How Acupuncture Improves IVF Success

Acupuncture is an age-old therapy known to effectively heal a variety of illnesses. Some research also suggests that acupuncture helps increase the odds of successful pregnancy through Intro-vitro fertilization (IVF) for women having difficulty conceiving via the natural method. Although some scientists believe that the power of acupuncture comes from placebo, others argue that it’s more than just that. 

A study conducted in 2002 by a team of German researchers showed that acupuncture significantly increases the chances of pregnancy. Of the 160 women under IVF treatment, 42% of those who had acupuncture conceived. Only 25% of those who didn’t receive acupuncture got pregnant.

The researchers hypothesized that acupuncture, as a complementary treatment to IVF, works by increasing blood flow to the woman’s reproductive system, which enhances the egg quality and gives the embryo a better chance for implantation. A research associate from the University of Maryland-School of Medicine believes that acupuncture triggers the body’s neurotransmitters, which play a key role in a woman’s ovulation and fertility. 

Other studies suggest that acupuncture relieves stress, which is a primary interfering factor for conceiving. Some speculators take this effect as a placebo, stating that if a woman believes it to be helpful enough, she’ll be more relaxed, which in turn, improves her chance of conceiving successfully.

In any case, acupuncture is relatively safe when done by trained hands. So if it enhances fertility, placebo or otherwise, it is certainly worth the try.