Currently Trying To Conceive? Give pre-conception care 3-4 months minimum
Many patients are privy to the fact that adding acupuncture can help increase IVF (in-vitro fertilization) successful pregnancy rates. This study and meta-analysis estimates that receiving acupuncture boosts clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates from 33-38%!
However, as a fertility acupuncturist who has worked with lots of different women, i’ve learned that people may not always know that for big changes to occur- we need to work with you for a minimum of 3-4 months.
WHAT? 3-4 months? why is this?
The eggs that will be released by your ovaries for the next 3 menstrual cycles are already pre-chosen and become antral follicles. An egg typically takes 3-4 months to fully develop. During this time, the egg health is influenced by the mother’s overall health. A huge part of increasing fertility is increasing egg quality. SO- we need a minimum of 3-4 cycles to start making significant changes to your egg quality in order to boost fertility and correct longterm imbalances. However, this is just the minimum amount of time needed- some women with chronic hormone issues will likely need more time. Sure- there are some stories of people getting pregnant after 1-3 acupuncture sessions, but this isn’t the norm, it’s the exception. The truth will always be that good things take time and consistency is the key! Remember, acupuncture is amazing! But it’s NOT magic.
Why didn’t my IVF doctor or Reproductive endocrinologist talk to me about egg quality?
Many women are frustrated to learn this and that their doctors or reproductive endocrinologists said nothing about what they can do to increase egg quality and how women’s physiology works. This where working with a holistic fertility specialist and a fertility acupuncturist can really help! You will be guided through helpful changes you can make with diet, lifestyle, supplements and herbs, etc. before starting the process of trying to conceive in order to boost your fertility (and overall health).
Acupuncture and Egg Quality
Acupuncture helps increase egg quality by increasing blood flow and delivering more nutrients to developing follicles, decreasing inflammation, and regulating our nervous system so we can have decreased levels of stress during a sometimes otherwise physically and emotionally demanding process with IVF and other ART (assisted reproductive technology). Many patients are really excited about adding acupuncture to their fertility care as it helps them de-stress, gives them time for themselves to just breathe and un-plug, and often gives them that post-acupuncture euphoria or zen feeling.
What if I don’t have 3-4 months and I want to start
I am still able to work with patients who have already started the IVF process, etc. However, our expectations need to match our efforts. While we can do little effect egg quality in less than 3-4 months, we can help increase blood flow, and help to lower your stress and cortisol levels throughout the IVF process.
Menstrual Cycle Health and Time-setting Expectations
Those with regular menstrual cycles (28-32 days), no pain, no inflammation, no breast tenderness, only a minor dip in energy levels will typically need less time to prepare than women who have had an irregular or short cycle (less than 27 days), pain, inflammation, gut issues, etc. for quite some time.
If you are local to Longmont and currently trying to conceive, looking for preconception care, or want to schedule a Telehealth session from afar in order to discuss fertility care or acupuncture submit a contact form through my website to request an appointment! I look forward to working with you.
Sources:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00404-023-07142-1
