Enhancing IVF Success: The Power of Acupuncture for Pregnancy

The IVF journey brings both hope and challenges. Many people choose acupuncture alongside IVF, and this post looks at what the research says and how acupuncture is used to support comfort and well-being during treatment.

What the research says

A review published in the British Medical Journal in 2008 looked at acupuncture given around the day of embryo transfer and reported higher pregnancy rates in some of the trials it included (Manheimer, 2008). Later research has been mixed, and a larger trial published in 2018 found no significant difference in live births. Acupuncture is best seen as supportive care alongside your fertility clinic's treatment, not instead of it.

Comfort after egg retrieval

Acupuncture is traditionally used to help ease discomfort after egg retrieval, such as bloating and cramping. In Chinese medicine it is thought to support circulation during recovery.

Acupuncture around embryo transfer

Some studies have looked at whether acupuncture around embryo transfer affects activity in the uterus. In Chinese medicine it is used to help the body relax at this stage of treatment.

Side effects of IVF medication

IVF medication can bring side effects such as nausea, headaches, cramping, bloating and irritability. Acupuncture is traditionally used to support hormonal balance and to help ease this kind of discomfort.

Stress and anxiety during IVF

The emotional side of IVF can be hard. Acupuncture is traditionally used to help settle the nervous system, and many people find treatment relaxing at a stressful time.

Many people choose acupuncture as part of their IVF journey to support comfort and overall well-being. Responses vary from person to person, and acupuncture is used alongside the care of your fertility clinic, not instead of it.

Read more about the benefits of acupuncture for fertility.

Connect with one of our specialised acupuncturists at Care Cure with a free consultation. We can help to personalise a treatment plan to support you through your IVF cycle.

Care Cure are Traditional Chinese Medicine specialists, treating patients in Dublin since 2006. We have clinics in the Merrion Shopping Centre, Dublin 4 and 53 George's Street Lower, Dun Laoghaire.

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