Our Fertility Services
Service periods:
Monday to Friday 17.00 – 20.00 PM.
Saturday 09.00 – 12.00 AM and 13.00 - 19.00 PM.
Sunday 09.00 – 12.00 AM. and 13.00 – 16.00 PM.
Infertility – Investigation & Counseling
Assessment of Male factor & Semen Analysis (SA)
Evaluation of the male partner is an integral part of the infertility investigation. Male causes explain or contribute significantly to infertility in 35% to 45% of couples. Most male infertility is due to “sluggish” sperm, low concentration and/or abnormal forms of sperm cells. The initial step is semen analysis (SA), which includes measurements of seminal volume, pH, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. A full male reproductive evaluation is suggested if abnormal SA by the revised WHO standards (2010).
Assessment of Ovulation & Ovarian reserve
The detection of ovulation in the female and timing of intercourse is important to increase the chances of conception. Absent or irregular ovulation account for 20% of infertility problems. Ovulation may be detected by serum Progesterone, transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and/or home ovulation predictor kit (urine LH). Ovarian reserve assessment is particularly helpful in older couples, those with unexplained infertility or when ovarian insufficiency is suspected. Markers of ovarian reserve include AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone), day-3 FSH, antral follicle count (AFC) and inhibin B.
Assessment of Tubal patency & the Pelvic factor
Blockage of the Fallopian tubes and/or pelvic adhesions (scar tissue around the tubes) can be found in 30-40% of infertile women. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is used to assess tubal patency. It involves injecting a liquid which can be seen on X-ray (contrast medium) through the cervix into the uterus and tubes. It may also suggest the presence of pelvic adhesions, but if these are suspected we prefer Laparoscopy, which requires general Anaesthesia. Laparoscopy may also be used to diagnose other pelvic abnormalities, like Endometriosis and fibroids.
Assessment of The Uterus
Structural abnormalities of the uterus (abnormal shape or septum) or abnormal findings in the uterine cavity (polyps, adhesions, fibroids) can be diagnosed by simple office transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). They can also be noted by Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), but Hysteroscopy, which involves visualization of the uterine cavity through the cervix, is the preferred method.
Other hormone assays
Endocrine imbalance may interfere with both ovulation and sperm production. In certain situations we offer a wide range tests to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland, adrenals, pituitary gland, ovaries and testes. These include: FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, TSH, FT4, ACTH, cortisol and many more. We also perform routinely quantitative measurements of beta-hCG (a hormone produced by the placenta) for detection of early pregnancy (at the time of the expected menstrual period), to monitor implantation and embryonic viability before the pregnancy can be visualized by TVUS or when ectopic pregnancy is suspected.
Counseling & 2nd opinion services
Counseling and second opinion services can make a significant difference in your life no matter where you are on the “Infertility slope”: just suspicious that you are infertile because “it takes too long” or whether you already have undergone treatment(s) with an infertility clinic. Infertility can become a “long journey” with many possible routes, hardships and obstacles, unexpected or undesired destinations (outcomes), disappointments and despairs, but almost always very successful and rewarding. Our counseling takes into account all of your personal, medical, reproductive, financial and social factors and will suggest to you a strategy that will meet your particular needs and circumstances.
Infertility – Treatments
Surgery
Surgery can have an important role in the treatment of both men and women with infertility. Tubal corrective surgery (Tuboplasty, in case of blockage), Reversal of tubal sterilization (ROS) and Removal of pelvic adhesions, endometriosis or other pathologies (Polyps, fibroids) may be accomplished by Laparoscopy or Hysteroscopy. In men, a Varicocele (an enlarged vein of the testes) can often be surgically corrected. When sperm cannot be found in the ejaculate, Surgical Sperm Retrieval (SSR, surgical collection of sperm for IVF and ICSI) is accomplished by various techniques (MESA, PESA, TESE).
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
This technique involves injecting a concentrated dose of “selected” sperm directly into the uterus via a thin tube (catheter). IUI alone is often used when minor sperm abnormalities, notably low counts, are present or in conjunction with fertility drugs in order to increase the odds of a pregnancy.
