Fertility Acupuncture Research
Acupuncture support IVF in following ways:
- Regulate reproductive hormones which in turn maximizes ovarian health and follicle count
- Improves blood flow to the uterus and ovaries through reducing circulating stress hormones and directly inviting blood flow to the reproductive organs
- 3. Stimulates release of endorphins to directly mitigate the stress response
In vitro fertilization (IVF):
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine in 2019 analyzed 30 randomized controlled trials involving over 6,000 women undergoing IVF. The review found that acupuncture was associated with higher clinical pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and lower rates of miscarriage in women undergoing IVF.
Reference: Qian Y, Xia XR, Ochin H, et al. Therapeutic effect of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Integr Med. 2019;17(6):416-429. doi: 10.1016/j.joim.2019.09.005
Intrauterine insemination (IUI):
A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2019 investigated the effects of acupuncture on the outcomes of IUI. The study included 180 women who were randomized to receive either acupuncture or a sham treatment. The study found that the acupuncture group had significantly higher clinical pregnancy rates compared to the sham group.
Reference: Yang M, Wen J, Cui W, et al. Acupuncture for the outcomes of in vitro fertilization: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2019;25(7):735-746. doi: 10.1089/acm.2018.0453
Male infertility:
A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies in 2021 investigated the effects of acupuncture on semen quality in men with infertility. The study included 50 men who were randomized to receive either acupuncture or a placebo treatment. The study found that the acupuncture group had significant improvements in semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count compared to the placebo group.
Reference: Xu Y, Zhang X, Liu Y, et al. Acupuncture improves sperm quality: A prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2021;14(2):50-56. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2020.12.001