German researchers investigated the impact of acupuncture on assisted reproductive therapy (ART) success rates. In their study, they divided women into two groups – one receiving regular IVF, and the other receiving acupuncture before and after embryo transfer in addition to the regular IVF protocol.
Astoundingly, 42.5% of the acupuncture group achieved pregnancy, while only 26.3% of the IVF-only group conceived. These significant findings were published in the American Society of Reproductive Medicine’s journal “Fertility and Sterility” in April 2002. Consequently the discovery was covered by numerous international and New Zealand news outlets.
Are you wondering how acupuncture make your IVF journey shorter? Connect with us today for more info.
In 2019 Dr Lee Hullender Rubin published data analysis summary of the effect of acupuncture on IVF outcomes. Some of the benefits revealed by the study include: a 28-32% improvement in clinical pregnancy rate, a 42% boost in ongoing pregnancy rate, and a 30% increase in live birth rate.
In October 2004, another study from USA emerged, revealing fascinating effects of this natural therapy on IVF. In addition to pregnancy rates, the researchers also looked at other outcomes.
The study found that more extensive acupuncture treatment leading to and after embryo transfer not only considerably increased the success rates, but also increased IVF live birth rates. Furthermore, it substantially reduced the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies.
In February 2008, the very first systematic review/meta analysis on acupuncture and IVF concluded that the effects were both significant and clinically relevant. This was published in the British Medical Journal.
This treatment not only significantly increased success rates, but also substantially boosted live birth rates. Additionally, it significantly reduced the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies.
We are a part of Nature. And we respond to it.
In what specific ways does acupuncture enhance fertility? As part of nature, we are inherently responsive to its influences. The mechanisms through which acupuncture works are as complex as the field of reproductive medicine itself. It’s known that acupuncture can significantly impact the nervous system and assist in balancing hormones.
Research and scientific literature have demonstrated that acupuncture can augment fertility in the following ways:
While acupuncture may increase the success rates of assisted reproductive techniques (A.R.T.) including IVF and ICSI, we like the idea of you conceiving naturally, when possible, without the help of assisted reproduction.
However, we do understand that for some women, health concerns/diagnoses may prevent them from conceiving without the help of assisted reproduction. In these situations our goal is to prepare your body for assisted reproduction by balancing it with acupuncture. This approach can significantly increase your chances of success with IVF.
It is important to note that some couples who believed in vitro fertilisation was their only option, ended up conceiving naturally while on the IVF waiting list. That’s why we encourage you to seek qualified help early, so that you don’t miss out and can optimize your chances of conception. Take control of your fertility journey today with the help of acupuncture.
Are you over 40 and trying to conceive? Don’t give up hope just yet! Acupuncture may be able to help you achieve your dream of becoming a mom, even if you’re past the age that most women can conceive with ease naturally. At our clinic, we’ve helped numerous patients like you, some of whom have successfully conceived with the help of IVF and acupuncture, while others have conceived naturally with acupuncture alone.
Let’s talk about AMH, a hormone produced by the ovary. In the context of IVF, AMH levels can be used to predict the number of eggs that a woman is likely to produce in response to ovarian stimulation medication. The lower the AMH level, the lower the chance of conceiving with IVF. Don’t despair just yet. We had patients with AMH as low as zero who were told by a reproductive specialist, that donour eggs was the only option. While we don’t recommend acupuncture as a substitute for IVF, however, despite the odds, many of these women were able to conceive naturally with the help of acupuncture.
Now, you may be wondering if acupuncture is right for you. Well, let me tell you, when we examine the evidence, women over 40 are great candidates for acupuncture, especially when this natural treatment is combined with IVF. This may just be the natural solution you’ve been looking for.
This largely depends on how versed your specialist is on the studies on IVF acupuncture. Our observations suggest that most specialists are inclined to recommend acupuncture when approached individually by a patient. Although a minority may publicly express reservations about it, they often support it when directly asked by a patient if it is the appropriate treatment.
Additionally to the quality research available via our reproductive acupuncture evidence project, the specialists receive sufficient feedback from our patients about significant changes in their reproductive cycle and reduction in stress levels. Repromed, for example, explicitly states on their website: “Often we recommend acupuncture as a way to optimise IVF”, while Fertility Associates doesn’t appear as enthusiastic about acupuncture on their website. Additionally, it is worth noting that majority of the general practitioners and family doctors in New Zealand embrace acupuncture.
We recommend coming in for a consultation as early as possible. This allows us to review your situation in detail and decide on the most appropriate treatment.
Even if your IVF embryo transfer is about to happen or has already taken place, it is not too late to reach out to us. You’ll benefit from this natural time-tested treatment and may improve your chances of success even if you receive it after IVF embryo transfer.
Since 2003, we have been working alongside the finest IVF clinics in Auckland including Fertility Associates (FA), Repromed and Fertility plus. Each of these clinics has their own advantages.
Fertility plus is a part of of Auckland District Health Board (Auckland DHB) integrates fertility services with the general gynaecology, maternity, and medical services at the DHB.
Fertility Associates, on the other hand, stands as the largest IVF clinic in New Zealand, with numerous branches spread across the country. Their expansive network and renowned expertise elevate them as a leading provider of fertility treatments.
Repromed sets itself apart with its commitment to personalised care, crafting individualised treatment plans for each patient. Their patient-first approach positions them among the best IVF clinics in Auckland.
Have you ever wondered about IVF success rates? Well, let us break it down for you. IVF success rates are all about the chances of having a successful pregnancy through in vitro fertilization treatment. But, did you know that there are many factors that can influence the success rates? For example, your age, the cause of your infertility, your general health and lifestyle factors, adjacent treatments like acupuncture, and even the quality of embryos and treatment protocol can all play a role.
Success rates are typically reported in terms of live birth rates per cycle or per embryo transfer. Let’s say a clinic reports a live birth rate of 19% for women under the age of 35. That means out of 100 women, only 19 will have a live birth following fresh embryo transfer per cycle.
But beware! Your IVF clinic may advertise a live birth rate of per embryo transfer, which will be a deceivingly higher number, because a lot of women don’t get to the embryo transfer.
Even more confusingly, some clinics may advertise pregnancy rates instead of live birth rates, which will look like a higher number still. This can be deceiving since not all pregnancies result in a live birth, which is ultimately what we all want.
In conclusion, when it comes to IVF success rates, it’s important to consider all the factors and be aware of how clinics may choose to advertise their rates. Don’t be swayed by just one number – do your research and choose a clinic that gives you the best chance of success.
Dr. Birdsall called our first baby “a miracle”
Explore our patient’s fertility success stories. These stories are a testament to the effectiveness of specialised reproductive acupuncture and may just give you the encouragement and motivation you need to keep going.