Improving IVF Success Rates Through Acupuncture

Infertility and sub fertility affect millions of women around the world. In the U.S. alone, roughly six million women of childbearing age have difficulty getting or staying pregnant.

Many women with fertility problems undergo IVF treatment.Globally, the average IVF success rate is 40 percent for women below 35.

Acupuncture can help improve IVF success rates. 

A systematic review that combined the results of high-quality studies on acupuncture found that acupuncture can increase pregnancy chances by 65 percent for women undergoing fertility treatment.

Read on to learn more about how acupuncture in Sonoma County can help increase IVF success.
The Study 
The researchers performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials that compared the results for women who received acupuncture within 24 hours of their IVF treatment with the results for women who received sham acupuncture (or no treatment at all).

The researchers found 108 potentially relevant studies,including seven trials in the analysis. The reviewed cases included confirmed pregnancy and studies involving ongoing pregnancy (more than 12 weeks gestation) or live birth.
The Results 
The seven studies included in the analysis were randomized controlled trials. In six of the studies, patients received acupuncture before and after the fertilized embryo was implanted back. In one study, the patient received acupuncture after implantation.

The researchers reported that acupuncture with IVF increased the odds of becoming pregnant by 65 percent, the odds of ongoing pregnancy by 87 percent, and the odds of a live birth by 91 percent.

How Acupuncture Improves IVF Success Rates?
Pregnant women need to ensure that their reproductive organs are receiving adequate nourishment to support pregnancy. Stress and aging can lead to a decline in blood flow to major reproductive organs such as the uterus and ovaries.

Acupuncture can help address this problem by slowing down the nervous system, which in turn causes the blood vessels to dilate. Dilated blood vessels release nutrient-rich blood that nourish the ovaries and uterus.

Increased ovarian blood flow is often linked with improved response to fertility medication and ensures an ideal environment for implantation.

Many couples who undergo fertility treatment experience stress and anxiety. Acupuncture can help combat these unwanted side effects of fertility treatment.

When needles are placed at specific points, the body releases endorphins which are a natural pain reliever. Also known as feel-good hormones, endorphins cause muscles to relax and breathing to slow. It boosts pleasure, resulting in a feeling of well-being.

Want to use acupuncture in Sonoma County to manage your health condition? Look no further than Acupuncture Mama. We are committed to delivering patient-centered care. Our acupuncturists will create a customized treatment plan to fit your needs. To schedule a consultation, call (707) 303-7200.