HOW SOON BEFORE AN IVF CYCLE SHOULD I START ACUPUNCTURE?
As a practitioner specialising in fertility support and acupuncture, I often get asked about the ideal timing for acupuncture before starting an IVF cycle.
The timing can differ from person to person, depending on their unique circumstances and reasons for undergoing IVF. A crucial consideration is allowing enough time for the follicles to develop properly. It's similar to how a seed requires time to grow and mature into a sapling; similarly, acupuncture may need some time to prepare the environment for optimised follicle development
PREPARATION IS KEY AND TIMING MATTERS
To understand why timing for acupuncture is critical we need to look at folliculogenesis.
Folliculogenesis is about the growth of the ovarian follicle within the ovary where it has been resting, in-active all your life. This process has several stages and takes many months. The last stages, where the follicle is getting ready for ovulation, is thought to be roughly three months. Proper preparation during this time may lead to better IVF results.
Committing to acupuncture treatments at least three months before an IVF cycle is ideal. This helps the follicles develop with better blood flow and hormone balance from acupuncture, improving their health and quality.
ACUPUNCTURE AND IVF. THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
Improved Pregnancy Rates: A 2008 study in the British Medical Journal found better pregnancy rates with acupuncture done around the embryo transfer time.
Better Blood Flow: Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the uterus. This was shown in a 1996 study in Fertility and Sterility.
Reduced Stress: IVF is stressful, and stress affects fertility. Acupuncture can help reduce this stress. A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2011 found this to be true.
If you're thinking of acupuncture with your IVF treatments, start about three months before your IVF cycle. It aligns with folliculogenesis and gives your body time to benefit from acupuncture.
ABOUT KATE FREEMANTLE
I am an acupuncturist and herbalist with over 17 years of clinical experience supporting fertility. I work online and in my Dorset clinic.
I am a Fertility Support trained expert. To find out more about my expertise or another expert near you click here.
If you would like to find out more about my fertility acupuncture please get in contact here or call me on 07880545943.