Acupuncture for Fertility & IVF

ACUPUNCTURE FOR FERTILITY

At Flow Acupuncture in Salt Lake City, we understand that fertility is deeply personal and that the path to conception looks different for everyone. With over 6 years of fertility-focused clinical experience, Mallory works with many women and couples trying to conceive with a wide range of reproductive health conditions, taking time to create individualized treatment plans designed to support individual needs and optimize chances for conception and a healthy full-term pregnancy.

Using an integrative approach, we work alongside your OB/GYN, reproductive endocrinologist, and other providers to complement your medical care. Our team is knowledgeable about fertility medications, supplements treatment protocols and cycle timing, allowing us to provide coordinated support throughout your journey.

Our goal is to support the health and well-being of your whole body, helping uncover and nurture your true fertility potential. Whether you are just starting out or looking for where to go next, we are here for you every step of the way.

WHEN TO COME

Acupuncture for Fertility and Preconception can begin any time! If you are just starting your journey and hoping to support healthy cycles and optimize natural fertility we recommend coming in weekly for acupuncture for 3-4 cycles. This gives us plenty of time for the acupuncture to really take effect, and it’s where we see the most success in helping our patients achieve healthy cycles and  reach their fertility goals.

CONDITIONS WE WORK WITH:

  • Unexplained Infertility

  • Irregular Cycles

  • Amenorrhea

  • PMS and PMDD

  • Heavy or Irregular Bleeding

  • Endometriosis and Adenomyosis

  • Uterine Polyps and Fibroids

  • PCOS

  • Anovulation

  • Spotting 

  • Light Periods

  • Thin Uterine Lining

  • Luteal Phase Defect

  • Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

  • Low AMH

  • Poor or Diminished Ovarian Reserve

  • Poor Egg Quality, Advanced Maternal Age

  • Hypothyroidism and Autoimmune Disorders

  • Immunological Factors

  • Stress, Anxiety or Depression while trying to conceive

How Fertility Acupuncture Works

  • Improves Bloodflow

    Acupuncture improves circulation to the ovaries and uterus, creating a more receptive environment for conception.

  • Reduces Inflammation

    Acupuncture reduces inflammation and supports uterine lining quality and receptivity, enhancing implantation.

  • Hormone Regulation and Stress Relief

    Acupuncture improves hormonal signaling, helping balance FSH, LH, cortisol, and more.

ACUPUNCTURE AND IVF

What the Research Says:

Perhaps the most famous study to date was the Paulus study from 2002 and found that patients receiving acupuncture before and after embryo transfer had higher clinical pregnancy rates than those receiving transfer alone. While this study set the stage and helped popularize the practice of doing acupuncture before and after embryo transfer, this study had limitations and IVF practices have changed a lot over the last 2 decades. Today current evidence suggests acupuncture works best as a course of several treatments, rather than a one-off treatment before and after transfers. Acupuncture continues to be studied as a supportive therapy during IVF, and there is also strong evidence for reducing stress and improving overall treatment experience. 

Combining consistent acupuncture treatments with your IVF/IUI and medicated cycle may be helpful in:

  • Improving blood flow to the ovaries & uterus

  • Enhancing uterine lining and receptivity

  • Increasing implantation rates during an IVF embryo transfer

  • Increasing clinical pregnancy and live birth rates

  • Improving sperm quality (count, morphology, & motility)

  • Reducing stress and anxiety 

TIMING OF ACUPUNCTURE FOR IVF AND IUI 

General Preparation: weekly treatments beginning anywhere from 6–12 weeks before your upcoming IVF/IUI cycle are recommended. 

DURING YOUR IUI CYCLE:

We recommend 4 treatments during your cycle, ideally at the following times:

  • 1 treatment early follicular phase

  • 1 near ovulation trigger / LH surge

  • 1 before/after insemination

  • 1 during luteal phase support

DURING YOUR IVF CYCLE:

We recommend 6-10 treatments during the full cycle, ideally at the following times and frequency:

FOR EGG RETRIEVAL/STIMULATION CYCLES:

  • 1-2 times per week during stimulation phase depending on progression

  • 1 treatment 24-72 hours before Egg Retrieval 

  • 1 treatment after Egg Retrieval for symptom relief

FOR FROZEN TRANSFER CYCLES:

  • 1 treatment 24–72 hours before transfer

  • 1 treatment day of transfer or immediately before/after (if logistics allow)

  • 1 treatment 3–7 days after transfer for implantation support

DURING THE 2 WEEK WAIT:

Treatments during this phase focus on calming the nervous system, easing insomnia, reducing anxiety, relieving pelvic tension, and supporting symptoms such as nausea. 

  • 1-2 times per week or as needed until pregnancy is confirmed

ACUPUNCTURE IN EARLY PREGNANCY:

Acupuncture is completely safe in early pregnancy and can be helpful to support early hormone levels and early fetal growth and development. Treatments are kept gentle and supportive, with an emphasis on relaxation and overall well-being during this sensitive time.

QUESTIONS?

If you are unsure of when to schedule your appointments for your upcoming cycle you can reach out to Mallory Berge, L.Ac. directly at Mallory@FlowAcupuncture.org

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