Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine for Fertility and IVF Support
Many couples exploring fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), often seek complementary therapies to improve their chances of success. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have been widely used for fertility support, with emerging research suggesting potential benefits. While some studies indicate positive outcomes, it is important to consult with your treating practitioners about how acupuncture may be able to help you. Additionally, regulatory bodies such as AHPRA may not accept these studies as definitive evidence.
Research on Acupuncture and IVF Outcomes
The Effects of Acupuncture on Pregnancy Outcomes of IVF: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2019)
This study found that acupuncture may benefit women undergoing IVF, particularly those with previous unsuccessful attempts. The number of acupuncture treatments appears to be an influential factor. However, methodological flaws in existing studies highlight the need for further research.
Impact of Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine (WS-TCM) on IVF Outcomes (2015)
A review of 1,231 IVF patient records found that WS-TCM was associated with higher live birth rates compared to IVF alone or embryo transfer with acupuncture only. Both donor and non-donor IVF cycles showed improved outcomes with WS-TCM.
Effects of Chinese Herbs Combined with IVF and Embryo Transfer (2014)
A randomized controlled trial found that Chinese herbal medicine increased endometrial thickness, improved embryo quality, and enhanced IVF success rates.
A Meta-Analysis on Chinese Herbal Medicine for Female Infertility (2015)
This review of 40 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 4,247 women found that Chinese herbal medicine could double pregnancy rates within 3–6 months compared to Western fertility drugs. It also improved ovulation rates, cervical mucus quality, and endometrial thickness.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Diminished Ovarian Reserve (2014)
A systematic review found that TCM reduced FSH levels and increased antral follicle count, suggesting benefits for women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). It also showed promise as an adjunct to IVF-ET.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Acupuncture for PCOS (2017)
The study found that acupuncture could improve ovulation and menstrual regularity, with additional benefits when combined with medication. However, the evidence quality was rated low to very low.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for PCOS-Related Infertility (2018)
This study found that combining acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and letrozole improved menstrual cycles, ovulation rates, and pregnancy outcomes for PCOS patients.
Acupuncture for Improving Endometrial Receptivity: A Systematic Review (2019)
The study concluded that acupuncture showed statistically significant benefits for women with low endometrial receptivity. However, the quality of evidence was low, warranting further research.
A Literature Review on Acupuncture and Women’s Sex Hormones (2018)
Acupuncture was found to influence hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, FSH, and LH, potentially improving reproductive health.
Research suggested that garlic may enhance fertility due to its antioxidant properties, improving testosterone levels and testicular structure. However, more clinical trials are needed.
While research on acupuncture and TCM for fertility and IVF support is promising, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings. If you are considering acupuncture or herbal medicine as part of your fertility journey, consult with a qualified practitioner to determine the best approach for your individual needs.
New research demonstrates a consensus amongst acupuncture experts on best practice treatment protocols for acupuncture enhancement of assisted reproductive technology (ART) fertility treatments. (Source: http://www.healthcmi.com). ART includes all fertility treatments in which both the eggs and sperm are handled. ART includes in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
In this study, researchers set out to determine if a consensus exists on high priority acupuncture points for the enhancement of ART. Acupuncture IVF and IUI ART has been used in the USA since 1981 to help women become pregnant. Although acupuncture and Chinese medicine for the treatment of infertility is a time honoured practice, the combination of acupuncture with ART has emerged in recent years as an effective approach for improving pregnancy and live birth rates.
In this study, researchers administered three rounds of questionnaires to fifteen international acupuncture fertility experts to determine if a consensus exists on best practice protocols. The investigation revealed that several key components are central to acupuncture in combination with ART.
The timing of an acupuncture treatment in relation to the menstrual cycle is of great importance. An acupuncture treatment administered between day 6 and 8 of the “stimulated ART cycle” is optimal. In addition, it is ideal to have two acupuncture treatments “on the day of embryo transfer.”
Pre-transfer acupuncture points of high priority are
SP8, SP10, Liv3, ST29 and CV4.
Post-transfer points include
GV20, K3, SP6, P6 and K3.
Auricular acupuncture points Shenmen and Zigong were also determined to be of high priority.
Almond Wellness Centre
Almond Wellness Centre located in Coburg and Ringwood Victoria, is a multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to promoting wellness. At our clinics, we emphasise the importance of comprehensive healthcare that considers the entirety of an individual. Our approach involves treating each person as a unique individual, taking into account their lifestyle, diet, environment, emotions, and attitude.
