IVF and Acupuncture                                                                                            Western science meets eastern wisdom Review of acupuncture's effect on IVF treatment in the British Medical Journal found that acupuncture could increase a woman's chance of pregnancy by 65%, and 91% more likely to have a live birth. Dr. Peter Gu help couples undergoing IVF in a number of ways:    Integrate acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, diet and life style advice Improve the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs Balance fertility hormones;(eg FSH LH oestrogen) Increase blood flow to the uterus and increase the thickness of the uterine lining Help with emotions;(eg Anxiety Stress ) Prevent the uterus from contracting Lessen the side effects of drugs used in IVF Promote successful implantation Supporting sustain pregnancy Improve quality of sperms       Treatments Chinese Medical Preparation before IVF   Approximately three months ( depending on age, underling gynaecological conditions etc) prior to the IVF procedure, it is recommended that the patient received acupunture and herbal treatments to regulate the body's function and make IVF more successful. Sometimes after just these three months, the patient regains a normal menstrual cycle and is able to become pregnant naturally. During the three months preparation time, the main objectives of Chinese medical therapy are to : improve the function of the ovaries; regulate hormones; improve overall health; improve semen quality and quantity However, if you have missed this window do not worry. Dr. Gu will assess you and recommend treatment plan for you. Acupuncture during the medication phase of IVF Acupuncture and Chinese herbal can help the ovaries respond better to the stimulating drugs by producing more follicles and good quality eggs; thicken the lining of the uterus to prepare for the transfer of embryos; also reduce the side effects of the drugs. Acupuncture after egg collection After egg collection, acupuncture can reduce any local tissue trauma or bleeding, and help prepare a better environment for the arrival of an embryo. Acupuncture on the day of embryo (or frozen embryo) transfer The aim is to relax the uterus, increase blood flow to the uterus. Before and after embryo transfer two treatments within 24 hours.   If you get pregnant Acupuncture and herbs can be used to maintain implantation of the embryo, and nourish embryo growth; relaxing the uterus to prevent uterine contractions that could cause bleeding and miscarriage; reduce risk factors of miscarriage: clotting factors, immune response, etc We recommend continuing acupuncture treatment usually involves weekly acupuncture up till 12 weeks of pregnancy then monthly after that to maintain and promote a healthier pregnancy. Acupuncture for male fertility Acupuncture can increase in sperm motility and decrease in abnormal forms. For some men whose semen have no sperm and may require testicular biopsy as part of the IVF procedures, acupuncture can help production of sperm.       In our clinic, we have higher pregnancy rate and live birth rate( that's we think most important) when combine with Chinese herbal medicine. In our clinic, depending on the cause of infertility,  it is not uncommon for couples to conceive naturally before IVF while having acupuncture and Chinese Herbs to  prepare for IVF or IUI, or even after multiple failed IVF cycles.   Chinese Medicine view of infertility: From the view of  Chinese Medicine, Dr. Gu believes there are two main patterns of disharmony: 1 .Deficiency Of  Reproductive  Energy( Essence )  Signs and Symptoms:Eg, anovulation, poor quality eggs, irregular period, implantation problems, miscarriage, low libido, scanty period or heavy bleeding, luteal phase defect, abnomal hormones, PCOS, low sperm count, poor sperm quality, etc 2. Stagnation/ Congestion Of Reproductive Energy   Signs andSymptoms: Eg, Period pain, endometriosis, blockage of tubes, blood clots in period, PMS,PCOS,uterus fibroids, impotence,etc. Chinese Medicine have been used to treat fertility problems for more than two thousands years. In this medical system, it has acupuncture and herbal formulas proven safe and effective  in human body in clinical practise and it has been using for hundreds or even thousands of years. Dr. Peter Gu tailors these formulas to individual needs. Acupuncture and PCOS Between 5 percent and 10 percent of women have characteristics of a condition called PCOS or polycystic ovarian symdrome. The extent is so large because PCOS often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because of its variety of symptoms. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal imbalance that leads to weight gain, excessive hair growth, irregular menstrual cycles and difficulty getting pregnant. Such patients are often prescribed hormonal drugs which may have side effects and interfere with getting pregnant. With the use acupuncture, doctors say that such patients may have an option of a drug free treatment. Acupuncture has shown promising results in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome in regulating their periods. Almost all women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome who subscribed to acupuncture had their periods regulated in a study conducted. It has also helped women lose weight and relive headaches in the long run leading to a calmer and stable mind.