Can Acupuncture for IVF support improve my chances of getting pregnant?

Modern families with an infertility diagnosis are fortunate to have in vitro fertilization (IVF) as an option when they are unable to conceive, but that doesn’t mean IVF guarantees a healthy pregnancy. While IVF can lead to a pregnancy, it is estimated that success rates are well below 50% globally. There are also risks associated with the procedure, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, among others. Thus, rates of fertilization and rates of live births may differ.

Recent research suggests acupuncture can help women undergoing IVF become pregnant and deliver a child – at higher rates than women not receiving acupuncture from a qualified fertility acupuncturist. In this meta-analysis systematic review, published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics this summer, researchers analyzed 25 trials involving 4,757 total patients. Studies defined two variables of pregnancy outcomes; one being a clinical pregnancy rate (or positive pregnancy test) and the other was the live birth rate.

How much improvement do patients get with acupuncture for IVF?

Findings from the analysis showed that the pooled clinical pregnancy rate of all acupuncture groups was significantly higher than control groups (43.6% vs. 33.2%), while the pooled live birth rate was likewise significantly higher in acupuncture vs. control groups (38.0% vs. 28.7%). This is incredible testimony to the benefits of working with a fertility acupuncturist prior to your IVF cycle!

As a board certified specialist in fertility care, I recognize that even with the best combination of my dietary advice, herbal medicine and acupuncture protocols for optimal fertility wellness, my patients may still need to seek out reproductive endocrinologist and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) .

For the past 17 years, I have worked with the top Portland fertility clinics who provide IUI and IVF, and each doctor has a patient’s best interest at heart. I have no hesitation referring patients to one of these colleagues, however, we continue to have evidence based research showing that investing the time in working together will improve the possibility of a happy, healthy baby.

I have to be honest though….my favorite success stories have been from patients who have gotten pregnant before they need to work with a fertility clinic.

Am I a good candidate for fertility acupuncture?

If you are seeking an alternative to IVF, or know that you want to be your healthiest before starting the process, let’s meet! Acupuncture is often a last resort, but I hope to turn that around to become the first stop on the fertility journey. Traditional Chinese Medicine excels at preventive health for the whole family, and for those having fertility challenges, I have seen amazing results with the very frustrating diagnosis of Unexplained Infertility – from a TCM perspective, I can find an explanation and then a path to treatment.

Whether you are seeking pre-conception fertility care, natural fertility care or fertility acupuncture for IVF support, I have worked with many patients with the same hormonal challenges with great success. With great success stories to review, you can see that I am a no BS medical provider who strives to empower patients with information, and then you get to make your own choices about what works best for you.

Please read more on my fertility acupuncture program page and set up your initial consultation through our website or give us a call at (503) 281-0030

To your health!

Dr Kiné Fischler, DACM

Source: Xu M, Zhu M, Zheng C. Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet, 2023 July 12