When you’re considering IVF, acupuncture may be one of your options. It has been shown to help improve endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes, and it can also reduce stress levels. Read on to learn more about the benefits of this holistic approach to fertility.
IVF acupuncture
When it comes to fertility issues, acupuncture is a powerful tool to help with a range of conditions. It works well alongside Western medical treatments and can even help couples improve their chances of conception. As an ancient Chinese medical practice, acupuncture focuses on the entire person, including the emotional and physical aspects. It can identify imbalances that prevent conception. Acupuncture is also useful in regulating a woman’s cycle and egg quality. It can even help prevent miscarriage. However, acupuncture can’t guarantee a pregnancy.
Fertility acupuncture is a natural alternative to IVF, which is a modern medical treatment in which an egg is fertilized outside the body. This treatment has excellent results for younger couples, but it can be expensive and complex. In addition, there are no guarantees when it comes to success for couples over 40. Acupuncture helps enhance the success of IVF treatments by preparing the body for pregnancy.
Improves endometrial thickness
The main goal of the study was to determine whether the use of estrogen to improve endometrial thickness during IVF increases the chances of conceiving. The endometrial thickness at the time of embryo transfer was measured using a 2-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound probe. The thickness was measured from the anterior to the posterior wall of the uterus. The study involved five female patients, each with an average endometrial thickness of 6 to 7 mm. The women were then observed for 5 to 6 days to assess whether the treatment had any effect on endometrial thickness.
The results showed that increasing endometrial thickness significantly increased the chances of pregnancy. This increased likelihood was associated with higher live birth rates and lower pregnancy losses. The increased chances were most evident in cycles containing at least eight mm of endometrial thickness. Moreover, the increased endometrial thickness was associated with increased mean singleton-term birth weight. The increase in live birth rates was statistically significant for all three endometrial thickness levels.
Reduces stress
During an IVF cycle, acupuncture helps patients reduce stress levels. This may decrease the number of treatment cycles needed to achieve pregnancy. Stress reduction is particularly important for women with a history of failed IVF attempts. In addition, it may improve a patient’s satisfaction with the treatment.
Acupuncture helps reduce stress by promoting relaxation and promoting fertility. Because stress affects the hormones of the reproductive system, it’s important to balance these hormones to improve fertility. Moreover, acupuncture helps reduce negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression.
One recent study found that acupuncture significantly reduced the stress levels of women undergoing IVF. Interestingly, this effect was dose-dependent. The researchers compared the stress levels of women who received a single acupuncture treatment on the day of embryo transfer with the same women who had several treatments. While the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant, the results showed a significant reduction in stress levels in women who received several acupuncture sessions before the embryo transfer.
Improves pregnancy outcome
There is limited evidence to suggest that acupuncture improves pregnancy outcomes in IVF. There are mixed results, though. One study that shows some promise suggests that the treatment may increase the chances of conception. However, a larger study would be needed to determine whether or not acupuncture can significantly increase pregnancy outcomes.
Among the three studies reviewed, the CPR study had statistical heterogeneity, while the LBR study showed a kh2P-value of 0.0005. These results led to subgroup analyses and random-effects meta-regression. Subgroup analyses were performed on the age and type of acupuncture invention, the number of treatments, and the type of control group.
In addition to improving pregnancy outcomes, acupuncture may also improve the quality of ovulation and eggs. Treatment before and after embryo transfer improves the ovaries’ health, resulting in better-quality eggs and a healthy uterine lining.
Improves patient satisfaction
Acupuncture may improve IVF success rates and reduce stress, which is very important during the treatment process. Patients who are having repeated unsuccessful attempts may benefit from the additional support of acupuncture. Women with a history of fertility problems may also benefit from acupuncture.
Studies on the effects of acupuncture on IVF have varied greatly in terms of their design and the use of control groups. While some used needle acupuncture, others included electro-acupuncture or laser acupuncture. In addition, some studies used placebos, while others stimulated points unrelated to fertility. Overall, however, women who received acupuncture experienced a slight increase in pregnancy rates, compared to those who did not receive it.
The purpose of this review is to determine if different types of acupuncture are beneficial for improving IVF outcomes. Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve the number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, oocyte cleavage rate, and quality of embryos. Additionally, acupuncture can decrease the incidence of ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages.