Assisted Reproductive Techniques (A.R.T) -IVF

It is the goal of Chinese Medicine to have you conceive naturally, if possible, without the use of IVF, ICSI, IUI (superovulation) and other assisted reproductive techniques (A.R.T.). We recognize, however, that there are couples, which without the use of A.R.T, they would not be able to have a child of their own. For those who are unable to conceive without the use of A.R.T. it is our focus to prepare your body so your chance of success is significantly increased. I have witnessed couples unexpectedly conceive naturally without the use of A.R.T who had originally enrolled in our preconception protocol to help increase their success with IVF. In these cases it was the women’s infertility at issue and the couples had been told they could not conceive naturally and required the use of IVF or Clomid. It is amazing what the body is capable of once it is balanced and functioning optimally.

Rushing into ART without balancing your body and its hormones is like planting a seed without cultivating the soil. In fact, it is possible that the low pregnancy rate from IVF is due not to the age of the eggs but rather the quality of the eggs resulting from a poor recruitment process. Consequently, we focus on the recruitment process to enhance your chances of success when you go through IVF, IUI and other assisted reproductive techniques.

Must Read: Does human sperm nuclear DNA integrity affect embryo quality?

We have incorporated an evidenced-based acupuncture protocol into our practice to treat infertility and increase the success rate of IVF pregnancies. The treatment is given just before and immediately after transfer of the embryo.

One of the major risks for IVF failure is poor endometrial receptivity at the time of implantation. We use a protocol that consists of 6-10 electro acupuncture treatments beginning on the first day of FSH injections and ends on the day of egg retrieval to increase the thickness of the endometrial (uterine) lining.

Chinese medicine can help improve the success rate of assisted reproductive techniques in the following ways:
1. Stress reduction, relaxation
2. Regulate hormones – better egg quality
3. Improves ovarian blood flow – increases ovarian response
4. Improve ovarian function – more follicles
5. Strengthens the immune system – overall health & well-being
6. Increases blood flow to the uterus – improving endometrial lining (implantation)
7. Improves sperm counts, motility and morphology
8. Lessens side effects from hormonal treatments
9. Higher live birth rate (prevent chance of miscarriage)

Preparation before IVF/ICSI drug protocol begins

• This is what we refer to as the preconception phase. The health of the parents before and at the time of conception, and the mother’s health during the early stages of her pregnancy have an influence on the health of the baby. It is during this time we hope to optimize your reproductive health.
• It is optimal to treat for at least 3 months to properly regulate the menstrual cycle, balance Yin & Yang (hormonal activity), and to optimize egg quality. Women’s follicles are recruited over 3-5 months before being chosen for ovulation. Therefore, the quality of your eggs are actually determined during the 3-5 months before your IVF cycle begins. This is why it is recommended to allow adequate time during the preconception phase to “nurture nature” and allow for at least three months for your treatments and healthier life style habits to take affect.
• You can still receive and benefit from acupuncture support during your IVF without having any preconception treatments

During drug suppression as well as drug stimulation

• Two acupuncture treatments/week (at least nine in total) to:
• Increase blood flow to ovaries – assist with ovarian response to drugs;
• Increase blood flow to uterus – better lining then better chance of implantation;
• Treat the side effects of medications;
• Relax – Studies have shown how stress can negatively impact fertility. Acupuncture can reduce the effects of stress and, optimizing your IVF/ICSI cycle.

Transfer day (IVF/ICSI)

• Treatment immediately before and after day 3 embryo transfer.
• For blastocyst transfer- acupuncture treatment 3 days after retrieval and again on day 5 immediately before transfer of blastocyst (No treatment immediately after transfer).

Implantation to pregnancy test

• Acupuncture treatment 6 & 10 days after retrieval to assist with implantation and pregnancy support