Céline Dion has recently announced that she is pregnant with twins. She also revealed that she combined acupuncture with IVF (in-vitro fertilization). She is one of the many women who turn themselves to this ancient healing art to optimize the success rate of IVF.
What is Success Rate of IVF Only?
Overall success rates for IVF procedures are around 28% in women under 30 years old, about 8% for women age 39, and only 3% for women age 44.
Miscarriage rates are significantly higher for pregnancies in which hormonal stimulation has been used.
German Study
In a study reported by Christian-Lauritzen Institute in Germany, researchers tested the effects of acupuncture on women undergoing IVF.
According to this study, clinical pregnancies were documented in 34 of 80 patients (42.5%) in the acupuncture group, whereas the pregnancy rate was only 26.3% (21 out of 80 patients) in the control group (Fertil Steril. 2002 Oct: 78(4):891). This is 62% more success rate for the group who received acupuncture treatments.
British Study
The British Medical Journal reports that numerous additional scientific studies subsequently confirmed that IVF, when used simultaneously with acupuncture, could increase the success rate by 65 percent. It also notes that the acupuncture treatment is safe and cost effective procedure, compared with IVF of which average cost is $12,400. (BMJ, doi: 10.1136/bmj.39471.430451.BE, February 2008)
How Acupuncture can Help You During IVF?
During acupuncture session, needles are administered to key points in the body to improve the flow of energy and the balance of certain body chemicals. Acupuncture also has been shown to increase optimism and reduce stress and anxiety during IVF procedure.
Timing of Acupuncture with IVF
The best time to receive the acupuncture is within a few hours before or after the IVF procedure. One example is that a client of mine received an acupuncture session just after the IVF. It was a chilly October morning. She later told me that after the acupuncture she felt pleasantly warm and relaxed all day long. To my delight, a several weeks later, she informed me that she was successfully conceived. Now she is a proud mother of a beautiful baby boy.
A Suggestion
It is recommended that women start their acupuncture treatments three months before their planned Assisted Reproduction Therapy such as IVF. This way the women will be ready physically and mentally.
Ideally, it is better that a husband or partner receives acupuncture, too. Normally, the couple going under IVF feel very stressed out. Stress is a big culprit to the couple’s reproductive health. Acupuncture helps the couple relax during the procedure.
I would like to add that for your well-being and your relationship with your doctor, you might want to let your medical team know that you are getting acupuncture sessions. I think they have every right to know what you are doing.
If you would like to schedule an acupuncture consultation, please contact masako@mypathtowellness.com or (512) 585-3268.
Great Blog. Hope to read some more.