Acupuncture increases live birth rates of IVF cycles

A systematic review that looked at the effectiveness of acupuncture in the outcomes of assisted reproductive treatment (ART). A total of 13 randomised controlled trials were included of acupuncture for couples who were undergoing assisted reproductive technology comparing acupuncture treatment alone or acupuncture with concurrent assisted reproductive technology versus no treatment, placebo or sham acupuncture plus assisted reproductive technology for the treatment of primary and secondary infertility.

These found evidence of benefit when acupuncture is performed on the day of embryo transfer on the live birth rate (OR 1.86, 95%CI 1.29 to 2.77).

The reviewers concluded that acupuncture performed on the day of embryo transfer shows a beneficial effect on the live birth rate.

Reference

Cheong et al. (2008) Acupuncture and assisted conception. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD006920. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006920.pub2.