If you are in search of treatment for fertility andIVF support, we are here dedicated to delivering personalised care tailored to your needs. Our IVF acupuncture support program is research based protocol. Our goal is to increase your IVF success and “bring baby home”.
References
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2012, 12:88 doi 10.1186/1472-6882-12-88. 7 July 2012.
Development of an acupuncture treatment protocol by consensus for women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment. Caroline A Smith, Suzanne Grant, Jane Lyttleton and Suzanne Cochrane. ?Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2012 Feb;32(2):113-6.
Effects of electroacupuncture on embryo implanted potential for patients with infertility of different symptom complex]. Kong FY, Zhang QY, Guan Q, Jian FQ, Sun W, Wang Y. Department of Reproduction, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of TCM, Jinan, China. Fertil Steril. 2005 Jan;83(1):30-6.
Secretion of human leukocyte antigen-G by human embryos is associated with a higher in vitro fertilization pregnancy rate. Yie SM, Balakier H, Motamedi G, Librach CL.
Declaration: Support provided by NIH/NCCAM grant R25 AT002879 (Suppl) and 1K23AT006392. LHR owned the acupuncture practice. The authors report no financial or commercial conflicts of interest.
Highlights
Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine (WS-TCM) added to IVF may be beneficial.
WS-TCM and IVF was associated with more live births compared with acupuncture and IVF.
WS-TCM and IVF was associated with more live births compared with IVF alone.
WS-TCM is individualized and includes acupuncture and other TCM interventions.
Abstract
Patients undergoing IVF may receive either acupuncture or whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine (WS-TCM) as an adjuvant IVF treatment. WS-TCM is a complex intervention that can include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary, lifestyle recommendations.
In this retrospective cohort study, 1231 IVF patient records were reviewed to assess the effect of adjuvant WS-TCM on IVF outcomes compared among three groups:
IVF with no additional treatment;
IVF and elective acupuncture on day of embryo transfer; or
IVF and elective WS-TCM.
The primary outcome was live birth.
Of 1069 non-donor cycles, WS-TCM was associated with greater odds of live birth compared with IVF alone (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36 to 3.21), or embryo transfer with acupuncture only (AOR 1.62; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.52). Of 162 donor cycles, WS-TCM was associated with increased live births compared with all groups (odds Ratio [OR] 3.72; 95% CI 1.05 to 13.24, unadjusted) or embryo transfer with acupuncture only (OR 4.09; 95% CI: 1.02 to 16.38, unadjusted).
Overall, IVF with adjuvant WS-TCM was associated with greater odds of live birth in donor and non-donor cycles. These results should be taken cautiously as more rigorous research is needed.
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2013 May 1;304(9):E934-43. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00039.2013. Epub 2013 Mar 12.
Johansson J1, Redman L, Veldhuis PP, Sazonova A, Labrie F, Holm G, Johannsson G, Stener-Victorin E.
Abstract
Acupuncture has been demonstrated to improve menstrual frequency and to decrease circulating testosterone in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Our aim was to investigate whether acupuncture affects ovulation frequency and to understand the underlying mechanisms of any such effect by analyzing LH and sex steroid secretion in women with PCOS. This prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted between June 2009 and September 2010. Thirty-two women with PCOS were randomized to receive either acupuncture with manual and low-frequency electrical stimulation or to meetings with a physical therapist twice a week for 10-13 wk. Main outcome measures were changes in LH secretion patterns from baseline to after 10-13 wk of treatment and ovulation frequency during the treatment period. Secondary outcomes were changes in the secretion of sex steroids, anti-Müllerian hormone, inhibin B, and serum cortisol. Ovulation frequency during treatment was higher in the acupuncture group than in the control group. After 10-13 wk of intervention, circulating levels of estrone, estrone sulfate, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, testosterone, free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androsterone glucuronide, androstane-3α,17β-diol-3-glucuronide, and androstane-3α,17β-diol-17-glucuronide decreased within the acupuncture group and were significantly lower than in the control group for all of these except androstenedione. We conclude that repeated acupuncture treatments resulted in higher ovulation frequency in lean/overweight women with PCOS and were more effective than just meeting with the therapist. Ovarian and adrenal sex steroid serum levels were reduced with no effect on LH secretion.
Compiled from Journals, Internet, and Website resources as a tool to aid ABORM members understand the depth and breadth of Western Style research related to our fields.
Worked completed by: Diane K. Cridennda, L.Ac., FABORM, Member Board of Directors Founder/Owner: East Winds Acupuncture
