Acupuncture Improves Fertility
The Latest Research into the Affect of Acupuncture on Infertility
Oct 20, 2008
Two medical reviewers analysed data from seven independent trials on the affects of acupuncture on infertility, IVF success rates and live birth rates. They studied 1366 women who had undergone IVF. Some of the women were treated with acupuncture soon after embryo transfer and some women received only standard IVF with no acupuncture.
The reviewers concluded that "Complementing the embryo transfer process with acupuncture was associated with significant and clinically relevant improvements in clinical pregnancy."
They found that for every 10 women being treated with IVF and acupuncture, one would become pregnant as a result of the acupuncture.
They had incomplete data for live births in three of the trials studied, so they were unable to accurately calculate the number of live births. Even with the data gap, they concluded that "Current preliminary evidence suggests that acupuncture given with embryo transfer improves rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation." (BMJ. 2008 Mar 8;336(7643):545-9. Epub 2008 Feb 7).
This has not been the only study to reach such findings. There have been others with similar results for various infertility conditions.
A study at the University of Virginia, USA, led by Dr. Pastore, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, found that acupuncture positively impacted upon polycystic ovarian syndrome and a woman's ability to get pregnant.
Pastore's aim was to help women with PCOS to have regular menstrual cycles, as the condition often leads to absent or irregular periods. Her idea was that acupuncture may influence hormone levels and in turn, allow a woman to resume her normal menstrual cycle.
PCOS is caused by a hormonal imbalance. The body's reproduction system is a delicate balance of hormones working in harmony with each other. If one or some of them are disrupted, the whole system can go wrong. The cysts on the ovaries, combined with the hormones which govern ovulation stop, ceasing periods. Up to 5% of infertile women suffer from PCOS. Other symptoms include vaginal bleeding which is not related to menstruation and growth of hair on the face.
Dr. Pastore said, "Over the last year we have seen women who never had a regular menstrual cycle start having regular periods. We can also boast several pregnancies since the study began."
She knows there are many conventional treatments available, including hormone drug therapy, but acupuncture offers a safe, non-drug alternative, particularly for women who may be sensitive to drugs.
For more information, contact the Health System Public Relations Office at (434) 243-2734.
Source: University of Virginia Health System (2008, September 9). Acupuncture May Hold Promise.
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