Acupuncture and IVF are performed in combination in order to increase the success of the infertility treatment. Certain couples face lots of difficulty in conceiving a child because of various underlying factors. Such sub fertile couples take the help of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) to achieve pregnancy.
Introduction to IVF and Acupuncture
IVF is one of the ART infertility treatments, wherein the egg retrieved from the woman is fertilized under the laboratory conditions (In Vitro Fertilization), and the fertilized embryo is transferred into the uterus of the woman. However, the success of this treatment gets influenced by various factors like sperm quality, the age of the woman, the quality of the embryo and so on. To increase the rate of pregnancy through this method, acupuncture is combined with IVF. Acupuncture is believed be an effective cure for infertility in Chinese medicinal methods. Before planning to have the combined treatment, it is important for the couples to know what to expect during these procedures.
Initial Discussion
Before the acupuncture treatment is performed, the acupuncturist needs to acquire detailed knowledge of the couple's medical background. So, lots of questions related to medical history of the couples will be asked. Apart from these, the couples might be requested to answer questions related to their cravings and obsessions, as an acupuncturist wishes to find out disharmony (if any) in the concerned couple's systems, so that relevant acupuncture points can be stimulated to bring harmony.
Right Time for Acupuncture
In order to have enhanced effect on overcoming infertility and also to increase the chances of conceiving, the acupuncture treatment must be started well in advance. For example, it can be started at least 2 to 3 months before the starting of the IVF procedure as acupuncture treatment can also influence the hormonal activity and prepare a woman for pregnancy. If this is not possible, then at least before and after the embryo transfer, acupuncture treatment has to be performed.
During the Process
Acupuncture needles are very fine and slight pain is experienced while the needles are inserted. However, pain may be experienced in various degrees as per the conception of the woman. When the needles are inserted at the various points, a tingling sensation can be felt or it may even feel like the hair at that point is pulled. It is also necessary for the couples to understand the effects of the acupuncture on infertility while having this treatment.
This combination is believed to reduce miscarriages and tubal pregnancies. It also claims to improve the blood flow and also relax the uterus so that it is more prepared for receiving the embryo. Even hormone production is believed to be optimized to provide a normal environment for the implantation and development of the transferred embryo.
Financing the Treatment
Each acupuncture session may cost anywhere between $50 and $100. IVF may cost between $10,000 and $15,000. Couples have to bear these expenses, as most of the insurances might not cover the cost of acupuncture and IVF treatments. Some plans might partially cover ART procedures.
It is safe to undergo acupuncture only with the help of a licensed acupuncturist; hence, it is an additional responsibility to search for a better qualified and certified therapist apart from searching a qualified reproductive endocrinologist for IVF.
