Side Effects of Ovarian Stimulation. (IVF)

Posted on May 23, 2017

1. Should you consider acupuncture as an adjunct to medical treatment for O.H.S.S.?   Yes, absolutely.  Women with PCOS have a greater chance of developing ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome.  Please follow your medical doctors recommendation if this occurs.  If you are sent to the hospital, once you are released I can evaluate the safety of providing acupuncture to you to accelerate your recovery from OHSS.  I offer an integrative approach for this condition, not an alternative to medical treatment for this condition.
2. Will acupuncture help with the bloating I feel during stimulation and after egg retrieval?  After egg retrieval you will notice the most relief from acupuncture for bloating and abdominal discomfort.  Electro-acupuncture or acupuncture will be provided to you to reduce local tissue swelling, inflammation and distal diuretic points will be used to (remove water accumulation).   If during ovarian stimulation you are very uncomfortable from bloating (this is because many follicles are growing and will continue to grow until egg retrieval), acupuncture will provide much needed temporary relief and increase blood flow to the ovaries allowing the medicine to be delivered to the follicles.  I will need to know how many follicles are growing in each ovary and what size they are, jot this information down when you see your M.D. for ultrasounds, the acupuncture treatment provided to you will be based on this important information.
3. Acupuncture helps with emotional regulation greatly during ovarian stimulation.  Proper points have to be used.  I also provide you with a guided relaxation after all the acupuncture points are placed and a supportive space to share your feelings.
4. Specific hormonal acupuncture points are used to balance the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis; this will help with mood regulation, night sweats, hot flashes, and headaches experienced during ovarian stimulation.  You will also be given information on how to regulate your stress with mind-body techniques that are scientifically supported and I have gathered from professional continuing education programs to share with you, because acupuncture isn’t enough. (and if you are open to it, some that are not!)