IVF Acupuncture FAQs

More recent research now suggests most benefit is achieved with a higher “dose” of acupuncture prior to and during the IVF cycle.

So, what does this research suggest in terms of best practice IVF Acupuncture to optimise psychological and physiological benefits and when should I start?

1. Commencement

The evidence denotes that:

• if you are going to use acupuncture it may be advisable for to have it before and during the stimulation phase of the IVF cycle.
• it is useful for women to consider acupuncture treatment in the menstrual cycles before their IVF cycle, or before a frozen embryo transfer to improve the uterine lining.

2. How many sessions and When should I book in?

Treatment with acupuncture before and after embryo transfer has been demonstrated by the meta-analysis published recently in the British Journal of Medicine to improve IVF success rates by 65%, continued pregnancy rates by 82% and improve live birth rates by 91%.

Ideally, 1 month before your start your IVF cycle.

• 1 to 2 sessions treatment weekly for 4 weeks prior to IVF cycle and 2 weeks during stimulation cycle.

3. Day of transfer acupuncture

Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer has significant benefit for women who have increased stress levels or who have had multiple previous IVF cycles, or where there was a low baseline pregnancy rate expectation.

Continuing this approach in the two-week wait for test results is also helpful for these women to manage IVF related stress and anxiety.

• Embryo Transfer acupuncture (ETA) is best done on the same day (or within 24 hours if on same day is not possible).