Acupuncture to promote fertility and acupuncture to support IVF*
Fertility is an area in which acupuncture and Chinese herbs are increasingly popular. Acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization(WHO) to promote fertility treatment. A recent study* shows that Chinese herbs can double the pregnancy rate(within a period of 4 months) in comparison with conventional fertility medications or IVF. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are safe approaches, effective, natural, non-drug to treat infertility.*
Acupuncture could boost fertility - NBC News Channel
How can Acupuncture Enhance Fertility?*
Improves sperm quality
Improves pregnancy rate of natural conception and IVF treatment
Regulate menstrual cycles
Regulate hormones by reducing stress
Reduce miscarriages
Lessen uterine contraction after embryo transfer
Improve blood flow to ovaries and uterus
Improve ovarian function; encourage production of follicles; enhance their quality
Improve thickness of uterine wall lining
Aid relaxation
Lessen side effects of fertility medication
Enhance immune system
Acupuncture and IVF program
In three clinical studies published in Fertility & Sterility, acupuncture may increase the clinical pregnancy rate of 42%, 33% and 56%.*
Acupuncture before IVF
Fertility acupuncture for at least 3-4 months prior to IVF is recommended to prepare the body for the treatment and to ensure that both partners are in their optimum state of health emotionally and physically. Fertility acupuncture can help to improve the quality of both the eggs and the sperm.
Acupuncture during IVF
There are various fertility protocols with different lengths. We recommend weekly acupuncture for the women from the first day of medication through to the embryo transfer.
Acupuncture before Egg Collection
We recommend one fertility acupuncture treatment for the male and female prior to egg collection in order to relieve anxiety.
Where there is male factor infertility, a fertility acupuncture program is recommended for the male to optimize sperm quality, motility and count.
Acupuncture and Embryo Transfer (or Frozen Embryo Transfer)
We recommend one fertility acupuncture before embryo transfer and one acupuncture after embryo transfer to improve pregnancy rate.
Ideally, this is recommended on the same day as close to your embryo transfer appointment.
Acupuncture and Embryo Transfer Research trials show that fertility acupuncture before embryo transfer and after embryo transfer may improve pregnancy rate up to 65%.
Acupuncture and Implantation
We recommend two fertility acupuncture treatments during the two week waiting period before you take a pregnancy test. The first treatment is to support implantation.
The second treatment is to support you emotionally, to ease anxiety and to promote relaxation.
If you have a positive pregnancy test...
We recommend weekly acupuncture treatment during the first trimester. This is particularly important for older women, where there is a history of miscarriage, and if the pregnancy was a result of IVF as there is a higher risk of miscarriage in IVF induced pregnancies. The treatments are gentle and supportive and help promote a healthy pregnancy. We offer acupuncture during all stages of pregnancy.
Our Advantages
We find people are looking for experienced therapists working with fertility and prenatal issues. Acupuncturist Yu Zhao is professionally trained and highly qualified in this field.
He has 5 years for medical doctor’s degree in Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
He has over 30 years of experience in acupuncture and Chinese medicine herbs. He has assisted many patients to become pregnant with acupuncture and Chinese herbs and has also helped to increase the chance of pregnancy for women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
As a highly experienced acupuncturist and Chinese medicine doctor, he has concentrated his mind to treat the infertility patients since 2008 years (2008-2011, practiced in clinic Sinocare). He has 5 years of experience in acupuncture support of IVF, and can offer on site acupuncture in fertility clinics (McGill reproduductive centre, Clinic OVO, Clinic Procréa, the Montreal fertility centre and Montreal reproductive centre).
Clinic Sino-santé is located in 5225 De Maisonneuve West, which is very closed to most fertility clinics, 1-3 minutes walking distance to The Montreal fertility centre, Montreal reproductive Centre, and future CUSM, 10 minutes distance of drive away from the clinic OVO, see Map for details. Free parking is available.
Acupuncturist Yu Zhao has specific training and experience not only in fertility and prenatal care but also in general health issues. You can be assured that you will receive the best possible care you are entitled to demand.
FAQ
Does acupuncture really help fertility treatments?
