Improve IVF Success Rates with acupuncture

ART (Assisted Reproduction Technology-IUI, IVF, ICSI, FET etc) has advanced at extraordinary speed in the last two decades and offers many infertile couples their only chance for achieving a family. Due to the relatively low success rate of IVF per cycle, as well as high emotional and financial costs associated with IVF, many patients have turned to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to enhance the success of IVF treatment. Among CAMs acupuncture is a frequently used, safe, low cost adjuvant treatment.

Research There have been several studies investigating the use of acupuncture to improve the outcome of IVF. In May 2006, the journal Fertility and Sterility published two studies showing significantly increased pregnancy rates for women receiving acupuncture treatments in conjunction with the embryo transfer stage of in vitro fertilization.

A reviewing study by Manheimer et al (BMJ, 2008), in which seven trials with 1366 women undergoing in vitro fertilisation were included in the meta-analyse, concluded that evidence suggests that acupuncture given with embryo transfer improves rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing IVF.                                         

There is growing evidence that acupuncture can greatly increase a woman's chance of becoming pregnant - Guardian Newspaper

The potential mechanisms for its effects on fertility might be:

Mediating the release of neurotransmitters, which may in turn stimulate secretion of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), thereby influencing the menstrual cycle ovulation, and fertility; Stimulate blood flow to the uterus by inhibiting uterine central sympathetic nerve activity; Stimulate the production of endogenous opioids, which may inhibit the central nervous system and the biological stress response.

For successful implantation we need a good quality of gamete, as well as receptive and nourishing endomentrium. By improving the quality of eggs and sperm, improving the reproductive system’s (ovaries and uterus) blood flow and balancing hormone levels, counteracting the stress that often accompanies infertility acupuncture gives you the best chance of achieving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

It also has been demonstrated that acupuncture reduces uterine contractility, so relaxing the uterus to set up a better environment for implantation.

When should I start treatment?

Clinical reality means that we should look at combining what Western and Chinese medicine can offer either in preparing women for IVF cycles, or helping when recovering from IVF cycles. Protocols for IVF are complex, involving multiple phases with specific physiological aims. Correspondingly, acupuncture treatments before, during, and after IVF need to be carefully considered in relation to the biomedical aspects that are being manipulated.

When to start to support IVF depends on lots of factors. Your age; ovarian reserve(your FSH, AMH/AFC); pervious ivf history(poor response, or over stimulation); any gynaecology disorders (endometriosis,fibroid etc), any abnormal immunollogy( high NK cells etc), poor uterine blood flow, implantation failure etc. Treatment plan will be discussed in details on your initial appointment.

Success Stories of Assisted Fertility treatments-IUI/IVF/ICSI/FET/Donor

(Patients age in stories is at the time when they conceived)

S, 42, high FSH, low AMH, first IVF, twins

S had been coming to see me for a year before she started IVF. When she first came, her FSH 16.9, AMH 3.8,  progesterone 1. She went to Bath fertility and was planning to pay for 3 rounds but the consutant wasn't optimistic based on her age and her low ovarian reserve, said just do one to see how it goes. SHe responded well; 8 follicles on left ovary and 2 on right. Unofrtuantely on the egg collection day the doctor on duty struggled to get to left ovary! They only retrived 3 eggs. They were told to ttc that day as well. S had two day2 embryos tranferred, one was 4 cells and the other 5 cells. TWINS! S carried on having acupuncture throughtout pregnancy with few symptoms. She had elective C-section at 37 weeks plus 2 and gave birth to a  boy 2.5kg, a girl 2kg during the first wave of pandemic! " I didn't know I could feel so happy. Thank you so much for these miracle babies!" The twins are two years old now. We still don't know whether they are ivf babies or not but it doesn't matter! "They are full of life, joyous and funny little wonders-I will be forever grateful to you for you help bringing them into the world"

E, 43, post menopausal, frist IVF with double donor, triplets

E first came to see me when she was just starting a premature menopause at 42. She was stressed, not sleeping at all. She only had two periods in the past year. Her FSH then was 36.8. With acupuncture and some herbs and supplements her periods got more regular. She stopped coming when her relationship broke down. She returned a year later when she was embarking IVF treatment with donor egg and sperm in Cyprus. Her periods completely stopped by then. I prescribed some herbs as well as acupuncture to prepare her body. TRIPLETS! A consultant in Bristol wasn't optimistic about the multiple pregnancyand advised reduction but she refused. Three healthy babies were born during the frist wave of pandemic and doing well. I went to meet the three cute babies and impressed how organised and efficient E was!

