In Vitro Fertilization

Everyone has their own reasons for trying In Vitro Fertilization or IVF. When you first decided to have a baby, the chances are you did not think about the need for ultrasounds, blood tests and administering shots every day just to conceive. You have most likely spent the last few years trying all of the other options prior to considering In Vitro Fertilization in Asheville. It is important to understand this process is expensive and will require a great deal of your time. What you may not realize is acupuncture improves fertility. This means you can improve the success of the IVF process with Chinese medicine and acupuncture. 

The Research

There have been a lot of research studies determining acupuncture improves fertility and pregnancy rates. One of the most important studies was conducted in 2002. There were 160 participants using In Vitro Fertilization. The participants receiving acupuncture on the same day the embryo was transferred had an increased pregnancy rate of 42.5 percent as opposed to the 26.3 pregnancy rate for those not receiving this additional procedure. The research has led to numerous In Vitro Fertilization physicians encouraging  acupuncture. Some of these clinics even provide this procedure on-site for the day the embryo is being transferred.

How Acupuncture in Asheville Increases the Chance of Pregnancy

If you are having trouble getting pregnant, acupuncture can assist with:

• Decreasing inflammation

• Regulating your hormone balance

• Soothing anxiety and stress

• Increasing your uterine and ovarian blood flow

• Calming your central nervous system

• Alleviating the side effects of In Vitro Fertilization medications

• Decreasing your cortisol levels

• Supporting robust endometrial lining development

• Fostering mental, physical and emotional well-being

• Benefiting the quality of the egg

• Aiding in the implantation of the embryo

Acupuncture offers support for your reproduction by making certain adequate nourishment is received by your reproductive organs. Both aging and stress can result in a decrease of the blood flowing to your ovaries and uterus. Acupuncture regulates your nervous system to increase your flow of blood. This enables your blood vessels to dilate. This will release blood rich with nutrients to your uterus and ovaries. This may improve your response to fertility medications. When your uterine blood flow is increased, the result is a thick uterine lining. This is ideal for implantation, better eggs, improved response and a good lining.

If you are having trouble getting pregnant using IVF, it could be that your treatments have placed you under a lot of stress. This is one of the reasons so many individuals have stopped their treatments. Acupuncture will help lower your stress. According to research, placing needles in the skin causes the body to release endorphins. These are the natural pain killers in your body. This is the reason you feel so relaxed after having a session. Endorphins calm your mind, slow down your breathing and relax your muscles. Numerous individuals in Asheville going through IVF have stated this helped them relax while being treated.

Improving Your Chances of Conceiving

The main goal of pregnancy acupuncture is to help you have a healthy baby while ensuring your own health. When acupuncture is performed on the same day the embryo is placed in your uterus, your chances of becoming pregnant improve. Receiving an ample amount of sessions is an important factor for your success. Five years of research were compared. This involved women who only had In Vitro Fertilization and women who also chose to have acupuncture. The women who had thirteen to fifteen sessions of the additional procedure as well as In Vitro Fertilization doubled their chances of becoming pregnant and having a child as opposed to the women who had In Vitro alone.

Your Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation, you will be discussing your medical history. This includes your tests and bloodwork, your gynecological history, and the analysis of your partner's sperm. You need to provide a list of all your current medications including In Vitro Fertilization medications, prescription medications and all the supplements you are taking.  You will also be given a “physical examination” that is feeling the pulses in your wrist and observing your tongue to assist in the Chinese medicine diagnosis. 

The practitioners of Chinese medicine base your initial evaluation using the Chinese medicine system. This is how your personal treatment plan is created. Although you are able to begin your treatment anytime you choose, you will receive the best possible outcome by starting right away. The treatment schedule is different for each individual. General guidelines are in place to ensure your treatment is appropriate for your situation.

The Preparation for Egg Retrieval

You should start your weekly treatment at least eight weeks before your egg retrieval. Your sessions should increase to twice a week during your ovarian stimulation, roughly two weeks before your egg retrieval. You should continue your treatments for three to five days during your recovery after your egg retrieval. If you are having a (FET) frozen egg retrieval, you should start your weekly treatments eight weeks before your egg retrieval. You can also have sessions twice per week - four weeks before your frozen egg retrieval. You will still need a minimum of eight sessions. On the day of your egg transfer, you should have your sessions on-site if possible. 

The Recommended schedule for Treatment

If your pregnancy test is positive, the recommendation is continuing your treatments throughout your first trimester. This will provide you with the support you need for your first few vulnerable months. You should have weekly sessions during your first trimester. This will help ensure the blood flow to your uterus is optimal. This is important for fetal and placental development. During this time, numerous women experience fatigue, nausea, anxiety and vomiting. Your sessions can help with all of these symptoms.

During your second trimester, you should have your sessions as you need them. Once you start your second trimester, you have established your pregnancy. You can decrease your sessions provided you are not having any complications with your pregnancy. The recommendation is having one session each month for maintenance provided you are still not experiencing any symptoms and have plenty of energy.

During your third trimester, your treatments should be scheduled once or twice a week once you reach your 32nd week. Acupuncture pregnancy treatments are effective for helping babies in the breech position move into the correct position. Your sessions will also help relieve pain in your pelvis and lower back, decrease carpal tunnel pain, reduce swelling and prepare you for labor.

The importance of Remaining calm with IVF

A lot of individuals become a little overwhelmed by In Vitro Fertilization. It is important to try to remain calm and continue the process. Instead of spending all your time concentrating on your potential pregnancy, take the time to pamper yourself and relax. You can practice yoga, take a warm bath, go for a walk in the park, meditate or watch some of your favorite television series. If you have any questions or concerns, you can ask about them during your sessions. Your fertility treatments can be successful. If the end result is holding a baby in your arms, your journey will have been worth every single step.