Suzanna J Blach, BSc, MBAcC

Acupuncture and IVF

Patient Testimonials - read the feedback from our fertility patients

Research suggests acupuncture can significantly help general health and fertility by restoring energy flow in the body and increasing circulation.  Fine, pain-free sterilised needles are placed at specific points on the body increasing blood flow to the uterus as well as relaxing the nervous system.

Click here to view current research

More studies are underway to investigate the mechanism behind the effect of acupuncture on implantation of the embryo but the possible factors may be that acupuncture:

  1. may mediate the release of neurotransmitters,
  2. may stimulate blood flow to the uterus by inhibiting uterine central sympathetic nerve activity,
  3. may stimulate the production of endogenous opiods

The Acupuncture Programme

Suzanna specialises in acupuncture for ART (IVF, IUI, ICSI) and works with consultants and couples providing support, information and improving general health of both partners in the run-up to IVF treatment.

For women undergoing IVF, a highly specialised and comprehensive ‘acupuncture programme’, based on current research has been developed for all stages and types of ART (IVF, IUI, ICSI, frozen embryo transfer, donor eggs/sperm) providing pre-IVF preparation treatment, regular treatment throughout crucial IVF stages and pre-embryo transfer as well as essential information and support throughout and after transfer to help support a healthy implantation. Treatment also includes vital relaxation and visualisation techniques which have been shown to help improve the effectiveness of the treatment.

Treatment Programmes & Fees

There are a number of treatment options available to support you throughout your IVF cycle to increase the chances of success and keep you relaxed. These range from just one or two treatments around the day of embryo transfer to a course of pre IVF treatments to help you through each stage of IVF.

 

Option 1:
Acupuncture on day of embryo transfer

These treatments are based on a specialised protocol used in clinical trials. The protocol is designed to increase blood flow to the uterus and calm the nervous system and increasing the chances of implantation. (you can find the references for these trials here

Schedule:
Pre-embryo transfer treatment is administered at least 12 -24 hours before embryo transfer and post-embryo transfer treatment immediately after embryo transfer (within 2 – 3 hours).

 

Option 2:
Acupuncture at any phase of IVF cycle

Acupuncture can be used to manage any side effects you might experience and reduce anxiety. These treatment protocols are based on the clinical experience of IVF acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medicine protocols. Reduced fatigue, moodiness, abdomen swelling and discomfort and other side effects are reported by many women using acupuncture during their IVF cycle. In addition women report greater relaxation and control of anxiety. The acupuncture treatment will be different for each patient and depends on your symptoms. These treatments can be combined with Option 1 above.

Schedule:
1 treatment per week before IVF followed by specific treatment for down regulation and/or stimulation as needed and finally pre and/or post embryo transfer treatment.

 

Option 3:
Acupuncture for frozen embryo transfer, with or without medication

These treatments are similar to those used in option 1, designed to increase blood flow to uterus and improve implantation and pregnancy rates.

Schedule:
2 treatments per week for 2 – 3 weeks before embryo transfer if required with treatment on day of transfer as in option 1.

 

Beyond IVF

If you have had a number of failed cycles you may wish to consider using TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) to enhance your reproductive health and rebalance your hormones before you try again. Or if the end of the IVF road has been reached, TCM may help you with other ways of treating infertility.

Some patients choose to try this approach from the beginning and save IVF for last in cases such as unexplained infertility where you and your partner are both healthy.

Suzanna is a specialist in TCM and infertility and will make a detailed diagnosis to formulate an appropriate treatment plan.  She also works closely with Western medics and will refer you for further tests or treatment with a specialist consultant if she feels this is necessary.

Fee Schedule
Pre and post embryo transfer treatment only: (x 2 treatments 45 mins each)  £135
Pre embryo transfer treatment only:  (45 mins) £75

Pre IVF preparation programme:

(For this programme, any treatments during the drug phase and around E.T are £55)

Treatment throughout IVF cycle (during drug phase):

(For this programme, pre and post E.T treatments are £55 each)

(E.T = Embryo transfer)


All consultations and pre/post embryo transfer treatments include full nutritional advice and guidelines, breathing exercises and essential post-embryo transfer guidelines to help aid implantation. (these can be emailed in advance or taken away with you)