IVF Support

TCM & Acupuncture for IVF Support

Infertility has long been treated with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Acupuncture is often recognised as a reliable and secure way to boost the success rates of IVF.

Acupuncture Results for IVF Support

Your acupuncturist will tailor treatments to your condition but will generally recommend a treatment 1–3 times a week for at least 4-6 weeks before a procedure (IUI, IVF, FET). Each session after the first one may last up to an hour—first a discussion period to update your acupuncturist followed by a 20–40-minute session with needles.

Causes for Requiring IVF

There are numerous reasons why one may require in vitro fertilization. IVF may be considered if you or your partner has:

Low sperm count
Problems with ovulation due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome
Problems with fallopian tubes
Endometriosis
A wish to avoid passing on inherited genetic disorders to your children

How TCM Supports IVF

Some research suggests that acupuncture increases the IVF success rate in the following ways:

Increasing the blood flow aids oxygenation. This means that more nutrients can be carried to the developing follicles and positively influence egg quality and quantity. It has been recognised that increased uterine perfusion in the early follicular phase enhances the pregnancy rate of IVF in women aged 40 and above.
Reducing the anxiety and stress level during the IVF process. Emotional state strongly influences IVF results in terms of pelvic circulation and endocrine balance. In our clinic, we seek to soothe the mind, improve confidence and restore internal balance/

TCM for IVF Support

Acupuncture is the primary focus of IVF support interventions with Traditional Chinese Medicine, but there is a big benefit to a holistic approach, including herbs and careful selection of food. Your TCM practitioner will have recommended herbal supplements to further support your IVF project, and what you eat, and don’t eat, will also have an impact on your success.

TCM Pain Treatments

Acupuncture

Moxibustion

Massage Therapy

Herbal Therapy

FAQ

Why have acupuncture during IVF?

Prior to and during in-vitro fertilization, acupuncture is now a common form of therapy (IVF). In addition to helping them reduce stress and feel calm and well while receiving treatment, women expect it will increase their chances of becoming pregnant.

When should I start acupuncture treatment?

Women are often advised to start acupuncture 3 months before they start treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). However, starting acupuncture along with your doctor’s recommended fertility therapy may still be beneficial.

What if my IVF cycle is less than two months away? Or what if I have already started ovarian stimulation?

Acupuncture can help at any stage of the process. Effect on egg quality is more pronounced the sooner treatment is started, but women can still benefit when treatment is started later. For example, in research, even women who received acupuncture only immediately before and after embryo transfer had better outcomes than women who didn’t receive acupuncture at this time¹. That said, the sooner treatment is started, generally the greater the effects of treatment. In fact, research conducted jointly by a fertility doctor and acupuncturist showed that women had the best pregnancy outcomes when they received at least eight acupuncture treatments prior to IVF².

After I conceive, do I need acupuncture again?

We highly recommend that you continue treatment to “hold and stabilize the fetus.” There are many safe acupuncture points that are used during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage and reduce the chances of severe morning sickness. Especially in cases of conception after infertility we recommend you continue treatment one time per week until the 12th week of pregnancy when the chance of miscarriage is greatly decreased.

Why should I get treated at Best of Chinese Medicine?

With qualified and caring staff, your comfort is our top priority. Whether it is your first time using TCM or acupuncture, we strive to make it an enjoyable experience and cater to your specific needs.

Where are Best of Chinese Medicine Clinics?

Find us in one of our two convenient locations :

Need IVF support? Book an acupuncture appointment now in Toronto or Mississauga.

We develop individual treatments to address each patient’s unique needs. We take the time to get to know you with a thorough consultation.

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