Acupuncture for IVF Program
We are dedicated to helping you maximize the results of your IVF treatments. Whether you have just started IVF or your journey has been long, our program is tailored to your needs.
Enhance Your IVF Journey with Integrative Fertility Support
At Seattle Fertility Acupuncture, we offer a specialized Acupuncture for IVF Program to support your body and improve your chances of success throughout your IVF journey. With a holistic approach combining acupuncture, low-level laser therapy, glutathione point injections, Chinese herbal medicine, and essential western supplements, our ABORM-certified providers deliver targeted care to optimize fertility outcomes.
Why Choose Acupuncture for IVF?
Our IVF support program is designed to:
- Increase blood flow to the reproductive organs
- Reduce stress and anxiety, fostering a more receptive environment for conception
- Enhance the body’s response to IVF medications
- Improve uterine lining quality and embryo receptivity
- Support overall health for the physical demands of IVF
- increasing implantation rates after IUI and with an IVF embryo transfer
- increasing rate of pregnancy
- improving egg quality & increasing ovarian responsiveness
- nourishing the uterine lining and normalizing reproductive hormones
- improving blood flow to the ovaries & uterus
- improving sperm count, morphology, & motility
- prevent miscarriage, early pregnancy loss, and lower ectopic pregnancy rates
- decrease side effects of medication (such as fatigue, hotflashes, abdominal cramping)
Comprehensive IVF Support
Our program offers a unique combination of Eastern and Western fertility practices:
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Acupuncture for IVF Success
Using acupuncture protocols tailored to IVF cycles, our team carefully times sessions to align with key stages of your treatment, from ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer. Acupuncture is known to:
- Promote blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
- Reduce inflammation and improve immune response
- Decrease stress levels and regulate hormones
By helping to create an optimal environment for conception, acupuncture may help improve overall IVF success rates.
Low-level laser therapy, or photobiomodulation, is a painless and non-invasive treatment that can support fertility by:
- Enhancing cellular energy and tissue repair
- Boosting blood circulation to the pelvic region
- Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
Studies show that LLLT may improve egg quality and support embryo implantation, especially for those undergoing IVF.
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Glutathione Acupuncture Point Injections
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that combats oxidative stress, which is crucial for maintaining egg and embryo quality. We offer glutathione injections at acupuncture points to:
- Support detoxification pathways and cellular health
- Improve mitochondrial function for healthier eggs
- Enhance the body’s resilience to oxidative stress
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Western Medical Supplements
Our fertility team may recommend high-quality Western supplements based on your specific needs and IVF goals. Popular supplements include:
- CoQ10 and DHEA: Support mitochondrial health and egg quality
- Vitamin D and Omega-3s: Vital for hormone balance and immune support
- Prenatal Vitamins with Methylfolate: Prepare the body for pregnancy and support fetal development
We prioritize supplements that are science-backed and tailored to your treatment plan.
5. Naturopathic Support for IVF Success
Our naturopathic doctors play a vital role in your IVF journey with individualized care. They work closely with you to address underlying health issues, optimize nutrition, and tailor wellness plans that enhance your IVF outcomes. From balancing hormones to managing stress, our naturopaths integrate functional lab testing and personalized dietary and lifestyle recommendations to create an optimal environment for conception. By supporting the entire body, they help maximize your IVF success while promoting overall well-being during this important time.
6. Diet and lifestyle changes
Dietary support is crucial for conceiving and carrying a pregnancy. We will support you with recommendations tailored to your individual needs, East Asian pattern, and science backed research. Our Elemental Detox and Glow Roots and Bloom product line have been designed for fertility support. Activity, exercise, sleep and stress will also be addressed.
6. Chinese Herbal Medicine
Our ABORM-certified practitioners carefully select Chinese herbal formulas designed to work alongside your IVF medications. These herbal blends can:
- Balance hormones and improve reproductive function
- Support egg and uterine health
- Address specific issues such as PCOS, endometriosis, or irregular cycles
We customize herbal formulas based on your individual needs, always ensuring they are safe and compatible with IVF medications.
