Infertility and IVF Treatment near Preston and Blackpool

Many patients come for acupuncture treatment at Elder Cottage Clinic (Warton, near Preston) whilst undertaking IVF treatments. This is becoming an increasingly popular choice for both women and men. The treatments are designed to aid relaxation as well as improve blood flow.

Research suggests that success rates of IVF can be considerably enhanced with acupuncture:

“When there were more than 3 acupuncture treatments during a cycle, acupuncture improved clinical pregnancy rates by 50%–60%. The effects of more sessions have also been observed in women who choose acupuncture to supplement their IVF treatments. Nine to 12 sessions were associated with significant increases in the odds of live births in observational studies. These sessions were administered prior to embryo transfer and included day of embryo transfer acupuncture.^”

“The effect of acupuncture therapy during IVF cycles is also relative to the timing of sessions and protocols used. There was a 17% increase in clinical pregnancy rates when acupuncture was provided solely or before embryo transfer.”

“..when women had cycles that had previously failed, acupuncture, when added to IVF, increased the likelihood of clinical pregnancy rates by 60% and of live births by 42%.^”

It is widely acknowledged that the use of acupuncture alongside lifestyle advice in preparation for the IVF cycle improves the chances of success. The reasons for this could be an increased state of relaxation and reduced anxiety; the couple feel supported by someone outside of the IVF clinic; improved biological processes such as increased blood flow to the uterus.

It is recommended that you try to start treatments around 3-6 months before your first cycle of IVF, however this isn’t possible for everyone. Please contact me to discuss your individual situation and needs.