IVF and Fertility Acupuncture
My recommended acupuncture treatments during IVF
I am asked many times when a couple who are planning to start IVF should start acupuncture treatment. Firstly I always ask if the initial condition which caused them to look at IVF treatment was unexplained infertility as this may offer another option. When unexplained infertility is diagnosed I always suggest that the couple try a course of acupuncture first. I have found that sometimes a course of acupuncture with weekly treatments over 2 cycles can be very effective where unexplained infertility is concerned. If the acupuncture treatement is unsuccessful on it's own it still forms the basis of the treatment I recommend prior to IVF, so the time and treatment is not wasted.
My Recommeded Acupuncture treatment protocol for IVF
To help couples understand how my personal style of acupuncture can help with IVF treatment I always recommend that they have a free consultation with me first. This enables me to explain breifly how acupuncture works and also enables the couple to ask any questions they wish before deciding if my style of acupuncture is for them. There are many different styles of acupuncture, my personal style has been developed over the years to focus on fertility issues and IVF. My style is dynamic and unique using protocols that are different to other methods, such as the Zita West trained practitioners.
I recommend at least 4 weekly treatments prior to the downregulating process of IVF or ICSI. If ICSI is being used due to a sperm condition , I would also recommend treatment for the male partner to optimise sperm quality.
I would not carry out treatment during the Down-regulating process (usually 2-3 weeks) as in my experience acupuncture can reduce the effect of the drugs used. My treatment would resume during the next stage of IVF / ICSI
when the patient starts to take the Stimulating drugs. This usually lasts for 2 weeks sometimes longer, I recommend treatment weekly during this process. I only recommend one further treatment just prior to embryo transfer with an optional treatment after transfer. This amounts to 7-8 treatments in all.
Further treatments during your term may be helpful, in particular when there has been a history of misscarraige or it is a concern, or to help with morning sickness.
If you have any qestions about acupuncture and IVF /ICSI treatment please email me at : diagnosis@hotmail.co.uk or text or call me on 07968613768, I am happy to offer advice.
For more information regarding choosing a fertility clinic click on this link to the HFEA (the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority). This is a very informative site for information about IVF and egg donation including clinic details and success rates: Click Here
