Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition and IVF

Simple Ways to Substantially Increase your Chances of a Successful IVF Pregnancy

How can acupuncture help me get pregnant?

Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been used for thousands of years to help women conceive and carry healthy pregnancies. Modern research is confirming its efficacy. Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can greatly increase pregnancy rates of conventional medical procedures such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Several studies have shown that women undergoing IVF treatments who receive properly timed and performed acupuncture have up to a 106% increase in ongoing pregnancies. Studies have also demonstrated a number of other benefits including substantial increases in implantation rates and increases in both uterine and ovarian blood flow. [1] [2] [3]

Acupuncture also has a significant impact on "poor responders", whose bodies do not respond well to standard IVF protocols. In one study, poor responders that had acupuncture achieved the same pregnancy rates as normal responders. [4]

How do I find an acupuncturist?

When selecting an acupuncturist for an IVF cycle, it is very important that he or she has a thorough knowledge of the IVF process and a good deal of experience with IVF. Studies have shown that the improper application of acupuncture does not improve your chances of pregnancy.

At ECCM, our practitioners are experienced in the proper application of IVF protocols. We have been involved in peer reviewed, published IVF research for the past several years and are thoroughly familiar with the IVF process. The acupuncture for the Quintero study was administered by ECCM practitioners and we are currently working with a number of physicians on a multi-center national research project examining the effects of acupuncture on the uterus. [5]

What if there is Male Factor?

Research has demonstrated that acupuncture and herbal medicine can substantially improve sperm parameters (quantity, motility and morphology).[6] There are also a number of other things that can cause male factor problems that are not routinely tested for. An experienced acupuncturist can help identify if any of these factors are present.

How Many Sessions Do I Need?

There are a number of protocols that we use depending on the history and condition of the patient. If you are already beginning your IVF cycle, we typically recommend 4 - 10 treatments. If there are complicating factors, more may be required. Please keep in mind that specific treatments must be done at very specific times during the cycle.

If you are not yet beginning your IVF cycle, it is a good idea to have a consultation with one of our practitioners as soon as possible so that we can evaluate your specific needs. During the visit, the practitioner will perform a non-invasive physical exam and, based on the results, make recommendations as to the duration and frequency of treatments. Dealing with any imbalances prior to your cycle can help enhance all parameters of your cycle and greatly increase your health and your chances of a successful IVF pregnancy.

After embryo transfer we recommend continuing treatments through the first trimester. Acupuncture has been shown to have mechanisms that reduces miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies. Even where there are threatened miscarriages, Chinese Medicine has been shown to be very effective so long as they are not chromosomal.

For males, there are many causes of male factor infertility. Some can be effectively treated by acupuncture and herbal medicine within a relatively short period of time (1 - 2 months) and other causes can take significantly longer (3-6+ months).

Are there other benefits?

There are a number of "side effects" of treatments including improved overall health, a sense of well-being and stress relief. There are potential financial benefits as well. Acupuncture was shown to increase the response to medications, during an IVF cycle. In other words, you don’t need as much to get the same effect. One study found that acupuncture patients saved an average of $1500 per cycle in medication costs.[7]

What about herbs?

When properly used, herbs can be powerful adjuncts to IVF as they can enhance fertility treatments in many ways including restoring hormonal balance and improving circulation to the uterus and ovaries. However, if you are undergoing conventional fertility treatments such as IVF they can potentially interfere with your cycle. This can happen in a number of ways so it is important that your herbalist has a thorough understanding of whatever procedure you are undergoing and the potential herb/drug interactions and timing issues.

In our clinic, the need for herbal medicine is individually evaluated during the initial consultation.

What about nutrition?

Nutrition is of utmost importance. However, most couples believe that if they are taking prenatal vitamins, they are getting everything they need for a healthy fetus. In actuality, ingesting the proper nutrients can have very little bearing on what your body can actually absorb and use. For example, if the pH is not proper in your stomach, you will not be able to properly digest protein, which is vital for the proper development of a fetus.

Gastric pH has also been found to affect folic acid absorption in the small intestine. So regardless of how much you swallow, if the pH is off in the small intestine or the intestinal bacteria are imbalanced, it will be very difficult to absorb and/or produce key vitamins and minerals necessary for the proper function of the reproductive organs and the proper growth and development of a fetus.

Furthermore, minerals can competitively inhibit the absorption of other minerals or displace them … meaning more is not necessarily better. Therefore, it is very important to assess your individual needs so that a custom prenatal nutrition plan can be set up.

What does a nutritional evaluation involve?

At ECCM, we have developed a unique nutritional evaluation specific for the needs of those wanting to become pregnant. This evaluation involves both testing and subsequent recommendations for supplementation, dietary and lifestyle modifications.

For more information please contact the Eastern Center for Complementary Medicine at (323) 551-5962.