IVF and Chinese Medicine

Women are born with a finite number of eggs which are more than halved by the end of puberty; this is why it can be so difficult to fall pregnant in your late 30's and early 40’s. (1) 

Chinese Medicine practitioners may recommend Acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF treatment. There is continuing research and debate about how Acupuncture can assist with IVF treatment and you should consult your treating fertility specialist & practitioner if  Acupuncture may be able to assist you.
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Fertility specialists at both Melbourne and Monash IVF may recommend Acupuncture if they believe it will help alleviate your stress levels.  You can find information about Acupuncture on their websites or better still talk to your IVF specialist or Acupuncturist directly about this.

Research

Up to 15% of couples need medical intervention to become pregnant.

In IVF hormones are injected to control ovulation, eggs are removed and fertilized outside the body, and after a few days embryos are transferred back into the womb. Around 3% of babies are born this way. 
 
IVF & ICSI is an expensive and stressful process, we recognize that the stress can cause anxiety and mood swings and with this in mind we assist you through this exciting yet emotional journey.  There is some moderate evidence to support the use of Acupuncture for anxiety and we will support you with Acupuncture and lifestyle advise (2).
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​Acupuncture

Some emerging research has also shown Acupuncture may be potentially beneficial as an adjunct therapy for labour pain (3). 
Sources
1. yourfertility.org.au/resource/age-and-reproductive-outcomes

2. Goyata SL, Avelino CC, Santos SV, Souza Junior DI, Gurgel MD, Terra FS. Effects from acupuncture in treating anxiety: integrative review. Rev Bras Enferm. 2016 Jun;69(3):602-9
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3. Levett KM, Smith CA, Dahlen HG, Bensoussan A. Acupuncture and acupressure for pain management in labour and birth: a critical narrative review of current systematic review evidence. Complement Ther Med. 2014 Jun;22(3):523-40. ​