Enhancing IVF Success with Acupuncture

Why should my doctor recommend acupuncture as part of an IVF cycle?

The latest meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal demonstrates that acupuncture improves the odds of a live birth by 91%. Studies have also demonstrated a number of other benefits, including substantial increases in implantation rates, increases in uterine and ovarian blood flow, reductions in miscarriages and reductions in ectopic pregnancies.

What if I am a “poor responder”?

Acupuncture is also very effective for “poor responders”. Research has demonstrated that poor responders receiving a specific acupuncture protocol achieve the same pregnancy rates as normal responders.

Why should I use IVF Acupuncture Services, Inc. (IAS) to perform acupuncture treatments during an IVF cycle?

IAS is actively involved in IVF research and has published results. The head of research and development at IAS, Dr. Daoshing Ni, PhD, DOM, is one of the foremost authorities in acupuncture and infertility and he personally trains all IAS acupuncturists and oversees all the protocols used. All IAS-certified practitioners are also trained by other notable authorities in the field including Dr. Brandon Horn, PhD, LAc and Wendy Yu, PhD(c), LAc.

How many sessions do I need?

There are a number of protocols that may be recommended, depending on various markers that are assessed throughout the cycle. Typically we recommend 2 - 10 treatments during an IVF cycle. Additionally, unless the cause of infertility is purely male factor, we recommend treatments in preparation for the cycle. The number of treatments will depend on the nature of the condition.

I have an acupuncturist who works with IVF, can I use him/her?

IVF Acupuncture is a subspecialty within oriental reproductive medicine that requires expert knowledge and training in both Eastern and Western Medicine. Studies have demonstrated that improper application of protocols produces no increase in pregnancy rates. Proper application, however, has been shown to substantially increase ongoing pregnancy rates. If your practitioner is a fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine, they should be qualified to perform your acupuncture treatments. Many Board-certified practitioners still refer their patients to IAS for embryo transfers since proper administration of proven protocols requires that acupuncture treatments be given on-site (at the clinic where the embryo transfer is occurring), and that is not feasible for many of these practitioners.

What if there is Male Factor?

Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can substantially improve sperm morphology, motility and quantity.

Are there other benefits?

Other than substantially increased pregnancy rates, many patients report a “side effect” of relaxation from acupuncture treatments. This can also be a substantial benefit. Research has shown that people with elevated stress levels have significantly lower pregnancy rates. In addition, some patients may have an overall financial gain from our treatments due to a decrease in the amount of costly medications needed for a successful cycle.