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IVF Support

Preparation for an IVF cycle

In general terms we like to see patients for three months prior to their IVF cycle as this is a full egg development cycle. However, if this is not possible, we still see good results with treatment while you are in the cycle, and we will often increase frequency of visits. Depending on your history and presentations, treatment frequency can vary. We often recommend between 1-3 month in preparation for an upcoming IVF cycle.  This becomes especially important if there has been a previous unsuccessful IVF cycle. 

During an IVF cycle

We provide a variety of treatments built off of evidence-based protocols and individualized treatments to assist your Western reproductive medicine treatments. We determine the best protocol based on your history and how well you are responding through the cycle and tailor this this treatment specifically for you

Stress is often a large factor leading to a decrease in success.  Acupuncture is very beneficial to reduce stress and anxiety and its effects on the body as well as decrease side effects from Western fertility medications used through an IVF cycle.

IUI Support

An IUI stands for intrauterine insemination.  This is a technique where washed sperm is placed directly into the uterus to increase the number of sperm that make it to the fallopian tubes. 

An IUI can be performed during an natural cycle, or in conjunction with fertility medications that aim to induce ovulation or simulate an increase in the production of ovulating follicles.  During a normal menstrual cycle only one follicle releases and egg.  By releasing more than one mature egg there can be a greater chance of fertilization and conception.

During an IUI an ultrasound is often performed around day 12 of the menstrual cycle (which varies depending on you particular response) and is at time combined with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to simulate ovulation and the release of eggs within 24-36 hours.  


Many fertility clinics often recommend IUI's in cases of:

  • mild fertility problems

  • unexplained fertility

  • cervical factor infertility

  • male factor infertility (such as count, motility, or morphology)

  • sexual dysfunction

  • donor sperm


Chinese medicine can greatly enhance IUI by:

  • enhancing egg and follicle health and by regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian-axis.  Fertility medication work very well to stimulate an increase in the number of follicle, but do not always address the health of the eggs that are released. (by optimizing the environment that eggs grow and mature acupuncture and Chinese medicine can improve follicle count and quality, which leads to higher conception and successful pregnancy rates)

  • Increasing the blood flow to the uterus and ovaries which can improve implantation rates. 

  • Decreasing the side effects of fertility medications. 

  • regulating the sympathetic nervous system and decrease stress levels which can plan a large role in successful pregnancy outcomes

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