ART – IVF & ET
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) is the collective name for all the techniques which involve handling of eggs and sperm or embryos outside the human body. In-Vitro fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF & ET) is the most common ART. This effective technique involves retrieving mature eggs from a woman, fertilizing them with a man's sperm in a dish in the laboratory and transferring the embryo(s) into the uterus, 3-5 days after fertilization. IVF & ET is often recommended when both fallopian tubes are blocked or there are adhesions around them. It is also widely used for a number of other conditions, such as endometriosis, unexplained infertility, cervical factor infertility, male infertility and ovulation disorders.
ART – ICSI
Another form of ART, which has revolutionized the treatment of severe male infertility is Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), which involves the injection of the head of a single sperm cell directly into the egg with a micro-needle under a high-magnification microscope. Since all the genetic information from the male is condensed in the head of the sperm, the injection of this part into the egg allows for the development of the zygote, or a “one-cell embryo”, in which the genetic material from the male and the female is integrated. This laboratory procedure actually replaces the natural process of sperm penetration into the egg (AKA Fertilization) and can be used in cases with very low counts, abnormal sperm motility or a high rate of “abnormal forms”.
Sperm/Egg/Embryo – Banking (Freezing) & Donations
Banking (Freezing)
The ability to freeze (Cryopreserve) and store for long periods of time human sperm, embryos and recently eggs has opened many options for both fertile and infertile people. The modern freezing techniques are not associated with any significant damage to these cells as the results after thawing are very similar to those obtained with fresh ones. This allows “Banking” of sperm, eggs and embryos for future use, at the appropriate timing. It is now recommended to both men and women who are facing cancer treatments (Chemotherapy and/or Radiation) and wish to preserve their fertility. Sperm freezing should be considered as a back-up resource prior to an IVF cycle if difficulty producing an ejaculate is anticipated. It is also recommended for those who wish to undergo vasectomy. Egg banking is also an option for women who have not realized their family plans and are facing a decrease in ovarian reserve as a result of advancing age (the “biological clock”) or another cause. Embryo freezing is now recommended in an IVF & ET cycle to avoid the risk of multiple pregnancy (twins and more) that is associated with transferring too many embryos to the uterus. Thus any surplus of “good quality” embryos can be frozen and if the “fresh IVF cycle” does not result in pregnancy, frozen embryos can be thawed and transferred into the uterus (AKA Frozen Embryo Transfer, FET) in later cycles at the couple's convenience. If pregnancy does occur in a fresh cycle, the frozen embryos will potentially give rise to subsequent pregnancy after the delivery of the first IVF baby.
Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis & Screening (PGD & PGS)
While still in culture conditions, we can remove one or more cells from the embryo before transferring it to the uterus and test these cells for large number genetic and chromosomal abnormalities. This is carried out under a microscope with a micro-pipette and does not affect the chances of the embryo to implant in the uterus after transfer. PGD (Pre-Implantation Diagnosis)refers to the diagnosis of a specific genetic defect (AKA mutation) which can cause significant health risk to the offspring, like Major Thalassemia, Sickle cell disease, Cystic fibrosis and many other diseases. It is usually offered to couples who were diagnosed by genetic studies to carry the “mutation” or already have affected children with the disease. This means that we transfer into the uterus only healthy embryo(s), which do not carry the mutation. PGS (Pre-Implantation Screening) is an identical procedure, but we test the embryo for a number of common chromosomal abnormalities (like Down syndrome). It is offered to couples at risk for these abnormalities (those who already have an affected child or when the woman is more than 40 years of age). Since we also check the “sex chromosomes” of the embryo we can determine if it is going to be a boy or a girl.
Pregnancy – Preparation & Follow-up
Preconception counseling & assessment
If you are trying to have a baby or are just thinking about it, it is not too early to prepare for a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. Preconception care is planning, testing and sometimes also receiving medications, immunizations and supplements before you get pregnant. It involves finding and taking care of any problems that you previously had or might have in the next pregnancy that can affect you and your baby, like diabetes, high blood pressure, chromosomal abnormality or prematurity. Your past medical history and the complications and outcome of previous pregnancies can be very informative. It involves steps you can take to reduce the risk of birth defects and other problems. For example, you should take folic acid supplements to prevent neural tube defects. We will also offer you to run some routine tests to make sure there are no hidden/undiscovered disease processes that can interfere with getting pregnant or well-being of the baby, like thyroid gland malfunction or Rh iso-immunization. By taking action on health issues before pregnancy, you can prevent many future problems for yourself and your baby. Once you're pregnant, you’ll get antenatal (or prenatal) care until your baby is born.
