IVF & Acupuncture

How Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Can Support You Through IVF and Assisted Reproduction

Embarking on IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) or Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) can be an exciting yet challenging journey. Alongside medical treatments, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have gained recognition as powerful complementary therapies to support reproductive health. Drawing on evidence-based approaches from "Acupuncture for IVF and Assisted Reproduction" by Irina Szmelskyj and Lianne Aquilina and expertise from our clinic, let's explore how these therapies can enhance fertility, improve IVF success rates, and support both body and mind during the process.

The Role of Acupuncture in IVF: How Can It Help?

Acupuncture, a key component of TCM, involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to balance energy (Qi), reduce stress, and stimulate blood flow. Research has shown that acupuncture can play an essential role in improving fertility outcomes in IVF, including enhancing ovarian function, improving uterine blood flow, and helping with implantation.

Studies, including those referenced by Szmelskyj and Aquilina, have found that acupuncture helps:

Increase pregnancy rates:

Several clinical studies demonstrate improved IVF success when acupuncture is integrated into the treatment. One of the most cited studies (Paulus et al., 2002) showed a 42.5% pregnancy rate in the acupuncture group, compared to 26.3% in the control group.

Reduce stress:

Acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping reduce stress, which is often heightened during IVF cycles. Stress can negatively affect hormonal balance, so addressing it can support overall fertility.

Improve ovarian response and egg quality:

Acupuncture has been shown to improve blood flow to the ovaries, which helps with egg development, particularly in women with low ovarian reserve.

Enhance uterine receptivity:

By increasing blood flow to the uterus, acupuncture supports optimal conditions for implantation.

The Paulus Protocol: Timing Acupuncture Around Your IVF Cycle

The Paulus Protocol is one of the most well-known acupuncture protocols for IVF. Developed by Dr. Wolfgang Paulus, this protocol focuses on applying acupuncture at key points during the IVF process to optimize implantation success. The protocol is simple but powerful, targeting the period immediately before and after embryo transfer. However, at our clinic, we've also observed that patients who receive acupuncture the night before or the day prior to their embryo transfer also experience significant relief from tension and stress. This approach has consistently yielded positive outcomes, helping patients feel more relaxed and prepared as they approach their embryo transfer. 

Timeline for the Paulus Protocol:

By focusing on these critical moments, the Paulus Protocol helps "calm the uterus" and reduce the risk of uterine contractions that could interfere with implantation. It's one of the simplest yet most impactful ways acupuncture can complement IVF. 

Pre-transfer session:

Acupuncture is performed about 25-30 minutes before the embryo transfer to enhance uterine blood flow and relaxation.

Post-transfer session:

A second session takes place 25-30 minutes after the embryo transfer, aimed at promoting relaxation and improving the chances of successful implantation.

Integrating acupuncture into your IVF cycle is easy and can be tailored to your unique timeline. Generally, acupuncture sessions start several weeks before ovarian stimulation and continue through embryo transfer, following a schedule that best supports your treatment. We recommend weekly sessions before egg retrieval and at least two sessions around embryo transfer. Complementing acupuncture with fertility-friendly lifestyle habits like a balanced diet, specific exercise, and stress management can enhance the benefits.

Acupuncture to Help the Pregnancy "Stick"

One of the main concerns during IVF is achieving successful implantation and sustaining early pregnancy. Acupuncture can be particularly beneficial here by:

Supporting implantation:

By increasing blood flow to the uterine lining, acupuncture helps create an optimal environment for the embryo to implant and thrive.

Balancing hormones:

TCM works to regulate the body's hormonal balance, which can play a crucial role in the early stages of pregnancy.

Reducing miscarriage risk:

Acupuncture is also known to help reduce the risk of miscarriage in the early stages by promoting uterine health and addressing any underlying imbalances. 

Don’t Stress! Acupuncture is Here to Support You.

At the heart of TCM is the understanding that mind and body are deeply connected. High stress or emotional distress can impact hormonal balance and overall fertility. Acupuncture helps by releasing endorphins and regulating your nervous system, promoting calm and emotional clarity. By addressing both physical and emotional aspects, acupuncture provides a comprehensive approach to support your IVF journey. 

