Step 2: Acupuncture During the Pre-FET Preparation Period

If time permits, preparation may begin several weeks before the planned embryo transfer.

Depending on the patient, EMW may recommend more frequent acupuncture initially, followed by weekly sessions.

Treatment during this period may focus on:

Managing menstrual and pelvic discomfort

Acupuncture may provide symptom relief in some patients with painful menstruation. However, the evidence for specifically improving adenomyosis-related fertility outcomes remains limited.

Supporting relaxation and sleep

Patients undergoing IVF frequently experience disrupted sleep, anxiety and physical tension.

Acupuncture sessions may be used as one component of supportive symptom management.

Addressing accompanying TCM patterns

Acupuncture point selection is adjusted according to the patient’s TCM diagnosis and stage of treatment.

For example, treatment principles may focus on regulating Qi, addressing Stasis during an appropriate nonpregnant phase, or supporting deficiency patterns.

Point selection becomes more conservative as ovulation or embryo transfer approaches.

Supporting general wellbeing during FET preparation

Our physicians also review digestion, bowel habits, nutrition and daily routines.

These areas do not replace uterine investigations or IVF medications, but they can affect how comfortably a patient manages treatment.

Step 3: Individualised Herbal Medicine When Appropriate

TCM herbal medicine may be considered in selected patients before an active IVF cycle, depending on symptoms, constitution and medical treatment.

The treatment principles may include:

• Regulating Qi
• Addressing Blood Stasis in the appropriate phase
• Supporting Qi and Blood deficiency
• Addressing Cold or Dampness when clinically indicated
• Managing selected menstrual or digestive symptoms

However, herbal treatment is not automatically prescribed to every IVF patient.

Some traditional herbs, especially those intended to strongly move Blood, may be inappropriate when pregnancy is possible.

At EMW TCM, herbal decisions take account of current medications, IVF timing and safety considerations.

Herbs are generally avoided or paused during active stimulation and around embryo transfer unless specifically assessed as appropriate and coordinated with the fertility specialist.

Step 4: Acupuncture Around Frozen Embryo Transfer

As the FET approaches, treatment priorities shift.

Rather than continuing an intensive approach aimed at managing menstrual Stasis, acupuncture becomes gentler and more conservative.

Where suitable, EMW may recommend:

• Approximately three preparation sessions before embryo transfer
• One session within 24 hours before transfer
• One session within 24 hours after transfer
• One additional session approximately three to five days after transfer

The actual schedule depends on the patient’s transfer date, previous treatment and clinical needs.

After ovulation or embryo transfer, acupuncture is adapted for possible early pregnancy, including avoiding abdominal needling and other techniques considered inappropriate during this phase.

The purpose is supportive care, particularly relaxation, comfort and management of suitable symptoms.

Current evidence does not establish that acupuncture around embryo transfer reliably improves live birth rates compared with sham acupuncture.

Step 5: Lifestyle and Nutritional Guidance

IVF preparation can involve many medical appointments and medications.

Rather than recommending complicated dietary restrictions, we generally encourage a practical approach.

Eat balanced, regular meals

Include suitable sources of protein, cooked vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.

There is no proven single diet that cures adenomyosis or guarantees IVF success.

Support comfortable digestion

Constipation, bloating and irregular eating may add to abdominal discomfort.

Where relevant, our physicians provide individualised dietary recommendations based on digestive symptoms.

Prioritise consistent sleep

Adequate rest supports general health and makes demanding treatment schedules easier to manage.

Poor sleep should be addressed, but patients should not be made to feel that one sleepless night will cause implantation failure.

Continue appropriate physical activity

Gentle walking and comfortable movement are generally suitable unless the fertility specialist advises otherwise.

Avoid unnecessary supplements and herbal products

Taking more supplements does not necessarily produce better fertility outcomes.

Patients should review supplements with their fertility specialist, especially while taking hormonal medications.