Can Acupuncture Really Improve IVF results?
As an acupuncturist at an integrative wellness clinic that specializes in reproductive health, I’ve helped women at every stage of their fertility journeys. And sometimes, that journey involves IVF, or in vitro fertilization. I’ve seen hundreds of patients successfully use acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to support their IVF cycles, but what does the science say?
A 2019 meta analysis that studied the results of 1,980 women undergoing IVF showed that acupuncture increased positive pregnancy tests by 28-32%, ongoing pregnancy rates by 42%, and live birth rate by 30%. Using traditional Chinese medicine as a whole (including tools like acupuncture, Chinese herbs, cupping, diet therapy, lifestyle recommendations, or moxibustion as appropriate to the individual was associated with more live births (61.3%) compared to no TCM treatment at all (48.2%). There were also less biochemical pregnancies and miscarriages.
Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer day is a treatment I often recommend to my patients. Using certain points from the Paulus Protocol, live birth rates in the acupuncture group were significantly higher at 56% compared to 35% in the group that did not receive acupuncture. Those in the 35-37 and 38-40 age groups benefited the most from getting acupuncture on transfer day. Not to mention it also helps with IVF related anxiety!
So how many acupuncture treatments should you plan for?
One particular study advocated for 12 acupuncture visits. In another study, 3 or more visits were associated with significantly more live births and fewer miscarriages compared to just embyro transfer day acupuncture alone. Uterine blood flow is improved after 8 electro-acupuncture sessions, while 9 electro-acupuncture sessions plus transfer day acupuncture improve IVF outcomes in a 2009 study. 14 electro acupuncture treatments significantly reduced androgens and regulated ovulation for those with PCOS.
Although 1 treatment can definitely do something (one study showed that one treatment was enough to improve markers of blood sugar for women with PCOS), I typically recommend 9-12 acupuncture treatments along with on-site transfer day acupuncture if possible at your fertility clinic. I personally tell my patients I like to see them weekly for at least 8 weeks before their egg retrieval. Of course, getting an individualized treatment plan is ideal. I always customize my patients’ treatment plans to their specific needs and circumstances in order to get the most optimal results.
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