In vitro fertilisation (IVF) Support
The focus of assisted fertility treatments is biological and medical, involving highly technical procedures. This can lead to high stress levels, which can reduce your chances of a successful pregnancy. The emotional and psychological aspects of trying for a baby are neglected. Consequently, we advise that preparing properly for assisted treatments such as IVF is potentially even more important and beneficial than if you are trying for a baby naturally. Working with associates in hypnotherapy, reflexology, and massage we can give you the right physical, and emotional support to counteract these stresses and bring your body and mind to its peak potential.
The success rates for IVF conception to occur are usually between 11-28% depending on your age, with those aged 35 years or less most likely to conceive (source: Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority Guide to Infertility 2006-7). We can improve your chances of a successful pregnancy. Recently researchers said they have significantly increased success rates in women undergoing IVF. A report published in the journal of Fertility and Sterility found that of the 160 women undergoing IVF, the pregnancy rate in the group receiving acupuncture was 43%, compared to the group which did not receive the therapy, where the rate was 26%. The research team, led by Dr. Paulus and colleagues at the Christian-Lauritzen-Institut in Ulm, Germany, wrote in the journal: "Acupuncture seems to be a useful tool for improving pregnancy rate after assisted reproductive techniques.” Dr Paulus has developed an acupuncture protocol which is incorporated into your treatment plan.
Before IVF
Treatment to prepare for IVF should ideally start at least 3-4 months prior to commencing the IVF cycle, although even 1 month prior can make a difference to improving the success rate. The treatment uses acupuncture, and general lifestyle advice to bring you to optimum health. During these treatments we will relieve stress, balance hormones, improve functioning of the ovaries, improve egg quality, embryo implantation and reduce the chances of a miscarriage. Western medical test results and Basal Body Temperature readings will be used to complement a diagnosis following the principles of Chinese Medicine.
During IVF
Acupuncture support during in the process varies depending on whether a long or short/flare protocol is followed. At all stages though, acupuncture is used to increase the thickness and blood supply of the uterine endometrium and to relieve anxiety during this stressful time:>Down Regulation
This is part of the long protocol only and is where drugs such as gonadatrophins, which are normally administered either as a nasal spray or injection, are given to suppress your hormonal cycle (Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Lutenising Hormone are blocked). Down regulation can take anything between 7 to 28 days to occur with an average of 15 days. Acupuncture treatment at this stage is focussing on increasing blood flow to the uterus and improving ovaries and egg quality.
>Ovarian Stimulation
Once the normal hormonal cycle is suppressed, doctors now have control over your cycle, which enables them to stimulate your ovaries. Follicle stimulating drugs in the form of daily hormone injections are used to encourage the development of several follicles which contain eggs. The hormone injections usually last between 7 to 14 days, with an average of 10 or 11 days. Acupuncture treatment now is focussed on strongly moving energy and blood flow in the uterus and ovaries, as well as nourishing egg quality.
>Embryo Transfer
At Oocyte Pickup eggs are retrieved under heavy sedation and the most viable mixed with sperm. An acupuncture treatment is given 12 -24 hours before transfer which aims to increase blood supply to the uterus, dilate the cervical opening slightly to make transfer more easy and the patient less likely to experience cramping and uterine contractions which could make embryo implantation more difficult.
After transfer, another treatment is required as soon as possible, preferably within 1 hour. This treatment encourages implantation of the embryo which normally takes about 8 to 10 days, by assisting blood circulation to the uterus, and reducing excess fluids or secretions. The uterus aids the process of implantation by pressing its front and back walls together, like a closed fist, holding the embryo firmly in place and removing endometrial fluids from the uterine cavity. The later the egg implants the greater the chance the pregnancy will fail.
A final treatment is given 8 to 10 days after transfer to support implantation by improving blood circulation to the uterus.
Fertility News
These articles are all reporting recent research looking at the success of acupuncture at increasing conception rates among women undergoing IVF.
The Telegraph: Acupuncture helps women have babies.Daily Mail: Acupuncture helps IVF women babies.
The Guardian: Acupuncture helps women have babies.