If you’re considering in vitro fertilization in your attempt to have a baby and start a family, you’re not alone. Statistics indicate that anywhere between one and two percent of babies are born via IVF each year in the U.S. But IVF certainly isn’t a 100% effective solution — so what can you do to increase your chances of pregnancy as much as possible?
You may have heard or read about the use of acupuncture during IVF. It’s a pretty hot topic, especially thanks to some of the controversy surrounding it. Does acupuncture actually help increase IVF success rates? Here’s what we know.
How Acupuncture Affects the Body
We have limited knowledge about why acupuncture works the way it does. However, we do know that it has been used as an effective treatment for headaches, nausea, fibromyalgia, dental pain, addiction and other physical ailments. It’s believed that the reason for its effectiveness is that the central nervous system releases chemicals when certain points on the body are punctured. These chemicals then stimulate healing and good feelings in the body.
Whether or not we know exactly what happens during acupuncture, one thing is clear. Doctors can use it to help patients overcome a variety of medical problems. But the question remains: Does it have any credibility when it comes to IVF treatment?
Evidence for Acupuncture in IVF Treatments
Recent findings regarding the role of acupuncture in IVF success rates have been conflicting, to say the least. Evidence in support of a strong connection between acupuncture and fertility indicates that the treatment can reduce stress and increase the flow of blood to the uterus and ovaries, which helps increase the chances of pregnancy.
One of the early studies on the subject back in 2008 suggested that acupuncture could increase pregnancy odds by about 65 percent, although more recent studies have had some conflicting findings. A study from 2012 found evidence in support of the treatment with IVF — but as recently as 2018, yet another study didn’t have such promising results.
What Are the Implications?
At this point, it looks like more research and experimentation is needed before the world of science can deliver a conclusive answer about just how much of an impact acupuncture has on fertility during IVF. That said, there’s pretty strong evidence that acupuncture can cause your blood vessels to swell and release more blood to your reproductive organs. If you’re currently taking any fertility medications, the increased blood flow could help them act more effectively.
There’s also a strong case for acupuncture and the reduction of stress. Although there’s not much to support the idea that stress level itself has anything to do with a woman’s inability to get pregnant, reducing stress could improve on unhealthy stress-related behaviors that might contribute to fertility issues.
Although some conflicting evidence exists, scientific study does indicate that acupuncture in tandem with other fertility treatments may help you get pregnant. We know how important this life-changing decision is for you. Contact Western Fertility Institute today for more information about acupuncture and IVF.