Acupuncture and IVF are performed together, as there is a belief that acupuncture can influence the IVF results. A procedure where fine needles are inserted at specific points in order to bring in a balance in the energy flow is referred to as acupuncture. As studies have shown a positive influence of the acupuncture on IVF results, it has been increasingly used to improve the success rates of the IVF procedures.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method of treatment used in the traditional Chinese medicinal procedures. Very fine and hair-thin needles are used in this procedure for penetration at specific acupuncture points. Nearly 2,000 specific points are identified as acupuncture points along the meridian which facilitates flow of energy. When these points are stimulated externally through these needles, energy flow gets balanced and a uniform dispersal of energy takes place.
Combination of Acupuncture and IVF
When acupuncture is done in combination with fertility treatments, there is an increase in the chances of success. IVF refers to In Vitro Fertilization, a method of assisted reproductive technology used for couples with difficulty conceiving. However, the success rate of this method can range from 1% to 50%. However, in many cases, combining acupuncture along with IVF treatment has shown significant increase in the chances of successful pregnancy (up to 20%).
Effect of Acupuncture on Infertility
When Acupuncture is used with IVF, those acupuncture points of the body which relax the uterus are selected. When the uterus is in a contracted position, expulsion of the transferred embryo is possible. Hence, the relaxation of uterus is considered as an important step; even reduced contractions are believed to improve the endometrial receptivity (ability to implant) in the woman.
It is also claimed that the levels of pituitary and ovarian hormones are optimized with the help of this treatment. It is believed to improve the flow of blood to the uterus, which ensures optimal hormonal and nutrient supplies to the ovaries and uterus. This is important for the normal growth of the fetus. Acupuncture also claims to regulate the secretion of follicular stimulating hormones (FSH), leading to the production of good quality eggs. This treatment also claims to increase the live birth rates.
Lack of Evidence
Although many studies suggest that acupuncture treatments improve the chances of getting pregnant with IVF treatment, there is no valid proof to support this belief. There are many reasons for these doubts. The first reason is that the population groups selected for such studies were the ones with good quality embryos. Another reason is that the women were given acupuncture some time before and after the embryo transfer and not during the treatment procedures; this practice itself questions the involvement of acupuncture in increasing the pregnancy rate.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies may give hopes to those who face difficulty in conceiving a child, however, there is no guaranteed result. Although IVF and acupuncture are used in combination as a potential method for increasing the chances of pregnancy, there is no clear scientific evidence backing this claim. Hence, couples who wish to undergo these treatments should have realistic expectations.
