Acupuncture for IVF
Acupuncture for IVF: Enhance Fertility and Improve Pregnancy Success
Integrative acupuncture therapy is a powerful tool for optimizing IVF outcomes, supporting both the physical and emotional aspects of your fertility journey. Research shows that acupuncture can improve IVF success rates, with some studies indicating it may double pregnancy rates when administered within one hour of embryo transfer. By improving blood flow to the reproductive organs, balancing hormones, and reducing stress, acupuncture enhances your body’s ability to respond to fertility treatments.
At Tranquility Base Acupuncture, we offer personalized, evidence-based fertility care to support you at every stage of your IVF cycle. Whether you’re preparing for ovarian stimulation, managing side effects from fertility medications, or seeking additional support on embryo transfer day, acupuncture can help regulate your cycle, improve egg quality, and create a more receptive environment for implantation.
How Can Acupuncture Improve IVF Outcomes?
Increase blood flow to the uterus to improve endometrial receptivity and implantation rates.
Enhance ovarian response to stimulation, improving the number and quality of retrieved eggs.
Balance hormone levels to create a more stable environment for fertilization and embryo development.
Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can negatively impact egg and embryo quality.
Minimize side effects of IVF medications, including headaches, bloating, and mood swings.
Lower stress and anxiety, which can help regulate cortisol levels and improve overall fertility outcomes.
More About Acupuncture for IVF
How does acupuncture for IVF work?
Acupuncture treatments are tailored to your IVF cycle, aligning with each stage of treatment to provide targeted support. By improving ovarian response, increasing uterine blood flow, and helping to regulate hormonal fluctuations, acupuncture can enhance your body’s ability to support fertilization and implantation. Treatments may include:
- Acupuncture and complementary therapies such as moxibustion, cupping, Gua Sha, and acupressure.
- PhotoBioModulation (PBM) therapy by Celluma to enhance cellular energy and tissue repair.
- Infrared heat therapy to improve circulation and promote relaxation.
- Herbal medicine, vitamins, and supplements to support reproductive function.
- Nutritional counseling to optimize hormone balance and uterine health.
- Fertility tracking and coaching, including a review of lab work to guide treatment adjustments.
- IVF and IUI coaching to help manage side effects and improve treatment response.
- Collaboration with fertility specialists and other healthcare providers for a comprehensive, integrative approach.
What can I expect from IVF acupuncture treatments?
Acupuncture sessions are strategically timed to support each phase of your IVF cycle, whether you’re preparing for stimulation, undergoing embryo transfer, or navigating the two-week wait. Many patients begin acupuncture three months before starting IVF to optimize egg quality, but even a few weeks of treatment can help regulate hormones and improve response to medications. Sessions are scheduled based on your IVF timeline to maximize their effectiveness.
- Before IVF treatment: Acupuncture helps regulate your cycle, improve ovarian function, and enhance egg quality. Many patients begin treatment three months before starting IVF for optimal results.
- During ovarian stimulation: Treatments focus on increasing blood flow to the ovaries, improving response to fertility medications, and minimizing side effects.
- Before embryo transfer: Acupuncture on transfer day can increase pregnancy rates by promoting uterine receptivity and reducing uterine contractions.
- During the two-week wait: Acupuncture supports implantation, reduces stress, and enhances progesterone levels for a healthy early pregnancy.
- For added convenience, PBM therapy by Celluma is included at no additional charge to further support the mitochondrial health of egg cells in place of implantation and embryo development.
Is acupuncture for IVF right for you?
Acupuncture is a valuable complement to IVF, helping to improve implantation rates, regulate hormones, and reduce stress throughout the process. It can be particularly beneficial for those with irregular cycles, PCOS, or a history of failed IVF cycles, as well as anyone looking for a natural way to manage side effects like bloating, headaches, and fatigue. While acupuncture is generally safe and non-invasive, it may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or a history of recurrent miscarriage due to underlying health concerns. Consulting both your fertility specialist and a licensed acupuncturist can help determine if acupuncture is the right choice for your IVF journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should I start acupuncture if I’m preparing for IVF?
Ideally, acupuncture should begin at least three months before starting IVF to improve egg quality, regulate hormones, and optimize uterine health. However, even starting a few weeks before embryo transfer can provide benefits.
Can acupuncture really improve IVF success rates?
Yes. Research shows that acupuncture before and after embryo transfer can significantly increase pregnancy rates. It improves uterine receptivity, regulates hormones, and reduces stress, all of which can enhance IVF outcomes.
Does acupuncture help with IVF medication side effects?
Yes. Acupuncture can help manage common side effects like bloating, headaches, mood swings, insomnia, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Many patients report feeling more balanced and relaxed after treatment.
What happens during an acupuncture session for IVF?
Sessions are customized based on your IVF stage. Treatments may include acupuncture, infrared heat therapy, PBM therapy, and herbal support. Pre- and post-transfer acupuncture sessions focus specifically on improving implantation rates.
Is on-site embryo transfer acupuncture available at my clinic?
On-site acupuncture is available for clinics located between 70th & 14th Streets in Manhattan with prior clinic approval. An initial consultation at least one week before transfer day is required to personalize your treatment plan.
On-site Embryo Transfer Support
We are conveniently located within minutes to many fertility clinics in Manhattan. However, on the day of your IVF embryo transfer, you can have one of our practitioners accompany you to your appointment and provide pre- and post-transfer acupuncture treatments on-site. This option includes:
- ZPre-transfer acupuncture (30 minutes), performed within one hour before the transfer.
- ZPost-transfer acupuncture (20 minutes), immediately after the transfer (recommended on a case-by-case basis).
- ZTake-home Embryo Transfer self care guide
- ZEar seeds to help reduce stress and anxiety during the "waiting period."
- ZFollow-up appointment one week after transfer to support implantation (in-office at The Base).
On-site acupuncture requires written approval from your fertility clinic prior to booking. An initial consultation and treatment must be completed at least one week before transfer day to personalize your treatment plan. This service is available only at clinics located between 70th & 14th Streets in Manhattan.
$600