Episode 72How to increase IVF Success and Reduce Anxiety with Acupuncture (ft. Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin)

Having a hard time getting pregnant and doing IVF? I don’t know about you but when it cost upwards to $20,000 for an IVF cycle, we both did everything possible to increase our chances of success when we did IVF cycles.

When it comes to acupuncture, the literature for IVF is mixed which is confusing because the data mostly looks at acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer. In the real world it is not the only intervention we do. The larger datasets of people adding more sessions of acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary modifications, other modalities, Chinese herbs when appropriate were associated with 2 fold increases in the odds of live birth and 75 % reduction of biochemical pregnancy.

Not only that, but when research finds that ¾ of women and ⅔ of men are clinically anxious going through IVF, we need help to relax and persevere this grueling journey. Dr. Lee Hullender-Rubin released a study in 2022 showing that acupuncture provided significant benefit for IVF related anxiety. From this, we can extrapolate that acupuncture can help anxiety for folks trying to conceive at home, with timed intercourse or with IUI’s as well. It helps provide you strength and the endurance to continue forward if for some reason the cycle is not successful.

We want to help you achieve your goal of having a healthy baby by staying healthy physically and emotionally. This includes “your sleep, digestion, and ability to get through the day without choking someone.” Acupuncture is not only for used for before and after an IVF Embryo transfer. Our patients use it as support throughout their whole journey no matter where they’re at. So even when they’re having a break from IVF treatment, they take this time to rebuild until they are ready to re engage, feel more confident and healthy.

Acupuncture or TEAS (Transcutaneous Electroacupoint Stimulation) helps the body release endorphins which mitigates stress, helps you to relax, continue on your journey, and also increases blood flow to the ovaries and uterus making them more “juicy” with oxygen and nutrients for a more receptive environment for baby making.

About Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin

Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin, DA[o]M, LAc, FAB[o]RM, is an internationally recognized, award-winning doctor of acupuncture and researcher and a leader in the field of integrative reproductive medicine. As the founder of Rosefinch Health, Dr. Lee blends compassionate care with over two decades of clinical experience specializing in fertility and IVF support.

Connect with Dr. Lee

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Rosefinch Health — Bio Site

Resources

Impact of whole systems traditional Chinese medicine on in-vitro fertilization outcomes

Effect of acupuncture on IVF-related anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Related Episode

Episode 71: How to help IVF success naturally – using TEAS (ft. Dr. Lee Hullendar Rubin)

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