Pregnancy and IVF
With rapid lifestyle changes, economic development, and worsening environmental pollution, the incidence of infertility has gained worldwide attention. In vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is the most successful infertility treatment in modern science, and for many people, it provides the last draw for pregnancy. However, the average IVF delivery rate per single initiated cycle using fresh non-donor eggs is still only 1 in 3 . The majority of IVF cycles do not result in pregnancy, and multiple IVF cycles are generally needed to achieve one pregnancy.
Due to the relatively low success rate per cycle, some patients are not successful even after several Embryo Transfers, even when the appropriate techniques for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), IVF, embryo culture and transfer, etc., are correctly performed. At the same time, the underlying health concern associated with using large doses of ovulation stimulants to obtain more eggs for IVF cannot be ignored, these hormones can have an affect on the equilibrium of the mental and physical state of the patient. Certain hormones in the body induce a stress response physically and mentally which in turn reduce the success rate of the ET. Repeated cycles place enormous economic pressure on the patients and their families. Therefore, it is important to maximise the efficiency of the procedure.
Acupuncture is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that dates back at least 3,000 years. Acupuncture can cure disease because it can stimulate the body’s self-regulatory ability as characterised by integrity and balance.
There are 14 main meridians, on which more than 400 acupoints are located. Acupoints are not isolated; they are special points on the surface of the body where the vital energy (qi and blood) of the viscera infuses. Traditional acupuncture involves inserting disposable sterilised needles into the skin at acupoints along the meridians.
In a meta analysis study, Twenty-four trials (a total of 5,807 participants) were included in the review and the results show that patients underwent acupuncture treatment alongside their IVF protocol obtained significantly more successful results than the control group (IVF alone). The combination of acupuncture through your IVF journey can help you achieve better results.
Book in today and talk with our acupuncturist Jeff to discuss a treatment option that works best for you.