Acupuncture has attracted a lot of attention over the years for its efficacy of supporting assisted fertility. It is the most commonly used complementary treatment alongside IVF and has become integrated into many of the best fertility clinics across the world.

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It has been demonstrated that acupuncture may increase implantation rates by:

-Reducing stress hormones that can have an impact on implantation

-Releasing endorphins that are the body’s natural pain killers and ‘feel good’ molecules

-Improving blood flow to the pelvic organs

-Thickening uterine lining

-Modulating the immune system thus allowing implantation

-Reducing pain, uterine spasms and cramping

It is typically performed immediately or very close to before and after IVF embryo transfer, at times when the body will benefit the most from being fully relaxed.

Initial studies into the effect of acupuncture on IVF primarily focused on these two standardised treatments that increased pregnancy rates by 42%.  Some of the subsequent studies however failed to replicate the initial results that have raised questions in the acupuncture community whether two sessions are a sufficient dose. In practice, treatment dose can often range from 6-20 sessions depending on case complexities and the duration of the illness.  Treatments are never standardised but individualised and tailored to the needs of the patient.In reality patients would always receive a multidisciplinary intervention which includes acupuncture, electroacupuncture, tui-na massage, herbal medicine,  cupping, lifestyle and dietary recommendations that may be of benefit for IVF preparation or added to IVF treatment.

According to an American research team, 12 individualised treatments with a whole-system Chinese medicine approach resulted in higher live birthrates compared to groups that had acupuncture only on the day of transfer orIVF treatment only with no supporting treatment. This is the first adequately powered study of the effect of whole system Traditional Chinese medicine on IVF outcomes.

Although research shows that acupuncture on the day of transfer can significantly improve IVF success rate, it is my clinical experience that a period of preparatory treatment as well as treatment during IVF can increase success rates even further. Both women and men benefit from having acupuncture for fertility and I often see clients once a week during their preparation period, twice during stimulation and twice on the day of embryo transfer.

By Eva Stecz

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