When Should I Start Acupuncture for My IVF Cycle?

Acupuncture and IVF: When to start treatment   

You’ve probably heard it already, acupuncture makes a great compliment to IVF treatment. It can help improve the success of an IVF cycle, help reduce miscarriage, and simply provide a nurturing and relaxing environment.

Acupuncture “Dosage” and IVF

Acupuncture is typically done as a series of treatments to address specific concerns. Much like exercise, it is best done regularly and frequently because the treatments build off one another. You don’t get rock solid abs by going to the gym once a month… It takes more diligence.

You can also think of it this way; if your doctor prescribes you 400mg of a medication for your back pain and you only take 100mg, you probably still have back pain. It doesn’t mean the medication isn’t doing anything. It means you aren’t taking the correct dosage for maximum effectiveness. The same is true for the frequency of acupuncture treatment. The more severe the condition, the more frequent you should be getting acupuncture. So how does this work with fertility and IVF? Let’s take a look.

Type of IVF Cycle and Acupuncture Start Recommendations 

In fertility, the concept of dosing is used to provide maximum benefit during specific times throughout the cycle with consideration for each person’s situation and type of cycle.

Stimulated Cycle

4-12 weeks prior to cycle. 

The three month window of preconception acupuncture is recommended in cases of low ovarian reserve, poor egg or embryo quality. This window represents the full life cycle of the egg so we consider this an optimal time to use holistic treatments, dietary changes, and lifestyle changes to support your egg health.

One month is typically adequate for other diagnoses like endometriosis, male factor, polycystic ovarian syndrome, etc.

Frozen Embryo Transfer

4 weeks prior to the cycle start. In a frozen embryo cycle, 8-11 treatments before transfer is ideal to optimize results.

Natural Cycle IVF or Mini-stim IVF

 4 weeks prior to the start of the cycle.

We refer to these treatments as preconception acupuncture. The treatments are designed to improve blood flow, regulate hormones, and reduce stress in advance of your cycle. 

Acupuncture During IFV Cycle

Once your cycle begins, two acupuncture treatments a week is the best “dosage.” The start is considered to be when you start ovarian stimulation medication, estrogen, or cycle day 1 in a natural IVF cycle. For embryo transfer cycles, come in right around the time of transfer and again 5-7 days after the transfer to support implantation. 

All of these treatments work to support your body, help to improve outcomes and keep you comfortable and relaxed during your cycle. In research, these protocols show an increase in pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and a decrease in miscarriage.