The Impact of Acupuncture on the Success Rates of IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) Treatments

Failing to conceive naturally poses significant stress to the infertile couple. It creates a feeling of failure and frustration. It has been found that the use of complementary therapies makes women feel empowered, with a sense of regaining control of the body.

The popularity of acupuncture is increasing. A significant proportion of couples having fertility treatment, especially IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation) ask their clinician about using acupuncture and some patients undergo acupuncture privately without reporting to their clinicians.

The effectiveness of acupuncture on IVF has been extensively researched; however the results are varied and not conclusive. This is due to previous studies varying significantly in their study design, acupuncture timing and the final outcome measure. As a result of the difference in the studies it is not clear whether acupuncture is beneficial regarding IVF success rates and whether it should be offered to women undergoing IVF.

Inclusion criteria

• Women under the age of 43 years with a BMI of less than 30 undergoing 1st or no more than their 2nd failed fresh IVF or ICSI cycle.

Exclusion criteria

• Those women undergoing frozen embryo replacement cycle or receiving donor eggs, BMI > 30 or currently having acupuncture/ any other form of CAM, having contraindication to acupuncture like those with HIV, Hep C will be excluded.