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Timing is Everything: When to Start Acupuncture for Optimal IVF Success

Written by Robin King, R.Ac

Robin King is a fertility acupuncturist based out of Port Coquitlam, BC. Robin helps couples navigate the difficult journey of infertility by providing holistic treatments that address the physical and emotional needs of her patients.

When should I start acupuncture?

One of the most common questions fertility patients ask is “When should I start acupuncture while going through IVF?”

As with most medical treatments, you are likely to achieve better outcomes by starting acupuncture as early as possible. For example, starting acupuncture treatments three to six months before your IVF cycle will give time to treat underlying conditions that may interfere with your chances of getting pregnant. This is particularly helpful for conditions like PCOS or endometriosis.

However, even if you are days away from your embryo transfer, acupuncture can still be an effective way to boost your chances of success. In short, you could consider adding acupuncture to your holistic fertility treatment plan regardless of where you are in the journey.

The focus of each acupuncture session depends on where you are in your IVF journey as broadly characterized below:

• 3-6 months before starting IVF hormone treatments
• During IVF hormonal stimulation
• Around the embryo transfer day

3-6 Months Before Starting Hormone Treatments

Purpose: Address underlying conditions and optimize menstruation.

Treatment Frequency: Once per week

Explanation:
There are a host of medical conditions that can negatively impact your chances of becoming pregnant, regardless of whether you are trying to conceive naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF. For example, PCOS tends to lower IVF fertilization rates while increasing the risk of miscarriage and other side effects.

Luckily, early and proactive use of acupuncture can help mitigate some of the negative impacts of these underlying medical conditions. If you have any of the conditions below, it is highly encouraged to discuss them with your fertility doctor and acupuncturist well before starting your IVF cycle:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Uterine Fibroid
• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure

During ovarian stimulation for IVF

Purpose: Improve egg quality, balance follicle growth, manage physical discomfort, and regulate stress and emotions.
Treatment Frequency: 1-3 times per week
Explanation:
During the stimulation phase of IVF, acupuncture treatments typically focus on points that stimulate blood circulation to the ovaries to increase the production of high-quality eggs. Towards the end of your stimulation cycle, acupuncture treatments can also help balance follicle growth when one ovary is producing fewer follicles than the other.

While it is natural to experience stress during medical treatments like IVF, your stress hormones can interfere with your reproductive hormones and decrease the quality and quantity of eggs produced. To maximize the chances of a successful IVF cycle, it's typical to include acupuncture points that reduce the negative effects of stress on ovarian function.

Embryo Transfer

Purpose: Improve the development of the uterine lining and increase the chances of a successful implantation
Treatment Frequency
Four treatments are as follows:

• Roughly one week before transfer
• The day before transfer
• The day following the transfer
• Up to 1 week after transfer

Explanation:
In the lead-up to an embryo transfer, acupuncture treatments typically focus on thickening the uterine lining by improving blood flow to the uterus. Depending on how you are feeling, these treatments may also include acupuncture points to manage stress.

Following the embryo transfer, acupuncture points that help support implantation and minimize the chances of a chemical pregnancy are utilized.

Acupuncture can enhance the chances of a successful IVF cycle, no matter where you are in your journey. While starting early allows more time to address underlying medical conditions and optimize your body for treatment, incorporating acupuncture at any stage may still provide benefits for a successful pregnancy. If you’re interested in exploring acupuncture for fertility, we can connect you with a specialist in your area, who has experience supporting individuals facing fertility challenges. Speak with your fertility specialist at PCRM to learn more about the resources we recommend.

You can learn more about Robin’s acupuncture practice at www.robinacupuncture.com or @robin.acupuncture on Instagram.

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