Does Acupuncture Help With IVF? Here's What The Research Says
A lot of our clients at Little Pin use acupuncture to support their fertility journey and particularly during their IVF process. But do we know if it makes a difference? A new scientific study suggests that it does. First, let's look at what the study is saying and what this might mean for your experience.
Think of your body as a garden, and the acupuncturist as a gardener rooting out the causes of pain and imbalance.
A recent issue of Fertility Science and Research has an article that provides an account of a randomized controlled trial, which has been issued under the title of Effects of Acupuncture on IVF Success Rates. The research was carried out among 157 women under IVF treatment aged between 23 and 43.
The participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group received three acupuncture sessions, one between days six and eight of ovarian stimulation, and two more on the day of embryo transfer (one session before and one after the procedure). The second group received standard IVF care without any acupuncture.
To ensure unbiased results, the doctors performing the IVF procedures were not informed of which participants were in the acupuncture group and which were not.
What the Study Found?
The results were encouraging. The live birth rate in the acupuncture group was 42 percent, compared to just 15.9 percent in the group that did not receive acupuncture. Similarly, 53 percent of women in the acupuncture group received a positive pregnancy test, while only 27.5 percent of those in the control group did.
Equally important, the study found that acupuncture was safe and very well tolerated. No adverse effects were reported by participants.
What does this mean for you?
This study indicates that acupuncture could be a good adjunct to your IVF treatment and potentially improve your chances of success. It is a soft, non-invasive support option and may help address stress and open your uterus to implanting embryos. For many women, acupuncture may serve as both a physical and emotional adjunct to their fertility plan.
Why We Think It Might be Important?
At Little Pin, we offer care rooted in ancient knowledge and current science! Studies like this confirm what we see in our practice: acupuncture can be an excellent tool for women experiencing challenges with fertility.
Ready to Explore Acupuncture During IVF?
If you’re currently going through IVF or planning to begin, acupuncture might be a supportive addition to your care. Contact us today to book a session or ask any questions you may have. Little Pin is with you every step of the way.
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