IVF & Infertility Research
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 Infertility

Acupuncture has become widely recognized as an effective treatment for infertility, on its own or in conjunction with orthodox reproductive medicine (assisted reproduction - see IVF below). In one study acupuncture was shown to be as effective as fertility drugs at assisting pregnancy [1]; [The numbers in square brackets refer to references below]. In other clinical trials comparing acupuncture to drug or hormonal treatments, acupuncture was shown to enhance pregnancy rates (when compared to controls) for example to 69% (vs. 40%) [2], and 65% (vs. 45%) [3], and ovulation rates by 87% (vs. 70%) [4] and 60% (vs. 25%) [5]. One study demonstrated 95% pregnancy rates after 5 cycles using acupuncture [6].

Studies have also shown that there are fewer side effects and abortions with acupuncture [7], hormone levels and follicular development is better [8-10] and endometrial thickness is improved [11].

Acupuncture has been shown to increase uterine and ovarian blood flow and to positively affect hormonal disturbances such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and anovulation [12].

The above studies suggest that acupuncture is a useful therapy for those wishing to get pregnant.

The Basis of Acupuncture
Acupuncture theory is based on the idea that our bodies can become imbalanced as a result of our physiology, environment, or emotions. These imbalances eventually lead to diseases such as infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis or other anovulatory conditions, not to mention conditions such as premenstrual syndrome and painful periods. By arriving at a diagnosis the acupuncturist can set about repairing the underlying imbalances that are causing the problem and therefore restore the individual back to health.

Treatment:
I usually recommend an initial series of between 4 and 6 weekly treatments in order to begin the process of rebalancing the body. After this it would be typical to have two treatments per monthly cycle, one at approximately 10 days and one at 21 days until preganancy is achieved.

Assisted IVF

The use of acupuncture with IVF has become routine in most units today, underlining the popularity of this approach. Recent studies have shown that using acupuncture in conjunction with IVF increases pregnancy rates to 41% compared to the more typical 26% without acupuncture [13] . Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood flow to the womb [14] , relax the muscles of the womb to prevent cramping (and consequent expulsion of the embryo), and also to reduce the general anxiety associated with the IVF procedure [15].

And After you become pregant!

Acupuncture is a safe, effective and drug free way of treating illness during pregnancy. For example it can help with pregnancy induced morning sickness [16-18] and back and pelvic pain during pregnancy [19]. Acupuncture can also turn breech babies with an 80% success rate thus avoiding the need for a caesarean section [20].

References
1. Fertility and Sterility 2002;78:1149-1153; see also Acupuncture Today
2. Ji P, Ma RH, Wang ZX, Liu SH (1999) Acupuncture treatment of infertility due to irregular menstruation and influence of acupuncture on hypo-thalamus-pituitary-ovary axis. International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture 10(4):343-7
3. Yang JR, Ma YY, Liu YL, Wang HL, Liu Z (2005). Controlled study on acupuncture for treatment of endocrine dysfunctional infertility. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 25:299-300.
4. Jin Y (2002) Study on the effect of acupuncture on induction of ovulation. Medboo TCM Ejournal. www.medboo.com/message/1013281936.htm
5. Zhao WJ, Jin Y (2001) Clinical observations on the treatment of pubertal upuncture and medicine. Medboo TCM E-journal. www.medboo.com/message/1013281936.htm
6. Li QD (1995) Acupuncture Treatment in 100 Cases of Infertility in Women.  International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture 6 (2): 211-212
7. Gerhard I and Postneek F. (1988) [Possibilities of therapy by ear acupuncture in female sterility]. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 48:165-171
8. Mo XM, Li D, Pu YX, Xi GF et al (1993) Clinical Studies on the Mechanism for Acupuncture Stimulation of Ovulation.  Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (13) 2: 115-119
9. Yu J, Zheng HM, Ping SM (1989). [Changes in serum FSH, LH and ovarian follicular growth during electroacupuncture for induction of ovulation]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 9:199-202.
10. Cai XF (1997) Substitution of Acupuncture for HCG in Ovulation Induction.  Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (17) 2: 119-121
11. Xu J (2004) Personal communication, from PhD, Oxford Brookes University Yang JR, Ma YY, Liu YL, Wang HL, Liu Z (2005). Controlled study on acupuncture for treatment of endocrine dysfunctional infertility. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 25:299-300
12. Acupuncture in Medicine 2006:24(4):157-163).
13. Fertility & Sterility 2002:  vol 77(4), 721-4
14. Stener-Victorin E, Waldenstrom U, Andersson SA, Wikland M (1996) Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro-acupuncture. Human Reproduction 11: 1314-1317
15. Balk J et al (2010) The relationship between perceived stress, acupuncture and pregnancy rates among IVF patients. Complement Ther Clin Pract 16(3): 154-157
16. Mao ZN, Liang CE.. (2009) Observation on therapeutic effect of acupuncture on hyperemesis gravidarum. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 29(12):973-6
17. Can Gürkan O, Arslan H. (2008) Effect of acupressure on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Complement Ther Clin Pract. Feb;14(1):46-52.
18. Streitberger K, Ezzo J, Schneider A (2006) Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting: an update of clinical and experimental studies. Auton Neurosci. 2006 Oct 30;129(1-2):107-17.
19. Smith CA, Cochrane S (2009) Does acupuncture have a place as an adjunct treatment during pregnancy? A review of randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Birth. 2009 Sep;36(3):246-53.
20. van den Berg I, Kaandorp GC, Bosch JL, Duvekot JJ, Arends LR, Hunink MG (2010) Cost-effectiveness of breech version by acupuncture-type interventions on BL 67, including moxibustion, for women with a breech foetus at 33 weeks gestation: a modelling approach. Complement Ther Med. 2010 Apr;18(2):67-77.
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Copyright M.J.Ackland