Acupuncture for fertility & IVF Melbourne

At AcuHealth Therapies, Dr Sharlane Aldover is passionate about supporting patients who are experiencing any fertility concerns. These may include assistance with IVF, regulating the menstrual cycle, reproductive issues like endomentriosis PCOS and amenorrhea and improving men’s health (quality and quanity of sperm)

Dr Sharlane understands that the journey of becoming pregmant can be an anxious and stressful time. By implementing tailored acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatment plans she has been able to support patients on this journey and achieve positive outcomes.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting sterile needles into specific parts of the body to provide pain relief, improve overall well-being and help to resolve chronic pain issues.

According to Chinese medicine philosophy, channels (referred to as meridians) run throughout the body and if these channels are obstructed the body can experience symptoms such as pain, low energy and imbalance.

Acupuncture can be used to remove obstructions, regulate energy flow (known as Qi) and improve overall wellness. Acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of conditions and in recent times many people undertaking IVF treatment are using Acupuncture as a natural and complementary therapy that may increase their chances of success.

For some patients, Chinese herbal medicine may also be recommended and combined with acupuncture.

Acupuncture to help fertility

We have found regular acupuncture treatments throughout the journey of conceiving to be an integral part of success. Furthermore, acupuncture treatments have been found to be very beneficial prior to commencing IVF and during IVF treatment.

Research suggests that Acupuncture may be able to improve fertility by:

Improving blood flow
Balancing the endocrine system (reproductive hormones)
Enhancing ovarian function
Reducing stress and anxiety
Improving egg quality and embryo development
Helping to regulate the menstrual cycle
Focusing on overall health and identifying any underlying issues that may be affecting fertility.

Benefits of acupuncture during IVF treatment

Research conducted in 2020 on 186 participants concluded that acupuncture 25 minutes before embryo transfer increased IVF outcomes for women compared to those with no acupuncture treatment.

Along with the abovementioned benefits for fertility, acupuncture can also have some benefits for patients during IVF and these can include:

Reducing stress and anxiety that is often associated with IVF treatments
Improved vitality and well-being
Improved blood flow
Reduction in side effects from IVF treatment
Reduction in pain and cramping

Acupuncture during IVF, how does it work?

If you are having IVF treatment there are some key timings in which we recommend that you schedule acupuncture treatments:

Day 1 of your IVF cycle – weekly treatment
During IVF or UI drug – two to there times per cycle
Post egg collection – once within a 48 hour timeframe (avoid on the same day as egg collection)
Before frozen embryo transfer – once or twice per week
Day of embryo transfer (fresh or frozen) – one treatment before the transfer and one treatment after the transfer
After embryo transfer or IUI – 5 days after embryo transfer, then once per week
If a patient becomes pregnant we recommend scheduling a weekly acupuncture session up until the 12th week of pregnancy.

Chinese herbal medicine during IVF treatment.

For some patients we may also recommend certain Chinese herbs that may boost fertility, promote blood flow and improve overall vitality. Chinese herbs are generally prescribed alongside an acupuncture treatment plan.

Dr Sharlane is here to answer any concerns or questions that you may have in regards to Chinese herbal medicine.

Partner Health

We understand that the majority of the focus is on the person who carries the baby. But we should also remain attentive to the health of the partner involved. A partner’s health is just as important. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can also be a great support for a partner’s health and well-being.

For males , acupuncture has shown to help improve sperm quality and quantity.

It is important to note that we support the LGBTQIA+ community and their fertility journey.

To find out more about Acupuncture for fertility & IVF in Melbourne call us at the clinic on 0403 524 893