At Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado, we understand that infertility impacts both the body and the mind. Over the last several years, we have added evidence-based services like acupuncture that help patients find success as well as peace of mind over their care.

The benefits of an adjunct treatment like acupuncture during IVF have been well-studied since the early 2000s. One of the more translational studies about IVF and acupuncture was presented in 2008 (J. L. Fratterelli, et al) which showed significant improvement in implantation rates when laser acupuncture was used pre and post-embryo transfer.

We sat down with Geina Horton from Insight Acupuncture here in Denver and one of our partner providers at Conceptions to learn more about acupuncture and IVF. Geina is Board Certified by the National Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and has been a Licensed Acupuncturist in Colorado since 1998. With so much experience in the field of infertility acupuncture, we wanted to learn more about her practice and how acupuncture helps patients become parents from Geina.

Q: You were one of the first acupuncture centers here in Denver to specialize in infertility treatment, correct?

A: That’s right. I left a corporate career (outside of medicine) to study Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. Helping people in a healthcare setting feels very natural and rewarding to me. After passing my board exams in 1998 I opened the practice with the intention of treating drug addiction and substance abuse patients. This was interesting however, I began seeing infertility patients as well, (especially miscarriage who were referring to each other within the RESOLVE group) and they started having babies!

GYN care is the cornerstone of Chinese Medicine, so it was natural for me to give more of my time to hopeful patients who wanted to be parents. Seeing a successful pregnancy is the most satisfying tangible reward I can experience as a Practitioner. Meeting the babies though, it’s by far THE BEST reward!

Q: Has the interest in acupuncture and IVF grown substantially over the last few years?

A: Exponentially. There are national data to suggest that more than 50% of IVF patients in many US centers last year engaged in some kind of adjunct acupuncture care. Aside from the clinical issues patients face, they often also feel a loss of control and frustration. Acupuncture, yoga, and other efforts help them take back their care and lower the heat on their anxiety and stress. By 2009 I really was exclusive to infertility patients and have built up a really great support team over that time. I personally supported over 300 embryo transfers last year, with the majority at Conceptions.

Q: In short, what are the key benefits of acupuncture?

A: In short, Chi and blood stagnation are improved which can have positive clinical benefits. I know some people have an issue with the concept of Chi, but it’s real. Chi travels in blood as a life force and we do a lot of vascular blood work in IVF. You can often see the benefits on an ultrasound; from one day to the next you can see follicular growth and improvement before and after an acupuncture session. The endometrial lining can also be greatly influenced by acupuncture treatments due to its effect on vascular dilation. Based on the data, we can say that situation drugs in conjunction with acupuncture improve outcomes.

Secondarily, for most of the patients, I see anxiety levels go way down. Since COVID we’re all dealing with some levels of anxiety. Acupuncture is long known for calming the mind with dopamine and endorphins released during the treatment. Having a calmer mind and balanced spirit during care can support your ability to endure fertility treatments.

Q: How do you manage first time IVF patients?

A: They need to be heard, I just sit and listen. I gather info and figure out what makes them and their care plan different. I often meet patients who have been trying to get pregnant naturally and are now shopping for an IVF center. Overall it’s rare for people not to feel better after walking out after a few sessions. Sometimes couples need more context than content. I do feel like a fertility coach sometimes. I’ve been called an “embryo doula” and the early babies (who are now in their 20’s) call me their “Fairy GodMother”. I love that title the most!!

Q. Do patients continue acupuncture after embryo transfer?

A: Yes, and this is important. Acupuncture is safe for pregnancy. We’ll treat fertility patients for up to about 12 weeks but many stay and come back to have labor induced as well. There is data to support that acupuncture can reduce morning sickness, carpal tunnel syndrome caused by pregnancy, and an array of maladies that come with pregnancy. There’s still a lack of knowledge about why and how acupuncture can help, but ask the patient for their clinical wisdom. They know best.

Q: Are patients skeptical about it?

A: Yes, but after a few sessions, they realize it is not placebo. Even hardened doctors have reported research where it has a clinical impact. Big U.S. centers see a difference in implantation rates after acupuncture. Maybe it’s a 3-5% difference in clinical outcomes but that means 3 or 5 more patients out of 100 going home with a baby.

Q: How do patients make an appointment with you?

A: Patients can book directly with me for a visit to my private clinic in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood or for their pre and post-IVF treatment on the day of an embryo transfer which happens at the Conceptions Littleton Office. I answer my own phones and do it on purpose. I want to talk to my patients directly to understand their needs and guide them with knowledge and good intention.

For over 20 years, Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado has been a pillar of success and hope for patients across Colorado and around the world with clinical outcomes that meet or exceed US benchmarks.

We’ve been part of some of the most important clinical research projects and global advancements in reproductive medicine from PGT-A, Single Embryo Transfer to using the most advanced storage system for cryopreservation. We also work with a team of emotional support experts to help navigate the many emotions of infertility care. To learn more about Conceptions, visit www.conceptionsrepro.com.