Acupuncture for IVF

Acupuncture is used as a supplementary treatment with IVF.
Since a German study in 2002 found that acupuncture significantly increased the odds of pregnancy in a group of 160 women undergoing IVF treatment, there has been increased support of IVF with acupuncture. Several studies have found that acupuncture helps relax the muscle tissue and increases blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, improving the chances of an embryo implanting. Acupuncture is now becoming a common procedure endorsed by a growing number of IVF fertility centers.

 

A joint study of the effect acupuncture has on IVF outcomes was conducted in nine different countries. It included twenty-four trials and 5,807 participants. Results of the studty showed that acupuncture improves CPR (Clinical Pregnancy Rate) and LBR (Live Birthrate) among women undergoing IVF.

Reference:

"Effects of Acupuncture on Pregnancy Rates in Women Undergoing in Vitro-Fertilization: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis." by Cui Hong Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., Guang Ying Huang, M.D., Ph.D., Ming Min Zhang M.D., Ph.D., and Wei Wang, M.D., Ph.D. Fertility and Sterility Vol. 97 (3), March 2012

Studies such as these encourage women to include acupuncture treatment before and during IVF cycles as an adjunct to IVF in order to help increase their chances of success.