Experience and support
You may already know that I am a member of the Acupuncture Fertility Network and took additional Fertility training on top of my degree-level Acupuncture qualification. My aim with this was to allow me to naturally support Fertility through Acupuncture in cases where IVF is not necessary or possible, as well as cases where it is.
So, what if you are already on your IVF journey for whatever reason?
Acupuncture is an increasingly popular choice of therapy for those undergoing IVF treatment. Here at Koru Acupuncture, I aim for you to always find someone who understands what you’re going through (because I do!), provide a sounding board, lifestyle advice when you need it, someone to navigate what your Fertility Clinic recommends for you and traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture treatment underpinned by scientific research.
What could Acupuncture do for me during the IVF process?
Acupuncture has been shown to have a significant treatment effect on live birth rates, indicating that it is a good complement to an IVF or ICSI cycle. In 2018, a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of acupuncture on sub-fertile women during IVF or ICSI. 3,188 sub-fertile women from 12 randomised controlled trials were included in this study, which found that Acupuncture significantly improved the live birth rate of sub-fertile patients undergoing IVF or ICSI (birth rate: RR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.09–1.69, P=0.006). [1]
Whilst the evidence base for the exact number and frequency of acupuncture sessions on birth rate has not yet been robustly determined, currently research supports the findings that acupuncture at varied time points for an IVF or ICSI cycle, with increased frequency during ovarian stimulation as well as around the time of transfer, can have a statistically positive treatment effect on clinical pregnancy and live birth rate. (The British Acupuncture Council, 2019) [2]
In terms of support during what can be a very stressful and emotionally challenging time, a 2011 study indicated that acupuncture treatment can reduce stress and/or anxiety and increase women’s ability to cope with the IVF process. [3] A 2017 systematic review that also included this study found that traditional acupuncture could be an effective strategy to alleviate stress and anxiety experienced by women struggling with their fertility. [4]
Treatment plans
IVF plans vary and I have supported people through many different stages of their treatment, from prior to cycle commencing (which is preferable to give best chance of a good outcome), during the IVF stimulation phase, to fresh and frozen transfers, during the 2 week wait and happily throughout their pregnancy. (And don’t forget that both partners benefit from treatment to achieve optimal results!)
I put together treatment plans based on what is recommended by available research, alongside a Traditional Chinese Medicine viewpoint and I work with you to schedule these as best as possible. IVF can feel like an onslaught of appointments and diary timings to take various medications, which can sometimes be so tricky to navigate around working and personal life.
Final note
This blog is only a snapshot of the information you might need. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have more questions. Fertility treatments can be accommodated at both the Koru Clinic in Grays and at The Upminster Sanctuary and you will find the same compassionate and honest support wherever and whenever you visit during your IVF journey.
References:
1. Zhang X, Lee MS, Smith CA, Robinson N, Zhou Y, Wu Y, Mao Y-Y, Qu F (2018). Effects of acupuncture during in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Integrative Medicine 23:14–25.
2. British Acupuncture Council website: www.acupuncture.org.uk
3. Smith CA Ussher JM, Perz J, Carmady B, de Lacey S (2011). The effect of acupuncture on psychosocial outcomes for women experiencing infertility: a pilot randomized controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med 17(10):923–930.
4. Hassanzadeh Bashtian M, Latifnejad Roudsari R, Sadeghi R (2017). Effects of acupuncture on anxiety in infertile women: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of Midwifery & Reproductive Health 5(1):842–848. doi: 10.22038/jmrh.2016.7949.
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