Embryo Transfer Acupuncture Timing
Timing of acupuncture appointments for IVF support for our Torquay and Surf Coast patients.
Research can be tricky to get your head around when starting IVF and wondering what supports might be helpful. Acupuncture has been shown to be statistically beneficially to support embryo transfer.
This 2020 randomised control trial found that 2 acupuncture treatments before, and then one following embryo transfer gave significantly higher pregnancy and live birth rates:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30132627/
In clinic what I suggest, is ideally acupuncture fortnightly in the 3 month lead up to transfer. This allows us to balance hormones, and optimize endometrial lining so we have a good environment for implantation. After that, timing around embryo transfer is important. Ideally, we would like to do a pre-transfer and post-transfer session (so 2 acupuncture treatments) as close as possible to transfer. If possible, day of transfer is ideal for both these sessions. Otherwise day before and day after are great, and if that minimizes your stress for transfer day, it’s a preference.
Following this, I always say it’s critical to do another acupuncture session 2-5 days after embryo transfer, to support implantation. Anecdotally, I find this session invaluable and find my patients have much better clinical outcomes if they can follow this guideline.
As always, I am here to discuss any questions with you and please do not hesitate to get in touch!
LET’S CONNECT
Naomi Jankowski is a Chinese Medicine practitioner working in Melbourne, with special interest in the use of Tung acupuncture for pelvic pain management.