How can acupuncture support IVF?
Many women and couples choose acupuncture and Chinese herbs as an adjunct therapy while undergoing fertility treatments. In fact, in a recent study of women and couples undergoing fertility treatment, 80% of respondents reported using at least one integrative medicine modality alongside conventional fertility treatment, with the most prevalent being acupuncture at 38% (Sehgal et al 2023).
Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, cupping and moxibustion may help to stimulate blood flow to the uterus, thicken endometrial lining, regulate menstrual cycles, promote ovulation, support implantation outcomes, reduce stress and increase sperm count, quality and motility.
A recent meta-analysis (an analysis or study that synthesises the results of many studies) has shown acupuncture has been effective for increasing clinical pregnancy rates (also known as live births) by 28%–32%, ongoing pregnancy rate (pregnancy beyond 12 weeks) by 42%, and live birth rate by 30%, compared to no treatment (Hullender Rubin 2019). Hullender Rubin (2019) also found that the treatment factors that were more favourable to improving birth outcomes included more treatments and timing treatments in the period before and on the day of embryo transfer.
This research also found that in those women who had cycles that had previously failed, when acupuncture was added to their IVF treatment, their likelihood of a live birth increased by 42%.
A meta-analysis by Smith et al (2019) found that there was a 50% increase in the clinical pregnancy rate (or live births) when the patient received three acupuncture treatments leading up to embryo transfer. This research also found that acupuncture had a greater benefit for patients who previously had been a poor responder to IVF compared with patients in their first IVF cycle, and that a greater number of acupuncture treatments increased clinical pregnancy rates. In fact, 12 acupuncture treatments had an improved outcome for live birth rates over an embryo transfer alone and acupuncture on the day of transfer.
TCM has existed for thousands of years, with a long history of supporting gynaecological health and fertility. The text Book of Mountains and Seas from the Warring States period in China (476-221 BC) identifies medicinal plants to treat infertility.
IVF and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) represents a powerful synergy between West and East.
Despite the high physical, emotional and financial inputs of IVF, it cannot guarantee outcomes. Adding acupuncture to your treatment protocol can help us feel that we are doing everything possible to increase our chances of success. And, as research shows, there is evidence that it does indeed improve outcomes.
IVF patients have described the process as a ‘conveyer belt’, and this can be tough. Women and couples often feel that their acupuncture treatments, alongside their fertility protocol, helps them to feel seen, heard and fully supported.
References:
Hullender Rubin, L.E., 2019, Point of Influence: What is the Role of Acupuncture in In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes?, Medical Acupuncture, vol. 31, no. 6.
Ried, K., Stuart, K., 2011, Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in the Management of Female Infertility: A Systematic Review, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, vol. 19, no. 6.
Sehgal, S., Dyer, A., Warren, C., Galic, I., Jain, T., 2023, Integrative Medicine Utilization Among Infertility Patients, Journal of Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, vol. 21, no. 1.
Smith, C.A., Armour, M., Shewamene, Z., Tan, H.Y., Norman, R.J., Johnson, N.P., 2019, Acupuncture Performed Around the Time of Embryo Transfer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Reproductive Medicine Online, vol. 38, no. 3.