ACUPUNCTURE AND IVF
June 25th, 2008
Acupuncture can increase the chances of getting pregnant for women undergoing fertility treatment by 65 percent, according to a systematic review which combined the results of studies on acupuncture with rates of pregnancy and live birth in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Dr Eric Manheimer, Grant Zhang, Laurence Udoff, and colleagues from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine and the University of Amsterdam carried out the research.
The study was a systematic review of randomized controlled trials that compared acupuncture given within one day of women receiving IVF with sham acupuncture treatment or no acupuncture treatment at all. The researchers searched for published literature in databases and conference proceedings for studies that compared acupuncture given within one day of IVF treatment versus sham acupuncture treatment or no acupuncture treatment. They assessed 108 potentially relevant studies they found, and of these, included seven trials in their analysis.
Only studies in which pregnancy had been confirmed, ongoing pregnancy beyond 12 weeks gestation or a live birth were included. The researchers also only included studies in which acupuncture needles were inserted into traditionally identified acupuncture points.
The seven studies that the researchers included in their analysis were all randomized controlled trials. In six of the studies, an acupuncture session was given just before the fertilized embryo was implanted and another straight after. One trial involved acupuncture only after implantation. Two studies gave a third session during different phases of the process.
The authors reported that IVF with acupuncture increased the odds of pregnancy by 65 percent, increased the odds of ongoing pregnancy by 87 percent and increased the odds of a live birth by 91 percent when compared with IVF on its own. The study findings indicated that acupuncture given with embryo transfer improves rates of pregnancy and live birth in women who are undergoing IVF.
While acupuncture has been effective in the treatment of a variety of female conditions including premenstrual disorders, endometriosis, pelvic pain, hormone related emotional imbalances, menopausal syndromes, and gynecologic disorders, recent studies have shown that acupuncture can be beneficial to those experiencing infertility. Acupuncture for female infertility regulates the body’s system, which balances hormone levels and aids in increased blood circulation to the reproductive organs.
Acupuncture for infertility reduces the side effects of hormonal therapies and increases energy. Acupuncture for infertility can also stimulate egg production in women who choose not to use fertility medications and can increase blood flow to the uterine cavity, which can aid in implantation.
Acupuncture for female infertility is a personalized program of treatment that addresses the particular imbalance of each individual. Acupuncture for female infertility and Chinese herbal medicine have proven effective in the treatment of many complex physical and hormonal imbalances which can lead to reduced fertility or infertility. Acupuncture for infertility is a holistic health approach which stimulates overall health as well as reproductive health.
For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Masters of Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso at (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Stop Smoking and PTSD acupuncture study programs, which are currently registering participants, ask for Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician.
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