Starting IVF can feel like stepping onto an emotional rollercoaster. Between the appointments, medications, and two-week waits, it’s a lot to navigate physically, mentally, and emotionally. At Natural Harmony Reproductive Health here in San Diego, we provide fertility acupuncture and integrative care that supports you through every phase of the IVF process, from your very first consult to the day you graduate from your fertility clinic.
We have worked alongside leading reproductive endocrinologists for years, supporting thousands of patients through IVF. Here’s how we walk with you, start to finish.
Phase 1: IVF Preparation & Cycle Priming
Before your IVF cycle even begins, the focus is on creating the healthiest possible foundation.
With acupuncture and integrative tools, we aim to:
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Improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus for better egg and lining quality
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Support hormone balance and regulate your cycle
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Reduce inflammation that can impact implantation
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Help manage stress and improve sleep
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Guide nutrition and supplements for optimal egg health
We recommend starting acupuncture 12 weeks before your IVF cycle when possible. This gives your body time to respond and optimize each stage of egg development.
Phase 2: Stimulation & Monitoring
During your stimulation phase, the medications are doing the heavy lifting for egg growth, and we are here to help your body handle it all more smoothly.
Our acupuncture sessions during stimulation may help:
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Improve ovarian response to medication
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Minimize bloating and discomfort
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Support healthy estrogen levels
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Keep stress and anxiety in check during frequent monitoring
Phase 3: Egg Retrieval Recovery
After retrieval, your body needs rest and recovery. This is especially true if you have had a high response to stimulation or are at risk for OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome).
Acupuncture at this stage focuses on:
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Supporting circulation for faster healing
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Reducing abdominal discomfort and bloating
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Promoting hormone balance post-retrieval
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Calming the nervous system and reducing fatigue
Phase 4: Transfer Preparation
Whether you are doing a fresh or frozen embryo transfer, the goal is to create the most receptive environment for implantation.
Our pre-transfer support includes:
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Acupuncture 24 hours before transfer to boost uterine blood flow
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Nutrition guidance to support implantation
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Gentle stress-reduction techniques for mental calm
Phase 5: Transfer Day & the Two-Week Wait
On transfer day, we coordinate with your clinic to provide acupuncture before and after your embryo transfer. Research shows this can improve implantation rates by increasing blood flow and reducing uterine contractions.
During the two-week wait, we focus on:
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Calming the mind and managing anxiety
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Supporting progesterone function and uterine receptivity
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Helping you stay balanced, grounded, and well-rested
Phase 6: Early Pregnancy Support
Once you get that positive test (yes!), our care shifts to supporting early pregnancy. Acupuncture during the first trimester may:
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Help manage nausea, fatigue, and anxiety
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Support thyroid and hormone balance
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Provide ongoing emotional support
Why Choose Natural Harmony for IVF Support
We are an inclusive, evidence-based fertility acupuncture clinic in San Diego with over a decade of experience supporting IVF patients. We collaborate closely with your fertility team, tailoring your plan to every stage of the process. Our goal is to make sure you feel supported, informed, and cared for from start to finish.
Ready to Begin?
If you are preparing for IVF or are already mid-cycle, we can help you feel more confident, calm, and supported at every step.
Book your IVF support consultation today or call us at 619-512-9783.