Acupuncture and IVF Frequently Asked Questions

Based upon scientific research, what is the rate of success for acupuncture helping IVF/IUI?
Do I need acupuncture only before Embryos Transfer (ET) and after the transfer?
When should I start acupuncture treatments for IVF & IUI support?
What should I expect from my first visit?
After a failed IVF/IUI cycle, can acupuncture help to conceive naturally?
After I conceived, do I need acupuncture again?
Do you prescribe herbs in your clinic?

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What is the success rates of Acupuncture in Conjunction with IVF & IUI, Based on current scientific research?

IVF statistics and success rates of acupuncture and IVF (click here)

Should I have Acupuncture only before and after embryo transfer?

We recommend acupuncture 24-48 hours before embryo transfer to increase the chance of a successful pregnancy. The focus of this acupuncture treatment are to increase uterine blood flow, decrease stress and to decrease uterine contractions to help increase the chances of successful embryo implantation.

If this is the first IVF or IUI cycle, it is recommended that you start with 8-12 treatments three months prior to your IVF cycle as that is a full egg development cycle. If you have a history of a previously failed cycle, depending on you specific history I often recommend a longer preconception preparation period to help balance and restore optimal fertility function.

Benefits before: Acupuncture improves egg maturation, quality and ovarian reserve, regulates reproductive hormones, increases the responsiveness of the ovaries to the hormones and improves the body's energy and overall health in preparation for conception and pregnancy. Acupuncture also helps to address the male factor component in a couple's fertility potential improving semen count, morphology, and motility.

Benefits during: Acupuncture increases the amount of blood flow to the uterus, improves the quality of the endometrium lining and overall uterine environment, relaxes the uterus and decreases uterine contractions, reduces stress and anxiety, and gives embryos an optimal environment rich in blood supply necessary for successful implantation.

Benefits after: Acupuncture helps to assist fetus development, decrease pregnancy complications, helps to prevent miscarriages and minimizes morning sickness in the first trimester of pregnancy.

When should I start acupuncture treatments for IVF & IUI support?

If you are scheduled or planning to go through an IVF, IUI, or other assisted reproductive technology procedure we recommend that you begin treatment 3 months prior to your IVF cycle as this is the the cycle of egg development. However, if that is not possible, we still see good success with treatment while you are in the cycle, and we will often increase frequency of visits.

What should I expect from my first visit?

Complete review of you health history
Review of you previous menstrual cycles
Review of your basal body temperature chart (if available)
Review of your most current blood work
Review of imaging
Explanation of acupuncture for fertility
Review of partners sperm analysis (if available)
Review of body systems
Develop a treatment plan for success
Acupuncture treatment (30-45 minutes)

After a failed IVF/IUI cycle, can acupuncture help to conceive naturally?

Yes, we have patients who conceive naturally after a failed cycle. After several acupuncture sessions, often in conjunction with Chinese herbs, patients can conceive naturally, depending on the cause of the fertility challenge. If you want to conceive naturally, we recommend Chinese herbs to help assist sperm quality and function. For successful conception, both healthy eggs and health sperm are necessary for fertilization. For fertilization to occur the sperm needs to reach, penetrate, and fertilize the egg. We recommend acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine treatments to improve sperm quality and increase the chances of pregnancy.

After I conceive, do I need acupuncture again?

We highly recommend that you continue treatment to "hold and stabilize the fetus." There are many safe acupuncture points that are used during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage and reduce the chances of severe morning sickness. Especially in cases of conception after infertility we recommend you continue treatment one time per week until the 12th week of pregnancy when the chance of miscarriage is greatly decreased.

Do you prescribe herbs in your clinic?

Yes, Jack Handlin is a NCCAOM nationally certified herbalist. We offer patent herbs and herbal tea made with granulated herbs. We prescribe the formula specifically for you based on your condition, presenting symptoms, and underlying constitution. As your condition improves we modify the formula as well. We recommend herbs in many infertility conditions to regulate body imbalances and assist conception occurring in a shorter period of time. One of the great benefits of Chinese herbs is that they are taken on a regular basis which helps to potentiate the benefits your acupuncture treatment.

Fertility Acupuncture Seattle | Fertility Acupuncture Bellevue