Acupuncture with Embryo Transfer Increases Success

Posted on July 26, 2011 Julie Chang, L.Ac.

The field of fertility acupuncture exploded from the publication of a landmark study published almost 10 years ago in 2002. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF by comparing a group of women receiving acupuncture treatment shortly before and after embryo transfer with a control group receiving no acupuncture. The results of the study showed pregnancies in 34 of 80 patients (42.5%) in the acupuncture group, whereas pregnancy rate was only 26.3% (21 out of 80 patients) in the control group.

Many acupuncture clinics use the protocol as performed in the study. However, we at Zen Fertility Center developed our own protocol due to our extensive experience in treating fertility issues. Zen Fertility Center’s pregnancy rate for women who elect to have acupuncture treatments on the day of embryo transfer at their fertility doctor’s office surpasses the study’s results with an overall 61% pregnancy rate.  To break it down by age, we have a 74% pregnancy rate for women under 40 years old. For women 40years or older, we were able to attain a 43% pregnancy rate.

Considering the expense of an IVF cycle at an average of $15,000 per cycle, acupuncture can increase the success of the IVF dramatically.  However, the experience of the acupuncturist is pivotal to achieving optimal results.  So don't settle for just anyone.  Look for an acupuncturist with extensive fertility experience.