Early pregnancy follow-up
Early pregnancy follow-up with placental hormone (hCG) and/or transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) can be helpful when there is higher risk of multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, imminent or recurrent abortion and for accurate dating. Ideally, every pregnant patient should have a routine first trimester scan (between 7 and 11 weeks from the LMP) to determine the location of the pregnancy sac, the number of embryos, fetal heart activity and to measure the crown-rump length (CRL), which is very important for dating.
Screening for fetal malformations
Major congenital malformations, structural or chromosomal, can be found in 2-3% of babies and the number of minor malformations is even higher. These babies may suffer from heart defects, open neural tube (Spina bifida), Down syndrome, limb defects and many others. Some of these malformations can be diagnosed early in pregnancy and offer the couple the option for pregnancy termination. In others, diagnosing a malformation will allow preparation for childbirth and early intervention after delivery. Screening for chromosomal anomalies, principally Down syndrome that is highly related to advanced maternal age, is carried out by Nuchal Translucency (NT) measurement (11-13 weeks after LMP) and/or “Biochemical markers” (levels of specific proteins and hormones at 11-13 weeks and/or at 16-20 weeks). Some of the structural congenital malformations can be diagnosed by a special ultrasound exam (AKA Fetal anomalies scan) carried out as early as 15 weeks after the LMP.
Antenatal care (ANC) & preparation for childbirth
Pregnancy is considered among the most challenging and difficult periods in a woman’s life. About 25-35% of pregnancies are considered “high-risk” and can develop complications, however also low-risk pregnancies may have complications, but at a lower rate. Common pregnancy complications include hypertension and toxemia, diabetes, preterm labor and prematurity, fetal growth restriction and low birth weight, abnormal placentation (Previa), anemia, urinary tract infections and many more, which can have long term consequences for the child and his family. This is why we strongly recommend pre-natal (or ante-natal) care to all pregnant patients in order to closely monitor the progress of the pregnancy, offer preventive treatments and supplements and diagnose complications early enough, before irreversible damage has occurred. Childbirth can also represent a significant risk to both the mother and her baby. So the preparation for childbirth aimed to reduce unnecessary stress, avoid “last-minute surprises” and to calmly decide on the best mode of delivery.
Psychological stress
Psychological stress is probably the most difficult part of IVF treatments and it often results in distress, anxiety and depression. While the emotional suffering can be significant, it is also associated with poorer IVF and pregnancy outcomes irrespective of the cause of infertility. Recent research has also shown that psychological interventions aimed at stress reduction not only improve patients’ well-being, but may result in higher pregnancy rates. We therefore encourage our patients to combine their IVF treatment with some sort of mind-body intervention which they feel comfortable with, in one of the surrounding “Holistic-Integrative” clinics and wellness spas. You can choose between: Hypnosis, Meditation, Yoga, Ayurveda, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Reiki, Thai/Swedish massage, Herbal Medicine, Aromatherapy, Hydrotherapy, Detox programs and many more… Please check the “Stress-free IVF” box on your Appointment Request Form.
• We can offer you a simple, validated questionnaire that will assess and score yours and your partner’s stress levels. For those with high scores we can offer appropriate counseling.
• Even if your stress levels are low, you may enjoy and benefit from the wide range of relaxation treatments which are available here.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves the insertion of fine needles in the skin at specific points to control the flow of energy (or Qi) through the body meridians. It has gained remarkable popularity in Western medicine since it is regarded as minimally invasive and risk-free. Acupuncture has also been used in China for centuries to regulate the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and fertility. It is thought to stimulate the secretion of the brain ovulatory hormones, to improve the blood supply to the uterus and also to decrease the biological stress response (causing relaxation). Several studies have shown that when acupuncture is given at the time of egg-retrieval and/or embryo transfer it can improve the rates of pregnancy.
