Fertility Support For IVF/IUI
Acupuncture for IVF/IUI
For some, the journey to parenthood might involve IUI or IVF and these processes can be physically and emotionally stressful.
I feel extremely privileged to have shared the journey of each of my assisted fertility support patients over the last 13 years. Be it a process you”re embarking on with a partner, solo or with a donor, I empathise and respect how difficult this decision or process can be.
IVF can often feel mechanical, overwhelming and isolating but my IVF support package offers a space for you to disconnect in from the mechanics of your IVF journey and lean into a sense of well-being. After all, fertility is a journey of creativity,
I would be honoured to support your IVF journey with compassion, kindness and knowledge and to help you feel calm and empowered on your road to conception. When we work together with your body and your current IVF cycle, we can maximise your chances of achieving results
Six Strategies To Enhance Your Fertility
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How I work with your IUI/IVF protocol
Below, I have tried to outline the ideal level of treatment required to support the IVF process based on my experience. This IVF support schedule is not set in stone, that’s not how acupuncture works; although a level of commitment is required, there is always room for flexibility to fit your needs and schedule.
1. Stimulation Phase
This can be a stressful time! Your drug regime will aim to stimulate follicle development and thicken your uterine lining. It is not uncommon to suffer symptoms of anxiety, nausea, headaches, bloating and fatigue.
Other than preconception care, this is the most important phase of your treatment plan and it is often recommended that we see each other at least weekly.
3. Egg Collection
Following egg collection, I recommend that you receive treatment to support any local tissue trauma, pain, bloating or bleeding caused by the procedure. This treatment can be on the day before or the day of your transfer, whichever fits your schedule best.
You may have your embryo transfer a few (3-5) days after this or you may be advised to have a frozen embryo transfer (FET) if, for example, you have developed ovarian hyperstimulation.
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3. Embryo Transfer
The next time I would see you would be at embryo transfer, generally the day before. I can be quite flexible and am usually able to fit in with your clinic schedule.
Post transfer can feel like you are in limbo. The weeks before are quite busy, injecting drugs and having scans but once it’s done then the dreaded two week wait can seem to go on for ever. Some patients like to continue treatment during this time, for emotional support as well as physical, but some have had enough dashing around from appointment to appointment and decide to just rest up and wait. It’s up to you.
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Nutrition for Fertility
This ebook is a great place to start
If you’re wondering how you can optimise your nutrition then you can get my little ebook here
Other therapies
As well as acupuncture, other therapies may be integrated into your treatment.
- TDP heat lamp, often used to apply gentle warmth to the abdomen
- Moxibustion, or moxa, involves applying a warming herb to an area or acupuncture point either directly or on a needle
- Electroacupuncture applies electrical stimulation to specifically chosen points
I would be privileged to help you on your journey
Are you thinking of trying acupuncture to assist you?