“Women who underwent acupuncture were 65% more likely to have a successful embryo transfer procedure and 91% more likely to have a live birth.”
(Manheimer E., et al. BMJ. 2008)

Everybody is on their own individual fertility journey. No single case is ever the same.
It’s important to note that whilst the IVF process is a carefully monitored and structured approach to fertility, each woman’s medications, timing and circumstances do vary.
The timing protocol below is guide for preparation and general information purposes, as to what treatments might be required to support best outcomes.
In all cases, a thorough consultation with a fully qualified, registered Chinese Medicine practitioner will determine an appropriate treatment plan to suit your individual requirements.

(Additional evidence based research references for all sections can be found at the bottom of the page.)

TREATMENT FREQUENCY SCHEDULES FOR IVF

1)      Acupuncture in preparation for and during the medication phase of IVF

1-2 treatments per week for 4 weeks plus treatment at time of transfer.
Preferably 2-3 cycles prior and in the lead up to transfer.

To:
– Benefit the regulation of hormones which are important for follicle development
– Reduce side effects of the medications
– Increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
– Improve the structure of the uterine lining
– Significantly enhance the implantation and pregnancy rate

Recent analyses of the benefit of IVF patients receiving acupuncture has shown that patients who undergo treatment before and during the stimulation and implantation phases, benefit more than those that have acupuncture only on the day of embryo transfer (Shen C., et al.).

Further evidence via a study which involved women undergoing  8 acupuncture treatments in succession, demonstrated an increased blood flow to the uterus and increased pregnancy rates (Stener-Victorin E., et al.).

2)     Acupuncture after egg collection 

1 treatment after the procedure or within the following two days

It is recommended that IVF patients have acupuncture treatment after egg collection,
– Reduce any local tissue trauma, bleeding or cramping
– Reduce stress and to help prepare the environment for the arrival of an embryo.

3)     Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer (including frozen embryo transfer)

Before and after transfer – 2 treatments

– Circulates blood to the uterus and
– Calms the mind before transfer
– Prevents uterine cramping
– Increases implantation success
– Reduces the chance of miscarriage
– Calms anxiety

Studies have shown that acupuncture of the day of transfer (before and after) can increase the probability of a positive pregnancy test. Where timing allows we may do a treatment both before and after the embryo transfer, although one treatment can be sufficient to achieve the ideal level of relaxation and a reduction of stress hormones. Every individual is different and experiences varied lifestyle and external environmental factors that can impact stress levels at this time during the process.

These treatments are based on protocols used in clinical trials, which showed an increase of pregnancy rates in groups of woman where their expected pregnancy rates was below 30%.

4)     Acupuncture at any phase of the IVF cycle

1-2 Treatments per week as needed

Acupuncture can be used to manage side-effects of the IVF medication regime and to reduce anxiety over the whole process. Trying for a baby can be a physically and emotionally taxing process, it’s important to reduce stress levels wherever possible.

Commonly reported side-effects of the medication may include fatigue, mood swings, abdominal bloating and discomfort. Acupuncture including acupressure is also effective for reducing anxiety and depressive feelings during this time. Additionally, it is reported from clinical experience of women who have undergone acupuncture treatments during the IVF process, that they experience a greater feeling relaxation, control of anxiety, body and mind.

5)     Acupuncture before the pregnancy test

1 or 2 treatments between the time of embryo transfer and the pregnancy test 

Acupuncture is used during this time to keep the mind calm and the stress hormones low. Blood flow and nourishment to the uterus is supported with acupuncture and herbal medicine to reduce the risk of miscarriage and increase the likelihood of successful embryo implantation.

6) Acupuncture prior to sperm donation

1-2 treatments prior as required

Sometimes the pressure to produce a sperm sample on the day of egg collection can be significant enough to cause a problem. Acupuncture reduces anxiety and can increase blood flow to the genital area.
Additionally, it is recommended that the male donor seek herbal medicine treatment with supplements where timely possible, over the course of one whole sperm life cycle (approx 90- 120 days) from immature to fully motile sperm to see the greatest improvement in quality.

7) Acupuncture for the first trimester of a positive pregnancy.

1 treatment per week as required, until week 12 of pregnancy 

“Threatened miscarriage is a common complication of early pregnancy increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature labour. Currently there is limited evidence to recommend any biomedical pharmacological or self-care management, resulting in a ‘watchful waiting’ approach.” (Betts D,et al. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2016.)

Since Chinese Medicine and acupuncture therapy employs a wholistic and preventative approach to medicine, it is encouraged that women take steps to assist in keeping their bodies at the healthiest level possibly to maintain a successful pregnancy.

