Acupuncture for IVF

Acupuncture is a highly popular choice of treatment for women and couple's undergoing IVF or ART.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Acupuncture and its role in IVF which Michelle has tried to answer as best as possible, drawing on the most up to date, scientific research.

Does acupuncture increase IVF success?

Although the current quality and quantity of research around Acupuncture and IVF requires further advancement, it has been established that Acupuncture does in fact appear to be beneficial in boosting pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF. No doubt the need for higher quality studies to further support this claim is warranted.

• Another analytical review of the literature on Acupuncture and IVF found that Acupuncture improves the pregnancy rates of women undergoing IVF during controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation. In some trials, it was noted that Electro- Acupuncture provided even better outcomes.

• One further study suggests that women who have gone through numerous unsuccessful cycles benefit the most when Acupuncture is added to their IVF treatment.

• Another research paper states that having only two to three acupuncture treatments at the time of embryo transfer is not a sufficient enough intervention to improve birth outcomes. It noted that a higher number of treatments however, is associated with an improvement in the thickness of the endometrial lining, a reduction in stress, an overall increase in patient satisfaction and an increase in pregnancy and live birth rates. The authors of this review add that more studies are required to further clarify the role of Acupuncture in supporting IVF cycles.

Does acupuncture help IVF?

Whilst there certainly is a need for more as well as better quality research in the area of Acupuncture and IVF, the existing research does indicate that Acupuncture can in fact improve IVF outcomes.

The authors of one literary review stated that Acupuncture did indeed improve pregnancy rates after embryo transfer. Another reached the same conclusions and found that for some groups, electro Acupuncture had even greater success.

One thing we know for sure is that Acupuncture is relaxing and restorative to the nervous system which is always very helpful given the up and down nature and stress that can be experienced during the IVF/IUI process. One study concluded that acupuncture may help reduce anxiety at the time of embryo transfer.

Acupuncture may also increase microcirculation to the reproductive organs which would be of benefit for egg quality, uterine lining and implantation.

How does acupuncture help IVF?

Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress and it is no secret that women undergoing the IVF process are under enormous strain and worry. It stands to reason that women undergoing IVF would benefit from having Acupuncture treatment for this benefit alone.

Another way in which Acupuncture may help with IVF is through improved blood flow through the vessels of the uterus. This of course leads to an increase in the strength of the lining of the uterus which may assist with the implantation of the embryo.

How many acupuncture sessions are needed for IVF?

Having weekly to fortnightly acupuncture treatments during your IVF cycle and ideally before your IVF cycle is recommended.

When should you start acupuncture for IVF?

In terms of the timing of your treatments, you would ideally start your Acupuncture treatments around 3 months before your planned IVF cycle. This is not however practical for everyone but the take-home message is to start as soon as you can.

When to have acupuncture during IVF?

It is recommended that an individual undergoing IVF has Acupuncture ideally 3 months prior to commencing her IVF cycle. At a bare minimum, it is important to start your Acupuncture treatment on day 2 of your stimulated cycle and then again 7 days after this. Having another treatment between trigger and egg pick up is also highly recommended.