IVF and Acupuncture: Clinical Insights from West London Acupuncture Clinic
Updated: 5 days ago
IVF can involve many appointments, decisions and questions. If you are also considering acupuncture, it helps to separate what you want from the appointment from the outcomes of your fertility treatment.
Some people find acupuncture appointments relaxing. This does not establish that acupuncture improves pregnancy rates. Your fertility specialist is the appropriate person to discuss your medical treatment and chances of success.
Understanding IVF and Its Challenges
IVF involves fertilising an egg outside the body and transferring an embryo into the uterus. Your fertility clinic can explain the stages of your own treatment, its likely benefits and its risks.
Practical matters to discuss with your fertility clinic include:
Your schedule of appointments and procedures.
Questions about medicines or symptoms during treatment.
Where to find support and whom to contact with concerns.
Complementary appointments should be considered alongside this information, with a clear understanding of their purpose and cost.
Discussing the Purpose of Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses fine needles at selected points on the body. Before deciding to have it during IVF, ask the practitioner to explain the proposed approach and the evidence relevant to any claimed benefit.
Evidence: Is the claim about relaxation, symptoms or the chance of pregnancy? These are different outcomes.
Suitability: What precautions are relevant to your medical history and current treatment?
Choice: What alternatives are available, including deciding not to have an appointment?
Cost: What is the total proposed cost, and can you decide about appointments individually?
The HFEA describes evidence for claims that acupuncture improves uterine blood flow as unclear. A relaxation experience or a patient story cannot establish that acupuncture caused an IVF pregnancy.
Ms Tina Hirst’s Approach at West London Acupuncture Clinic
Tina Hirst is an acupuncturist at West London Osteopathy & Acupuncture Clinic. Her biography on our practitioners page describes her qualifications and experience. Contact the clinic to confirm her availability and discuss the type of appointment you are considering.
A consultation gives you an opportunity to explain your concerns and ask how any proposed care would relate to your existing medical treatment.
Topics to cover include:
Your medical history, current medicines and treatment schedule.
The purpose of the proposed acupuncture appointment.
What examination or needling would involve and how consent is discussed.
Fees, possible side effects and arrangements for follow-up questions.
Ask for an explanation of any point that is unclear before deciding whether to proceed.
Practical Tips for Combining IVF and Acupuncture
If you are considering acupuncture during IVF, here are some practical points to keep in mind:
Plan around medical care: Check your fertility clinic's instructions before arranging other appointments.
Question timing claims: Ask for evidence if a particular schedule is said to improve implantation or pregnancy rates.
Choose a qualified practitioner
Look for someone experienced in fertility acupuncture and familiar with IVF protocols.
Communicate with your fertility team
Keep your doctors informed about your acupuncture treatments to ensure coordinated care.
Ask about practicalities: Confirm the session length, fees and cancellation terms before booking.
There is no obligation to buy a course of acupuncture as part of IVF. Choose appointments on the basis of clear information and your own preferences.
Evidence and Patient Experiences
When reading about research, check what was measured and whether the study supports the exact claim being made. The HFEA offers information about complementary therapies for people considering fertility care.
Patient experiences can describe how someone felt about a consultation. They cannot show what would have happened without treatment or predict another person's fertility outcome.
Discuss your individual questions with your fertility specialist and ask the acupuncture practitioner to explain the limits of any claims.
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session
Understanding the process can ease any concerns about acupuncture. A typical session with Ms Tina Hirst includes:
A discussion of your health and current treatment.
An explanation of the proposed procedure before consent.
An opportunity to ask about possible side effects and precautions.
Confirmation of appointment length and fees.
Information about what to do if you have concerns afterwards.
You can ask to pause an appointment if you feel uncomfortable or need further explanation.
Further Information
For clinic enquiries, call 0800 994 9525. Read the HFEA's complementary therapies information at https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/complementary-and-alternative-therapies/.
Comments