Supplementary therapies
Find out how alternative supplementary therapies can improve your treatment’s outcome
Intralipid Fusion
Intralipids are fat emulsions that can be given as a supplement in IVF treatments as they have been shown to deactivate the natural killer cells in a woman’s body that could prevent implantation or embryo development. Some evidence from both animal and human studies suggest that Intralipids administered intravenously may enhance implantation in specific patient groups by stimulating the immune system to remove “danger signals” that can lead to pregnancy loss.
Intralipids are far less expensive than Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG), and initial studies show comparable efficacy for deactivation of natural killer cells and pregnancy rates. Intralipids are well tolerated by patients with few side effects and are created synthetically, unlike IVIG which is a blood product. It takes about two to three hours for the Ιntralipid to be administered through the IV. Throughout the infusion the medical staff will monitor you for any adverse effect.
What is the frequency of the Intralipid infusion?
In a Natural cycle/IUI the Intralipid infusion is administered when there is a positive pregnancy test, and at 8 and 12 weeks of gestation. In IVF/ICSI the Intralipid infusion is administered 7-10 days prior to embryo transfer and then at 7-8 weeks gestation and 12 weeks gestation. This may be continued later in the pregnancy for some patients or sometimes the infusion may be given more frequently and/or before the period starts.
Treatment with Filgrastim medication (Neupogen, Zarzio, Granix)
Filgrastim is a medication that causes the body to generate neutrophils, a type of white blood cell which plays an important role in the immune system. An individual may benefit from Filgrastim if they have experienced multiple miscarriages or failed implantation with IVF. It has often proven successful when other options have failed. Filgrastim is administered either in injection form or as a uterine wash in infertility treatments. Filgrastim is increasingly being used when there are recurrent miscarriages.
If you are interested in pursuing Filgrastim treatment to achieve a higher success rate, after multiple miscarriages, please contact our center.
Endometrial Scratching For Failure of Implantation
Unsuccessful IVF treatments are difficult to accept but are not uncommon. Embryo implantation is a complex process and some common causes of failure can be due to poor endometrial quality (lining of the womb) or a genetically abnormal embryo. Women who have repeatedly failed IVF treatments, despite apparently good quality embryos, may be candidates for the latest procedure called endometrial scratching, which has been shown in several studies to improve the implantation rate in women who have had repeated failures.
The process of endometrial scratching
The process of endometrial scratching, as it relates to embryo implantation, is not entirely understood by scientists and some questions still remain unanswered. Scientists involved in studies believe that there may be two reasons for the increased implantation rates:
- Increase of endometrial white blood cells. It appears that endometrial injury increases the production of white blood cells which secrete the so-called growth factors, which in turn control embryo implantation.
- Gene switching within the endometrium. Scientists speculate that sometimes embryos fail to implant due to genetic switching related to endometrial receptivity. That is, genes responsible for implantation of embryos are not switched on during the time when embryos are supposed to implant. Endometrial scratching may increase expression of genes (switching of genes) thought to be responsible for the preparation of the endometrium for implantation.
The procedure is usually carried out in the luteal phase of the cycle (i.e. after ovulation) and before your treatment. Normally this is done between days 21-26 of the cycle prior to your treatment cycle.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a massage system used to relieve tension and treat illness. It is based on the theory that there are reflex points on feet, hands and head linked to every part of the body. Our collaborator is available for reflexology sessions upon request. Reflexology is applied half an hour before the embryo transfer with pre-booked appointments. It is believed that during fertility treatments, reflexology can help both women and men to have reduced levels of stress.
Additionally, reflexology helps to normalize the menstrual cycle of women, it regulates hormonal levels, it relieves the polycystic ovaries syndrome and endometriosis and it aids the production of healthy sperm and ova. Reflexology can also be applied during the whole gestation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the technique where ultra-thin, sterilized needles are inserted into specific acupuncture parts on the body. When the needles are inserted, they reside on channels or meridians. These channels and meridians are pathways in both the exterior and interior of the body. These points can regulate the way that body functions.
Acupuncture is applied usually half an hour before embryo transfer and right after the embryo transfer. Acupuncture increases the blood flow in women’s reproductive organs, including the uterus and the ovaries through sympathetic nervous system inhibition. Our collaborator is available for acupuncture sessions upon request. Contact us for more information.
Medical Reiki
Medical Reiki is the integrative practice of bringing energy therapy into medicine, reminding the body of its own divinity, and activating its natural ability to heal and balance itself. It channels life-force energy onto all four bodies of the person under treatment (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) and elevates their vibrations. It clears energy blockages and supports a person’s system back into balance on all levels.
The love-centered holistic approach of Reiki healing is a great asset to medical care when it comes to dealing with the sensitive nature of female fertility.
Reiki treatments and consultations aim to support and heal a woman as a whole entity; physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, in her journey towards motherhood.
In this framework, Reiki addresses many female conditions, such as:
Infertility, Pregnancy, Labour and delivery, Insomnia, Pain, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Endometriosis, Trauma, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
For further information or to book a free introductory consultation please contact 99530306, eternallightreiki@gmail.com.
Melina Demetriou, Certified Medical Reiki™ Master (Member of Raven Keyes Medical Reiki International Registry).