When specific acupuncture treatments are received during the stimulation phase of in-vitro fertilization treatment the chances of a successful outcome may be increased.

A 2019 Chinese study (1) evaluated a new way of applying pre-IVF acupuncture before IVF by choosing select points know to influence the endometrium, where an embryo implants, and applying gently pulsing electrical frequencies to these points (transcutaneous electrical acupuncture stimulation (TEAS)).

Treatment was begun at day five of stimulation and repeated often, every other day, as one hundred and twenty two women who had previously experienced recurrent implantation failure prepared to undergo egg retrieval and then a fresh embryo transfer.

Half the women received real electro-acupuncture while a control group received a mock treatment designed to have no effect.

When clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were compared, women who received electro acupuncture at specific points chosen to influence implantation had far higher live birth rates (27.9 versus 13.1%) when compared to women who underwent ‘mock’ treatments.

“TEAS significantly improves the clinical outcomes of subsequent IVF cycles among women who have experienced RIF.”

Acupuncture is a brilliant choice in the weeks running up to an embryo transfer, but it’s important to make sure the treatment you receive is carefully matched with your fertility history and health picture to get optimal results. Electro acupuncture at the frequencies used is not unpleasant and usually leads to a deep feeling of relaxation which maybe part of the success of this treatment. You can find fertility-focused acupuncture specialists at the ABORM (American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine) website.

I regularly post extra updates on new fertility research, tips and strategies, along with research on environmental toxins and fertility on my Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/smartfertilitystrategies

Reference:

(1) Acupunct Med. 2019 Mar 13:acupmed2017011483. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2017-011483. [Epub ahead of print] Transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation improves pregnancy outcomes in patients with recurrent implantation failure undergoing in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer: a prospective, randomised trial.
Shuai Z1, Li X1, Tang X1, Lian F2, Sun Z2.