Fertility Acupuncture: Enhancing Your Journey to Parenthood

Natural Fertility

At Cultivate, we specialize in fertility acupuncture to support and enhance your journey to parenthood. Our dedicated team of licensed acupuncturists provide personalized care that aligns with your unique needs and goals. About 40-50% our those in our care are seeking to optimize fertility and conceive within the next year. We support the physical, nutritional, lifestyle, and emotional shifts that help each individual create a balanced, fertile body which is ready to conceive.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Techniques have been clinically studied to increase fertility in many ways- correcting hormonal imbalances, lengthening a short luteal phase, increasing the thickness and quality of uterine lining, improving egg quality and blood flow, and increasing cervical fluid. Every woman’s body is different; therefore she will need a customized plan to meet her fertility needs. Many women find that they will not need to resort to IVF or IUI after a series of acupuncture treatments and herbal formulas. Whether you are just getting started on your fertility journey, or are scheduled for assisted reproductive techniques, we are here to support you every step of the way.

IVF/ IUI Support

For IVF patients, clinical research has shown that acupuncture before and after embryo transfer increases both pregnancy rates and live birth rates by up to 50%, increases the thickness and quality of the endometrial tissue, and decreases cortisol. In the months leading up to preparing for an IVF or IUI cycle, acupuncture is recommended frequently to prepare your body for the process, which can be both emotionally and physically stressful. If women are able to take Chinese herbs in the months leading up to an IVF cycle, studies show increased chances of more eggs retrieved, lowered FSH, and thicker endometrium than in previous cycles. For both IVF and IUI, overall patients report that they experience less stress and decreased unpleasant side effects due to fertility medications than in cycles without acupuncture.

Key Benefits of IVF Acupuncture:

• Improves Blood Flow: Enhances blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries, creating a more favorable environment for embryo implantation.

• Balances Hormones: Helps regulate hormone levels and improve the body’s response to fertility medications.

• Reduces Stress: Alleviates anxiety and stress, which can negatively impact IVF outcomes.

• Supports Ovarian Function: Promotes optimal ovarian function and egg quality.

• Enhances Embryo Implantation: Increases the chances of successful embryo implantation and pregnancy.

FAQs About IVF Acupuncture

• Is IVF acupuncture safe? Yes, acupuncture is a safe and complementary treatment when performed by a licensed professional.

• How many acupuncture sessions are needed? The number of sessions varies based on individual needs and the IVF protocol. Your acupuncturist will provide a personalized treatment plan. We usually recommend starting treatments three months prior to a retrieval or transfer, when possible. During the month of transfer we recommend extra treatments the day before, the day after, and one week after the transfer date before resuming the regular, consistent treatment schedule.

• When should I start acupuncture in relation to my IVF cycle? Acupuncture can be beneficial throughout your IVF cycle, including before, during, and after embryo transfer. Your acupuncturist will guide you on the optimal timing.