Acupuncture and fertility success: a review and update of the evidence

This study investigated if acupuncture (AP) improves the effectiveness of fertility treatment.

They found that AP during fertility treatment was associated with fertility success.

Infertility treatment involves a number of steps. Eggs (oocytes) are harvested from the womb (uterus). Techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) are used to fertilize the embryo. If this is successful embryo transfer (ET) is performed. Once ET is done, the embryo must attach in order to achieve pregnancy. There are a number of steps where IVF may fail. Improving IVF success is important. 

Acupuncture (AP) is an alternative medical treatment. AP involves placing needles into a layer of tissue beneath the skin. Needles are placed at specific points depending on the ailment. AP may be a helpful adjuvant treatment (AJT). AJT is a complementary treatment. They are intended to be used in combination with standard medical treatments. It is unclear if AP improves outcomes in women undergoing IVF.

This study reviewed results from 20 clinical trials. These trials included 5130 women undergoing IVF. Some women had AP during IVF and others had no complementary treatment. In some studies, women underwent AP or a placebo. The authors investigated the rates of clinical pregnancy (CP), live birth (LB) and miscarriage (MC). 

The CP and LB rates were 32% and 30% higher in women that had AP versus no treatment. The risk of MC was 43% lower in patients that had AP versus no treatment. In studies where some women had a placebo AP procedure, there was no difference in any outcomes. 

The authors concluded that AP during fertility treatment was associated with fertility success.

The data in these studies varied a lot. This makes it difficult to draw conclusions. In studies where AP was compared to placebo, there were no differences. This means that the benefits seen in AP patients may not be directly related to AP. 

If you have any concerns regarding infertility treatment, please consult with your doctor.