Acupuncture is an ancient practice used to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself and promote well-being. Small needles are placed in very specific areas based on your needs. Ancient medicine believes that the needles help to relieve blocked energy pathways. Modern medicine believes the process stimulates the nervous system to release beneficial chemicals. Regardless of the conflict in theory, acupuncture is gradually becoming an accepted option for a variety of health issues. It is typically used in conjunction with modern medicine for the best results.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) on the other hand, is a very modern medical procedure. In IVF, an egg and sperm are combined for fertilization in a laboratory dish. If an IVF procedure is successful, an embryo transfer moves the embryo to a woman’s uterus. It is a complicated procedure that can be influenced by many factors. The success rates can be anywhere from 10-35% depending on individuals. Research is ongoing to help improve the success rates of this procedure.
Researchers gathered information about acupuncture use with IVF from seven previous studies. The results, published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) , showed that pregnancy rates improved with the addition of acupuncture.
To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on the success of in vitro fertilization, researchers reviewed and combined results from 7 randomized trials. The studies followed a total of 1,366 women having one treatment of in vitro fertilization. Within one day of embryo transfer the women had one of the following:
The women were then followed until the end of their pregnancies. Acupuncture did help increase the rates of success for in vitro fertilization.
Every year 10-15% of couples seek medical help for infertility. Techniques that improve the success rate are important to decrease the length, cost, and stress of these procedures. This review has shown the potential to improve conception rates with no negative side effects. Future studies should provide more details. If you are currently undergoing IVF, talk to your physician about using acupuncture.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/
American Pregnancy Association
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/index.htm
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Infertility Awareness Association of Canada
http://www.iaac.ca/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/index.cfm
References:
In Vitro Fertilization. American Pregnancy Association. Available at: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/index.htm . Accessed on April 2, 2008.
Manheimer, E., Zhang, G., Udoff, L., et al. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ . 2008;336:545. http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/336/7643/545 . Accessed: April 3, 2008.
Last reviewed Last reviewed April 2008 by Larissa J. Lucas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.