Starting your IVF journey can be a rollercoaster of emotions and physical hurdles. It’s amazing how far modern medicine has come with fertility treatments, but let’s be honest—it can still be pretty overwhelming (and heart-wrenching) at times. When it comes to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), acupuncture is believed to offer multiple benefits that can enhance the success of the treatment. Today on the blog, we are going to walk you through all the benefits of acupuncture during IVF.
Before we dive in, are you already considering starting acupuncture treatments during IVF?
Here at Monica Patt Acupuncture, we have a proven track record of helping individuals and couples with:
- Unexplained Infertility
- Thin Endometrial Lining
- Elevated FSH
- Diminished Ovarian Reserve/Poor Egg Quality
- Fresh and Frozen embryo transfers
- PCOS
- Endometriosis
- Male factor such as low sperm count, volume and motility
If any of those resonate with you, we would love to invite you to book your initial consultation here.
Enhancing Blood Flow and Circulation
Firstly, one of the pivotal benefits of acupuncture during IVF is how it boosts blood flow and circulation, especially to your reproductive organs. Enhanced blood flow delivers more nutrients and better oxygen supply to these organs, potentially improving egg quality and the environment for an embryo.
Improving Uterine Health
It goes without saying that having a healthy uterine lining is key for a successful embryo transfer and implantation. That’s where acupuncture during IVF can help—regular treatments will encourage blood flow right to your uterus. This kickstarts the growth of a strong, healthy uterine lining. Ultimately, this increases your chances of the embryo settling in just right, boosting your overall success with the IVF process.
Regulating Menstrual Cycles and Promoting Ovulation
On top of supporting you during IVF, regular acupuncture treatments can also help regulate your cycle and balance out your hormone levels. Acupuncture is thought to help regulate the menstrual cycle by influencing the central nervous system, which then affects hormones responsible for ovulation and the menstrual cycle. This can really help when it comes to the timing of the IVF process, making sure your body is in its best possible state for pregnancy.
Balancing Your Hormones
Without getting too technical, acupuncture during IVF may help balance hormone levels by promoting better functioning of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries, which are integral to hormone production and regulation. This balance can influence the levels of estrogen and progesterone, which are key hormones for preparing the uterus for pregnancy.
Reducing Stress and Side Effects
The IVF process can be emotionally and physically stressful. Acupuncture is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins and modulating the autonomic nervous system. On top of that, the truth is that IVF can really take a toll, not just emotionally but physically too, partly thanks to the side effects of fertility meds. This is another one of the places where acupuncture during IVF can help. Acupuncture can help dial down the stress and ease those uncomfortable side effects.
Supporting Male Fertility
While we typically specialize in women’s reproductive health at our Edmonton acupuncture clinic, the road to conception is definitely a team effort! Acupuncture during IVF isn’t just for women. There are plenty of benefits for men too. Acupuncture can increase semen quality, boosting sperm count and motility. These boosts are super important because they significantly up your chances of successful fertilization during the IVF process.
The Benefits of Acupuncture During IVF
Acupuncture during IVF can really serve you as you look for ways to increase your chances of an effective treatment. As we’ve explained here, acupuncture doesn’t just help with all the physical stuff—it’s also there to support you emotionally and mentally. By including acupuncture in your IVF plan, you have a well rounded approach to your fertility.
We know everyone’s fertility journey is unique, and we’re here to tailor our care just for you. If you’re thinking about adding acupuncture to your IVF treatment plan or if you’ve got any questions about how it might work for your specific situation, we would love to hear from you. Read our reviews and book a consultation with our clinic today.