IVF
I have an interest and experience in helping people conceive in any of the scenarios below. You may be trying for your first baby, having IVF, having donor cycles or may have suffered loss through miscarriage or the loss of a baby. If you have an underlying health condition that is impacting your fertility, acupuncture can gently regulate your cycle, help to re-balance hormones and address the effects of inflammatory conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis. I use kinesiology to test which supplements may help this process.
During the IVF cycle
Your natural hormonal cycle will be suppressed to allow better control during the stimulation phase of the cycle. This is called down regulation and is used in the long protocol. There should be a period during this time.Acupuncture is beneficial at this stage, during both the long and short protocol, to make sure that the endometrial lining is sufficiently eliminated.After your period, you will be given medication to stimulate multiple, mature eggs in the ovaries. Acupuncture can be beneficial during this stage to optimise uterine lining and to help calm any side effects that may occur during this phase. You may feel quite emotional, bloated and have tender breasts. If your uterine lining is developing slowly I recommend additional treatments.HcG will be given 36 hours before egg collection. This injection initiates the final growth of eggs and stimulates Luteinizing Hormone to surge. Acupuncture used at this time helps to mature the eggs.At this point, eggs are retrieved and then fertilised. Your fertilised embryo or embryos will be transferred.
At embryo transfer
Some studies show that acupuncture can increase the possibility of a positive pregnancy test. I do pretransfer acupuncture the evening before the transfer.After the transfer, let me know how things went, and you come in later in the day. Treatment is aimed at keeping you calm and restful, increasing blood flow to the uterus.You have made it this far and now have over a week to wait before your pregnancy test. If you wish to come and have acupuncture, we can keep focusing on promoting rest.
Benefits
Acupuncture is a treatment people often choose to help support them through their IVF cycle.As well as being relaxing, it can help you with the following in preparation:
Regulate hormone levels
Moderate Immune response
Boost embryo and endometrial quality
Optimise the uterine environment
Optimise the uterine environment
I advise a three-month course of acupuncture before embarking on IVF.
"I would recommend Liz as she has helped me with my PCOS and my struggle to get pregnant. I have learned from Liz what is good for my body and slowly giving up the things that are bad. Rome is not built in a day! I am now having a low-risk pregnancy. Liz has a professional approach and genuinely cares about her clients. Liz is gentle when you're being hard on yourself and firm when she knows you maybe going off your path and reminding you why you are here."
Recommended Treatment Packages
Fertility Package
Ideal for those aiming to track and optimise the cycle, calm the mind and those who want to address any circumstances that may have led them to IVF. Optimise egg quality, ovarian function, reduce inflammation or pain, promote good endometrial lining.
Includes:
90 minute consultation and treatment
Plus 5 x 60 minute acupuncture treatments, every other week for three months.
