You may have heard on the grapevine about IVF Acupuncture and you're thinking, "What is IVF Acupuncture?".
More couples are turning to IVF to help them get pregnant. Our society has produced women that are independent and highly capable of having successful careers in their 20's and 30's. Once the focus shifts to settling down and starting a family, many women are finding they have left it late to conceive naturally with success.
If they enlist the help of a fertility specialist and IVF, ICSI or other Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART's) did you know that Acupuncture can help you get even further with IVF?
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is using tiny sterile needles inserted into acupuncture points or acupoints to stimulate natural bodily processes. Some couple start with Acupuncture when they're first Trying To Conceive (TTC) to help regulate the woman's cycle, promote ovulation and manage hormone symptoms during their cycle. The guys aren't off the hook entirely, as if there is poor sperm health, Acupuncture can also assist in that department.
To help you get your head around it, there is Acupuncture in general practice when you have a sore neck, shoulder or back, digestive complaint or even insomnia.
There is Fertility Acupuncture, aimed directly at benefitting male and female fertility and hormone health. This can be to assist couples conceiving naturally, or preparing them for IVF.
But what is IVF Acupuncture?
This is Acupuncture performed during an IVF cycle and there are specific protocols used during an IVF cycle.
Research studies have been completed to look into the benefits of performing acupuncture during an IVF cycle to improve chances of success. The results show that if a woman has been given a success rate of 35% or less, she WILL benefit from having acupuncture during an IVF cycle. This showed up as increased pregnancy rates in the group receiving acupuncture.
How will I know if I'm in that group of 35% or less?
Your fertility specialist may let you know your expected chances during a consultation. Otherwise if you don't know, ask them, or if they don't know, consider acupuncture as part of your IVF regime.
Where can I get IVF Acupuncture from?
Some fertility clinics in Australia such as Genea do have in-house Acupuncturists, but not all clinics. It's best to get a word-of-mouth recommendation and make sure they are a REGISTERED Acupuncturist with AHPRA.
Ideally women would prefer if they didn't have to rely on IVF at all to conceive. I hear from clients all the time, they would like to avoid IVF, leave it as a last resort if they can. If this is unavoidable such as cases of a low sperm count, poor follicle development, poor egg quality or if age is a factor especially over 40 years old, IVF can be the necessary vehicle to get you the result you desire - a successful conception.
IVF Acupuncture isn't just about the Embryo Transfer. Acupuncture can be used in the lead up to starting an IVF cycle to strengthen the woman's qi(energy) & blood or deal with any nasty side effects of the fertility drugs such as bloating or swelling around the abdomen, managing stress and any emotions or anxious feelings that arise.
The IVF process shouldn't just be about getting Pregnant, it should be about this missing link.
Going through the rollercoaster of emotions and appointments of IVF, it's not just about getting over the line with a positive pregnancy test. Many IVF Clinics talk about success rates in the context of 'Number of Pregnancies', when you should be checking their Live Birth Rates statistics.
IVF is one of the first steps towards Pregnancy. But the whole aim of Pregnancy is to end up with a healthy baby in your arms at the end of it all, otherwise the process is an extreme ride that you wouldn't wish anyone to go through unless they reach their goal. It goes beyond that.
[perfectpullquote align="full" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]Acupuncturists want to not just promote a healthy conception, but a healthy pregnancy and baby too, especially in the cases of their IVF clients. Its about making the pregnancy viable and sustainable to full term.[/perfectpullquote]
Acupuncture in those early days when implantation has occurred can help and Author, Nurse & Researcher, Debra Betts highly recommends it. [perfectpullquote align="full" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]Managing stress, inflammation & immune responses is vital to a successful conception. [/perfectpullquote]
Research has shown it is these three factors that can upset the delicate balance of the perfect conditions for a good implantation.
So consider Acupuncture during your IVF cycle. Why wouldn't you wish to try anything you could to help and assist the process helping you conceive? Giving you a better chance at reaching your heart's desire is a big deal. So go for it!
If you wish to get more information about how to start Acupuncture during your IVF cycle, you can email me here at info@springfertility.com.au IVF can be an exciting time or it can be a stressful time spent waiting for results. I highly recommend considering some acupuncture to help you relax and de-stress during this high pressure time.
