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Acupuncture in Leicester for IVF

Acupuncture for IVF and IUI 

 

More and more women are choosing traditional acupuncture to support them during their IVF cycles. Acupuncture is an evidenced based treatment that has shown to improve IVF outcomes. 

 

Studies have shown that helps to reduce stress, improve blood flow, and support hormonal balance—all essential factors for enhancing fertility outcomes.

 

 

How Acupuncture Supports IVF:

 

    •     Regulating the Menstrual Cycle:

Acupuncture can help regulate the menstrual cycle, which is crucial for synchronising the body with IVF treatments. This regulation supports ovulation and the development of healthy follicles.

  

 •    Increasing Blood Flow to the Uterus:

Acupuncture can enhance blood flow to the uterus, creating a more receptive environment for embryo implantation by improving the thickness and health of the endometrial lining.

    

•    Reducing Stress and Anxiety:

IVF can be a challenging emotional experience. Acupuncture helps reduce stress and anxiety, which are known to negatively impact fertility, by promoting relaxation and balancing the nervous system.

    •    Supporting Ovarian Function:

Acupuncture may improve ovarian function, leading to better quality and quantity of eggs, positively influencing the overall success rates of IVF.

    •    Improving Embryo Transfer and Implantation:

By focusing on timing acupuncture treatments around embryo transfer, acupuncture supports a healthy uterine environment and reduces uterine contractions, aiding in embryo implantation.

 

Research Supporting Acupuncture for IVF

 

A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture for IVF and ICSI found a significant improvement in birth rates for women who underwent acupuncture alongside these fertility treatments. This extensive review demonstrated that acupuncture has a measurable positive effect on increasing the likelihood of successful pregnancies in sub-fertile women undergoing IVF or ICSI (Zhang et al., 2018).

 

Additionally, a recent large-scale study with 4,757 participants further underscored acupuncture’s potential. Women who received acupuncture achieved a clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) of 43.6%, compared to the control group’s 33.2%, showing a significant difference (P < 0.00001). The study also showed a live birth rate (LBR) of 38.0% in the acupuncture group, compared to 28.7% in the control group (Xu et al., 2023).

 

A recent study shows that women with poor ovarian response benefited from moxibustion (a herb burnt topically on a particualr acupuncture point.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39210342/

 

When to start acupuncture for IVF

 

Acupuncture for IVF prep

For the best possible outcome, I recommend starting acupuncture 2-3 months before a fresh IVF or IUI cycle. This timing aligns with the 90-day period it takes for eggs to develop, giving us the opportunity to create an optimal hormonal environment that supports healthy egg maturation and enhances your chances of success.

 

Acupuncture works best when treatments are regular, as the effects are cumulative. A handful of sessions won’t be enough to make a significant impact, but consistent treatments over several months can truly make a difference. Research also suggests that acupuncture during ovarian stimulation can improve embryo and blastocyst quality (Zhang et al., 2018).

 

During this time, a fertility acupuncturist may review any previous testing and suggest additional diagnostics, if needed, based on your individual history and symptoms. 

 

Acupuncture and Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

 

It’s not uncommon for women to discover acupuncture after a failed fresh IVF cycle and seek support for their next frozen embryo transfer (FET).

 

While it’s important to understand that once the eggs have been collected and the sperm sample given, acupuncture and lifestyle changes cannot directly affect the quality of the eggs or sperm. However, acupuncture can still play a vital role in the IVF process. It helps to reduce stress, improve blood flow to the uterus, and support the uterine lining—factors that may improve the chances of a successful embryo implantation.

 

Acupuncture also provides emotional and physical relief during fertility treatments, offering a calming, supportive approach to help manage the challenges that often arise along the way.

 

 

How to find a fertility acupuncturist 

 

To locate a licensed traditional acupuncturist with additional postgraduate fertility training, I recommend finding a practitioner on the Acupuncture Fertility Network, or a Fertility Support Expert.

 

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