C, 35, unexplained infertility, first IVF, twins

C had been trying to conceive for 2 years and had acupuncture before. Her AMH was 2.7. She took some herbs as well as acupuncture to give a best try for natural conception. Five months later her IVF appointment on NHS came through and it worked straightaway! After the positive test she experienced some awful cramping, slight spotting and lower back ache, which frightened her as her mother had a miscarriage at 16 weeks and a stillbirth at 24 weeks. She was happy to take herbs to safeguard the pregnancy. 7 weeks scan showed it was twins! She continued with small dose of herbs till 20 weeks and acupuncture till 32 weeks when she wasn't able to drive anymore. Considering it was twin pregnancy and being on her feet all day as a teacher, she had coped very well. She developed some pelvic girdle pain around 20 weeks which was relieved by acupuncture. When she went to the hospital at 37 weeks to be induced they found a blood clot in her leg, which I think it could have been avoided had she continued with acupuncture. The most beautiful and healthy twin girls were born by c section, weighed 6lb9oz and 6lb4oz. When she brought the girls to see me I was very touched. "You have given me something I have wished for the whole of my life.. Thank you.

 A, 37, first IVF, twins

A first came to me during her second IUI treatment. She was stressed with fertility, studying for her masters and work. Her pompholyx eczema flared up bably on her hands. Her eczema improved on herbs but there was still no pregnancy after A completed her 3 IUI cycles. I really hoped her only change of IVF on nhs would work. It did and it was twins! A is still coming for some acupuncture now and then to maintain her well being and I see her boys from time to time.

"I had treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbs which resulted in a successful first IVF cycle - I have just given birth to twin boys. I had an extremely healthy pregnancy and very healthy birth weights for my babies. My overall health has also improved as a result - I have always suffered from eczema which has now drastically improved. Ying supported my body through my fertility journey and was an extremely positive presence. Thank you!"

M, 35, PCOS, first Clomid cycle, twins

M had been ttc for two years before she came to see me. She had underactive thyroid and history of anaemia. Her cycle wasirregular ranging from 35-70 days. She was having acupuncture and taking herbs for a few months before she started her first Clomifene cycle combined with Metformin. It worked the first time and it was twins! M had a very healthy pregnancy. A healthy baby girl 4lb7oz and baby boy 5lb1oz were born by C section at around 37 weeks. She looked well when I saw her two weeks after the birth for a session to speed recovery from c section. Her twins are two years old now whom I meet from time to time.

J, 37, unexplained infertility, first IVF

J had tried acupuncture for her fertility before. When she came to me she was about to start her first IVF cycle. 23 eggs were collected, 14 were fertilised, and all of them went into blastocysts.  One was transferred, another 7 top blastocysts were frozen. This was an extremly good result and was my record for 5 years until it was broken by a lady who had 15 frozen blastocysts! Baby girl arrived 5 days after the due date, weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce. Very swift labour.

C, 37, IVF after 2 failed ones ten years ago

C had two IVFs on the NHS ten years ago but both failed. She conceived naturally once but miscarried before 12 weeks. With the help of acupuncture C had much better responce this time -8 eggs were collected, 7 fertilised and 4 frozen, compared with 6 and 4 eggs in previous cycles ten years ago. 7 weeks scan showed twin pregnancy but one was 3mm smaller. 10 weeks scan showed one had been lost after the implantation. C continued with acupuncture and she had a very health pregnancy. She gave birth to a baby girl at 41 weeks. "she weighs 7lb6oz and as cute as a button. Feeding and sleeping well. Thank you for helping us on this journey and playing a part in her safe arrival". "Couldn't have done it without you. Thank you. We are so happy... I truly believe acupuncutre has made it possible".

J, 38, FET

J's first fresh ICSI cycle and frozen cycle had both failed. Her case was complicated by her hypertension which developed during her first ICSI cycle, which was due to her kidney damage from 10 years on Mesalazine for her Ulcerative Colitis. Her blood pressure went out of control during the first frozen cycle and the cycle had to be abandoned. When she came to me three months before her second frozen cycle, she was on Labetalol 100mg twice a day and Methyldopa 250mg three times a day for her hypertension. Imuran 100mg for her Ulcerative Colitis.

Two months after acupuncture her blood test showed kidney function was back to normal and ultrasound scan showed improvement on her kidneys. Positive test on day6 post FET. Blood pressure stayed normal during the treatment. She completely came off her BP medication during her pregnancy and was only on 50 mg Imuran. It was a pity that she didn't continue with her acupuncture in her third trimester and her UC flared up hence back on Prednisolone. And then her BP went up. J had to be induced at 36 weeks. A healthy baby girl was born. 

N, 31, ovarian cancer, first IVF

N had a right salpingo-oophorectomy and left partial oophorectomy with a third of ovary left. Her FSH was 10.6, AMH 6.6, ultrasound showed 3 antral follicles on the left ovary. Her first IVF worked straightaway. 7 eggs were collected. All of them were fertilised. 5 went into blastocysts and all were Grade 5. One was transferred and 3 blastocysts were frozen. Extremely good result. 7.5 week scan saw one strong heart beat. Baby girl was born at full term.

