Acupuncture on transfer day

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Acupuncture on transfer day is the least important treatment given by practitioners of Chinese medicine. I am not saying it is unimportant. I am suggesting it is the least important of all the treatments we offer to couples preparing and going through an IVF. Here are the three areas of treatment acupuncturist offer and their level of importance.

Most important

The most important treatments we offer is during the preconception period, which is about 3-6 months before conception or starting the IVF drugs. This the time we can positively impact the environment in which the follicles (eggs) develop during the recruitment phase. The objective is that they will become better quality whether fro natural conception or IVF. This is also applies to the man in improving the overall health of the sperm.

Second

I also see creating a receptive uterine environment a key in conception and having a live birth. Again, the preconception phase is very beneficial for improving uterine receptivity. The next best is regular acupuncture (2-3 times per week) for the 4 to 8 weeks before egg retrieval. Science has demonstrated that as a woman ages the circulation (blood flow) to the reproductive organs declines. Since the blood is a messenger that carries with it oxygen, nutrients and sex hormones, you can appreciate why a lack of blood flow to the ovaries can result in poor quality eggs and sperm. So improving the circulation can benefit the environment in which both the eggs and sperm mature and develop. Acupuncture has demonstrated it can increase blood flow to the reproductive organs and probably why many suggest that acupuncture canteen back the reproductive clock.

Least important but still important

Current research and meta analysis support acupuncture on transfer day can improve the pregnancy and live birth rate of IVF.  If coming for this treatment causes you severe stress or a very long drive then you may want to skip this treatment. If the acupuncture is on site or their clinic is close by then you may want to have this treatment. If you have done the preconception care and the blood flow treatment leading up to retrieval then do not worry if you miss this transfer day treatment.   And if you can have  acupuncture on this day then it is reasonable to use it to increase your chances of success.  Most feel relaxed and blissful afterwards so stress relef is another good reason to have the treatment on transfer day. If it is too stressful to get to it then let it go. Many couples have had IVF success without acupuncture.