It’s easy to become consumed by dates, cycles, and timelines when going through IVF. But it's important to remember that acupuncture and TCM aim to reduce stress and support your emotional well-being. Obsession with timing can create stress, which is counterproductive. One of the significant benefits of acupuncture is its ability to lower cortisol levels, your body's primary stress hormone. So, instead of fixating on timelines, trust the process and allow acupuncture to bring you into a state of calm, relaxation, and balance.

Acupuncture is a gentle treatment, and most patients report feeling very little discomfort, if any, during their sessions. The needles are incredibly thin, and any sensation is typically mild and brief. If you miss a session, don't worry—acupuncture is flexible and can still benefit your fertility journey when rescheduled. It’s also safe to combine with fertility medications, as acupuncture works holistically, without interfering with your IVF drugs.

How Acupuncture Helps Your Body Process IVF 

The medications required for IVF can be challenging for the body to process. Acupuncture helps to balance the body's response to these medications, reducing side effects and enhancing their effectiveness. Acupuncture can:

Improve liver function:

As the liver is responsible for metabolizing many of the hormones used in IVF, acupuncture can support liver health and detoxification.

Reduce bloating and discomfort:

Many women experience bloating or discomfort from hormonal medications, and acupuncture can alleviate these symptoms by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.

Boost energy:

IVF medications can cause fatigue, but acupuncture treatments can help restore energy levels and overall vitality.

Beyond fertility, acupuncture helps to promote overall well-being. Many patients experience improvements in digestion, sleep quality, and energy levels during their treatment. Acupuncture's ability to balance the body’s systems not only supports your reproductive health but also enhances your body's resilience, improving how you feel on a day-to-day basis throughout your IVF cycle

Acupuncture and TCM for Egg and Sperm Health

Acupuncture and TCM are also known to enhance both egg quality and sperm health, which are vital components of successful IVF. For women with low ovarian reserve, acupuncture can help:

  • Increase blood flow to the ovaries, supporting better egg development.

  • Enhance follicular health, leading to improved egg quality.

For men, acupuncture can improve:

  • Sperm motility and count: Acupuncture helps improve blood flow to the reproductive organs and supports hormonal balance, which can improve both sperm motility and overall count.

  • Sperm morphology: Studies have also shown that acupuncture can positively affect sperm shape, leading to healthier sperm.


The Science Behind Acupuncture and IVF

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of acupuncture in enhancing IVF success. Some key findings include:

  • A meta-analysis by Manheimer et al. (2008) showed that acupuncture could improve IVF success rates, particularly when applied around the time of embryo transfer.

  • A systematic review by Smith et al. (2010) found that acupuncture significantly improved clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates for women undergoing IVF.

These findings, combined with decades of clinical practice, make acupuncture a valuable tool for supporting fertility.

Final Thoughts

As you navigate your IVF journey, consider acupuncture and TCM as vital allies to enhance your chances of success. These therapies not only improve the physical aspects of fertility but also offer much-needed emotional and psychological support, helping you feel more balanced, calm, and ready to embrace the path ahead.

We’ve seen many patients successfully navigate their IVF journeys with the help of acupuncture and TCM. One of our patients shared that acupuncture helped her feel calm and more in control during her treatment, which made a big difference in her experience. Hearing stories like these reminds us how valuable holistic therapies can be, not just for physical health, but for emotional balance and peace of mind.

If you're interested in learning more about how acupuncture can support your fertility and IVF journey, feel free to reach out to our clinic. We're here to provide compassionate, integrative care tailored to your unique needs.

Sources:

  • Szmelskyj, I., & Aquilina, L. (2015). Acupuncture for IVF and Assisted Reproduction: An Integrated Approach to Treatment and Management.

  • Manheimer, E., et al. (2008). "Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: systematic review and meta-analysis."

  • Smith, C. A., et al. (2010). "Acupuncture for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis."


Kelso Mill