G, 40, IVF, endometriosis

G had Lupus like condition with positive anti phospholipid antibody. Antral follicle count suggested a reduced ovarian reserve. First IVF ended in miscarriage at 5 weeks. She came to me during her second IVF cycle on day 9 into the stimulation. She was getting worried as her day 8 scan showed four small follicles. Size of all follicles almost doubled on Day 13 scan. 4 eggs were collected and 3 embryos were transferred. Positive test. She was on Clexane 20mg twice a day. She had some spotting on and off. Week 7 scan showed 2 babies! She had more spotting and the 12 week scan showed one had ben lost. It was a pity that G stopped her acupuncture from the second trimester. Baby girl was born (induced) at 37.5 weeks due to the slow growth, weighed 2.39kg. Acupuncture would have been very beneficial to maintain a health pregnancy especially for older women and endometriosis.

S, 40, 3rd IVF

S had two failed IVFs ten years ago with previous partner. She had laparoscopy to remove some endometriosis then. She came to me inspired by the book “The infertility Cure”, written by Dr Randine Lewis, who cured her own infertility with Chinese medicine and then studied and now practicing Chinese medicine. She took herbs religiously and attended acupuncture once to twice per month. After six months they moved onto IVF due to her partner’s wish. It worked straightaway. S continued with acupuncture till 12 weeks. She messaged to say a healthy baby boy was born by emergency c section, 7lb7oz, both were well. 3 years later a friend of hers came to me and told me that S had another baby boy throught natural conception soon after the first!

V, 32, ICSI, severe low sperm density, natural conception

V's periods returned 6 months after she came off contraceptive pill after over ten years but only with scanty dark flow. V's periods became much improved with acupuncture. Her first ICSI didn't work due to over stimulation. She was on a different protocol for her second ICSI which worked. She gave birth to a little boy, weighed 5lb 2oz. "Dear Ying, Thank you for all your help & support over the past few years. We finally have our beautiful baby boy Fergus & we couldn’t be happier." 18 months later, she wrote to me to tell me that her son was doing well and they were expecting another baby soon. It was through natural conception, which was an absolute miracle based on her partner's severe sperm dysfunction(sperm density less than 1 million/ml). She came back to me at week33 as 32 week scan showed baby's growth was below average. After one seesion of acupuncture, 37 week scan showed all normal. She delivered a baby girl through a natural birth at 39 weeks, weight 61b12oz. This case is very encouraging for whose infertility is caused by male factor.

J, 40, IVF

J had 8 years subfertility, age related ovarian decline (AMH 5), BMI 37.1. She hadn't been working since a serious car injury. She came to me after her first failed IVF cycle. Considering her age and the fact that she started her second IVF only 6 weeks after her first one, the end positive result was a bit of a surprise. Her second IVF started in May 2013. 17 eggs were collected, 8 were fertilised. Baby boy Robert was born from planned C-section at 39.5 weeks in February 2014, weighed 11 pounds 4 ounces.

D, 40, IVF 

In 2008 I helped her with conceiving her second child, which didn't take long (the first month). She came back in September 2010 trying for the third. AMH then was 3.12. This time it had turned out to be a hard one. She tried Clomid, two failed IUI cycles. But she was determined so was I. In October 2012 she finally conceived through the first cycle of IVF. I didn't see her through her pregnancy due to distance. She developed Placenta previa at 34 weeks and admitted to hospital as it turned out to be a major previa so there was a high risk of sudden haemorrhage in the last 6 weeks. She was fortunate not to have a single problem. A most cute baby boy William was born by elective c-section in July 2013, weighing 6lb 4oz. "The section itself couldn't have been more straightforward either despite the risk of hysterectomy and bowel/bladder repair with this condition. I've been lucky on so many levels! Huge Thank You and congratulations to you for all your perseverance."

6 months later I heard from her to say "William is the most adorable baby we have met. He is so happy and content, sleeps though, smiles, chats and giggles at everyone and hardly cries, being easily placated when he does."

F, 28, Polycystic ovaries, male factor and ICSI

When F went for a scan 3 months after having acupuncture and herbs, they couldn't see any cysts on her ovaries anymore. She had 21 eggs collected, 18 injected, 12 fertilised, 1 put back in and 2 frozen. She had uneventful pregnancy and gave birth to health big girl exactly at 40 weeks! "weighing 8lb12oz. It was more painful than i expected but I coped better than I thought I would."

L, 55, IVF with donor egg

 J reached her menopause at 50 when she got married. Luckily her second IVF with donor egg(New York) had worked. It wasn't an easy pregnancy but she was incredibly positive. A health baby girl Grace was born through planned c-section, weighed 5lb6oz. Breast feeding was going well. "Have never felt joy and happiness like this in my life. We are in bubble of euphoria and I do feel like my world is complete."