Fertility

Recent studies suggest using our tools in the months leading up to and during IVF cycles improves live birth outcomes.

Using acupuncture alongside diet and lifestyle changes (and targeted supplements and herbs when appropriate) has been shown in studies to help improve fertility in many different ways including the following:

  • promoting ovulation

  • increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries

  • thickening the uterine lining

  • regulating the Hypothalamic Pituitary Ovarian axis

  • managing endometriosis lesions, symptoms, and reducing inflammation

  • improving the likelihood of embryo implantation

  • helping the menstrual cycle become more regular and rhythmic

  • improving hormone levels and ovulation in PCOS

  • increasing pregnancy rates in IVF and IUIs

  • strengthening progesterone levels in the luteal phase

  • balancing hormones to reduce PMS, menstrual cramps and estrogen dominance

Because our approach is holistic, symptoms from stress such as trouble sleeping, moodiness, depression, upset digestion and fatigue also often improve. While there are clear measurable benefits to increasing your chances of conceiving with our tools, most patients also report a reduction in stress levels and anxiety, especially when combined with mental health support from our therapists.

ivf, egg freezing, and iui

Supporting your egg retrieval and embryo transfer cycles with our tools can potentially improve the outcomes, while helping to manage anxiety and stress levels. One study performed by Paulus, et al. (2002) showed an almost 50% increase in pregnancy rates when acupuncture was performed before and after embryo transfer in an IVF. Another study by Hollander Rubin et al. (2015) found that patients who received acupuncture along with the full care of Chinese medicine (customized herbs and nutrition along with other appropriate lifestyle changes) in the months leading up to their IVF had higher live birth rates.

We currently provide acupuncture support onsite at CCRM NY for patients undergoing embryo transfers.

2-3 months Before an egg retrieval or embryo transfer

Incorporating acupuncture, customized herbs and supplements with dietary and lifestyle changes in the months leading up to retrieval cycles often improves overall health and sets you up to retrieve the best possible eggs and prepare a healthy uterine lining. Weekly acupuncture sessions are recommended during this time.

During ovarian stimulation

Acupuncture should be performed twice a week during the stimulation phase of a retrieval cycle. Herbs and supplements are paused during this time. You can discuss a more customized plan with your practitioner, but it is common to strategically time one of the acupuncture sessions just before egg retrieval. If undergoing a fresh embryo transfer, acupuncture before and after the transfer and a week following is recommended. 

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

For FET cycles, acupuncture is recommended twice a week with sessions timed before and after embryo transfer. 

During an IUI

Weekly acupuncture during an IUI is recommended, timing one session on the day of the IUI. 

After a Successful IUI or IVF

Acupuncture is a wonderful and safe addition to your prenatal care from the very first positive pregnancy test through labor and delivery and postpartum time.  For more information on how acupuncture can support a healthy pregnancy click here!

Pregnancy and Postpartum

PREGNANCY SUPPORT

Acupuncture performed by an experienced practitioner is not only safe during all three trimesters, but it also helps support a healthy pregnancy and can help with symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, anxiety, insomnia, constipation, back pain, and headaches Studies also show that using moxibustion (a technique used during some acupuncture sessions) around week 35 can help signal a breech baby to turn. Learn more about moxa to turn a breech baby here. Somatic experiencing, nutrition counseling, mental health support, and naturopathy can also be safely utilized during pregnancy.

POSTPARTUM SUPPORT

During the postpartum time, acupuncture, somatic experiencing, talk therapy, and targeted supplements can assist in healing mind and body from giving birth. Chinese medicine has a long history of focusing on healing the mother in the first 40 days of postpartum so she can focus on her baby. Treatments during this time help with anxiety and depression, pain, pelvic floor issues, fatigue, brain fog, constipation, insomnia, and lactation.

perimenopause and menopause

The tools used by our acupuncturists and other provider at Lily + Horn excel at optimizing ovarian function and balancing hormones. In conjunction with our in-house physician Dr. Nandini Yadav, we are pioneering integrative perimenopause/menopause support by combining natural tools like acupuncture, nutrition, and supplements with customized bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT), vitamin and peptide injections, and other pharmaceuticals like GLP-1. Just like no two fertility journeys are alike, women experiencing perimenopause and symptoms need a custom approach to feel healthy and strong as they transition through menopause.

Symptoms during perimenopause can include night sweats, mood swings, insomnia, vertigo, frozen shoulder, itchy skin, brain fog, migraines, dryness, decreased libido, joint pain, weight gain, dizziness, anxiety, cramping and breast pain among others. Cardiovascular risks also increase during this time. Working with a physician and support providers during this time can set our patients up for lasting health ongoing.


Testimonials

“Mary Sabo is my miracle worker! It’s really incredible to think that I get to see my eastern doctor every week and have her really listen and do things that help. She is so warm and I feel like because of her, I can achieve my goals. I am not sure if this is the case for others, but my cycles have since gone from 60+ days to 35 days the first month, 30 the second and we’re on track for a 28 day cycle!!”

— T.S

I adore Mary. I have been seeing her for 4 years through a tough miscarriage, a roller coaster pregnancy, and every issue and ailment (fertility and other) along the way. She is so knowledgeable in both eastern and western medicine. I always leave her office feeling amazing, both physically and emotionally. She is kind, caring, patient, and seems to know everything about everything. Her skill in acupuncture is unparalleled - this is evident not only through my own experience, but also the doctors who work with her, the panels she's so often asked to speak on, and the incredibly successful business she so quickly grew. My visits with Mary are the highlight of my week. I cannot recommend her enough.

— M.J.

“Michelle has been treating me at Lily + Horn to support my IVF cycles and also does acupuncture facials. I can’t believe the results! My friends have even commented on my glowing skin. She’s the real deal and I look forward to my sessions every week.”

— ML