Acupuncture has several key benefits for those undergoing IVF, all of which are supported by reputable scientific sources to support many factors that lead to successful IVF outcomes, including:

1. Increased blood flow to the ovaries during stims. More blood flow into the ovaries = more medicine, oxygen, and nutrients for the eggs which leads to optimal egg quality and higher blast rates.

2. Increased flow of wastes out of the ovarian and follicular environment. Something many don’t think about, but just as important for egg quality, is the removal of oxidative by-products and cellular wastes from the tissue surrounding and the fluid inside the follicles. This takes stress off the egg inside each follicle as it grows.

3. Increased uterine receptivity during transfer. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the “micro-spasms” of the uterine wall that sometimes occur and can make implantation more difficult for the embryo.

4. Decreased inflammation in the ovaries and uterus. Excessive inflammation is a known disruptor of all growth and regenerative processes in the body. When present in the reproductive organs, it causes increased stress on the follicles, eggs, and uterine lining, leading to a decrease in normal function.

5. Better response to stims and transfer medications. Low oxygen and nutrient states + higher inflammatory load = less efficient response to FSH which is the primary medicine used to stimulate the ovaries for retrieval. The same holds true for response to transfer meds. With our protocols we see dramatic improvements in both blast counts and lining thickness across the board, leading to a higher percentage of successful outcomes.

6. Significant reduction of stress and anxiety. While not an absolute block to success, stress and anxiety do make the process more difficult and do make it harder for the body to respond effectively to the stim and transfer medications. Acupuncture triggers a deep relaxation response in the body, and that relaxation can last for days and eventually weeks as more treatments are completed. Our patients routinely report to us how the treatments help them in this regard.

No. We’ve had patients with one or more failed cycles come to us less than a month (even just days) before starting their next round. And, they got pregnant on that next cycle. Just come in and start as soon as possible. It’s never too late!

Yes, we are experienced at guiding our patients on the supplements that are most important for them to take.

Your initial consultation usually takes no more than 15 minutes, with a brief “orientation” at the end where we’ll make sure you’re clear on everything.

The total time for that appointment is about 30 minutes.

The follow-ups are typically around 45 minutes each.

We always encourage you book at least a month in advance to be sure you get the days / times you want).

We accept most insurances that cover acupuncture. Because we are out-of-network your insurance will need to have out-of-network benefits for acupuncture.

Absolutely. You will receive specific dietary recommendations based on your unique needs in addition to our fertility diet plan that we’ve used for over a decade to help over a thousand couples conceive.

Over 80% of the patients we see for IVF get pregnant while working with us.