Monday to Friday 17.00 – 20.00 PM.
Saturday 09.00 – 12.00 AM and 13.00 - 19.00 PM.
Sunday 09.00 – 12.00 AM. and 13.00 – 16.00 PM.
Infertility – Investigation & Counseling
Assessment of Male factor & Semen Analysis (SA)
Evaluation of the male partner is an integral part of the infertility investigation. Male causes explain or contribute significantly to infertility in 35% to 45% of couples. Most male infertility is due to “sluggish” sperm, low concentration and/or abnormal forms of sperm cells. The initial step is semen analysis (SA), which includes measurements of seminal volume, pH, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. A full male reproductive evaluation is suggested if abnormal SA by the revised WHO standards (2010).
Assessment of Ovulation & Ovarian reserve
The detection of ovulation in the female and timing of intercourse is important to increase the chances of conception. Absent or irregular ovulation account for 20% of infertility problems. Ovulation may be detected by serum Progesterone, transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and/or home ovulation predictor kit (urine LH). Ovarian reserve assessment is particularly helpful in older couples, those with unexplained infertility or when ovarian insufficiency is suspected. Markers of ovarian reserve include AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone), day-3 FSH, antral follicle count (AFC) and inhibin B.
Assessment of Tubal patency & the Pelvic factor
Blockage of the Fallopian tubes and/or pelvic adhesions (scar tissue around the tubes) can be found in 30-40% of infertile women. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is used to assess tubal patency. It involves injecting a liquid which can be seen on X-ray (contrast medium) through the cervix into the uterus and tubes. It may also suggest the presence of pelvic adhesions, but if these are suspected we prefer Laparoscopy, which requires general Anaesthesia. Laparoscopy may also be used to diagnose other pelvic abnormalities, like Endometriosis and fibroids.
Assessment of The Uterus
Structural abnormalities of the uterus (abnormal shape or septum) or abnormal findings in the uterine cavity (polyps, adhesions, fibroids) can be diagnosed by simple office transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). They can also be noted by Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), but Hysteroscopy, which involves visualization of the uterine cavity through the cervix, is the preferred method.
Other hormone assays
Endocrine imbalance may interfere with both ovulation and sperm production. In certain situations we offer a wide range tests to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland, adrenals, pituitary gland, ovaries and testes. These include: FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, TSH, FT4, ACTH, cortisol and many more. We also perform routinely quantitative measurements of beta-hCG (a hormone produced by the placenta) for detection of early pregnancy (at the time of the expected menstrual period), to monitor implantation and embryonic viability before the pregnancy can be visualized by TVUS or when ectopic pregnancy is suspected.
Counseling & 2nd opinion services
Counseling and second opinion services can make a significant difference in your life no matter where you are on the “Infertility slope”: just suspicious that you are infertile because “it takes too long” or whether you already have undergone treatment(s) with an infertility clinic. Infertility can become a “long journey” with many possible routes, hardships and obstacles, unexpected or undesired destinations (outcomes), disappointments and despairs, but almost always very successful and rewarding. Our counseling takes into account all of your personal, medical, reproductive, financial and social factors and will suggest to you a strategy that will meet your particular needs and circumstances.
Infertility – Treatments
Surgery
Surgery can have an important role in the treatment of both men and women with infertility. Tubal corrective surgery (Tuboplasty, in case of blockage), Reversal of tubal sterilization (ROS) and Removal of pelvic adhesions, endometriosis or other pathologies (Polyps, fibroids) may be accomplished by Laparoscopy or Hysteroscopy. In men, a Varicocele (an enlarged vein of the testes) can often be surgically corrected. When sperm cannot be found in the ejaculate, Surgical Sperm Retrieval (SSR, surgical collection of sperm for IVF and ICSI) is accomplished by various techniques (MESA, PESA, TESE).
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
This technique involves injecting a concentrated dose of “selected” sperm directly into the uterus via a thin tube (catheter). IUI alone is often used when minor sperm abnormalities, notably low counts, are present or in conjunction with fertility drugs in order to increase the odds of a pregnancy.
