There has been a lot of publicity over recent years surrounding the use of acupuncture to help women conceive.
There have been numerous reports of women who have managed to conceive following acupuncture treatment.
Most of the scientific research has concentrated on the use of acupuncture as an aid to conception using in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
A systematic review and meta-analysis (considered the highest level of evidence based medicine) published in the British Medical Journal in 2008 concluded "acupuncture given with embryo transfer improved rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation".1 Other research has found that ear acupuncture is as effective as hormonal treatment in helping women conceive.2 Acupuncture may work by increasing the blood flow to the womb and ovaries and by its effect on female hormones.3
There have been numerous reports of women who have managed to conceive following acupuncture treatment.
Most of the scientific research has concentrated on the use of acupuncture as an aid to conception using in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
A systematic review and meta-analysis (considered the highest level of evidence based medicine) published in the British Medical Journal in 2008 concluded "acupuncture given with embryo transfer improved rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation".1 Other research has found that ear acupuncture is as effective as hormonal treatment in helping women conceive.2 Acupuncture may work by increasing the blood flow to the womb and ovaries and by its effect on female hormones.3
1. Manheimer E. Zhang G. Udoff L. Haramati A. Langenberg P. Berman BM. Bouter LM. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2008; 336(7643):545-9.
2. Gergard J, Postneek F. Auricular acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility. Gynaecological Endocrinology 1992; 6(3): 171-81.
3. Stener-Victorin E, Humaidan P. Use of acupuncture in female infertility and a summary of recent acupuncture studies related to embryo transfer. Acupuncture in Medicine 2006; 24(4): 157-163.
2. Gergard J, Postneek F. Auricular acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility. Gynaecological Endocrinology 1992; 6(3): 171-81.
3. Stener-Victorin E, Humaidan P. Use of acupuncture in female infertility and a summary of recent acupuncture studies related to embryo transfer. Acupuncture in Medicine 2006; 24(4): 157-163.
Acupuncture for female infertility
