Can Acupuncture Improve IVF Outcomes? A Licensed Acupuncturist Looks at the Research
Guest Written by David D. Cherry, O.M.D. L.Ac
As a licensed acupuncturist working with IVF patients, I’m often asked whether acupuncture really makes a difference with treatment outcomes. Here’s a closer look at how acupuncture is commonly used before, during, and after IVF, along with what research suggests.
The Role of Stress and Symptom Management
As you may have experienced, IVF can be physically and emotionally demanding. When trying to conceive, either naturally or with assisted reproductive technologies, stress can make the process feel much more difficult.
Many patients find acupuncture to be profoundly relaxing. In addition to stress relief, acupuncture can help you manage the side effects of medications, including IVF meds. It helps to relieve nausea, gastric and abdominal bloating, and insomnia. Particularly after egg retrieval, acupuncture can help the ovaries to shed the additional fluids and return to normal size.
How Acupuncture Improves Outcomes
A 2012 study by Shin Takayama and earlier research from Sweden found that acupuncture and electroacupuncture may improve blood flow to the pelvis. Improved pelvic circulation may play a role in supporting egg development and thickening the uterine lining ahead of embryo transfer.
As an acupuncturist specializing in fertility, I generally recommend patients have a few weekly acupuncture treatments to prepare for both the egg retrieval and embryo transfer—but studies have shown that this treatment can be beneficial for IVF patients even if they only receive acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer. Let’s take a closer look at how acupuncture may improve your IVF outcome.
The Early Days of Fertility Acupuncture Research
Research on acupuncture timed around embryo transfer has evolved over the years.
In 2002, a study by Wolfgang Paulus published in Fertility and Sterility introduced a standardized protocol: acupuncture performed 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer using a fixed set of points meant to relax the uterus and the patient, as well as aiding in implantation. This study reported an 18-22% improvement in pregnancy rates compared to embryo transfer without acupuncture.
A 2006 study by Lars Westergaard in Fertility and Sterility observed patients undergoing a slightly different acupuncture protocol before and after embryo transfer, and found an 11% improvement in pregnancy rate. Additional sessions days after the transfer did not appear to add further benefit.
Several more studies have been conducted over the past few decades, and most have found a similar success rate to the 2002 protocol.
Moving Toward Individualized Acupuncture
The 2002 study was an important step forward in showing the benefits of acupuncture for fertility patients, and this is the method I used when I first started doing embryo transfer acupuncture over 20 years ago. I’m constantly searching for ways to improve patient care and outcomes, and my research has led me to take a personalized approach. My acupuncture practice is more consistent with traditional Asian medicine methodology, and I assess each patient holistically to tailor their care to what they need most that day. This approach is also known as individualized acupuncture.
In more recent years, studies have supported the benefits of individualized care. A 2022 study by Kate Phillippi in Fertility and Sterility examined over 2,300 women undergoing frozen embryo transfer. Of these, 579 received individualized acupuncture immediately before and after transfer.
The study found:
- A dramatic 55% increase in live birth rates among those who received acupuncture
- A 42% reduction in biochemical pregnancies compared to embryo transfer alone
- No statistical difference in miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy rates
The authors concluded that individualized acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer was significantly beneficial to patients undergoing an embryo transfer.
Acupuncture During Pregnancy
Acupuncture isn’t only beneficial during fertility treatment, it can also be helpful during pregnancy. An Australian study showed a 35% reduction in miscarriage rates compared to pregnancies without acupuncture. It can also alleviate uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, including nausea. I usually recommend weekly acupuncture throughout the first trimester, then about once a month as the pregnancy progresses.
What This Means for Fertility Patients
Acupuncture is not a required part of IVF, but it can be an important way to support your physical comfort, reduce stress, and optimize success. Your NCFMC physician can discuss the potential benefits of acupuncture in your specific case.
Wishing you the best of luck on your IVF journey!
David D. Cherry, Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist
916-789-1007
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent medical advice. Please consult with a fertility care expert for personalized recommendations.