Trying to grow your family can be really stressful. A study published in Human Reproduction in 2013 showed that perceived stress and anxiety levels were high among all women undergoing in vitro Fertilization (IVF) . The good news is that there is a whole lot that you can do to reduce that stress!
Some different options and techniques include: CBT (a type of talk therapy), emotional support groups and even acupuncture.
There is extensive research showing that that acupuncture can help reduce stress and release feel good endorphins, regulate your menstrual cycle and improve blood flow to the ovaries, uterus and endometrial lining.
There are 5 main benefits of acupuncture for improving IVF outcomes, which include:
Reducing stress – This is one of the most important reasons for receiving acupuncture and is a specialty of Hanson Complete Wellness during your IVF treatment. Through our unique technique, relaxing environment and friendly staff, we can ensure your IVF journey is as stress free as possible.
Reducing uterine inflammation – This encourages the uterus to hold the embryo and prevent detachment from uterine wall.
Increasing blood flow – Beneficial for improving endometrial growth and the supply of nutrients to your developing baby, ensuring healthy development.
Improving ovarian function – Important for the development of good quality eggs.
Decreasing uterus contractions – Important after embryo transfer to improve embryo attachment to the uterine wall.
Ideally, you should begin acupuncture as soon as possible which will help to reduce your stress, develop a good endometrial lining and to promote an increase in blood flow. The good news is acupuncture can be helpful at any stage of your IVF process.
It’s important to understand that depending on an individuals diagnosis and what they are doing (example – trying to conceive naturally or with IVF medications) the frequency of receiving acupuncture will change. On average you can expect to come one to two times a week in the weeks leading up to your transfer. You can not have too much acupuncture but you can have too little! Just like any other type of medicine, there is what we call a “therapeutic dose”. Your acupuncture doctor will go over your individual treatment plan based on what you need!