Acupuncture and IVF

Over recent years acupuncture has begun to feature more prominently in mainstream healthcare in the UK, particularly as a support mechanism to assisted fertility.

Acupuncture has been used in many Eastern cultures for countless centuries and is a long established component, in particular, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is used as a primary source of preventative medicine and treatment to support male and female reproductive health generally. It is also used to treat specific gynaecological concerns such as endemetriosis, dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation, uterine fibroids and PCOS.

Though there is a growing body of scientific research into its uses, there is, however, little data that conforms to the usual Western medical standards of large scale, double-blind, randomised controlled trials on the human population and, as a result, its efficacy must still be considered to be largely unproven. All of the references to research made within the paragraphs below need, therefore, to be seen in that context.

Despite this, we remain strong supporters of its use as part of a co-ordinated approach to promoting the best possible levels of reproductive health generally and, specifically, to help to prepare couples prior to, and during, a cycle of IVF.

How might it work?

Improving Implantation:

Research suggests that electro-acupuncture may be useful for the female partner prior to starting a cycle. Some research suggests it may, for example, help to increase blood flow to the uterus, creating a thicker and more regular uterine lining, improving the likelihood of the embryo implanting successfully. As women age, the blood flow to the uterus can be just a fifth of what it might have been at their reproductive peak.

Reducing Stress:

Research suggests that acupuncture may help to reduce stress and anxiety too, due to its ability to stimulate the release of endorphins. In our opinion, stress (mental, emotional and physical) seems to be a major under-diagnosed contributing factor in sub-fertility, for both partners.

Balancing Hormones:

If your hormone levels are out of balance (which may often be the case) acupuncture may help to return them to equilibrium, as well as help to improve egg quality by nourishing the ovaries.

Male Fertility:

There have been a number of studies investigating acupuncture's ability to modulate male fertility parameters, as well as one which reported significant improvements in total sperm count, concentration and motility. Further, later studies, though conflicting in realtion to the degree to which male fertility may be supported by acupuncture, have all reported positive results.

Pre and Post Embryo Transfer:

Four original studies into the efficacy of acupuncture when used pre and post IVF were published in 2010, all of which reported no sifnificant benefit as a result. However, an earlier, randomised, controlled study conducted in 2002, showed a clinical pregnancy rate 60% higher than that of the control group. This corresponds with the results of a non-selective audit conducted amongst our own clinets, all of whom had acupuncture pre and post transfer, where the mean clinical pregnancy rate per cycle averaged across all age groups, was almost 60%. Further, later research, conducted on patients receiving acupuncture post transfer (on the day, and again three days later) also reported significant increases in pregnancy rates. Another meta-analysis, published in 2008, also showed similar results.

Same Day Booking Service:

Women who are about to commence an IVF cycle might like to know that we now offer a same-day booking service, where you can get the benefit of acupuncture in a calm and positive setting immediately before and after your embryo transfer. It's also the perfect place for you to relax after the transfer.