1. Based upon scientific research, what is the rate of success for acupuncture helping IVF/IUI?

Reference Articles:
(1.) Paulus We etal. Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertil Steril. 2002;77(4) 721-724.
(2.) Dieterles etal. Effect of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertil Steril. 2006; 85(5) 1347-1351
(3) Westergaard LG etal. Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women. Fertil Steril 2006; 85(5) 1341-1346
(4.) Stener-Victorin E. etal. A prospective randomized study of electro-acupuncture vs alfentanil as anaesthesia during oocyte aspiration in in-vitro fertilization. Hum Reprod. 1999;14(10) 2480-2484

2. Do I need acupuncture only before Embryos Transfer (ET) and after the transfer?

According to the research protocols stated above, a 25 minute acupuncture treatment, right before ET and after ET, increases the chance of a successful pregnancy. Acupuncture helps blood flow to the uterus during ET and release stress, so that it will help the implantation of the embryos. If this is your first IVF/IUI cycle, it is recommended to start acupuncture 8 to 10 sessions before the embryos transfer. Failure of previous IVF/IUI cycle means there could be some disorders going on in the body and it needs longer time to be balanced. In this situation, you might need an average of 20 to 30 sessions of acupuncture before starting the IVF/IUI cycle.

Results that I have obtained in my 23 years+ of practice in the field of acupuncture for OB/GYN/Fertility has shown me that in order to prepare and balance the hormones, it is advisable for patients who have complicated conditions, to start acupuncture two or three months before IVF/IUF. Some of these disorders include:

• Failed the previous IVF/IUI cycle
• High FSH
• Luteal phase defect
• Poor egg quality
• Thyroid problem
• Unexplained infertility issues
• Immunological factors.

Acupuncture should be done before IUI and ET:

*Before (2 to 3 months prior to cycle) – to improve egg quality and regulate hormones, increase the number of follicles, thicken uterus lining, and improve your overall health and well-being. For men, acupuncture is able to strengthen semen, improve semen quality and quantity.

*During – to increase the amount of blood in the uterus, improve the quality of the uterine environment by relaxing uterine muscles, release stress, and give embryos a good environment.
 
*After (once pregnant) – to prevent miscarriages and minimizes morning sickness in the first trimester.

If you are scheduled to start the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) of IVF/IUI, it is recommended that you come for acupuncture as soon as possible.

If an IVF/IUI cycle is scheduled within one month, treatment is recommended 2 times per week, or, 8 to 10 sessions before transfer. If you have planned to do IVF/ IUI 3 or 4 months in advance, you can do acupuncture 2 times per week before ovulation, then once per week after ovulation. In this way, acupuncture will help to improve your egg quality and thicken the uterine lining. Of course, more treatment will increase the benefit. Lots of my patients have naturally conceived before IVF/IUI started.

During the first visit, Dr. Yang and Dr. Liu will take a detailed medical history related to infertility, including;

• Review the details of your menstrual cycle and blood flow during menstruation
• Review your BBT chart
• HSG result
• Day 3 of blood work if it’s available
• Understanding your purpose for having acupuncture (such as if it is for natural conceive or IVF/IUI support)
• Review your previous IVF/IUI result if it’s available
• Review your partner sperm analysis if it’s possible
• Examine your whole system

They will also ask questions about your whole system, check your tongue and the quality of your pulse. Dr. Yang and Dr. Liu will give you a holistic and traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis code, followed by a discussion on acupuncture treatment plans. In the first visit you will get acupuncture treatment too.

Dr. Yang’s and Dr. Liu’s goal is to offer new hope through natural, holistic fertility treatment and gynecological care by bringing experience and compassion for your quest to conceive and helping your dream to become a reality.

Yes, it is definitely possible.

In our acupuncture clinic, we have had many success stories with women who failed IVF/IUI cycle. After several acupuncture sessions, many patients were able to naturally conceive. Many of my patients tell you not to rush to do IVF, you should try acupuncture before IVF/IUI cycle.

If you want to naturally conceive, we want to make sure that the male’s sperm is also good quality. Successful conception not only depends on the women’s egg, but also depends on the male’s sperm quality. Sperm needs the capacity to get to the egg, the strength to penetrate it and ability to fertilize it; therefore, optimal sperm will posses normal motility, morphology and count/quantity.

Acupuncture treatments are also recommended for men in order to strengthen sperm and increase the chances of pregnancy. Scientific research supports that acupuncture can improve male’s sperm quality in motility and morphology.

I highly suggest that you do some “holding baby” sessions. There are several safe points can be needled during your pregnancy, to prevent miscarriage, reduce the risk of blood clotting issues, and reduce the chance of severe morning sickness. This would be done once per week until you have passed your 12th week of pregnancy.

In our acupuncture clinic, the oldest woman who conceived was 42.5 years old. There are many women over 40 in our clinic who conceived successfully. Some conceived naturally or via natural IUI, some of them employed IUI or IVF with medication. For women who are over 40 years old with long term High FSH, it is suggested first to try to conceive naturally, use natural IUI or wait for FSH levels to be normal. The last option would be IVF.

Yes, Dr. Yang and Dr. Liu are certified national herbalist. We offer both patent herbs and herbal tea. Herbal tea is made by concentrated powder.  We prescribe the formula based on your tongue, pulse and your condition.  Herbs are highly recommended for patients who want to conceive and have additional complications, such as: hormone imbalance, high FSH/E2, endometriosis or unexplained infertility. Some western doctors may ask you to stop herbs when you start the stimulation drugs for the IVF/IUI cycle.