Acupuncture in the Context of IVF
Acupuncture is a modality of traditional Chinese medicine in which fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body. The aim of this technique is to influence the flow of vital energy (known as qi) and restore harmony within the meridians through which that energy circulates.
In modern (Western) medicine, acupuncture is frequently employed as an adjunct therapy in the management of a wide range of conditions, including supportive care during assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Infertility is among the recognised indications for acupuncture according to the WHO.
Acupuncture at our clinic is delivered directly by a reproductive medicine physician MUDr. Monika Perdochová, who has a thorough understanding of each phase of IVF treatment and the individual needs of patients throughout ovarian stimulation and the peri-embryo transfer period.
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Acupuncture & IVF
Within an IVF cycle, acupuncture aims to enhance uterine and ovarian blood perfusion, reduce stress and harmonise the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, thereby contributing to a more receptive endometrial environment for embryo implantation. It acts on the nervous and endocrine systems, promotes the release of endogenous opioid peptides (endorphins) and helps regulate cortisol and other stress-related hormone levels — a factor frequently of critical importance during the treatment period.
Rationale for Integrating Acupuncture into IVF Treatment
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Key benefits in the IVF context for female patients- Enhances ovarian vascularisation, positively influencing oocyte quality
- Increases uterine perfusion and reduces myometrial tone, thereby raising the probability of embryo implantation
- Promotes hormonal equilibrium conducive to optimal endometrial proliferation
- Reduction of myometrial contractility facilitates the embryo transfer procedure
- Improves ovarian response to stimulation protocols and attenuates associated adverse effects
- Modulates stress hormone levels, induces systemic relaxation and thereby supports embryonic implantation
- Harmonises immune system function
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Key benefits in the IVF context for male patients- Induction of hormonal balance leading to improvement in semen analysis parameters
Patient Selection
This modality is suitable for virtually all patients. Absolute contraindications in our patient population include needle phobia and conditions such as acute infection, acute abdomen, loss of consciousness, haemorrhagic diathesis, congenital haemophilia, intoxication, etc.
Treatment Timing Within the IVF Cycle
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Acupuncture prior to the IVF cycle / during controlled ovarian stimulation- Timing: 3 months before IVF commencement
- Objectives: induction of hormonal equilibrium, improvement of ovarian function and perfusion
- Expected outcomes: increased oocyte quantity and quality / improved semen parameters, reduction of treatment-related adverse effects
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Acupuncture prior to embryo transferTiming: on the day of transfer
Objectives: stress reduction, enhancement of uterine blood flow, reduction of myometrial tone
Expected outcomes: increased probability of successful implantation of the transferred embryo
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Acupuncture following embryo transfer- Timing: post-ET
- Objectives: stress reduction, enhancement of uterine blood flow, reduction of myometrial tone
- Expected outcomes: increased probability of successful embryo implantation
MUDr. Monika Perďochová
MUDr. Monika Perďochová is a graduate of the Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague. During her studies she completed several academic residencies and clinical internships, including placements in Berlin and Passau.
She gained professional experience at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, in a private gynaecological practice, and at the Nordoberpfalz Clinic in Weiden, Germany. She has been a member of the EUROPE IVF clinical team since 2022.
Education:
• Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
• Certificate in Medical Acupuncture, IPVZ
• Member of the Czech Medical Acupuncture Society (ČLAS ČLS JEP)
Postgraduate training in acupuncture and related techniques for physicians, pursuant to Act No. 95/2004 Coll., is provided by the Department of Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine at the IPVZ, Prague.
Session duration
Dependent on prior acupuncture experience; first session — 40–60 min. (medical history, informed consent, technique explanation, etc.); subsequent sessions (30 min.)
Treatment procedure
Insertion of sterile fine-gauge acupuncture needles into specific acupoints individually selected for each patient based on clinical presentation and diagnosis
Sensations during needling
Tingling at the needling site (de qi sensation), brief sharp sensation at the moment of needle insertion, deep relaxation
Safety profile
The modality carries an excellent safety record; complications are infrequent; in very rare instances minor bleeding at the needling site, post-needling soreness or needle bending/fracture may occur
Practical Information
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine, conducted on a cohort of 180 women randomised into 3 groups (A, B, C), demonstrated that women who received acupuncture during their IVF cycle (groups A and B) had a significantly higher probability of achieving clinical pregnancy and live birth compared with the control group that did not undergo acupuncture (group C).
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When to schedule: Ideally prior to the commencement of the treatment cycle
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Appointment availability: Appointments are arranged on an individual basis according to each patient's specific clinical needs.
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Location: Treatment is provided on-site at the Europe IVF Clinic, Evropská 859/155, 160 00 Prague 6
Treatment Fees
A uniform fee of € 100 applies to all procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is acupuncture painful?
The perception of discomfort during acupuncture is highly subjective and depends on individual sensitivity and the needling site. The majority of patients experience the procedure as painless. During treatment, some patients may notice mild discomfort, a tingling or warmth sensation, which resolves rapidly.
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How many sessions are required?
This varies according to individual clinical needs and scheduling constraints. To achieve the optimal outcome, a course of treatment beginning prior to the IVF cycle (ideally 3 months in advance) is recommended to prepare the body for the forthcoming cycle. Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer is additionally recommended. We understand our patients' time constraints and a single session on transfer day is also feasible; however, in this case we recommend prior familiarity with the treatment.
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Is it worthwhile even in a first IVF cycle?
Absolutely, if you wish to maximise the probability of a successful outcome.
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Is it suitable for every patient?
Acupuncture is suitable for almost everyone (including male partners). Absolute contraindications include needle phobia and conditions such as acute infection, acute abdomen, loss of consciousness, haemorrhagic diathesis, congenital haemophilia, intoxication, metabolic derangement, etc.
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What is the cost?
A uniform fee of € 100 applies to all procedures.
Free initial consultation
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