IUI, IVF & ICSI
" I had severe endometriosis and had been unable to conceive. Hanna first of all helped me have significantly less pain and improved my energy levels. Then when I felt 'normal' again and ready to start the IVF she supported me all the way through. The odds were against us conceiving with our first go at IVF but I'm thrilled to say I'm now thirteen weeks pregnant. I feel the acupuncture played a significant role in the success of our IVF." Jodie
Acupuncture with advice on nutrition, lifestyle, stress and emotional support can improve success rates in the weeks and months leading up to IVF, ICSI or IUI. Ideally couples should both have treatment a minimum 1 month and ideally 3 months before.
As soon as patients begin an assisted cycle acupuncture treatment works in parallel with the couple’s medical treatment to reduce side-effects and help the body be at it’s best to respond well.
Research proves that acupuncture prepares the body for IUI by increasing blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, softening and opening the cervix and helping to keep women relaxed before, during and after the procedure.
During down regulation for IVF, acupuncture has been shown to relieve side effects such as migraine, hot flushes, bloating and mood swings. Whilst during ovarian stimulation treatment helps egg maturation, can prevent hyper-stimulation, minimises stress and thickens the uterine lining in preparation for embryo collection and transfer.
On the day of transfer patients are seen just before and after embryo transfer to improve relaxation, help circulation to the uterus and the lining and to enhance the woman’s general energy and response to the procedure.
In a randomised study of 160 patients about to have an embryo transfer all with good quality embryos half the group had acupuncture just before and after transfer whilst the other half of the group had an embryo transfer without acupuncture. 34 out of 80 women in the acupuncture group (42.5%) became pregnant whilst only 21 (26.3%) of the control group were clinically pregnant.
( Influence of Acupuncture on Pregnancy Rate in Patients who Undergo Assisted Reproductive Therapy - by W. Paulus et Al, Germany 2001)
For more on the latest research on acupuncture for fertility and IVF, the Acupuncture Research Committee (ARRC) www.acupunctureresearch.org.uk are an excellent resource
