In Vitro Fertilization

In-Vitro Fertilization or IVF can be both scary and hopeful all at the same time. For some, it's a great option and for others it can be the only option for conception. Though the success rates are continually improving, there is still room for help and that's where Acupuncture comes in. Our team at HAC pioneered bringing Acupuncture to all the major fertility clinics in Philadelphia since 2001 and have been a guide and partner to patients through over 2000 IVF cycles.

How can we help? Research has shown that Acupuncture can greatly enhance the success rates of IVF. A recent meta-analysis in the British Medical Journal showed that women undergoing IVF that added acupuncture to their treatment, particularly around embryo transfer, had significantly higher success rates in clinical pregnancy, fewer number of cycles needed, higher ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates.

Our own statistics kept diligently over the last decade (compared to SART data of our local area) shows a net positive of 8-12% higher live birth rates than IVF done alone. This includes cycles that are fresh OR frozen (FET), and when combined with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Pre-Genetic Screening or Determination (PGS or PGD) or with Donor Egg or Embryo. We also work with surrogates who are receiving the embryo transfer to boost implantation.

What does this mean for you if you are going through IVF?
It means more hope, fewer cycles and a shorter wait for what you most desire: a healthy baby.

FAQ:
When should I start acupuncture for my upcoming IVF cycle? In many cases, we recommend that you begin treatment about a month prior to the commencement of the IVF retrieval cycle to ensure you get the most out of it. If you've already begun stimulation, or are gearing up for an FET, acupuncture can still have a positive impact and we will simply accelerate the schedule so you can get the most benefit.

Do you perform Acupuncture at my clinic during Embryo Transfer? Yes! If your clinic is within 30 miles of Philadelphia, we can be there (and some exceptions have been made for further out clinics)! Our team is available 365 days a year, and currently serves Penn Fertility, Main Line Fertility, RMA of Philadelphia, Shady Grove, Society Hill Reproductive, Abington Reproductive, South Jersey IVF, Delaware Valley IVF, Dr. Manara CRM and Reproductive Associates of Delaware (though we work with many patients from Cooper Institute, they currently don't allow on site Acupuncture to any providers).

Each clinic has generously allowed us to use their facilities on the day of the transfer. When the day of the transfer arrives, one of our practitioners will meet you at the clinic and work with the IVF nurses and doctors to time the treatment correctly. We administer a single treatment, backed by the most recent research, immediately before the embryo transfer. Not only does it help increase your chance of success, but the acupuncture can help relax and calm you during a very stressful procedure. It’s usually advised to receive a follow up acupuncture session in the office a week after the transfer as this has also been shown to boost success rates.

(Please Note - In the past, the standard for Acupuncturists was to do a treatment both before and after the embryo transfer. Our own research over the last decade has shown a modified single treatment immediately beforehand is actually more successful than the old before and after protocol and that is now our gold standard. You can read more about it here (https://healingphilly.com/blog/ivfandacupuncture).)