Acupuncture Services Offered

Recent studies have demonstrated that acupuncture may assist with infertility. We offer onsite acupuncture treatment for embryo transfers to give patients the greatest chance of becoming pregnant. We also offer offsite acupuncture services for treatment prior to an IVF cycle.

Day of Embryo Transfer

We offer pre and post embryo transfer treatments onsite at the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine.

Increased uterine contractions at the time of embryo transfer have been associated with poor implantation outcome. A 2001 German study resulted in a greater pregnancy rate in patients who had a specific acupuncture treatment both immediately prior to and after embryo transfer. In this study, 42.5% of the acupuncture group experienced clinical pregnancy, whereas just 26.3% of the control group (those who did not receive acupuncture), had a positive outcome. The acupuncture treatments relax the uterus, stabilize the endocrine system and calm the patient. These combined effects decrease the chance of uterine contractions and enhance a positive implantation and pregnancy. Fertility and Sterility, Vol.77, No. 4, April 2002

You will be asked to arrive at CCRM 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to your scheduled embryo transfer time. The acupuncture treatments are performed in the same surgical suite that you have your embryo transfer. You will receive 2 treatments, one when you first arrive and one 15 minutes after the embryo transfer. While receiving your treatment, you will be lying down in a relaxed, comfortable environment. Most people find acupuncture relaxing, you may even fall asleep. The acupuncture treatment includes acupuncture points on your arms, legs and abdomen. The treatments last 25 minutes and you will be treated with respect and sensitivity.

Acupuncture for Uterine Blood Flow Pre IVF Cycle

Good blood flow to the uterus ensures a healthy endometrial lining. The Pulsitility Index (PI), or uterine artery blood flow, is measured by a transvaginal Doppler ultrasound. A high PI number indicates diminished blood flow. Studies have suggested that the uterine receptivity is improved when the PI value is between 2.0 and 2.99 on the day of embryo transfer. Other studies have demonstrated that a high PI in the uterine arteries is associated with a decreased pregnancy rate following IVF and embryo transfer.

In a study conducted at the Fertility Centre Scandinavia in Gothenburg, Sweden, researchers sought fo evaluate whether electro acupuncture (EA) can reduce impedance in the uterine arteries. In this study, women received EA eight times, twice a week for 4 weeks. The mean PI was significantly reduced to less than 2.6, both shortly after each of the eight EA treatments and 10-14 days after the completion of the series of treatments.

This study indicated that by utilizing this electro-acupuncture protocol, the chances of fertilization were enhanced. Electro-acupuncture can reduce a high Pulsitility Index, thereby increasing artery blood flow.

Acupuncture Treatment for Infertility and Pre IVF Cycle

In addition to offering offsite acupuncture treatments to patients that are undergoing an IVF cycle, we also treat patients for fertility related disorders whether or not you are using medically assisted  fertilization techniques.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture and herbal therapy, treats the following:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• PMS
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Fibroids
• Certain causes of miscarriage
• Decreased libido
• Poor lining
• Prior IVF Failure
• Low ovarian reserve
• Low sperm count, quality and motility

Our acupuncturists have offices in 4 convenient locations in the Denver metro area. For more information, or to make an appointment with an acupuncturist, see our contact us page.