Can Acupuncture Increase The Success Rate For In-Vitro Fertilization?
For thousands of years acupuncture has been used to treat reproductive disorders and to help prevent miscarriages. Western medicine and research is confirming that acupuncture can improve IVF outcomes by increasing pregnancy rates, decreasing miscarriage rates and helping to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Our success story testimonials are a vivid confirmation of this fact.
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a procedure that uses medication to stimulate the body to produce multiple mature eggs. These eggs are then taken out of the body in a procedure called “egg retrieval”. In a laboratory, the eggs are combined with sperm where they can grow. After several days, the resulting embryo is placed into the uterus.
There are still many challenges to face. Only about a third of people on average undergoing IVF will get pregnant. The percentage is reduced with age especially for women over 40. In addition, there is 20% or higher chance of miscarriage.
Studies have shown that women who receive properly timed and properly performed acupuncture have demonstrated up to a 106% increase in ongoing pregnancies. Studies have also demonstrated that there are substantial increases in implantation rates and increases in both uterine and ovarian blood flow.
Acupuncture can have a significant impact on those who have responded poorly to IVF. In one study, poor responders who received acupuncture achieved the same pregnancy rates as normal responders. Recent analysis of various studies has shown that the odds of having a live birth are almost doubled over those who did not use acupuncture..
Who is your typical patient?
Our typical patients (both male and female) are between the ages of twenty to forty-five. Some want to try a natural approach before considering IVF and others want to utilize alternative medicine in conjunction with their IVF. It is our experience that by combining both approaches, pregnancy rates are greater than when using just one approach.
Should my husband be treated?
Men with sperm problems are good candidates for treatment. Our treatments show impressive results in improving sperm count, morphology, and motility.
How does acupuncture help treat infertility?
Acupuncture and herbal medicine improve blood-flow to the reproductive organs, thereby improving egg-quality and endometriosis lining quality. Our treatments often show great improvement in egg quality, sperm quality and lining quality, the three things necessary for a successful pregnancy!
I understand that you use herbal medicine with many of your patients. What do the herbs do? And, are they safe?
Depending on your personal situation, acupuncture alone may not be enough. Herbal medicine can give your body something it lacks.
How long will I have to be treated?
We work with our patients for the entire time they are trying to conceive. Treatment schedules and plans vary by patient. Once you are pregnant, we will treat you for the first trimester in order to help you maintain your pregnancy. Continued treatment is important as 90% of all failed pregnancies occur within the first trimester. Acupuncture and natural fertility medicine can help reduce this possibility.
Remember, if you are in an IUI, IVF or donor-egg cycle, schedule appointments for your pre and post acupuncture treatments in conjunction with your procedure. This increases your chances of success significantly!
Do you work weekends or other odd hours?
We are committed to our patients. If your transfer occurs on a Saturday or a Sunday, we will be here for you no matter what time.
How long does it take to get an appointment?
Please contact our office. We usually are able to schedule you right away.
