Fertility and IVF

Fertility

Acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine has a long and successful history of improving fertility and conception.

Chinese Medicine can help to improve fertility and assist conception in the following ways:

  • Improve the function of the ovaries to produce higher quality eggs
  • Regulate hormones to produce more follicles
  • Regulate the menstrual cycle (eg. After long time on OCP)
  • Increase blood flow to the uterus and increase the thickness of the uterine lining
  • Decreases the possibility of miscarriage
  • Increase sperm quality (volume, count, motility, morphology) to create better quality embryos
  • Decrease stress

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine can assist in the treatment of the following common fertility conditions:

  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
  • Irregular Menstrual Cycles (Long & Short Cycles)
  • Unexplained Infertility
  • High FSH Levels
  • Low Progesterone Levels
  • Endometriosis
  • No Periods/Amenorrhoea
  • Failed IVF attempts
  • Low Sperm Counts
  • Poor Quality, Low Motility Sperm Counts
  • Early Menopause
  • Frequent Miscarriage
  • Painful Periods

Chinese Medicine can provide an alternative way of treating your infertility. It can enhance your reproductive health following a number of failed IVF attempts so you can attempt IVF again. Some women prefer to try a natural way of enhancing their reproductive health before embarking on IVF treatments.

As each person's fertility issues are unique, please contact us if you would like information as to whether we can assist your particular situation.

IVF Support

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a very long history of helping infertile couples in China. In the last few decades TCM has helped the growing number of couples in the Western world who require assistance to have a child.

A large number of clinical trials have been conducted throughout the world which demonstrate that acupuncture can increase IVF pregnancy rates and reduce anxiety related to infertility and the IVF process.

The main objectives of Chinese Medicine prior to IVF are:

  • Improve the function of the ovaries, which allows for the development of better quality eggs and strong, healthy embryos
  • Regulates Oestrogen & Progesterone levels thereby thickening the lining of the uterus
  • Decrease FSH levels
  • Strengthen the immune system and reduce stress – prevents the uterus from contracting thereby improving the implantation process and preventing the chance of miscarriage.

IVF Support & Treatment Options

There are a number of treatment options available to support you during your IVF cycle, to increase your chance of success and to improve how you feel.

Below are some suggested treatment options:

1) Acupuncture on the Day of Embryo Transfer
These treatments are based on protocols used in clinical trials showing up to 65% increase in pregnancy rates This is done before and/or after transfer.

2) Acupuncture Before and During the Medication Phase of IVF
This usually involves weekly acupuncture treatments that are based on protocols which demonstrate increased blood supply to the uterus and ovaries and a beneficial regulation of hormones which is important in the development of healthy follicles and implantation.

3) Acupuncture During Any Phase of the IVF Cycle
Acupuncture can effectively be used to manage common side effects and anxiety that you may experience during your IVF treatment.Common complaints that can be alleviated include: fatigue, abdominal bloating, anxiety/irritability/moodiness, hot flushes and insomnia.

Following acupuncture, most women report a decrease in their stress levels and an improved ability to manage anxiety associated with IVF.

4) Acupuncture During the First Weeks of Pregnancy
Acupuncture can be used to improve and enhance the circulation of the uterine lining and the developing embryo. This is particularly important if you have a history of clotting factors.

Acupuncture has been demonstrated to have immune-regulating effects which can be important in reducing the risk of rejection by the mother’s immune system as the embryo implants and the pregnancy progresses.

Treatment usually involves weekly acupuncture up until 12 weeks of pregnancy.

5) Acupuncture For Sperm Problems
Acupuncture has been used effectively to increase sperm motility and decrease the number of abnormal sperm. Chinese herbs can also be used to enhance acupuncture treatment

Treatment usually involves acupuncture weekly for 6 weeks prior to an IVF cycle.

Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association LTD