IVF Support Programme

This programme is for patients who would like to use acupuncture to support themselves and their bodies through an IVF procedure.

Session 1 - Initial Treatment

In this session, a personalised consultation is followed by a treatment. This treatment is done after the monitoring scan which can occur between days 8-10. This scan assesses follicle growth and endometrial thickness and the results of this scan will be taken into consideration during the acupuncture treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) advocates using acupuncture at this point in the IVF treatment to support the 'Qi' (energy) of the body in order to optimise the follicle growth and/or endometrial thickness as well as relax the patient so that the egg collection is as easy as possible.

Session 2 - Post Egg Collection

This treatment will take place just after egg collection. This treatment will aim to aid post-operative recuperation and reduce internal swelling and abdominal bloating. TCM theory states that at this point the Qi of the body is devoted to repairing itself. We aim to aid this healing process in order that there is more Qi available to implant the embryo when the time comes.

Session 3 - Post Embryo Transfer

This treatment occurs after transfer of the embryo back into the uterus. This session is designed primarily to relax the patient and from a TCM point of view, encourage the embryo to secure itself inside the body by using acupuncture points which ensure that the Qi of the body flows in an upward direction. The points used in this treatment also lift the spirits of the patient.

Session 4 - Implantation Treatment

The final treatment is done 4 - 7 days after transfer, around the time that an embryo would naturally implant in the uterus. Our treatment encourages the uterus to perfuse with blood and therefore be as thick as possible, and enhances the 'Yang' energy of the body which, when strong, supports implantation and subsequent pregnancy. At this point, some patients are beginning to feel nervous and excited about the outcome of the procedure so this time is also used to relax and support the patient emotionally.

Pregnancy

Additional acupuncture treatments to support pregnancy and tackle symptoms such as morning sickness, fatigue or anxiety are also available.