Acupuncture has been used to support IVF embryo transfers for approximately 30 years. Many people have heard of acupuncture being used to support an embryo transfer but are unsure why it is recommended before and after an embryo transfer. This post explains the relationship between acupuncture and IVF embryo transfer.
Since the 1990s, acupuncture has been explored as a way to improve live birth rates in IVF. A groundbreaking study published in 2002 by Paulas E. ‘Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy' was the first to report increased clinical pregnancy rates (CPR) when acupuncture was performed immediately before and after fresh embryo transfers using non-donor eggs. In this study, CPR was defined as a positive pregnancy test and a visible intrauterine fetal sac on a six-week ultrasound.
Many studies and meta-analyses have followed since then. A recent meta-analysis published in July 2023, "Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: an updated systemic review and meta-analysis," reviewed 25 trials with a total of 4,757 participants. This meta-analysis concluded that acupuncture can significantly improve both clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates in women undergoing IVF.
While the timing and frequency of acupuncture treatments varied somewhat across the studies, a common approach in most trials was to administer acupuncture before within 24 hours and after within 24 hours after the embryo transfer.
At Melbourne Reproductive Acupuncture, we recommend acupuncture treatments both before and after embryo transfer. The "before" treatment, known as the Pre Transfer appointment, can be scheduled the day before or the morning of the embryo transfer. The "after" treatment, known as the Post Transfer appointment, can be immediately following the transfer or within 24 hours afterward.
If you're undergoing IVF and interested in exploring how acupuncture can support your journey to parenthood, we encourage you to contact us. We can answer your questions and discuss a personalised treatment plan to complement your IVF protocol.
Ready to take the next step?
Book your acupuncture appointment with Melbourne Reproductive Acupuncture and let us support you on your path to becoming a parent. Our experienced acupuncturists are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care tailored to your individual needs. Contact us now to schedule your appointment and discover the potential benefits of acupuncture for your IVF journey.
@reproductive.acupuncture
(03) 9132 0287
Written by Joanne Sharkey
BApSci(ChinMed) BApSci(HumBiol)
AHPRA and AACMA
References:
Paulas, E. Zhang, M. Streheler, E (2002) 'Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy' Fertil Steril. 2002 April.
PMID: 11937123
Xu, M. Zhu, M. Zheng, C (2023) ' Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: an updated systemic review and meta-analysis' Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2024.
PMID: 37436463
Link Paulas study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11937123/
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