When should I start acupuncture for IVF?
Begin your acupuncture and herbal program three months before the IVF cycle begins. This becomes especially important if there has been a previous failed IUI/ IVF cycle. If this is not possible, begin treatment as soon as possible in your IVF c
ycle. We work closely with your fertility clinic to support their protocols. In addition, we are very familiar with the process and how to use acupuncture to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy and child.
Once you IVF cycle begins, we use proven protocols during each phase and maximize your success. Your treatments are based on your age, history, and reaction to your IVF protocols.
How often should I get Acupuncture during IVF?
Ideally you will have treatments 1-3 times a week per cycle. We recommend you start acupuncture weekly 3 months prior to the procedure. Once the cycle begins we increase to treatments 2-3 times a week. We highly advise a treatment within 4 hours of the transfer.
How will acupuncture help with my uterine Lining and Egg Quality?
Whether acupuncture is started three months prior to the beginning of an IVF cycle or one week prior to transfer, the focus on the treatments will be to improve the egg quality and increase blood flow to the uterus promoting the formation of a healthy uterine lining. Without a high quality egg it is impossible to have a high quality, viable embryo. Less blood flow to the uterus is associated with high failure rates of IVF cycles. We often incorporate Low Level Laser Therapy and Vitamin Injections for poor egg quality, low reserve as well as lining issues.
Is acupuncture on the Day of Embryo Transfer necessary?
Study show increased success of a transfer when it is combined with acupuncture. It is important to get treatement as soon as possible after the procedure. Acupuncture at this time assists in implantation of the embryo in the uterus.
A recent study using whole systems TCM where diet, supplement and lifestyle changes were added shows positive results. There was a significant increase in live birth rates in those patients using acupuncture in addtion to assisted IVF.
In 2001, a study led by Wolfgang Paulus was published in Fertility and Sterility. It showed that acupuncture increased the clinical pregnancy rates of IVF. The results showed that 42.5% of the patients who received acupuncture became pregnant versus 26.5% who did not.
Should I get Acupuncture after my embryo transfer?
Conception is just the first step toward the birth of a healthy child. After the transfer of the embryo we focus on helping the embryo impant and grow. Complications during pregnancy can be higher as a result of using assisted reproductive technology. We recommend acupuncture 1-2 times per week post transfer through the first trimester. At this time, we focus on assisting implantation and preventing miscarriage. We also work on moderating immunological factors, increasing energy, and preventing pregnancy complications.
What role does stress play in my fertility?
Assisted reproduction cycles are very stressful. Acupuncture reduces stress and anxiety and its effects on the body. Lower stress levels are almost a side effect of treatment! It also decreases side effects from Western fertility medications used in an IVF cycle.
Does Fertility Acupuncture Work For Men Too?
Yes! We recommend the donor or male partner receive acupuncture weekly for 3 months prior to giving a sample if there are any fertility issues with count, motility, or morphology. If that is not possible, starting anytime is stil la good idea. It is especially important the day before or day of transfer for instance.
Do you support LGBTQ+ family building? 
Yes! Families are made in lots of ways. For the LGBTQ+ community assisted reproductive support is often necessary. This can include IUI, IVF or ICS (Intra-cervical Insemination,) which can be done at home. We can support you are whatever stage of the journey you are.
Do you offer support for egg freezing?
Also yes! Our comprehensive IVF program helps you to maximize the results of your egg freezing. Treatments should be started three months before the projected retrieval but are supportive at any stage in the process including just before retrieval.
Begin Your IVF Journey with Us
Our team at Seattle Fertility Acupuncture is here to support you with compassionate, integrative care throughout your IVF process. We work alongside your reproductive endocrinologist to create a seamless, supportive environment for you and your fertility goals.
Book Your Consultation Today
Discover how our Acupuncture for IVF Program can support you. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about our holistic approach to enhancing IVF success.
