I think the jury is out on this issue: Acupuncture is beneficial in IVF/ICSI cycles in so far as having the acupuncture on the day before and the day of  and possibly the day after embryo transfer. For the rest of the time there are no studies to support that it is either beneficial or detrimental to the whole process of ART.

- Week 20 answers kindly provided by Dr. Stephan Volschenk -

Acupuncture is for now the only alternative method of treatment that has been evaluated by using randomised trials and shown to be beneficial around the time of embryo transfer.( Day on and after ET) Therefore it is what I can recommend at this stage in time.

- Week 9 answers kindly provided by Dr. Stephan Volschenk -

As a reproductive specialist and scientist, I practise evidence based medicine, meaning medicine that has been shown to be beneficial through rigorous randomised controlled trials. As homeopathy is not my specialty, I am therefore not qualified to volunteer an opinion as to the benefit.

- Week 9 answers kindly provided by Dr. Stephan Volschenk -

The jury is out with regards to the fact that acupuncture ON the day of embryo transfer and on the day FOLLOWING embryo transfer seem to be beneficial from a pregnancy rate point of view. It is however not clear as to what the benefit might be during the period leading up to IVF or for how long.

- Week 9 answers kindly provided by Dr. Stephan Volschenk -

As a reproductive specialist and scientist, I practise evidence based medicine, meaning medicine that has been shown to be beneficial through rigorous randomised controlled trials. As homeopathy is not my specialty, I am therefore not qualified to volunteer an opinion as to the benefit.

- Week 8 answers kindly provided by Dr. Stephan Volschenk -

Any form of relaxation is good during the program to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Aromatherapy is however not indicated due to the possibility of absorption through the skin which may ultimately be detrimental to the program or ultimate outcome.

- Week 2 answers kindly provided by Dr. Stephan Volschenk -