Over the past few years, there has been much debate over whether acupuncture is effective in improving the success rates of IVF.

A review of seven clinical trials of women who had acupuncture while undergoing embryo transfer suggests that acupuncture may increase your chance of pregnancy.  The studies covered over 1366 women and compared acupuncture, given within one day of embryo transfer, or no additional treatment.

The trials revealed that acupuncture given as a complement to IVF increased the odds of achieving pregnancy.  In this study, one in ten women or an additional 10% achieved pregnancy, however other studies claim success rates of 65%.

An approach such as this, would mean that acupuncture could be seen as an alternative method that may help improve the success rates.  Acupuncture has been used in China for centuries to help regulate the reproductive system. The earliest books on acupuncture date from 2500BC.

Further information on the study can be found at Science Daily. Alternatively, readers might be interested in viewing a Catalyst transcript on the ABC which features the benefits of acupuncture and IVF.

Readers interested in learning about acupuncture and acupressure can also visit Pathway2Pregnancy.