When Should Treatment Begin?

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Patients are treated for three months before an insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or donor-egg transfer if possible.  At Lotus, our goal is began preparing the uterus, improve egg quality, balance hormones, increase blood flow to uterus and calm mind to increase their chances for a successful conception.    

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It takes about 90 days for an dormant egg to grow from a follicle to a mature egg ready to be released. We recommend starting treatment three months before starting  any ART procedures to ensure that the eggs will optimally mature and reproduce quality follicles.

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The Pre and Post Embryo Transfer Treatments

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An important use of TCM during an IVF treatment is the treatment done on the day of the embryo transfer, also known as the Pre- and Post- Transfer Treatments. The chances of conception increase when acupuncture is given right before and shortly after the embryo is transferred to the uterus during an IVF treatment. Scientific studies have shown that this improves uterine artery blood flow, decreases contractions, supports endometrial lining and implantation and increases pregnancy rates up to 50%.

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After Transfer

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We encourage following up with at least one to two acupuncture treatments within the 3-5 days following embryo transfer, in order to further enhance implantation and assist with embryo development .

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Beyond Transfer

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After IUI/embryo transfer and through the end of the 1st trimester if there is a pregnancy, we recommend continuing with weekly acupuncture to support a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture treatments twice weekly for at least 12 weeks is ideal if there is a history of miscarriage or in an otherwise high-risk pregnancy.  If the IUI/embryo transfer is unsuccessful, we recommend scheduling a

reevaluation to discuss plans going forward.