IVF: In Vitro Fertilization is the process of retrieving an egg from the ovary of the mother and combining it with sperm from the father in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryo is transferred back into the uterus in the hopes of a healthy pregnancy.
ART: Assisted Reproductive Technology refers to procedures such as Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and other medical interventions in the hopes of creating a healthy pregnancy.
Recent studies have demonstrated that acupuncture just before and just after embryo transfer results in much higher ongoing pregnancy rates, live birth rates and lower miscarriage rates. This is really positive news for both first time IVF/ART patients and patients who have tried IVF/ART without success in the past.
There are many reasons why acupuncture is so successful in assisting patients undergoing IVF. Acupuncture stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which increases blood flow to the uterus and ovaries as well as allowing the patient to become deeply relaxed.
This increased blood flow to the uterus and ovaries promotes growth of the uterine lining as well as follicular recruitment and growth.
Acupuncture treatments along side of IVF and ART can often greatly reduce the side effects of fertility medications as well as keeping patients in a much more relaxed state of mind throughout the process.
In addition acupuncture reduces cramping post transfer. At Yin and Tonic Acupuncture we believe this is why we have such a low incidence of ectopic pregnancy.
Many patients come to us to boost ovarian reserve. We have seen FSH levels reduced consistently and follicular recruitment increased as a result of acupuncture treatments and the use of herbs and suppliments like DHEA, Ubiquinol, dong gui, ren shen, inositol and others.