One of the most recent and comprehensive studies of acupuncture and IVF was done in 2008 and published in the the British Medical Journal. This study involved over 1300 women in seven different randomized and controlled studies testing the acupuncture and IVF link. published a study involving seven controlled and randomized studies of 1366 women. As with the German study, women who used both acupuncture and IVF demonstrated a much higher success rate (65%) conceiving, and an even greater rate (91%) in terms of bringing the pregnancy to term.

Why does acupuncture and IVF create such a powerful combination? Although researchers are not completely certain, there are speculations that this may have to do with the ability to lower stress levels in women undergoing IVF treatment. Acupuncture is well known to reduce both stress and anxiety levels, and IVF is an especially stressful procedure for women hoping to conceive. Stress has been demonstrated to reduce fertility rates substantially, and acupuncture may help prevent this. Another theory about why acupuncture and IVF success rates are so high has to do with hormones. Some believe that acupuncture may help with the production and release of hormones beneficial to fertility.

As with traditional medical practice, acupuncture may also assist in natural fertility treatment methods such as the use of fertility herbs, detoxification programs and dietary changes.

To find out more be sure to watch some of our fertility videos at https://www.berkleycenter.com/about-the-berkley-center/video-center/