In ALL IVF embryo transfers there is always a greater chance of ectopic pregnancy than that which occurs in the non-IVF population.
Uterine anatomy: The uterus is about as big as your fist. The non-pregnant uterus is flat. You can imagine laying one piece of paper on top of another piece of paper; they are lying flat one layer on top of the other layer. Distal to the uterus is the cervix and distal to the cervix is the vagina.
Heres how an embryo transfer is done: a thin tube containing an embryo or two or three is placed in a syringe and the tube is attached to the syringe. The syringe is then inserted into the vagina, continuing up through the cervix and finally ending up in the fundus of the uterine cavity. Remember, the uterus is like two pieces of paper, one lying flat upon the other. When the tube is inserted into the uterus to deposit the embryos, the tube, by default, must touch either the top or bottom layer of the uterus. This is an unnatural event and immediately triggers spasming in the uterine cavity. What happens in a spasmed uterus? The spasming often causes the embryo to be 'swept' backwards into a fallopian tube: game over - ectopic pregnancy. After all that time, money, blood sweat and tears - it's a failed cycle.
A more efficient way to a successful pregnancy!
The protocol
Acupuncture used pre and post embryo-transfer increases pregnancy rates and reduces ectopic events. Here's what acupuncture pre and post embryo transfer accomplishes:
1. Pre embryo transfer acupuncture greatly enhances blood flow to the uterus increasing implantation outcomes.
2. Acupuncture AFTER transfer greatly reduces uterine spasming. This reduces the chance of an ectopic event and increases the chances of a uterine implantation.
Conclusion
Acupuncture pre and post embryo transfer in a surrogate (or non-surrogate) greatly increases the chances of having an effective implantation with a greater outcome for delivering a live and healthy baby.