IVF: Shelby’s Recommendations for IVF
Shelby VanCleve, MAOM., L.Ac., FABORM. Common Ground’s Shelby and Holly are two of just four board-certified fertility experts in Kentucky.
I recommend beginning acupuncture treatment as far in advance of your in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure as possible, with at least three months being the ideal. This allows us time to prepare your body to produce the best quality eggs and uterine lining. Weekly treatments are often indicated, but twice weekly may be necessary for ladies with impeded blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries, those over the age of 35, or during the stimulation phase of your IVF cycle.
If you are not planning for IVF, but want assistance with getting pregnant naturally, we like to allow about three to six months of treatment. I ask that you track your cycle using a BBT thermometer and bring your charts in to each treatment for analysis. We will discuss diet and lifestyle components to aid in your ability to conceive, and you will likely be advised to begin an herbal regimen that changes depending where you are in your menstrual cycle. When necessary, you will be referred to a local Reproductive Endocrinologist for a fertility work up or additional testing.
I will be here for you every step of the way and provide a helpful resource when navigating the confusing information you receive both from your own research and from your doctors. My fertility clients have been very pleased with the support they receive here at Common Ground.
—Shelby VanCleve, MAOM., L.Ac., FABORM
Treatment schedule during IVF/IUI
9-12 treatments before retrieval or insemination are ideal. Three months of herbs and supplements have a greater impact on egg quality
While taking fertility medications:
Weekly treatments up until insemination
Twice weekly up until retrieval or transfer day with FET
IVF: You do not need to come in on retrieval day – usually you are pretty sore and don’t want any additional poking ☺
However, if you are having symptoms of OHSS, acupuncture can be beneficial
If you are deemed prone to OHSS (such as in PCOS or a robust response to the stimulation meds):
Eat 2g of protein daily
Increase water intake with added electrolytes (like Ultima)
Two treatments within 24 hours of insemination/transfer – one up to 24 hours before and one up to 24 hours after
One treatment within three days after insemination/transfer, to aid in implantation
Option of one additional treatment in the two weeks before you take your pregnancy test, to help with stress and ease your mind
Although this is the best-case scenario for your treatment plan, please do not stress if you miss an appointment. It is not the end of the world and will not make or break your chance at conceiving! Please do not let your acupuncture treatment schedule add stress to your life!