IVF and IUI

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can be used to help prepare for, and enhance conception for In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and other Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) protocols. It is generally recommended that a minimum of three months of treatment prior to IVF stimulation should occur to maximize egg and sperm quality.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can greatly prepare the body in the following areas where Western medicine offers limited treatment options:

In Women:
  •  Improves egg quality
  •  Improves the ovarian response
  •  Regulates the reproductive hormones
  •  Increases circulation of blood to the ovaries and uterus
  •  Improves the quality of the follicular fluids required for
   nourishment to developing eggs

In Men:
  •  Improves sperm count
  •  Improves sperm morphology
  •  Improves sperm motility
  •  Increases sperm volume

As with the women’s eggs, healthier sperm contribute to viable embryos, leading to a successful pregnancy and decreased risk of early miscarriage

Treatment to Prepare for and During an IVF/IUI Cycle

It is recommended that couples begin preparatory treatment three months prior to the beginning of their medicated cycle, as follicles go through a 90-120 day follicular development period before they mature for ovulation. Sperm require a period of at least 90 days for maturation. Three months of weekly treatment prior to IVF stimulation is recommended to maximize egg and sperm quality.

Complimentary treatment during the IVF cycle helps to increase a women’s appropriate response to hormonal stimulation. Treatment frequency varies, dependent on the phase of IVF, down-regulation, ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, uterine preparation, and embryo transfer.

Acupuncture treatments are designed to support these different phases while decreasing the side effects often experienced from the medications. It is recommended that treatments increase to twice a week once your medication protocols have started and to carry these treatments all the way through to Embryo Transfer to optimize intended effects of your cycle.

Transfer day

Acupuncture treatments on the day of Embryo Transfer, have become increasingly popular due to several independent studies finding that Acupuncture, occurring prior to and immediately after embryo transfer, have significantly increased pregnancy and live birth outcomes by almost 50%. At TerraSana, Dr. Abbs considers it the utmost honour to be part of an embryo transfer. To alleviate stress, we have a treatment room exclusively reserved for IVF transfers to accommodate our patients on their transfer day. Ashley also makes herself available to perform transfer treatments during clinic closures whenever possible.

Pre and Post IVF Transfer acupuncture treatments are available 7 days a week at TerraSana Health.  

Couples IVF Transfer Treatment

Many couples wish to create a more intimate connection on the day of their embryo transfer. At TerraSana we are proud to offer a unique treatment experience for couples, which is one-of-a-kind to Calgary. This treatment is designed to allow both partners to be treated together as part of the post-transfer protocol. The experience allows couples to hold hands, relax and open themselves the possibility of a successful implantation and pregnancy together.

Some exceptions apply, please inquire for further details.

Click to Download: Female Fertility Health Form, Male Fertility Health Form (PDFs)