Acupuncture and IVF
in Richmond, VA
Over 7 million Americans are unable to conceive or cary a baby to term. IVF or in vitro fertilization has been used more and more often every year as a method for couples to start or grow their families. According to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology 61,000 babies were conceived via IVF in 2012. IVF procedures can cost upwards of $13,000 per cycle not to mention mental and emotional energy and time spent on each cycle.
Considering how much one invests into IVF many couples seek out complimentary means to improve their chances of conceiving. Acupuncture has shown to improve fertility rates by improving blood flow to the reproductive organs, especially the uterus aiding in thickening of the uterine lining and health of the uterus. According to WebMD acupuncture improves hormone levels, reduces stress, stimulates egg production, regulates ovulation, decreases chances of miscarriage and improves sleep.
Acupuncture is a wholistic and individualized medicine and treatment varies from person to person. At your initial visit a protocol for frequency of visits can be estimated from an evaluation of your medical history, cause of infertility, Chinese diagnosis and facial diagnosis. A suggested course of treatment for those not ovulating on a regular basis looking to optimize fertility consists of two to three months of weekly acupuncture to prepare for IVF. An acupuncture treatment before retrieval, then before the IVF procedure and after the IVF procedure is standard. Some cases may require fewer visits (such as someone who has been having regular acupuncture for health maintenance) also a different frequency of acupuncture treatments may be formed to accommodate financial, travel or time constraints. Male infertility can also be addressed successfully with acupuncture, based on the etiology of the male fertility problem and the individual's state of health a treatment program can be developed.
In a fertility treatment acupuncture points near the ankles, knees, low abdomen and occasionally forehead or wrists are treated based on symptoms, health, Chinese diagnosis and time of menstrual cycle. Acupuncture is comfortable and relaxing, Remee is known for her gentle touch and exceptional needling technique. A Licensed Acupuncturist has thousands of hours of acupuncture training and experience.
Contact us to add acupuncture to enhance your IVF and fertility journey.
Acupuncture is also safe for pregnancy.