This treatment schedule is based on protocols used in clinical trials which demonstrate increased blood supply to uterus and ovaries (reference) and a beneficial regulation of hormones which may be important to follicle development and implantation (reference). A significant increase in pregnancy rates was reported in these trials also.
Schedule: 2 treatments per week for 4 weeks (optimal) before and during the stimulation phase (in combination with treatment at time of, and in days after embryo transfer).
Many clinical trials since 2003 have shown an increase in pregnancy rates in some groups of women having acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer (particularly those for whom the expected pregnancy rate is 30% or less). However some more recent trials have not replicated these results. (You can find the references for these trials here). Many IVF patients find they benefit from having acupuncture before and during the stimulation phase, and then like to have a treatment on the day of embryo transfer as well where timing allows. Acupuncture on the day of transfer aims to keep you as relaxed and receptive as possible.
Schedule: 1 or 2 treatments on the day of embryo transfer
Acupuncture can be used to manage any side effects you might experience and is useful in relieving anxiety (reference). These treatment protocols are based on the clinical experience of many acupuncturists and their patients. Reduced fatigue, moodiness, abdomen swelling and discomfort and other side effects are reported by many women using acupuncture during their IVF cycle. The acupuncture treatment will be different for each patient and depends on your symptoms. These treatments can be combined with Schedule 2 above.
Schedule: 1-2 treatments per week as needed.
IVF patients are recommended to have an acupuncture treatment in the days after egg collection, to reduce any local tissue trauma or bleeding, and help prepare a calm environment for the arrival of an embryo. This treatment can be combined with Schedule 2 or 3 above.
Schedule: 1 treatment within the 2-3 days following egg collection.
Many IVF patients find the “two week wait” the hardest part (even when its only 10 days!). Acupuncture is used during this time to keep the mind calm and the stress hormones low.
Schedule: 1 or 2 treatments between the time of embryo transfer and the pregnancy test.
Many IVF clinics like to transfer embryos into a natural environment. Embryos that have been frozen and successfully thawed are transferred back into a uterus in its natural state at exactly the right time for implantation. Using electro-stimulation on acupuncture points on the abdomen in the 2 or 3 menstrual cycles before the transfer, has been shown in one trial to improve the structure of the uterine lining, the implantation rate and the pregnancy rate.
Schedule; 1-2 treatments per week in the 2-3 cycles before frozen embryo transfer
