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Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM in Assisting In Vitro Fertilization IVF | Yi TCM

Acupuncture for IVF

14 Jun 2023

By: Tian Chi Peh

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a fertility procedure that fertilizes an egg with sperm in a laboratory dish. During IVF treatment, the ovaries are stimulated through the use of medication that is injected beneath the skin with a thin needle. Matured eggs from the ovaries are then collected and cleaned by the doctors before they can be fertilized by sperm in the lab. The successfully fertilized egg will then be prepared for implantation and placed in the uterus to achieve a healthy pregnancy.

Acupuncture treatment can be regarded as a complement to IVF treatment  as it can stimulate blood flow and create harmony within the body. Moreover, acupuncture treatment can induce relaxation and improve the physical and emotional well-being of our patients. Acupuncture plays a major role in relieving stress and supporting IVF in various ways. 


We hope to go through this stressful and intense procedure with you and make your IVF journey a pleasant one.    

 

Timeline of IVF Acupuncture by The Best TCM Doctor in Singapore | Yi TCM

                 TIMELINE OF ACUPUNCTURE FOR IVF

 

Step 1 IVF Acupuncture Pretreatment Phase | Yi TCM 

Step 1 Pretreatment Phase

The pretreatment phase of acupuncture for IVF is a crucial starting point. During this stage, you’ll consult with a licensed acupuncturist who specializes in fertility to assess your individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan. The goal here is to prepare your body for the upcoming IVF cycle by addressing any existing health issues, reducing stress, and optimizing your overall well-being. Acupuncture sessions during this phase can help regulate your menstrual cycle, balance hormones, and lay the foundation for a successful IVF journey.
Acupuncture once a week, up to 4 weeks, until the start of ovarian stimulation.
  • Reduce side effects of medications
  • Regenerate an optimum body condition for IVF
  • Assist follicular recruitment
  • Regulate hormonal balance
  • Manage stress and improve sleep
  • Calm the mind, body and soul

 

Step 2 Ovarian Stimulation byAcupuncture for IVF Implantation | Yi TCM

 

Step 2 Ovarian Stimulation

Ovarian stimulation is a vital part of the IVF process where fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Acupuncture can complement this phase by promoting optimal blood flow to the ovaries. Improved circulation can enhance the response to fertility medications, potentially leading to better egg quality and increased egg production. Acupuncture sessions during this stage are carefully timed to align with your medication schedule to maximize their benefits.
Acupuncture from the start of stimulation medication, one session between Day 1-3.
Subsequent sessions: once or twice on a weekly basis until the hCG trigger injection.
  • Increase the number of retrieved eggs
  • Improved the quality of eggs
  • Thicken the endometrium lining
  • Tonify body conditions with acupuncture
  • Continue to reduce stress and side effects from medications
  • Optimize meridian system for ovarian stimulation

 

Step 3 Final Egg Maturation and Step 4 Egg Retrieval for Acupuncture for IVF Implantation | Yi TCM

Step 3 Final Egg Maturation and Step 4 Egg Retrieval

Just before egg retrieval, the final egg maturation phase is crucial. Acupuncture can be used to support the body as it prepares for this pivotal moment. By focusing on specific acupuncture points, your practitioner can help ensure that the eggs are of the highest quality and that your body is in the best possible condition for the retrieval procedure.

Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure that retrieves mature eggs from the ovaries. Acupuncture can help reduce anxiety and discomfort associated with this procedure by promoting relaxation. Many patients find that acupuncture before and after egg retrieval helps them stay calm and recover more comfortably.

Acupuncture after hCG trigger injection, one treatment session before egg retrieval.
  • Enhance final follicular and egg maturation
  • Increase the chances of more matured eggs being retrieved
  • Improve utero-ovarian blood flow
  • Promote smooth hormones and nutrients delivery to the follicles
  • Induce relaxation to relieve stress

 

Step 5 IVF Acupuncture and Step 6 Culturing Embryos | Yi TCM

Step 5 In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Step 6 Culturing Embryos

Do not usually need acupuncture treatment doing this phase. It is optimal to continue optimizing body condition for embryo transfer.
  • Acupuncture is optional in this phase
  • Continue smooth meridian system and nourish body organs to get ready for embryo transfer

 

Step 7 Acupuncture After Embryo Transfer | Yi TCM

Step 7 Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer is a pivotal moment in the IVF journey. Acupuncture before and after the transfer can help prepare the uterus for implantation and support the embryo’s attachment. Acupuncture can also reduce stress and anxiety, which can positively impact the success of the transfer.
One session of acupuncture within 24hr before Embryo Transfer
One session of acupuncture within 24hr after Embryo Transfer
  • Increase successful pregnancy rates
  • Improve emotional and physical well-being of women undergoing IVF treatment
  • Ease the discomfort after the embryo transfer
 

Step 8 Two Week Wait IVF Acupuncture | Yi TCM

  1.  

