I'm preparing for IVF. When should I start acupuncture?

The sooner, the better.

Ideally, we like to begin acupuncture before your egg retrieval, not just before your embryo transfer. Starting earlier gives us time to support ovarian function, improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, regulate the nervous system, optimize sleep, and help your body prepare for each phase of your IVF cycle.

While we can still help if your transfer is only a few weeks away, we encourage patients to contact us as soon as they know they'll be pursuing IVF.

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How often should I come?

For most IVF patients, we recommend two acupuncture treatments per week throughout the IVF process. This schedule provides consistent support as your body responds to medications and moves through each phase of treatment.

Your treatment plan is always personalized and may be adjusted based on your fertility clinic's protocol, how your body is responding, and your individual needs.

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What does acupuncture look like during an IVF cycle?

 

Before Egg Retrieval

• Begin treatment as soon as IVF is planned whenever possible.

• Typically two treatments per week to prepare the body before stimulation medications and throughout the stimulation phase.

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Around Egg Retrieval

• Treatments are scheduled around your retrieval date and adjusted based on how you're feeling afterward.

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Preparing for Embryo Transfer

• Continue twice-weekly treatments leading up to your transfer to support uterine blood flow, reduce stress, and prepare the uterine environment.

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Transfer Week

Many patients receive:

• One treatment within the day or two before transfer.

• One treatment on the day of transfer (when scheduling allows) or as close to the procedure as possible.

• A follow-up treatment after transfer, depending on your schedule and treatment plan.

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After Transfer

If pregnancy is achieved, many patients continue acupuncture during the first trimester to support a healthy pregnancy and help manage common early pregnancy symptoms.

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What if my embryo transfer is only a few weeks away?

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Don't worry—it's not too late.

Although we prefer to begin treatment before egg retrieval and continue throughout the IVF process, patients can still benefit from starting acupuncture even if their transfer is approaching. We'll develop the best treatment plan possible based on your timeline.

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Do you work with fertility clinics?

Yes. We regularly coordinate treatment timing with IVF, IUI, frozen embryo transfers (FET), and other assisted reproductive technologies. Our goal is to complement your medical treatment by providing acupuncture at the most beneficial points in your cycle.

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I'm traveling from out of town for my embryo transfer. Can you still work with me?

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Absolutely! Many of our fertility patients travel to St. Louis for their embryo transfer, and we're happy to coordinate acupuncture around your schedule.

Because transfer dates and appointment times can change quickly, we recommend calling our office as soon as you know your tentative transfer timeline. Our team can help you determine the ideal timing for your treatments and reserve appointments around your fertility clinic's schedule.

Whether you're looking for treatment the day before, the day of, or after your embryo transfer, we'll do our best to accommodate you and make the process as seamless as possible.

Give our office a call—we'd love to help you create a treatment plan that fits your IVF schedule.

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Ready to get started?

If you're planning IVF, don't wait until your transfer is scheduled. Contact us as soon as you know you're moving forward with treatment so we can build a plan that supports you from retrieval through transfer and beyond.