On the day of embryo transfer we offer one or two acupuncture treatments where appropriate. This is based on systematic reviews of clinical trials performed on the efficacy of acupuncture on pregnancy rate.
Acupuncture complements IVF particularly in cases of:
- Unexplained infertility
- Amenorrhea
- PCOS
- Early ovarian failure
- Ovarian dysfunction(1)
- Multiple previous IVF cycles(2)(3)
The process of IVF is time consuming, costly, emotional and confusing. And so the need to improve the success rates of IVF and support women on their IVF journey is vital. Not only can Acupuncture “significantly improve the clinical pregnancy rate”(1) but it can also assist to “significantly improve the live birth rate”(1) also.
How does Acupuncture Improve IVF outcomes?
By regulating the menstrual cycle and the natural rhythm of reproductive hormones, it can increase the chances of a successful IVF cycle(1)(4). It is able to do so by targeting the top controller of our body, the central nervous system and has a regulatory effect on it. Acupuncture can also have a more local effect on the reproductive organs and increase the blood flow to the area(4)(5) as measured by pulsatility index (PI).
“Acupuncture can significantly improve the clinical pregnancy rate”
- Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction
It is also well known through research that lifestyle factors (stress, diet, exercise, fatigue) are highly associated with infertility(6). And these seemingly subtle factors that are undetectable by western medicine diagnostics can all affect the fertile environment of your body. What is also possible is that there is not just one factor that is hampering your fertility, but slight issues that contribute to the overall problem.
So it is with a Chinese medicine fine tooth comb that is able to pick up on these subtleties or disharmonies in the body in order to address the root cause. To ensure that your body is at its optimal level when you go in for your embryo transfer. To give you an advantage and counterbalance any stress that might impede your chances of pregnancy.
What to expect?
Treatments are specifically aimed at which part of your IVF journey you are in. Acupuncture administered during the IVF cycle stimulation phase and during implantation phase in addition to treatment at the time of transfer showed significant improvements in pregnancy rates(7).
And so clinically the best results that we see are those women who commit to their acupuncture treatment schedules and receive at least one acupuncture treatment on these days.
Along with regular acupuncture prior to IVF to prepare the body to maximise the IVF process. During this time, our trained Chinese Medicine doctors identify any disharmonies and work with your menstrual cycle to ensure the smooth flow of your reproductive function.
It is often also a time where women are feeling particularly stuck emotionally with the whole process. It is a time where there can be information overload and our Acupuncturists are here to help support you through and explain the process to you.
References
- Gu, Y., Zhang, X., Zhang, Q., Dai, M., Wu, Y., Zhou, Y. and Qu, F., 2019. The effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer: An interdisciplinary systematic review. Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction, 48(8), pp.677-684.
- Smith, C., Armour, M., Shewamene, Z., Tan, H., Norman, R. and Johnson, N., 2019. Acupuncture performed around the time of embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 38(3), pp.364-379.
- Xie, Z., Peng, Z., Yao, B., Chen, L., Mu, Y., Cheng, J., Li, Q., Luo, X., Yang, P. and Xia, Y., 2019. The effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19(1).
- Chang, R., Chung, P. and Rosenwaks, Z., 2002. Role of acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility. Fertility and Sterility, 78(6), pp.1149-1153.
- Paulus, W., Zhang, M., Strehler, E., El-Danasouri, I. and Sterzik, K., 2002. Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility, 77(4), pp.721-724.
- Homan, G., Davies, M. and Norman, R., 2007. The impact of lifestyle factors on reproductive performance in the general population and those undergoing infertility treatment: a review. Human Reproduction Update, 13(3), pp.209-223.
- Shen, C., Wu, M., Shu, D., Zhao, X. and Gao, Y., 2014. The Role of Acupuncture in in vitro Fertilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, 79(1), pp.1-12.