Acupuncture improves IVF success rates

A randomised controlled trial of 228 women receiving 3 sessions (one either side of embryo transfer and one earlier in the process) of acupuncture or non-invasive sham needling.

The clinical pregnancy rates were 31% for acupuncture, 23% control.

Pregnancy rates at 18 weeks were 28% and 18% respectively.

The differences were not statistically significant but would be clinically significant.

Reference

Smith, et al. (2006) Influence of acupuncture stimulation on pregnancy rates for women undergoing embryo transfer. Fertil Steril; 85 (5): 1352-8.