If you are undergoing IVF
If you are undergoing IVF, you will know what a rollercoaster ride it can be. Treatment can take a toll on us both physically and emotionally. There is a lot of information out there and it is hard to discern what may help to make the difference in creating a healthy embryo, and having it stick!
Our clinic opened in 2008 specifically to address the needs of IVF patients and to work with IVF clinics in Sydney and Melbourne – the first of its kind in Australia. In the last 15 years we have seen many thousands of IVF patients and have been happy to know that we are making a difference to their cycle, whether that be in terms of outcomes or management of stress and anxiety.
The clinic has been involved in research around IVF acupuncture in Sydney and Melbourne and we are dedicated to offering patients research based IVF support.
Research around IVF Acupuncture
Research suggests that acupuncture during the stimulation phase and around embryo transfer may improve IVF outcomes. Acupuncture can also be a helpful tool to reduce stress. It is usually recommended to begin acupuncture (in an ideal world) 3 months prior to starting IVF. However, if your IVF treatment is just about to commence or has already commenced, we believe any treatment you are able to have will still of benefit. We are happy to treat you where we meet you.
IVF Acupuncture research can be a little confusing, as much of the research has focused on the treatment applied only at the time of embryo transfer. There has been quite a journey with IVF acupuncture research. While the initial studies looked at embryo transfer acupuncture, more recent research now suggests additional acupuncture for several weeks before and then during the IVF cycle may be of most benefit. For more information, check out our blog
Key Times we see patients undergoing IVF
- Regular (weekly or bi weekly) before and during stimulation phase (2-5 treatments)
- After egg pick up (1 treatment)
- Before and after embryo transfer (1-2 treatments)
- Over the two week wait (1-2 treatments)
At the time of embryo transfer (both fresh and frozen)
Our clinics offer one or two acupuncture treatments around the time of embryo transfer. These are based on protocols used in clinical trials, some of which showed an increase in pregnancy rates in certain groups of women receiving acupuncture (most commonly those for whom the expected pregnancy rate was 30% or less).
In our clinics we find that IVF patients appreciate the calm and relaxation that acupuncture brings on this special day, and gives them space to honour the arrival of their precious embryo.
Before and during the medication phase of IVF
Many of our patients, both female and male, find that they benefit from having acupuncture before and during the medication phase of an IVF cycle. They feel better able to manage the stress and side effects that may be associated with IVF.
We often use mild electro-acupuncture at this time too, particularly during the stimulation phase. This protocol aims to improve blood flow to ovaries and to the uterus at this key time of stimulation.
After egg collection
An acupuncture treatment 1-2 days after egg collection may help to help reduce any abdominal discomfort and swelling. We do not recommend having acupuncture on the same day as egg retrieval.
Any phase of the IVF cycle
Women undergoing IVF often use acupuncture as an adjunctive support. Some report greater relaxation and control of anxiety, and overall greater resilience. The acupuncture treatment will be different for each patient and depends on their repordoductive and medical history, TCM diagnosis and symptoms.
During the two week wait
Many IVF patients find the “two week wait” the hardest part (even when it’s only 10 days!). Acupuncture can be a useful support during this time to keep the mind calm, and to reduce stress.
We have expertise in:
- IVF support
- Women health
- PCOS
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic Pain
- Irregular Cycles
- Unexplained Infertility
- Hormonal disorders
- Male factor infertility
- Luteal phase defect
Resources and education
We believe in giving back to the community and empowering our patients with accurate and reliable resources and information. We offer free patient education and pride ourselves on giving patients the information they need to empower them on their fertility, pregnancy and motherhood and general health journey.
We offer educational resources and tips via our mailing list. Whether you are currently trying to conceive, undergoing IVF, pregnant, a mum or seeking information about male health, you can trust the information you receive from us as we make sure the resources we supply are both accurate and evidence-based. Whatever stage you are up to in your journey, we invite you to join the most relevant list for your unique situation:
If you are undergoing IVF or on a fertility journey, it can be to find accurate and reliable information. Our private Facebook Group was set up to help educate, empower and support women and men on their path to parenthood, and to help make the fertility journey a little bit easier.
We are all about making sure the resources we supply are accurate and evidence-based so that you can be sure you can trust the information. Join us weekly for our LIVE Making it on Monday sessions- a weekly workshop for Mums and Dads in the making where we discuss the relevant topics (that you have asked for) as well as share resources and information. Topics include lifestyle, nutrition, supplements, mindset, supportive therapies, relevant research and anything fertility-related.
We know how important privacy is when trying to conceive, and so this group is 100% confidential. Members can watch the sessions live or recorded sessions. If you are conceive naturally or with IVF we you are invited to join our private Facebook group
We also offer loads of useful fertility and pregnancy information on our Instagram and Youtube channels, as well as helpful research, videos and podcasts on our website. If you are interested in learning more about IVF acupuncture in particular, then please go ahead and check out our blog.
Would you like to discuss your own unique situation with a Fertility practitioner get in touch via email or phone or make an initial consultation appointment. Many patients find speaking to a practitioner helpful in clarifying how acupuncture and Chinese Medicine might support them on their journey.
Check out our educational resources here!
Want to know more about what you can do to improve IVF outcomes?
Want to know more about what you can do to improve IVF outcomes?
Top 5 resources
How to prepare for an Embryo Transfer
Do’s and Don’ts during an IVF cycle
Acupuncture to prepare for an IVF cycle
How to improve the uterine lining for IVF and get better implantation rates
How Acupuncture Influences IVF outcomes