Acupuncture significantly improves IVF success

In a Danish study to investigate the befits of acupuncture in assisted reproduction (IVF and ICSI), women were randomly assigned to three groups. One received acupuncture only on the day of embryo transfer (immediately before and immediately after transfer), one received additional acupuncture two days later, and a control group received no acupuncture. Clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the acupuncture groups than the controls, but the additional treatment given two days after transfer appeared to confer no additional benefit. (Westergaard LG et al. Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women: a prospective, randomized trial. Fertil Steril. 2006 May;85(5):1341-6).

    Over a period of three years in a private practice 22 patients entering assisted reproduction therapy were given acupuncture. Treatment was given, usually weekly, during the IVF cycle and immediately before and after embryo transfer. The success rate was 57.7% compared to 45.3% for patients in the IVF unit not treated with acupuncture. (Johnson D. Acupuncture prior to and at embryo transfer in an assisted conception unit ?C a case series. Acupuncture in Medicine (2006) 24; 1: 23-28).