Acupuncture Improves Success Rates of IVF

Researchers have concluded that acupuncture, when performed within 1 day of in vitro fertilization (IVF), improves rates of pregnancies and number of live births.  

Scientists and professors from three universities collaborated for a systematic review of seven research studies.  Based on the results of these studies, they determined that acupuncture done before or after embryo transfer increases the success rate of the procedure.

This is a great example of Chinese medicine being used as a compliment to Western medical care.  The expansive nature of this analysis helps to legitimize a practice that acupuncturists and fertility centers have been using for years.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 10% of women have had an infertility-related medical visit.  There were 134,260 Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles performed in 2005.  Most of these cycles are costly and can be psychologically and physically stressful for the participating woman.

Although many couples do not consider acupuncture as a first step for addressing fertility issues, Chinese medicine has treated women’s health concerns for centuries.  Some people decide that they would rather try an all-natural approach, such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, to address their fertility issues.  For women who do decide to start ART, it is often helpful to have several months of acupuncture treatments prior to starting the ART process; this can help to regulate the menstrual cycle, improve general health, and relieve stress.

For more information on ART success rates, and to check on individual fertility clinics, read the 2005 report from the CDC.