Yes. In Chinese medical theory, the Kidney is the internal organ which is responsible for reproduction, growth, and aging. Kidney Deficiency is the most common cause of infertility. Other patterns that can result in infertility are Liver Qi Stagnation, Blood Stasis or Deficiency, and Dampness with Phlegm or Heat. In Western terms, Chinese medicine has a high success rate with functional infertility, which results from factors such as hormone imbalances, endocrine gland disorders, and emotional problems. Chinese medicine can also significantly improve some structural infertility problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, vaginitis, ovary dysfunction, and immune-system-related infertility.More
How many sessions do I need?
As each person is unique, the number of treatments needed will vary. On average, fertility patients require about three months of consistent treatment and monitoring, however there is a big range and variation in patient's medical needs. If you are planning to undergo IVF or other assisted reproductive procedures and wish to have acupuncture around the day of transfer, this can be arranged. We recommend all patients receive regular acupuncture as far in advance of egg retrieval and transfer as possible. This helps to prepare the body to be in optimal condition for the procedure. Again, you should discuss your treatment program with your acupuncturist.More
How often should I receive acupuncture treatment?
The number and frequency of acupuncture treatments depend entirely on the physical condition of each individual. On average, patients require acupuncture between once and twice per week. A treatment plan will be created during the first initial visit to our clinic.More
Can I combine IVF and western fertility medicine safely with acupuncture or herbs?
Yes, in most instances. However, please tell us about all the medication (prescription and over the counter) that you are taking. Studies have shown that the use of acupuncture and herbs prior to IVF greatly increases the efficacy of IVF. For example, in our infertility practice we can use Chinese medicine alone, or in combination with fertility promoting medications prescribed by western doctors, as indicated by the patient's age, medical history, etc.More
How far ahead of my IVF or IUI treatment should I attend your clinic?
The answer depends on the individual's needs; however we suggest treating the root cause of infertility using acupuncture and herbs as far ahead of time as possible. The more time you have to treat the underlying cause of infertility, the more prepared you will be physically, mentally and emotionally to deal with IVF or IUI.More
Is acupuncture more effective than herbs in treating infertility?
The causes of infertility vary. Some causes respond well to acupuncture, others to herbal treatment, while still others require both acupuncture and herbs. Our acupuncturist Yu Zhao has extensive experience with herbs, herbal formulas and the prescription of herbs. Understanding who can benefit from herbs demonstrates a deep understanding of both acupuncture and herbs.More
We can also help after the birth to allow you to welcome your child in health and happiness, with acupuncture and Chinese medicine for:
Post natal treatment
Post-natal depression
Breast-feeding problems, insufficient lactation
References
1. Domar AD, Meshay I, Kelliher J, Alper M, Powers RD. "The impact of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization outcome." Fertility and Sterility. Mar 1, 2008. [Epub ahead of print]
2. Huang ST, Chen AP. "Traditional Chinese medicine and infertility." Current Opinions in Obstetrics and Gynecology. June 2008; 20(3):211-5.
3. Jones JP, Bae YK. "Ultrasonic Visualization and Stimulation of Classical Oriental Acupuncture Points." Medical Acupuncture. Vol. 15, Issue 2. Accessed online on October 19, 2008.
4. Manheimer E, Zhang G, Udoff L, Haramati A, Langenberg P, Berman BM, Bouter LM. "Effect of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: systematic review and meta-analysis." British Medical Journal. March 8, 2008; 336(7643):545-9. Epub 2008 Feb 7.
5. Meldrum DR, Fisher AR, Butts SF, Su HI, Sammel MD. “Acupuncture--help, harm, or placebo?” Fertility and Sterility. June 2013;99(7):1821-4. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.12.046. Epub 2013 Jan 26.
6. Ng EH, So WS, Gao J, Wong YY, Ho PC. "The role of acupuncture in the management of subfertility." Fertility and Sterility. July 2008; 90(1):1-13. Epub 2008 Apr 28.
7. Paulus WE, Zhang M, Strehler E, El-Danasouri I, Sterzik K. "Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy." Fertility and Sterility. April 2002; 77(4):721-4.
8. Sullivan, Michele G. "Study Questions Benefit of Acupuncture in IVF." Ob. Gyn. News. Volume 42, Issue 21, Page 21 (1 November 2007). Accessed on October 19, 2008.
9. "Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in the management of female infertility: A systematic review." Ried, K., Stuart, K. Discipline of General Practice, School of Population Health & Clinical Practice, The University of Adelaide, South Australia.
10. "Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women." Fertility and Sterility, 06. 2006.
11. "Effect of acupuncture on the outcome of IVF and ICSI." Fertility and Sterility, 05. 2006.
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