A recent randomized control study found the following results for women undertaking acupuncture treatment during early pregnancy:

-Women receiving acupuncture demonstrated a STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION in their symptoms of primary concern (including bleeding, cramping & back pain) compared to the control group.

Acupuncture has also been shown to have significant immune-modulating effects.

This effect may be important in reducing the risk of rejection by the mother’s immune system in the early days as the embryo implants and a pregnancy is established.

In addition regular monitoring of the pulse (a TCM diagnostic technique) and regular treatment with acupuncture designed to reduce anxiety offers you important and reassuring support during these first few weeks of pregnancy. Clinical trials have shown that regular monitoring and reassurance reduces miscarriage rates. Studies in China have shown that Chinese herbs can reduce the incidence of miscarriage in early pregnancy after IVF (Ying L., & Jing-Zhi W.).

Evidence Based Research: 

J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2017 Mar; 18(3): 186–193. Use of electroacupuncture and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation in reproductive medicine: a group consensus.

Bazarganipour F, et al. Complement Ther Med. 2017. The effect of applying pressure to LIV3 and LI4 on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. A randomised clinical trial. This research link was added as a reference to demonstrate the effectiveness of treatments for cycle/ hormone related anxiety/ depression.

Acupuncture and Blood Flow: Effects of Acupuncture on the Endometrium in Anovulatory cases treated by Clomiphene: A Clinical Observation. HU Wenxiao, J Taishan Med College. 2016, (9):1029-1031, Journal of Taishan Medical College.
Researchers discovered that when they gave women with anovulatory infertility Clomid, together with acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, they had better outcomes than those who had just Clomid, or Clomid plus estrogen.

Betts D., Smith C., Dahlen H (2016). BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. Does acupuncture have a role in the treatment of threatened miscarriage? Findings from a feasibility randomised trial and semi-structured participant interviews.

Shen C et al, 2015 Gynecol Obstet Invest 79:1-12. Gynecological and Obstetric Investigations.The Role of Acupuncture in in vitro Fertilisation: A Sytematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Shuai Z, et al. . Acupunct Med. 2015 Feb;33(1):9-15. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2014-010572. Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation on endometrial receptivity in women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer: A single-blind prospective randomised controlled trial.

Fan Qu et al, Sci Rep Nature, (2014), 4, Article number: 5028 Scientific Reports, Nature Publishing. Acupuncture, Stress & Fertility; Auricular acupuncture reduces anxiety levels and improves outcomes of in vitro fertilisation.

Zhang R et al, Fertil Steril 2011, 96, 4 Pg 912-916. Acupuncture and Embryo Transfer; Increase of success rate for women undergoing embryo transfer by transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation: a prospective randomised placebo-controlled study.

Moy I et al, Fertil Steril 2011 Vol 95 pg 583-587. Randomised Controlled Trail: Effects of Acupuncture on Pregnancy Rates in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilisation.

Ried  K.,& Stuart K.(Dec 2011).Complement Ther Med. Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in the management of female infertility:  A systematic review.

Domar A et al Fertil Steril 2009 Vol 91 Issue 3 pg 723-6. The impact of acupuncture on in vitro fertilisation outcome.

Magarelli, PC, D Cridennda, M Cohen. Fertil Steril. 2009 Dec;92(6):1870-9 Fertility and Sterility. Changes in Serum Cortisol and Prolactin associated with Acupuncture during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer treatment.

Fratterelli JL et al Fertil Steril 2008 Vol 90, Suppl 1,pg S105. Laser acupuncture before and after embryo transfer iproves ART delivery rates.

Youran D et al Fertil Steril 2008 Vol. 90, Suppl 1, pg S240. Acupuncture performed before and after embryo transfer improves pregnancy rates.

Manheimer E., et al. British Medical Journal 2008 Mar 8;336(7643):545-9. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilization systematic review and meta-analysis.

Teshima D. R. K et al, Fertil Steril 2007 Vol 88, Suppl 1, pg S330. The effect of acupuncture in assisted reproduction techniques.

Craig L. B et al, Fertil Steril 2007 Vol 88, Suppl 1, pg S40. Acupuncture lowers pregnancy rates when performed before and after embryo transfer.

Udoff L. C. et al, Fertil Steril 2007 Vol 86, Issue 3, pg S145. The effect of acupuncture on outcomes in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Magarelli P, Cridennda D, Fertility & Sterility 2004; 81(Supplement 3):S20. Acupuncture & IVF Poor Responders:  A Cure?

Paulus W et al, Fertil Steril 2002 Vol 77, pg 721-724. Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy.

Stener-Victorin E, et al Human Reproduction 1996; 11:1314-1317. Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro-acupuncture.