ART – IVF & ET
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) is the collective name for all the techniques which involve handling of eggs and sperm or embryos outside the human body. In-Vitro fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF & ET) is the most common ART. This effective technique involves retrieving mature eggs from a woman, fertilizing them with a man's sperm in a dish in the laboratory and transferring the embryo(s) into the uterus, 3-5 days after fertilization. IVF & ET is often recommended when both fallopian tubes are blocked or there are adhesions around them. It is also widely used for a number of other conditions, such as endometriosis, unexplained infertility, cervical factor infertility, male infertility and ovulation disorders.
ART – ICSI
Another form of ART, which has revolutionized the treatment of severe male infertility is Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), which involves the injection of the head of a single sperm cell directly into the egg with a micro-needle under a high-magnification microscope. Since all the genetic information from the male is condensed in the head of the sperm, the injection of this part into the egg allows for the development of the zygote, or a “one-cell embryo”, in which the genetic material from the male and the female is integrated. This laboratory procedure actually replaces the natural process of sperm penetration into the egg (AKA Fertilization) and can be used in cases with very low counts, abnormal sperm motility or a high rate of “abnormal forms”.
Sperm/Egg/Embryo – Banking (Freezing) & Donations
Banking (Freezing)
The ability to freeze (Cryopreserve) and store for long periods of time human sperm, embryos and recently eggs has opened many options for both fertile and infertile people. The modern freezing techniques are not associated with any significant damage to these cells as the results after thawing are very similar to those obtained with fresh ones. This allows “Banking” of sperm, eggs and embryos for future use, at the appropriate timing. It is now recommended to both men and women who are facing cancer treatments (Chemotherapy and/or Radiation) and wish to preserve their fertility. Sperm freezing should be considered as a back-up resource prior to an IVF cycle if difficulty producing an ejaculate is anticipated. It is also recommended for those who wish to undergo vasectomy. Egg banking is also an option for women who have not realized their family plans and are facing a decrease in ovarian reserve as a result of advancing age (the “biological clock”) or another cause. Embryo freezing is now recommended in an IVF & ET cycle to avoid the risk of multiple pregnancy (twins and more) that is associated with transferring too many embryos to the uterus. Thus any surplus of “good quality” embryos can be frozen and if the “fresh IVF cycle” does not result in pregnancy, frozen embryos can be thawed and transferred into the uterus (AKA Frozen Embryo Transfer, FET) in later cycles at the couple's convenience. If pregnancy does occur in a fresh cycle, the frozen embryos will potentially give rise to subsequent pregnancy after the delivery of the first IVF baby.
Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis & Screening (PGD & PGS)
While still in culture conditions, we can remove one or more cells from the embryo before transferring it to the uterus and test these cells for large number genetic and chromosomal abnormalities. This is carried out under a microscope with a micro-pipette and does not affect the chances of the embryo to implant in the uterus after transfer. PGD (Pre-Implantation Diagnosis)refers to the diagnosis of a specific genetic defect (AKA mutation) which can cause significant health risk to the offspring, like Major Thalassemia, Sickle cell disease, Cystic fibrosis and many other diseases. It is usually offered to couples who were diagnosed by genetic studies to carry the “mutation” or already have affected children with the disease. This means that we transfer into the uterus only healthy embryo(s), which do not carry the mutation. PGS (Pre-Implantation Screening) is an identical procedure, but we test the embryo for a number of common chromosomal abnormalities (like Down syndrome). It is offered to couples at risk for these abnormalities (those who already have an affected child or when the woman is more than 40 years of age). Since we also check the “sex chromosomes” of the embryo we can determine if it is going to be a boy or a girl.
Pregnancy – Preparation & Follow-up
Preconception counseling & assessment
If you are trying to have a baby or are just thinking about it, it is not too early to prepare for a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. Preconception care is planning, testing and sometimes also receiving medications, immunizations and supplements before you get pregnant. It involves finding and taking care of any problems that you previously had or might have in the next pregnancy that can affect you and your baby, like diabetes, high blood pressure, chromosomal abnormality or prematurity. Your past medical history and the complications and outcome of previous pregnancies can be very informative. It involves steps you can take to reduce the risk of birth defects and other problems. For example, you should take folic acid supplements to prevent neural tube defects. We will also offer you to run some routine tests to make sure there are no hidden/undiscovered disease processes that can interfere with getting pregnant or well-being of the baby, like thyroid gland malfunction or Rh iso-immunization. By taking action on health issues before pregnancy, you can prevent many future problems for yourself and your baby. Once you're pregnant, you’ll get antenatal (or prenatal) care until your baby is born.
