IVF and Acupuncture
Having a baby and creating a family is a major goal for most people. Most of us take for granted the fact that when we are ready to have a baby, the process will be one that is easy and natural. Unfortunately, for some people, that is not the case. Whether age, genetics, or medical complications are a factor, some couples have difficulty conceiving on their own. At Dr. Sonja Kristiansen’s Houston fertility center, we want to help our patients’ dreams come true. Among the fertility treatments that we have available, the most popular choice with our Houston patients is IVF, which is sometimes combined with acupuncture treatment.
What Is IVF?
At our fertility clinic in Houston, in vitro fertilization (or IVF) has been a successful treatment for many of our patients. IVF techniques have been in practice for over 30 years. IVF treatment is, basically, a six step treatment process that helps couples who have infertility problems become pregnant. During IVF treatment, we will stimulate the ovaries through the use of medication that is injected beneath the skin with a small, thin needle. Dr. Kristiansen can then extract healthy eggs from the ovaries. These eggs can be cleaned and will be ready to be injected with sperm that will come from either the partner or a donor. We will evaluate the egg and sperm to determine if fertilization occurs. If the fertilization is successful, the fertilized egg(s) will be prepared for implantation. Implantation will usually occur around the fifth day of fertilization. The number of fertilized eggs to be implanted will be based on the quality of the embryo. Dr. Kristiansen will discuss all of these steps with you as you go through your treatment. Once the fertilized egg(s) has been placed in the uterus, the goal is a healthy pregnancy.
Acupuncture and IVF
At Houston Fertility Center, we offer patients some holistic treatments that can be offered as a complement to their infertility treatment. Acupuncture is a popular choice among our patients. Acupuncture involves the use of strong, thin needles that are inserted into acupuncture points in the skin of the body. It is believed that accessing these points can stimulate blood flow and create a balance within the body. While some studies have shown that acupuncture can improve the results of women undergoing IVF treatment, the data is inconclusive. What we do know is that acupuncture can promote overall health and offer relaxation and general well-being to our patients. Dealing with infertility problems and then going through the steps of treatment can be very stressful for our patients. If acupuncture allows our patients to relieve stress and tension, we encourage the procedure. We want our patients to have a positive treatment experience that ends with successful results.
IVF and Acupuncture Timing
Patients can undergo acupuncture two times a week in the weeks leading up to IVF to reduce stress and anxiety. Some research shows that the most important time to undergo acupuncture is right before and after the egg transfer procedure. If possible, patients should undergo acupuncture one hour before and one hour after egg transfer.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have had a difficult time becoming pregnant, don’t give up on your dream. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Sonja Kristiansen to learn more about the fertility treatments we have available. We want to help you start a family.
