A New Book on Acupuncture for IVF

Acupuncture for IVF and Assisted Reproduction: An integrated approach to treatment and management, by Irina Szmelskyj, Lianne Aquilina, Alan Szmelskyj

Incorporating orthodox medical theory and the existing evidenced-base for the use of acupuncture therapy, Acupuncture for IVF and Assisted Reproduction enables acupuncture practitioners to provide appropriate advice regarding diagnoses, orthodox tests and investigations, and tailor acupuncture treatment according to the stage of the fertility cycle, and associated underlying condition. An essential manual for all practitioners working in this area, or planning to do so.

• Simplifies complex information into easily accessible and understandable material
• Explains reproductive anatomy and physiology from the perspectives of both orthodox medicine and TCM
• Explains the underlying basis of orthodox medical fertility tests and investigations
• Explores the pathology and aetiology of TCM syndromes
• Provides detailed information on how to take a fertility medical history and how to diagnose TCM syndromes
• Presents the evidence for the influence of various lifestyle factors on fertility and ART success rates
• Provides guidelines on how to regulate the menstrual cycle in preparation for IVF treatment
• Explains how common fertility-related conditions such as endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, thyroid disease, and male factor infertility affect ART success rates
• Explains how to adapt acupuncture treatment to different ART protocols
• Provides case history templates, algorithmic acupuncture treatment pathways and patient fact sheets

• Explains how to manage patients with complex medical histories
• Looks at Repeated Implantation Failure, reproductive immunology dysfunction, and recurrent miscarriages
• Explains how to support patients if their IVF is unsuccessful and how to treat patients during early pregnancy
• Examines ethical considerations relevant to fertility acupuncture practice