DENVER – Acupuncture performed on the day of embryo transfer may boost pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization.
In a prospective randomized trial involving 168 consecutive women undergoing IVF, the clinical pregnancy rate documented by ultrasound 6 weeks post procedure was 45% in the 44 women assigned to acupuncture, compared with 28% in 124 controls, Dr. Umberto Omodei reported at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Although this must be considered a pilot study because of its limited size, the traditional Chinese medical practice shows promise in the treatment of infertility, and it was entirely free of side effects, noted Dr. Omodei of the University of Brescia (Italy).
The acupuncture-treated women reported a sense of well being regarding the embryo transfer experience, while the controls generally reported feeling emotionally stressed and fatigued.
Steel acupuncture needles were inserted at five points 25 minutes before and at four points after embryo transfer. The traditional acupuncture points were located on the ear, foot, hand, and calf. The control group did not undergo sham acupuncture.
Acupuncture has been used in China for many centuries to regulate the female reproductive system. The mechanism of benefit in women undergoing IVF is unknown. There is some evidence that the treatment mediates release of neurotransmitters and stimulates secretion of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone. The traditional Chinese medical view is that the needling stimulates blood flow and positive energy to the uterus, while also providing a calming effect, perhaps by stimulating production of endogenous opioids, Dr. Omodei explained.
He said he had no relevant financial conflicts of interest.