Early pregnancy follow-up
Early pregnancy follow-up with placental hormone (hCG) and/or transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) can be helpful when there is higher risk of multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, imminent or recurrent abortion and for accurate dating. Ideally, every pregnant patient should have a routine first trimester scan (between 7 and 11 weeks from the LMP) to determine the location of the pregnancy sac, the number of embryos, fetal heart activity and to measure the crown-rump length (CRL), which is very important for dating.
Screening for fetal malformations
Major congenital malformations, structural or chromosomal, can be found in 2-3% of babies and the number of minor malformations is even higher. These babies may suffer from heart defects, open neural tube (Spina bifida), Down syndrome, limb defects and many others. Some of these malformations can be diagnosed early in pregnancy and offer the couple the option for pregnancy termination. In others, diagnosing a malformation will allow preparation for childbirth and early intervention after delivery. Screening for chromosomal anomalies, principally Down syndrome that is highly related to advanced maternal age, is carried out by Nuchal Translucency (NT) measurement (11-13 weeks after LMP) and/or “Biochemical markers” (levels of specific proteins and hormones at 11-13 weeks and/or at 16-20 weeks). Some of the structural congenital malformations can be diagnosed by a special ultrasound exam (AKA Fetal anomalies scan) carried out as early as 15 weeks after the LMP.
Antenatal care (ANC) & preparation for childbirth
Pregnancy is considered among the most challenging and difficult periods in a woman’s life. About 25-35% of pregnancies are considered “high-risk” and can develop complications, however also low-risk pregnancies may have complications, but at a lower rate. Common pregnancy complications include hypertension and toxemia, diabetes, preterm labor and prematurity, fetal growth restriction and low birth weight, abnormal placentation (Previa), anemia, urinary tract infections and many more, which can have long term consequences for the child and his family. This is why we strongly recommend pre-natal (or ante-natal) care to all pregnant patients in order to closely monitor the progress of the pregnancy, offer preventive treatments and supplements and diagnose complications early enough, before irreversible damage has occurred. Childbirth can also represent a significant risk to both the mother and her baby. So the preparation for childbirth aimed to reduce unnecessary stress, avoid “last-minute surprises” and to calmly decide on the best mode of delivery.
Psychological stress
Psychological stress is probably the most difficult part of IVF treatments and it often results in distress, anxiety and depression. While the emotional suffering can be significant, it is also associated with poorer IVF and pregnancy outcomes irrespective of the cause of infertility. Recent research has also shown that psychological interventions aimed at stress reduction not only improve patients’ well-being, but may result in higher pregnancy rates. We therefore encourage our patients to combine their IVF treatment with some sort of mind-body intervention which they feel comfortable with, in one of the surrounding “Holistic-Integrative” clinics and wellness spas. You can choose between: Hypnosis, Meditation, Yoga, Ayurveda, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Reiki, Thai/Swedish massage, Herbal Medicine, Aromatherapy, Hydrotherapy, Detox programs and many more… Please check the “Stress-free IVF” box on your Appointment Request Form.
• We can offer you a simple, validated questionnaire that will assess and score yours and your partner’s stress levels. For those with high scores we can offer appropriate counseling.
• Even if your stress levels are low, you may enjoy and benefit from the wide range of relaxation treatments which are available here.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves the insertion of fine needles in the skin at specific points to control the flow of energy (or Qi) through the body meridians. It has gained remarkable popularity in Western medicine since it is regarded as minimally invasive and risk-free. Acupuncture has also been used in China for centuries to regulate the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and fertility. It is thought to stimulate the secretion of the brain ovulatory hormones, to improve the blood supply to the uterus and also to decrease the biological stress response (causing relaxation). Several studies have shown that when acupuncture is given at the time of egg-retrieval and/or embryo transfer it can improve the rates of pregnancy.