Complementary IVF Therapies

What are complementary IVF therapies?

Complementary therapies in IVF refers to alternative IVF therapies and practices that are used alongside standard assisted reproductive technology to add a holistic approach to fertility care. Therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation and herbal medicine supports treatment with the aim to improve pregnancy success rates as well the many benefits of improved physical health and mental wellbeing.  

How do complementary therapies support IVF success?

Couples who combine complementary IVF therapies into their IVF treatment often report feeling calmer, emotionally stronger and more able to cope with the demands of IVF These therapies may help them to have a more positive outlook about their fertility journey. 

It is important to understand that many complementary medicines have little or no supporting evidence on their effectiveness, risks and side effects. Despite this, your fertility specialist may recommend these treatments to you based on your medical history and previous treatment outcomes. 

Types of alternative IVF therapies

Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine that dates back thousands of years. It involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to produce a therapeutic effect. Acupuncture is a very popular complementary therapy to support IVF.  

How does acupuncture support fertility?

Acupuncture for IVF may offer the following benefits: 

• Acupuncture may enhance blood flow to the uterus, potentially improving the endometrial lining to aid implantation. 
• It may help balance hormones involved in the menstrual cycle and ovulation, which can be crucial for the success of IVF. 
• Can promote relaxation, mental and physical wellbeing to reduce stress which may have a positive impact on fertility and IVF outcomes. 
• Some studies suggest that acupuncture might improve sperm quality, which can be beneficial in both male factor infertility. 

There are usually no side effects associated with acupuncture and there is little discomfort from the procedure itself. It’s important to consult with your fertility specialist and a qualified acupuncturist with expertise in managing infertility to understand how acupuncture might benefit your IVF journey. 

Yoga for IVF

How does yoga support fertility treatments?

Yoga is a powerful complementary practice that can support fertility treatment. One of the most pervasive mind-body challenges for couples undertaking fertility treatment is stress and feeling “out of control”. Stress hormones generate chemicals that weaken the body’s immunity and suppress fertility hormones, which may impair conception. Although there is little direct evidence to suggest that practicing yoga will guarantee pregnancy, the known benefits of relaxation, mindfulness and breathing can reduce emotional and physical stress.   

Key benefits include:

• Provides an antidote to the negative emotional and physical impacts of stress, anger and depression resulting from infertility or fertility treatments. 
• Helps to increase blood flow to the pelvis, toning and strengthening the muscles that support reproductive organs, improving spinal alignment, enabling better circulation and boosting the capacity and quality of respiration. 
• Fosters a positive relationship with the body and mind, promoting self-care. 

If you are experiencing infertility and want to integrate yoga into your IVF treatment, we suggest you consider restorative yoga practice or fertility focused classes which will avoid strain on the abdominal area.      

Meditation for IVF

How does meditation support fertility treatments?

Meditation and mindfulness can serve as empowering processes that can be used while undergoing fertility treatment. The relationship between stress and infertility is complex. There is minimal evidence that anxiety contributes significantly to infertility, but increasing research that depression may.  

Key benefits include: 

• Meditation for IVF is known to lower blood pressure, heart rate and the production of stress hormones
• Infertile women who learn a variety of stress-reducing practices, including relaxation, have higher pregnancy rates than women who do not adopt such techniques.
• Stimulates the pineal gland. This gland produces several hormones, two of which are serotonin (necessary for libido and wellbeing) and melatonin (another hormone connected with feelings of relaxation and wellbeing), which in turn stimulate the pituitary gland. The pituitary is the gland that predominantly regulates female reproductive hormones such as FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone, which matures the eggs in the ovaries), estrogen, progesterone and oxytocin in labour. 

Aromatherapy and massage therapy 

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to help promote health and wellbeing. Specific essential oils in aromatherapy may help in the following ways: inducing relaxation, calming the mind, counteracting stress, and easing tension and frustration. 

Selected essential oils used in conjunction with massage therapy may help by: 

• Improving blood circulation to the muscles and tissues. 
• Detoxifying the body by clearing away toxins. 
• Calming the body. 
• Relaxing the mind. 
• Relieving stress and contributing to a greater sense of wellbeing. 

Couples may find that using essential oils at home and regular aromatherapy massages help to provide physical and emotional support when planning for a baby. Always consult a qualified therapist for advice and guidance before using essential oils. Some oils may not be safe to use while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.

Herbal Therapies

Many herbal remedies are considered beneficial to overall wellbeing and can be taken safely before or between fertility treatments. However, at City Fertility we advise you to stop using herbal remedies when you start taking fertility medications during treatment. Many herbal remedies will cause a hormonal action that may interfere with or counteract the effect of your fertility medications. 

If you are taking herbal supplements, or your partner is, please advise your clinician. If you are interested in making herbal therapies part of an integrated health plan before or in between IVF treatments, contact the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA) for a list of qualified practitioners in your area.