Enhancing IUI / IVF Success

There are many scientific studies that show IVF success rates increase dramatically with acupuncture treatment, as much as 87% as shown in this study.

Typically, we see clients twice a week for about 1-3 months in preparation for IUI / IVF. However if it's not possible we can still see good results with treatment while you are in the cycle. Depending on your health history and presentations, treatment frequency can vary. After your initial consultation a customized plan will be tailored for you, including treatment frequency, herbal medicine prescription, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.

During your IVF cycle we perform a variety of evidence-based treatments and to assist and enhance your Western reproductive medicine treatments. We work collaboratively with South Bay Los Angeles and Orange County fertility clinics offering acupuncture treatments in the weeks prior to their patient’s IUI and IVF appointments to prepare women’s bodies for healthy implantation and on the day of embryo transfers to increase successful outcomes.

Some benefits to fertility acupuncture include:

  • increased implantation rates during an IVF embryo transfer

  • increased pregnancy rates

  • enhanced egg quality & increasing ovarian responsiveness

  • improved blood flow to the ovaries & uterus

  • enhanced uterine lining and reproductive hormones

  • improved sperm quality

  • reduced stress and anxiety

  • decreased chance of miscarriage and early pregnancy loss

  • reduced medication side effects

Some highly important days to have fertility acupuncture for IUI / IVF:

Acupuncture On the Day of IUI Procedure. Within 24-36 hours, acupuncture can have a direct effect on decreasing uterine contractions, facilitating ovulation, and supporting healthy progesterone levels by reducing stress. The thickness and quality of the uterine lining can improve due to increased blood flow to the uterus.

Acupuncture After the IUI Procedure. Treatment after IUI(5-7 days) is important to support successful implantation and embryo development all while decreasing stress during this stage. Hopefully with a positive pregnancy test clients can graduate to our perinatal support program that supports all trimesters of pregnancy.

Acupuncture On the Day of Egg Retrieval. We recommend acupuncture pre-egg retrieval, to help relax the cervix and increase blood flow to the uterus. Ideally acupuncture is performed 24-48 hours pre-retrieval.

Acupuncture After Egg Retrieval. Acupuncture at this stage can help the body heal from any micro-trauma or inflammation to the uterine tissue after the procedure, and minimize the bloating, distention, and cramps that can come with egg retrieval. The retrieval is an invasive procedure and acupuncture is very helpful to speed recovery and prepare the uterus for implantation. If you are doing a fresh egg transfer, acupuncture will also help create a calm environment for transfer of the embryo.

Acupuncture On the Day of Embryo Transfer. We recommend acupuncture pre and post embryo transfer to assist your current IVF cycle. Ideally at least 24-48 hours pre and post transfer. Acupuncture treatments at the time of embryo transfer help to promote uterine blood flow, enhance positive implantation, prevent uterine contractions, reduce overall stress, promote relaxation and increase pregnancy success rate.

Acupuncture After Embryo Transfer. Our focus is to create an optimal environment for the embryo(s). Following up with 1-2 acupuncture treatments within the 5-7 days following embryo transfer, in order to further assist implantation and embryo development is encouraged.

NOTE: Acupuncture can be provided on-site at the fertility clinic on the day of embryo transfer for an extra fee.