1 in 8
It’s estimated today that one in eight couples struggle with fertility. Advanced reproductive techniques (ART) such as IVF and IUI are options that many couples choose to try to conceive. Numerous research studies have shown that acupuncture in conjunction with your upcoming IVF or IUI can improve your chances of a successful cycle, in some studies, by as much as 50%. In my 5 years of specializing in treating fertility acupuncture patients, I have been lucky enough to see hundreds of successful pregnancies from my patients undergoing fertility treatments! I work closely with all of the IVF clinics and Reproductive Endocrinologists in San Antonio.
How Acupuncture Helps
With acupuncture, we work on improving blood and qi circulation to the reproductive organs (therefore increasing the effectiveness of medications). This is important because as we age, fewer and fewer resources are available to the uterus and ovaries, as they are the lowest hanging fruit of the body. Improving circulation helps with both egg and sperm quality when more nutrients are available to them. We also work on reducing stress and anxiety, addressing any side effects you have with the medications, and provide mental and emotional support to patients, as the IVF process can be a stressful process. We also talk about lifestyle and vitamin/supplement recommendations that are used to prepare the body for pregnancy. Melsa has worked with hundreds of patients going through fertility treatments, and she has a lot of knowledge and answers many patient questions about what they’re experiencing.
Amazing!!! I’m so thankful to have been seeing Melsa to help with my infertility & ivf journey. Melsa is wonderful, caring and professional, I am so happy to have found her and recommend her to anyone that needs healing and to help improve their health. I was not 100% sure about acupuncture when I started, but I am a believer after being able to get pregnant while doing acupuncture. I am extremely thankful to Melsa and would keep seeing her for my general health.
IVF Acupuncture Research
The Paulus study in the 2002 Fertility and Sterility Journal was the landmark study demonstrating that acupuncture within 24 hours of IVF transfer boosted clinical pregnancy rates from 26.3% to 42.5% in the control vs. acupuncture groups. Reproductive medicine has come a long way since 2002, but research continues to tout acupuncture as a way to promote a successful pregnancy. View more research on the the benefits of acupuncture in conjunction with IVF.
Optimal acupuncture treatments start 6 to 8 weeks before your ART, especially during the stimulation phase of IVF or medicated IUI. Any acupuncture is good acupuncture so if your retrieval or transfer is soon, don’t hesitate to come in for an appointment!
IVF Acupuncture
Grateful to RMA of Texas and Aspire Fertility for including acupuncture in their treatment recommendations for couples going through IVF.
Melsa is great at what she does but is also a very supportive and kind person. I saw her for fertility help and am now the proud mom of a healthy 5 month old baby boy! Her acupuncture and support through everything was a key part of my physical health and mental well-being!
