What research is available on combination IVF and acupuncture treatment of infertility?
Most of these summaries can be found in abstract form on www.PubMed.org. Check back frequently for more research on acupuncture and infertility treatment.
Acupuncture clinical trials underway and recent research
British Medical Journal recent summary of acupuncture and IVF
Journal of Chinese Medicine infertility summaries
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Source: Journal of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, Spring/Summer 2000--Vol 12/No 2. "Acupuncture Treatment For Infertile Women Undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection" Sandra L. Emmons, MD and Phillip Patton, MD.
Abstract: This study was carried out to provide information on the use of acupuncture in combination with allopathic treatment of infertility. The objective was to describe the use of acupuncture to stimulate follicle development in women undergoing IVF (in-vitro fertilization).
The study involved six women receiving intracytoplasmic sperm injection and acupuncture along with agents for ovarian stimulation. It measured the number of follicles retrieved, conception, and pregnancy past the first trimester. (Notably, these women chose acupuncture as a "last resort" after maximum gonadotropin therapy had failed.)
Results: No pregnancies occured in the non-acupuncture cycles. Three women produced more follicles with acupuncture treatment (mean, 11.3 vs 3.9 prior to acupuncture). All 3 women conceived, but only one pregnancy lasted past the first trimester.
The women began acupuncture treatment during the same time that they began follicle-stimulating hormone injections. They had 3 or 4 twice-weekly treatments, on days 1-3, 4-6, 7-9 and in some cases 9-11, with the last treatment on the day of or prior to egg retrieval. The researchers concluded that acupuncture may be a useful adjunct to gonadotropin therapy to produce follicles in women undergoing in vitro fertilization.
ACUPUNCTURE INCREASES IVF SUCCESS RATES
Abstract: In this German study involving 160 women, 80 patients received two 25-minute acupuncture treatments--one prior to having fertilized embryos transferred into their uterus, and one directly afterwards. The second group of 80, who also underwent embryo transfer, received no acupuncture.
Result: While women in both groups got pregnant, the rate was significantly higher in the acupuncture group (34 pregnancies) compared with 21 pregnancies in the women who only received IVF.
Conclusion: The study found that adding acupuncture to the traditional IVF treatment protocols substantially increased pregnancy success.
Fertility and Sterility, Vol 77, Issue 4, Pgs. 721-724 (April 2002)
ACUPUNCTURE REDUCES PAIN AFTER IVF
In this study, 286 women were randomly assigned to receive either electroacupuncture plus para-cervical block or alfentanil (a powerful analgesic) plus paracervical block during oocyte aspiration (egg retrieval). Both interventions induced adequate analgesia, however the electroacupuncture group reported significantly less abdominal pain, other pain, nausea and stress than the medication group, and required significantly less additional analgesic medication.
(Hum Reprod 2003; 18: 1454-60)
ACUPUNCTURE, IVF & PREGNANCY
A German study in June 2002 (see above) showed that adding IVF to the treatment protocol of patients receiving IVF increased their chances of becoming pregnant by 50%. Now a further study carried out at the Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Centre in Colorado Springs, USA, has compared the pregnancy rates of 114 women, half of whom received acupuncture before and after embryo transfer, whilst the other half underwent transfer without acupuncture (control group). The acupuncture group obtained a 51% pregnancy rate and an 8% miscarriage rate compared to 36% and 20% respectively in the control group. Acupuncture also was found to reduce the risk of tubal pregnancy and increase the live birth rate. (October 2004 meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine).
ACUPUNCTURE & IVF POOR RESPONDERS: A CURE?
A further study in April 2004 confirmed significant increases in pregnancy outcomes in patients who demonstrated elevated peak FSH and a longer history of infertility. This study shows an IVF pregnancy rate of 53% in the acupuncture group compared to 38% in the non-acupuncture group.
(Fertility and Sterility, Volume 81, Issue (Supplement #), Page 20, (April 2004)
A Randomized, Controlled, Double-blind, Cross-over Study Evaluating Acupuncture as an Adjunct to IVF
A randomized, controlled, double-blind, cross-over pilot trial was performed using a needle-like device (sham acupuncture) as a control. Inclusion criteria were women aged 18 to 42 years with a history of failed IVF cycle(s); day 3 FSH <20 IU/ml; the presence of both ovaries; and a normal uterine cavity.
Results: 17 subjects were enrolled and seven subjects completed both arms of the study. The mean age was 36 years (range 28-41 years). The mean Day 3 FSH=6.8 IU (range 3-13 IU). The were 4 ongoing pregnancies after the first cycle, equally distributed. Seven subjects were crossed over after the first cycle. Of these, four from the standard acupuncture group were ongoing pregnancies and one from the sham group. Only the sham group had two IVF cancellations.
Conclusions: Our study shows a signficantly lower amount of gonadotropins used when IVF is combined with standard acupuncture. A 70% pregnancy rate was also acheived with standard acupuncture and IVF, compared to 25%. Larger prospective trials are necessary.
Rodolfo Quintero and Glendale Adventist Medical Center (GAMC) and the Eastern Center for Complementary Medicine, Fertility and Sterility, Vol 81, Issue (Supp 3), Pages 11-12 (April 2004)
How can acupuncture help improve my success rate with in-vitro fertilization?
While acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine cannot guarantee 100% success, it can aim to improve your odds at achieving pregnancy with IVF in several ways:
1. Regulate the hormones to produce a larger number of follicles
2. Improve the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs
3. Relax the patient and decrease stress
4. Increase blood flow to the uterus and increase the thickness of the uterine lining
5. Strengthen the immune system
6. Lessen the side effects of drugs used in IVF
7. Prevent the uterus from contracting
8. Improve semen to create better quality embryos
9. Decrease chances of miscarriage
When should I begin treatment with acupuncture? I am undergoing embryo transfer soon.
We often see patients just before retrieval or transfer, although we recommend more preparation time (ideally 3 months) to reap the most benefits. If you are undergoing your transfer soon and would like to undergo acupuncture, we can usually accomodate your schedule. Since transfers are usually done early in the morning at most IVF centers, it is recommended that you receive acupuncture immediately after your procedure at our office. A consultation and examination should be performed a few days before if time permits.
I am not undergoing IVF, can acupuncture still help my infertility?
Many patients who do not want to undergo IVF will try acupuncture first. In clinical practice, acupuncture physicians typically see about a 30% success rate (depending on age of patient) when using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to treat infertility. At Florida Complete Wellness, our treatment success rate has typically been around 50-60%. The treatment course could be anywhere from 3 to 6 months or up to one year, depending on severity. The outcome can be most rewarding, however. Along with giving birth to a healthy baby, the mother has also taken steps to strengthen her health as well.
Treatment course: Usually the patient is seen for acupuncture once a week for several months, and given a Chinese herbal formula (tea or tablet) suitable for their condition. It is helpful (but not mandatory) if a diagnosis has already been established as to the reason for infertility. If the patient becomes pregnant during treatment, we usually recommend continuing acupuncture and herbal medicine through at least the first trimester to reduce likelihood of miscarriage.
Conditions unlikely to respond to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are complete blockage of the fallopian tubes, extremely low sperm count, and premature ovarian failure. In these cases, IVF or other reproductive techniques are usually suggested in addition to acupuncture.
Can you tell me more information about cost and other details regarding acupuncture?
For general questions about our clinic and acupuncture, please see acupuncture FAQ or call our office at 954-241-0271 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
