How to apply acupuncture throughout the assisted reproduction process
The search for pregnancy is not always easy and, sometimes, requires external “help”: assisted reproduction.
In cases in which achieving pregnancy depends on an entire assisted reproduction process (be it artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other techniques) it is interesting to have external support for the process to maximize the chances of conception and a full-term pregnancy.
In this article you can see the scientific bases of acupuncture as support in assisted reproduction processes, and below, we detail how this discipline of Chinese medicine helps in each of the phases of assisted reproduction.
The main conclusion of the studies analyzed is that acupuncture is an appropriate treatment option to help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Acupuncture in each phase of assisted reproduction
In this way, acupuncture applied during assisted reproduction processes is associated with less stress before and after embryo transfer, thus contributing to improving pregnancy rates.
It is evidenced that less perceived stress at the time of embryo transfer can influence the improvement in pregnancy rate.
Use of acupuncture before the assisted reproduction process
At the beginning of treatments, acupuncture focuses on regulating a woman's cycles.
With them the optimal production and maturation of the eggs will be supported. At the same time, at this point you can work to promote spermogenesis in men (we will see more about acupuncture in men).
Using acupuncture during the reproductive process
Acupuncture is capable of stimulating ovulation when it is about to happen or bringing down your period when it is difficult naturally. Likewise, in amenorrhea processes, acupuncture is also successful by activating the gonadal axis from above, calming the brain.
Before embryo transfer, the goal of acupuncture is to provide better blood profusion and more energy to the uterus. Promotes the maturation of follicles and the production of quality endometrium. At this point it will be necessary to help calm the nervous system and the immune system.
Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer
Specifically on the day of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) transfer, acupuncture can help:
- Increase success rates, optimize patient outcomes (Smith 2019).
- Reduce stress: Decreases cortisol levels, which is known to decrease “time to conceive” (Eshkevari 2013).
- Help patients have a good experience and develop the resilience to persevere through such a delicate process (Smith 2011, de Lacey 2009).
- Acupuncture regulates and increases blood flow to the uterus to increase the chances of implantation (Stener-Victorin 1996).
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After the assisted reproduction process
After the puncture for egg extraction, acupuncture enhances tissue regeneration, helps eliminate fluids and reduce inflammation. In this way, the transition to preparing for the transfer becomes more bearable.
Acupuncture also serves to reduce the side effects of medications, especially in long stimulation protocols. They reduce the intensity of headaches, breast tenderness, and mood swings or irritability.
Embryo transfer and acupuncture
After embryo transfer, treatment aims to improve endometrial receptivity and overall relaxation.
Finally, in the days after the embryo transfer, acupuncture will be a good ally to help calm the mind.
In general, both before, during and after the process, acupuncture improves the emotional well-being of patients. Assisted reproduction treatments are stressful processes and external support such as acupuncture should be considered to minimize the psychological impact of fertility problems and their treatments.
Absolutely all studies indicate that acupuncture treatment can reduce stress and anxiety and increase women's ability to cope with the IVF process.
When should I start acupuncture treatment?
An ideal treatment recommends starting acupuncture three months before starting any assisted reproduction treatment, whether with in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination.
The cycles of oogenesis and spermogenesis are long, approximately three months, so ideally acupuncture treatments should begin as soon as possible.
However, in cases where this is not possible, acupuncture sessions can be equally beneficial if started at the same time as the recommended fertility therapy.
As a general rule, between 9 and 11 acupuncture sessions were associated with higher odds of live births, both in donor and non-donor cycles (Hullender Rubin, Opsahl, Wiemer et al.2015).
How often should I do acupuncture?
Weekly sessions are the ideal option. If this is not possible, sessions every 15 days can also maintain sufficient stimulation to achieve the desired response.
Sometimes, acupuncture for fertility can be combined with some complementary techniques such as massage to improve microcirculation. In these cases, an acupuncture session and a massage session could be combined every 15 days. Massage should be performed in the follicular phase, and acupuncture in the luteal phase.
The treatments are adapted to each patient according to the situations in each case. Each session can last up to an hour and includes both an interview with the patient to share information and the acupuncture session of about 20 to 40 minutes with needles and/or moxa.
What can you expect in your first acupuncture session?
On your first visit, your acupuncture therapist will ask you questions about your lifestyle (diet, stress levels, exercise, sleep habits) and your fertility concerns. Your acupuncturist may also perform an exam, which includes feeling your pulse and looking at your tongue.
They will immediately place the waters on you and, afterward, you will have them placed in a comfortable room with dim lighting and relaxing music for a few minutes (which fly by).
Do needles hurt to improve assisted reproduction results?
Most patients experience little or no pain with needle placement or maintenance. In general, 99% patients report having enjoyed a relaxing therapeutic session at the end of the sessions.
In some cases, a mild, dull pain may appear when the needle is placed or a small pinch may be felt, which disappears immediately.
Occasionally, a small capillary can be reached and cause a small, unimportant bruise.
It is important, however, to notify the therapist if you are taking anticoagulant medication. It is not an impediment to practice, although it will be worked with more delicacy.
Finally, the widespread use of disposable needles completely minimizes the risk of infection through them.
Acupuncture to improve the results of assisted reproduction in men
Both members of a heterosexual couple contribute to the fertility process and both parties should prepare equally.
It is believed that up to 35-40% of infertility cases are due to the male factor.
The causes of alterations in sperm production and quality are related to exposure to toxins and pesticides in food and water, an unbalanced diet, high levels of stress or increased testicular temperature due to lifestyle habits or the fashion of wearing clothes that are too tight.
In other cases, the less common, the causes may be genetic and physiological, as in the case of varicocele (testicular varicose vein).
In most cases, sperm-related fertility problems are usually related to low sperm count, alterations in morphology or motility, and alterations in liquefaction or fragmentation of DNA strands.
Studies on acupuncture and male fertility
Studies suggest that acupuncture plays a positive role in male infertility, with beneficial effects for virtually every one of the points described above. Although it is true that the exact mechanism of how it occurs is not yet clearly described.
In a recent study it was shown that, with 10 acupuncture sessions in 5 weeks, a significant increase in the number of normal sperm was achieved. The average percentage of healthy sperm had increased more than four times.
And significant changes in sperm structure and quality were observed in the samples from the acupuncture group.
Before treatment, only 22.5% of the sperm samples in the acupuncture patients contained normal acrosomes. After treatment, the mean percentage of normal acrosome forms showed a significant improvement, reaching 38.5%.
As we mentioned for oogenesis, spermogenesis also follows long development cycles of about three months, so completing a three-month treatment would be the most recommended.
Furthermore, acupuncture is a cheap and minimally invasive technique so it should be taken into account.
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