There are promising indications that acupuncture may increase the clinical pregnancy rate for women undergoing IVF-ET.

A recent review of systematic reviews of acupuncture for women undergoing IVF-ET conducted by Wang et al. (2021) concluded that despite the fact that the evidence is not yet conclusive and further research is necessary to fully comprehend the potential benefits of acupuncture in fertility treatments, it is a promising complementary therapy that may provide clinical support to those undergoing IVF-ET.

Wolfgang Paulus (et al) conducted a groundbreaking study in 2002 that showed an increase in clinical pregnancy rates (CPR) through the use of a standardized acupuncture protocol (Paulus protocol) immediately before and after fresh, non-donor IVF-ET. The study involved 160 women who were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture (n=80) group or a control (n=80) group. The results of the study were statistically significant, indicating that the increase in implantation rates by as much as 60% with acupuncture either side of ET could not have been caused by chance. This study demonstrated the potential benefits of acupuncture for fertility treatments and paved the way for further research.

Beyond Paulus protocol

Numerous studies have been conducted to explore the potential benefits of acupuncture beyond the Paulus protocol. One such study was carried out by Quintero et al (2004), who followed similar principles to the Paulus protocol but used different acupuncture points and administered treatment 48 hours after day three embryo transfers. The aim was to observe the effects of acupuncture on implantation rates when administered closer to the time of implantation. Results showed a 60% increase in implantation rates.

Magarelli P. and Cridennda D. (2005) studied the effects of the Paulus protocol on live birth rates and reported that miscarriage rates were almost halved when the protocol was used 24 hours before embryo transfer. These studies demonstrate the potential for acupuncture to improve various aspects of fertility and pregnancy beyond the Paulus protocol.

Another study, conducted by Westergaard et al (2006), sought to determine whether additional acupuncture sessions around the time of implantation could further increase pregnancy rates. Acupuncture was administered again two days after the post-embryo transfer treatment. Results were similar to those of the Paulus protocol, but the additional session did not provide any further benefits.

Wang, X., Wang, Y., Wei, S., He, B., Cao, Y., Zhang, N., & Li, M. (2021). An Overview of Systematic Reviews of Acupuncture for Infertile Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer. Frontiers in public health, 9, 651811. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.651811

Paulus, W. E., Zhang, M., Strehler, E., El-Danasouri, I., & Sterzik, K. (2002). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and sterility, 77(4), 721–724. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(01)03273-3

Quintero R. (2004). A randomized, controlled, double-blind, cross-over study evaluating acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF. Fertility and Sterility V. 81(3) pp. 11-12.

Westergaard, L. G., Mao, Q., Krogslund, M., Sandrini, S., Lenz, S., & Grinsted, J. (2006). Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women: a prospective, randomized trial. Fertility and sterility, 85(5), 1341–1346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.08.070

Patients undergoing IVF may experience high levels of anxiety related to the treatment. While the use of medications is common to alleviate this anxiety, non-pharmacological interventions such as acupuncture are a drug-free and safe alternative that may also provide support.

Stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on the success rates of IVF treatments. However, acupuncture has shown promising results in reducing stress levels both before and after embryo transfer, with some studies suggesting that it may even improve pregnancy rates.

By reducing perceived stress at the time of embryo transfer, acupuncture has the potential to positively impact the success of IVF treatments. As a complementary therapy, this ancient therapeutic modality offers a holistic approach to fertility care, addressing not only the physical aspects of IVF but also the emotional and psychological factors that can affect the outcome.

While further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of acupuncture in IVF treatments, it is a promising option for those seeking a safe and non-invasive way to manage IVF-related anxiety and stress.

 

Hullender Rubin, L. E., Smith, C. A., Schnyer, R. N., Tahir, P., & Pasch, L. A. (2022). Effect of acupuncture on IVF-related anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reproductive biomedicine online, 45(1), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.02.002

Balk, J., Catov, J., Horn, B., Gecsi, K., & Wakim, A. (2010). The relationship between perceived stress, acupuncture, and pregnancy rates among IVF patients: a pilot study. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 16(3), 154–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.11.004