Fertility challenges may come unexpectedly, but over 10% of US couples face difficulties with conception. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique approach to treating fertility by looking at the underlying causes and treating each person individually. Integrative Acupuncture serves couples by utilizing acupuncture, herbs, massage and nutritional advice to help them achieve a pregnancy.
The providers at IAOM have received specific post graduate training both locally and with world experts internationally, in fertility acupuncture, allowing us to offer one of Vermont’s most experienced acupuncture clinics for fertility. We are pleased to serve any and all families from all over central and northern Vermont to help them achieve pregnancy, both naturally/unassisted and with assistance of ART (assisted reproductive therapy) like IUI and IVF.
Using Acupuncture With IVF and IUI
“Acupuncture on the day of ET (embryo transfer) significantly improves the reproductive outcome of IVF/ICSI, compared with no acupuncture.” (Fertility Sterility 2006 May;85(5):1341-6. Epub 2006 Apr 5)
Within recent years, couples have sought acupuncture to increase the effectiveness of assisted reproductive therapies. There are high quality studies available that demonstrate the use of acupuncture pre and post IVF will raise the success of pregnancy rate by 15%. At IAOM we are experienced in this protocol and allow for flexibility in appointment scheduling to help you book a pre and post IVF or IUI acupuncture treatment.
We also work with couples and individuals prior to assisted reproductive therapies. By having acupuncture in the months prior to the procedure, we are working with clearing blockages and increasing fresh blood flow to the uterus. Being as relaxed as possible for your procedure is ideal. By having acupuncture for the weeks and months prior to the procedure, stress levels are significantly reduced. If you are utilizing IUI or IVF we highly recommend including acupuncture by the licensed professionals at IA.
Using Naturopathic and Functional Medicine With IVF and IUI
When trying to conceive, Naturopathic and Functional Medicine can assist in laying the groundwork for a healthy and successful pregnancy. IUI and IVF do a great job in getting the egg and sperm to join, but they do not address egg quality, sperm quality, or nutritional deficiencies that could lead to a more difficult path to pregnancy.
By working together, along with the guidance of a naturopathic physician the right groundwork can be laid. This includes ensuring adequate nutrition to prevent any deficiencies, addressing stress and the effect it has on reproduction, working on gut health to ensure nutrients are absorbed and hormones are metabolized correctly, and encouraging you to keep up a healthy and active lifestyle.
In doing so, practitioners at Integrative Acupuncture can support individuals in promoting not only a healthy and successful pregnancy, but also lay the groundwork in establishing health in all members of the family.
Sources:
Craig LB, Rubin LE, Peck JD, Anderson M, Marshall LA, Soules MR. Acupuncture performed before and after embryo transfer: a randomized controlled trial. J Reprod Med. 2014 May-Jun;59(5-6):313-20. PMID: 24937975.
Hullender Rubin LE, Opsahl MS, Wiemer KE, Mist SD, Caughey AB. Impact of whole systems traditional Chinese medicine on in-vitro fertilization outcomes. Reprod Biomed Online. 2015 Jun;30(6):602-12. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.02.005. Epub 2015 Feb 24. PMID: 25911598; PMCID: PMC4458185.
Phillippi K, Kamel L, Rubin L, Jeelani R, Soy T. Does individualized pre- and post-embryo transfer acupuncture affect live birth rates? Fertil Steril. 2022 Oct; Vol 118, issue 4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.08.755
Westergaard LG, Mao Q, Krogslund M, Sandrini S, Lenz S, Grinsted J. Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women: a prospective, randomized trial. Fertil Steril. 2006 May;85(5):1341-6. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.08.070. Epub 2006 Apr 5. PMID: 16600232.
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