Nature Cycle IVF: Acupuncture can help

In a natural menstrual cycle, only one dominant follicle with a single oocyte (egg) inside typically develops. Natural cycle IVF is a form of in vitro fertilization without the use of medication to stimulate the ovary to produce multiples eggs. Patients are monitored with several ultrasound and blood tests to follow the development of the single follicle. Operative egg retrieval is then performed to try to remove an egg from the single follicle. If the egg retrieval is successful, an attempt is made to fertilize the egg in the laboratory in the same way as conventional IVF. If a viable dividing embryo is produced, it is transferred back to the uterus.

The proposed benefits of natural cycle IVF are the use of less medication, lower medication costs and no risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome; in some cases, there is less monitoring with ultrasounds and blood tests. Even though the natural cycle IVF ideally shall be much cheaper than the normal IVF, however with lower successful rate and other conditions, cost may be added up.

No matter you choose natural cycle IVF or normal IVF, the general acupuncture benefit and treatment principles are almost the same. Quite a percentage of my customers choose acupuncture and herb formula first and IUI or IVF later.