The British Medical Journal recently published an analysis that compiled all of the current research data on the effects of acupuncture and IVF. Of the clinical trials investigated, the team of researchers found that almost all trials reported positive findings. Taken collectively, they showed a 65% increase in establishment of pregnancy, an 87% increase in continuing pregnancy, and a 91 per cent increase in live births.

The team of researchers and scientists that attempted to measure the effect of acupuncture on IVF success was led by Dr. Eric Manheimer of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His team’s findings were published in newspapers around the globe under the headline, Course of acupuncture may raise success of IVF treatment by 65%.

The Texas Center for Reproductive Acupuncture works closely with the best fertility doctors and reproductive medicine facilities in Central Texas to offer patients the very best in complementary, integrative care. Our San Antonio clinic works in partnership with the Reproductive Medicine Associates of Texas and its clinical director, Dr. Francisco Arredondo. At RMA of Texas, Dr. Arredondo emphasizes a complementary approach, and recommends that all of his IVF integrate acupuncture into their IVF plan. At our Austin clinic, we work closely with Dr. Kaylen Silverberg at The Texas Fertility Center. Dr. Silverberg is also an advocate for the benefits of an integrated approach to reproductive medicine.

San Antonio: RMA of Texas http://rmatx.com

Austin: The Texas Fertility Center http://txfertility.com

For patients who are using assisted reproductive procedures like IVF and IUI, we offer three types of support services.

1) Pre-conception Preparation

This treatment plan starts several months before the IVF/IUI cycle. We use this time to help patients get into the best overall health possible in order to maximize the opportunity for a successful cycle. During this preparation period, our acupuncture team will work with you to improve sleep, digestion and absorption, manage stress, improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, and increase blood production. During preconception preparation, we also make every effort to improve cycle regularity and eliminate any existing menstrual symptoms like pms, painful cramping, spotting, and menstrual headaches.

The amount of time it takes to help patients to prepare for a successful IVF or IUI cycle varies. Because follicles go through a 90-120 day follicular development period before they are released for fertilization, we generally recommend a minimum of three months of treatment prior to transfer in order to best maximize follicular quality. However, in cases where there are advanced menstrual irregularities like erratic cycles, amenorrhea, anovulation, or severe PMS or menstrual pain, we may recommend a longer course of treatment leading up to a patient’s scheduled IUI or IVF.

2) Patients who are having an IVF/IUI in less than 3months

When patients are planning an IUI or IVF within three months of the time that they begin acupuncture treatment, the goal of the treatment differs slightly. Rather than focusing on correcting underlying problems that may impede the fertility process, the goal of treatment is to help prepare the body for the best possible result in a relatively short period of time.

For patients who are on the fast track treatment plan, the aim of treatment is to:

• Improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries to improve receptivity to stimulation
• Thicken uterine lining to encourage implantation
• Decrease uterine cramping to encourage implantation and reduce miscarriage
• Decrease cortisol and reduce stress levels to improve LH and progesterone production

3) Pre and Post Transfer Treatments

Whether a patient is taking longer to prepare for an upcoming IUI or IVF, or is having a procedure in the very near future, we always recommend treatment with acupuncture on the actual day of the procedure. Research into the use of acupuncture with IVF shows a clear increase in rates of conception and live births in women who receive acupuncture immediately before and after their IVF, as compared to those who have IVF only, with no acupuncture treatment.

During pre and post transfer treatments, patients receive an acupuncture treatment immediately before and after their embryo transfer or IUI. At our San Antonio facility at RMA of Texas, under the direction of Dr. Francisco Arredondo these treatments occur directly in the recovery room. At our other clinic locations, patients come to our office before and immediately after their embryo transfer or IUI.

Treatment with acupuncture immediately before and after embryo transfer has been demonstrated by the meta-analysis published 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%.

The goal of this treatment is to relax the patient (less stress produces higher pregnancy rates), improve blood flow to the uterus to promote higher implantation rates, decrease uterine spasms and cramping to improve implantation rates, and decrease the incidence of miscarriage.

If you are planning an IUI, and IVF, or a Frozen Embryo Transfer, treatment with acupuncture and Chinese Medicine may offer a safe, natural and effective way you to improve your chances of a successful outcome. Call to schedule a consultation with one of our reproductive specialists to find out if acupuncture can make a difference for you.