IVF Programme

This programme is for patients who would like on-site support through their IVF procedure.  It can be adapted to support those patients going through an IUI cycle.

The IVF package comprises a consultation and 4 treatments.  Depending on whether patients start their treatment at Hammersmith IVF or at 92 Harley Street, the IVF programme will either take place respectively on-site at Hammersmith Hospital or the first and last treatments will be given at 92 Harley Street.

We offer the following:

1. A personalised consultation so any subsequent treatments can be tailored to the needs of the individual, followed by a treatment.  This treatment takes place just after the monitoring scan you have on day 8 of stimulation.  This scan assesses follicle growth and endometrial thickness and the results of this scan will be taken into account for the acupuncture treatment.  It is the Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) way at this point to give a final boost to the ‘Qi’ (energy) of the body through treatment, in order to optimise the follicle growth and/or endometrial thickness as well as relax the patient so the egg collection is as easy as possible.
   
   
2. This treatment will take place just after the egg collection, usually while the patient is still in recovery.  The treatment will aim to aid post-operative recuperation (especially good for those who react strongly to anaesthesia), reduce internal swelling and abdominal bloating as well as providing a welcome peace of mind to patients who are anxious about the process they are undergoing.  TCM theory has it that the Qi of the body at this point is devoted to healing the body.  We aim to aid in this healing process in order that there is more Qi available to implant the embryo and not diverted to helping the body recover from the egg collection.
   
   
3. The third treatment will occur just after transfer of the embryo back into the uterus.  This treatment is designed primarily to relax the patient, and from a TCM point of view, encourage the Qi of the body to flow in an upward direction.  The points used in this treatment lift the spirits, and as we want to secure the egg inside the body, ensures that the Qi flows in a direction conducive to this.
   
   
4. Finally, the fourth treatment is done 5 days after transfer, around the time that an embryo would naturally implant in the uterus.  Our treatment encourages the uterus to perfuse with blood and therefore be as thick as possible, and enhances the ‘Yang’ energy of the body which, when strong, supports implantation and secures pregnancy.  At this point, some patients are beginning to feel nervous and excited about the outcome of the procedure, so this time is also used to relax and support the patient emotionally.