients receiving IVF with adjuvant whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine, was associated with greater odds of live birth in donor and non-donor cycles. Whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine is a complex intervention that can include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and dietary and lifestyle recommendations,.. In the study, patients received either IVF with no additional treatment; IVF and elective acupuncture on day of embryo transfer; or IVF and elective WS-TCM. acupuncture or whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine (WS-TCM) as an adjuvant IVF treatment. The primary outcome was live birth. Of 1069 non-donor cycles, WS-TCM was associated with greater odds of live birth compared with IVF alone, or embryo transfer with acupuncture only. Of 162 donor cycles, WS-TCM was associated with increased live births compared with all groups or embryo transfer with acupuncture only These results should be taken cautiously as more rigorous research is needed.
Hullender Rubin LE, Opsahl MS, Wiemer KE, Mist SD, Caughey AB. Impact of whole systems traditional Chinese medicine on in-vitro fertilization outcomes. Reprod Biomed Online. 2015 Jun;30(6):602-12. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.02.005. Epub 2015 Feb 24. PMID: 25911598; PMCID: PMC4458185.
The results showed that 42.5% of the patients who received acupuncture became pregnant versus 26.5% who did not. Stress is often a factor associated with an assisted reproduction cycle. Acupuncture is very beneficial to reduce stress and anxiety and its effects on the body as well as decrease side effects from Western fertility medications used through an IVF cycle. Acupuncture After the Embryo Transfer
Disclaimer: Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary from patient to patient based on the circumstances of the patient’s specific situation. A result is not promised and/or guaranteed from the act of receiving treatment.
What else can we assist you with?
Our Practitioners have their own areas of interest so as well as assisting you with the above complaints, ask us about our primary passions:
- Fertility and IVF assitance support
- Menstrual Health
- Hormonal support
- Mental Health Support
- Stress support
- Pregnancy Support
Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary from patient to patient based on the circumstances of the patient’s specific situation. A result is not promised and/or guaranteed from the act of receiving treatment.