Step 8 "Two-Week Wait"

The two-week wait refers to the period following embryo transfer, during which you await the results of a pregnancy test. Acupuncture during this phase can provide emotional support and relaxation, helping you manage the anxiety and uncertainty of this waiting period. It can also assist in stabilizing hormone levels to support a potential pregnancy.

One session of acupuncture during implantation window (4-8 days post egg retrieval)
One session of acupuncture before proposed pregnancy test date. (5-7 days before test)
  • Help with embryo implantation
  • Ensure good uterine blood supply to boost the conception rates
  • Reduce the risk of miscarriages
  • Cope with “waiting anxiety” and provide emotional support

 

BENEFITS OF HAVING ACUPUNCTURE AFTER EMBRYO TRANSFER

 

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process of fertilizing eggs with sperm outside the body. Acupuncture can support this phase by continuing to regulate hormone levels, improve blood flow to the uterus, and enhance overall reproductive health. These benefits can contribute to the success of fertilization and the development of healthy embryos.
 
During the culturing of embryos, the developing embryos are monitored and nurtured in the laboratory. Acupuncture can aid this phase by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Stress reduction is essential, as high stress levels can potentially interfere with the implantation of embryos into the uterus.

 

    1. Acupuncture Helps in Stress Reduction

Stress is a common factor that can negatively impact fertility. The emotional and physical toll of infertility and the IVF process can be overwhelming. Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to stress reduction by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers. By reducing stress levels, acupuncture can help create a more conducive environment for successful IVF treatments.

    1. Acupuncture Improved Blood Flow

Acupuncture enhances blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs. Improved blood flow can lead to better nourishment of the ovaries and uterus, potentially enhancing the development of healthy eggs and a receptive uterine lining for embryo implantation.

    1. Acupuncture Improved Hormone Regulation

Hormonal imbalances can be a significant factor in infertility. Acupuncture can help regulate hormone levels by influencing the endocrine system. This can be particularly beneficial for women with irregular menstrual cycles or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that affect hormone production.

    1. Acupuncture Enhanced Egg Quality

Acupuncture may contribute to better egg quality by reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage eggs and sperm, affecting their viability. By minimizing oxidative stress, acupuncture can potentially improve the quality of eggs retrieved during IVF, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

    1. Acupuncture Increased IVF Success Rates

Numerous studies suggest that acupuncture can improve pregnancy rates of IVF patients. By addressing various aspects of fertility, such as stress reduction, improved blood flow, hormone regulation, and egg quality, acupuncture can help couples achieve their dream of parenthood. This natural approach complements the medical interventions of IVF, offering a holistic solution to infertility.

    1. Personalized Treatment Plans For Acupuncture

Acupuncture practitioners create individualized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each patient. This personalized approach ensures that the acupuncture sessions target specific fertility issues, maximizing their effectiveness throughout the IVF process.

Conclusion

As an adjunct therapy to IVF, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to fertility enhancement. By addressing stress, improving blood flow, regulating hormones, and enhancing egg quality, acupuncture can increase the chances of a successful IVF outcome. If you are considering IVF or seeking natural ways to optimize your fertility, acupuncture may be a valuable addition to your journey towards parenthood.

If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of acupuncture for IVF, consult with a qualified acupuncture practitioner who specializes in fertility treatments. Together with your medical team, they can help you create a comprehensive approach to support your fertility goals.

For more information on acupuncture and IVF, or to schedule a consultation with our experienced practitioners, contact Yi TCM today. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your dreams of building a family through personalized and holistic fertility support.

Our TCM Physician

TCM Physician Peh Tian Chi

Principal Physician
Peh Tian Chi 白医师

Sub-fertility | Pregnancy | Gynecology | Pediatrics | Neurological Disorder | Post-stroke Management

Email contact: peh@yitcm.com.sg

 
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