Artificial Insemination / IUI
If you've been trying on your own for more than a year (or 6 months if you're over 35 years old), that's usually when a fertility specialist is recommended. One of the first treatments they often try is an oral medication to induce ovulation paired with an IUI (Intra Uterine Insemination). On their own, this combo of treatments seems to only work about 20% of the time, often taking 2-4 cycles to conceive. Plus, the medications can have tough side effects including emotional instability and a thinning of the uterine lining.
Acupuncture, especially when combined with the right supplements or Chinese herbal medicine, can not only raise the success rates of these cycles but also help limit the side effects of these medications. We’ve been through thousands of IUI cycles with our patients and can use our experience to help guide you through the process and help you decide if you’re on the right path.
“Women who combined TCM with the procedures for undergoing IUI had significantly higher pregnancy and birth rates than the control group.”
Acupuncture has been shown to:
Increase success rates of IUI cycles
Increase blood flow to the ovaries to help promote timely ovulation
Increase blood flow to the uterus to thicken the lining and help it convert
Modulate cortisol to limit the body's stress responses to the change in hormones and medication side effects
Reduce mood swings and anxiety
Start Your Journey to a
Healthy Conception
FAQs
How often should I get treatment during my IUI cycle?
Regular treatment seems to be what works best; regular usually meaning once a week depending on how long the menstrual cycle is. Acupuncture sometimes takes a few treatments to take effect so if it's your first cycle, try coming an extra time that first week to maximize the effects on the first cycle.
Do I need acupuncture right before or after my IUI?
Unlike with IVF, there doesn't seem to be a specific benefit to treating around the IUI itself that we’ve seen. However, there’s downside to doing one. We recommend maintaining regular treatments should be sufficient, but we’re happy to add a treatment around the IUI if desired.
Research
Sela, Keren, et al. "Acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment for women undergoing intrauterine insemination." European Journal of Integrative Medicine 3.2 (2011): e77-e81.
“Women who combined TCM with the procedures for undergoing IUI had significantly higher pregnancy (OR = 4.403, 95% CI 1.51–12.835, p = 0.007) and birth rates (OR = 3.905, 95% CI 1.321–11.549, p = 0.014) than the control group.”
Lian F, Zhang N, Zhang JW. [Clinical observation on effect of zhenqi zhuanyin decoction combined with intrauterine insemination…with positive anti-sperm antibody] Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine. 2002 Feb;22(2):95-97
Combined therapy of [Chinese Herbs] and IUI shows a better effect in treating infertility with positive AsAb than that by [Chinese Herbs] or IUI alone.