If you are planning to do IVF, it is recommended that you have treatments for at least three months before your IVF cycle since it takes at least 3 months for immature eggs (oocytes) to mature enough to be released during ovulation.

The recommendation for acupuncture treatment to prepare for IVF is as follows:

• Three months before your IVF cycle – 1-2 treatments/week
• When your IVF cycle starts (when ovarian stimulation medication starts) – 2~3 treatment/week
• One day before (or after) your egg retrieval – one treatment
• Before and after embryo transfer – 2 treatments on your transfer day
• After embryo transfer & during the first trimester – 1 treatment/week

There are many studies that prove that a set of acupuncture treatment before and after embryo transfer increase the chances of success of IVF; however, 3-month lead in preparation is usually recommended because Traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture and herbal formulas) as a holistic natural therapy improves fertility and health gradually. Only a few acupuncture sessions will not change your body overnight.

Acupuncture & IUI Preparation

If you are going for IUI (either natural IUI or using just Clomid/Letrozole or a similar medication), it would be the best for you to start preparation three months before as well.

• Three months before your IUI – 1~2 treatments/week
• One day before or on your IUI day – 1 treatment
• One week after your IUI – 2 treatments
• Until your pregnancy test & during the first trimester – 1 treatment/week