Acupuncture & IVF
Scientifically Proven Benefits
There are a few reasons to consider pairing acupuncture with IVF protocols. The main reason why many women are choosing to get acupuncture during the IVF process is that studies repeatedly show the increased success rates of conception and healthy births when done together.
A recent study done by the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in Chengdu, China showed that acupuncture increased pregnancy rates by 66% compared to sham acupuncture (1). They also found that acupuncture significantly reduced miscarriage rates compared to no adjunct therapy at all.
Another reason to get acupuncture treatments during IVF, and even IUI cycles, is to counteract the side effects of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) prescription medications. It’s very common for fertility meds to cause a multitude of symptoms including, but not limited to:
Fatigue
Headaches
Insomnia
Increased Anxiety
Emotional Imbalances
Hot flashes
Dizziness
Bloating and Constipation
Nausea
Acupuncture supports the IVF process while balancing the nervous system to mediate unwanted symptoms that can arise with these type of pharmaceuticals. These treatments can make a big difference in helping to keep your emotions and outlook about your fertility journey more balanced and stable during the IVF process.
Another helpful reason to seek out acupuncture while going through IVF is to enhance egg production. Acupuncture can help regulate the maturation rate of your follicles which will yield more mature eggs when it comes time for the retrieval procedure.
Benefits of Acupuncture During IVF
Increased pregnancy rates
Increased egg quantity and quality
Counteract negative side effects from medications
Reduced anxiety
Improved sleep
improved energy
Hands-on support and guidance from your acupuncturist
The Take Away
IVF is sometimes the best or only option for having a child. This can be exciting, but also daunting. Acupuncture is a great compliment to the IVF experience for the benefit of both mom and baby. Mom gets personal support and individualized treatments to suit her needs while knowing the potential baby’s health and outcome will be improved as well.
Resources
Wang X, Wang Y, Wei S, He B, Cao Y, Zhang N, Li M. An Overview of Systematic Reviews of Acupuncture for Infertile Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer. Front Public Health. 2021 Apr 20;9:651811. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.651811. PMID: 33959581; PMCID: PMC8096176.