In Vitro Fertilization And Aupuncture

Chinese medicine has been the treatment of choice for infertility in Asian countries for thousands of years. The World Health Organization of the United Nations has alsorecognized acupuncture’s utility in treating conditions like infertility, impotence, pelvic inflammatory disease, PMS, and irregular menstruation.



More recently in Europe, medical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of using acupuncture to enhance Western reproductive technology. A study from Sweden reported that acupuncture dramatically increases the blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, improving ovarian response and implantation rates. A more recent study from Germany reported that a certain acupuncture protocol performed just before and after IVF transfer nearly doubled pregnancy rates.



Finally last year, the ASRM’s journal Fertility and Sterility published a study of the literature by the Center of Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, which concluded, "Because acupuncture is nontoxic and relatively affordable, its indications as an adjunct in assisted reproduction or as an alternative for women who are intolerant, ineligible, or contraindicated for conventional hormone induction of ovulation deserves serious research and exploration."



Now that acupuncture is becoming more acceptable as an alternative or adjunct to Western reproductive technology, it is imperative that fertility consumers understand the facts and some recommendations about acupuncture’s role in their reproductive treatments.



1) Acupuncture can regulate menstruation and balance hormone levels. If you are interested in seeking natural reproductive enhancement before you resort to medically assisted treatments, Chinese medicine can regulate hormones, stabilize the endocrine system, and increase the likelihood of an effective response to your Western treatments. Acupuncture can improve the hormonal mileau of conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, luteal phase defect, and poor ovarian response.



2) Acupuncture can alleviate the stress of going through an IVF cycle, as well as infertility distress. Not only does acupuncture reduce the immediate tension and stress, it actually produces enduring chemical changes within the brain, moderating beta- endorphin levels, which, in turn, regulate gonadotropin releasing hormone and stabilize the endocrine system.



3) Acupuncture can improve blood flow to the ovaries and the uterus. Electroacupuncture to the lower back between the second lumbar and the second sacral vertebrae, the levels which innervate the pelvic organs, decreases the sympathetic ("fight or flight") response, which then dilates the blood vessels and improves blood flow. Better perfusion to the ovaries maximizes the number and quality of responsive follicles. Better uterine blood flow improves implantation rates. This technique should be practiced at least eight times prior to retrieval.



4) Acupuncture can reduce the side effects of hormonal medication. An experienced acupuncturist can help alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, headaches and overall irritability that can occur with hormonal suppression and stimulation. Acupuncture can also alleviate and reverse ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and fluid accumulation in the uterine lining.





5) Acupuncture immediately before and after embryo transfer improves implantation rates. The accepted pre- and post- transfer treatment reduces stress, mildly improves uterine blood flow, and calms down a contractile uterus, making it more receptive to implantation. This protocol has been used on 3-day, 8 cell embryos. The post- transfer treatment is not proven, nor accepted for blastocyst transfer or for frozen embryo transfer. Some of the acupoints chosen for this technique, which control prostaglandin and cyclooxygenase levels within the uterus, may cause negative endometrial alterations at implantation time. If these points are performed as a five-day blastocyst is implanting, the very same technique could disrupt an effective implantation.



6) Acupuncture can reduce the likelihood of fetal rejection, and prevent miscarriages which are maternal in origin. Acupuncture, nor any therapy that I know of, can forestall a miscarriage which is due to a chromosomal abnormality. I tell my patients if they experience bleeding accompanied by lower back pain or abdominal cramping, to call their physician first, follow his or her advise, then make an appointment with me. An acupuncturist who is experienced in treating infertility and pregnancy can alleviate reactive uterine cramping and bleeding.





Here are some added recommendations which will help you achieve the highest level of success from your entire reproductive medical team.



1) Unless you have a trusting relationship with an acupuncturist who works well with your reproductive team, you should not return for acupuncture treatments the week after embryo transfer. Your body should be resting during this time. This is not the time to induce physiological changes. Unless there are any difficulties or complications after transfer, I do not provide treatments to my patients until approximately one week after embryo transfer.



2) Go only to an acupuncturist who is knowledgeable about reproductive medicine. Even an experienced acupuncturist who is not familiar with modern Western reproductive procedures can cause you more harm than good when undergoing IVF. Some of the larger, more progressive reproductive clinics employ their own acupuncturists. I offer training courses to acupuncturists who wish to understand and work with infertility patients. Training in Western medicine is always a plus.



3) Make your acupuncture become part of your reproductive process. This is a team effort. It is your duty and responsibility to inform your reproductive endocrinologist of all complementary measures you are employing to maximize your response. If you are having acupuncture and keep it from your RE, and the cycle is not successful, you will likely ultimately end up blaming yourself.



Educate yourself. You don’t need to advocate vehemently for one side or the other; grasp whatever Eastern and Western medicines can offer you. And may you achieve your heart’s greatest desire.