Acupuncture is a modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. The goal? To promote blood flow, induce parasympathetic activation and treat conditions (including infertility). Here's a look at the impact of acupuncture on fertility outcomes based on the latest research:
How can acupuncture support fertility?
Improving semen quality
Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve sperm quality by increasing sperm count, motility, and morphology. A 2019 meta-analysis of 26 studies involving 2070 men found that acupuncture significantly improved sperm motility and concentration compared to no treatment.
Increase pregnancy rates
Acupuncture has been found to increase pregnancy rates in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 randomized controlled trials involving 4752 women undergoing ART found that acupuncture significantly improved clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates compared to no acupuncture.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Infertility can be a stressful and emotionally challenging experience for couples. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels in women undergoing infertility treatments. A 2020 meta-analysis of 36 studies involving 2943 women found that acupuncture significantly reduced anxiety levels compared to no intervention or placebo.
Acupuncture and Optimizing IVF
Leading up to IVF
Benefits of acupuncture in IVF treatments. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis involving 4,757 participants found that acupuncture:
• Increased implantation rates by 28%
• Increased IVF clinical pregnancy rates by 33%
• Increased live birth rates by 33%
• Decreased the risk of biochemical pregnancies by 51%
On the day of Transfer - The Paulus Protocol
This protocol was developed in 2002, it includes specific points to be used before and after embryo transfer. Each session is 20-30 minutes and the goal is to improve rates of implantation and ongoing pregnancy.
An RCT involving 225 women undergoing IVF found that those who followed the Paulus Protocol had a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate of 39.6%, compared to 26.3% in the control group
Another RCT in 2012, conducted on 309 women found that the Paulus Protocol group had a clinical pregnancy rate of 35.9% compared to 22.4% in the sham acupuncture group. Again significantly increasing success rates of embryo transfers in this group.
Acupuncture Improves Outcomes
Acupuncture can be safely used when trying to conceive naturally or assisted. We see increased benefits with regular treatments (weekly) for at least 1 month before an IVF cycle. Consistency is key when it comes to most complimentary interventions and acupuncture is no exception!
About the Author
Dr. Liza Klassen, ND
A fertility-focused ND who bridges the medical and emotional aspects of fertility, recognizing that the journey to conception is not solely clinical but also deeply personal. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve and maintain healthy pregnancies whether natural or assisted and works collaboratively with reproductive endocrinologists and ART team to deliver high-quality & efficacious care.