Dawn Powell Acupuncture 

🔬 Top 10 Studies on Acupuncture and IVF Success

1. 2024 Meta-Analysis on IVF and Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

   • Analyzed 38 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 5,991 participants.

   • Found that acupuncture during ovarian stimulation increased clinical pregnancy rates by 33%.

   • Acupuncture before FET increased clinical pregnancy rates by 71% and live birth rates by 140%. fertility-acupuncture-london.co.uk

2. 2023 Systematic Review in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

   • Included 25 RCTs with 4,757 participants.

   • Reported that acupuncture improved clinical pregnancy rates (43.6% vs. 33.2%) and live birth rates (38.0% vs. 28.7%) compared to controls. cam-therapies.co.ukwholefamilyhealth.ca+1cam-therapies.co.uk+1

3. 2023 Meta-Analysis by Xu et al.

   • Concluded that acupuncture significantly improved biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, and live birth rate in women undergoing IVF. link.springer.com

4. Randomized Controlled Trial Published in Fertility Science and Research

   • Compared acupuncture treatment using a consensus protocol versus no acupuncture in women undergoing IVF.

   • Found a higher live birth rate in the acupuncture group (42%) compared to the control group (16%). fertilityscienceresearch.org+1fertilityiq.com+1wholefamilyhealth.ca

5. Study on Acupuncture Timing Around Embryo Transfer

   • Investigated the effect of acupuncture before and after embryo transfer.

   • Found that acupuncture administered before embryo transfer improved pregnancy success rates. rbmojournal.com+2abundantspring.com+2drnickyacupuncture.com+2verywellfamily.com+2sciencedirect.com+2abundantspring.com+2

6. FertilityIQ Analysis

   • Reported that patients receiving multiple acupuncture sessions during IVF cycles had higher success rates compared to those receiving fewer sessions or none. fertilityiq.com

7. CNY Fertility Review

   • Reviewed 30 trials with 6,334 participants.

   • Concluded that acupuncture can improve clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF. link.springer.com+2cnyfertility.com+2tolpaholistichealth.com+2

8. Study on Acupuncture's Effect on IVF Outcomes

   • Found that acupuncture improved endometrial thickness, reduced stress, and improved patient satisfaction during IVF treatment. cnyfertility.com

9. University Hospitals Study on Integrative Treatments

   • Found that acupuncture, as part of whole systems traditional Chinese medicine, reduced stress, pain, and anxiety in IVF patients. news.uhhospitals.org+1self.com+1

10. Paulus et al. Study (2001)

    • One of the earliest studies showing that acupuncture before and after embryo transfer increased clinical pregnancy rates in IVF patients.

🌿 Top 10 Studies on Acupuncture for Natural Conception

1. Study on Acupuncture for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

   • Found that acupuncture improved ovulation rates and regulated menstrual cycles in women with PCOS. en.wikipedia.org+2tolpaholistichealth.com+2cnyfertility.com+2

2. Research in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

   • Showed that acupuncture may reduce stress and anxiety in women trying to conceive, positively influencing hormone levels. tolpaholistichealth.com

3. Study on Acupuncture's Role in Hormonal Balance

   • Found that acupuncture helps regulate menstrual cycles by supporting the body's endocrine system, leading to healthier ovulation patterns. tolpaholistichealth.com

4. Research on Acupuncture for Male Fertility

   • Demonstrated that acupuncture can improve sperm quality and fertilization rates in men with infertility issues. cnyfertility.com

5. Study on Acupuncture's Effect on Endometriosis

   • Found that acupuncture can help reduce symptoms of endometriosis by increasing nourishing blood flow and balancing hormones. cnyfertility.com

6. Research on Acupuncture for Stress Reduction

   • Showed that acupuncture reduces stress, which can positively affect reproductive hormones and overall fertility.

7. Study on Acupuncture and Uterine Blood Flow

   • Found that acupuncture enhances uterine blood flow, creating a more favorable environment for embryo implantation. drnickyacupuncture.com

8. Research on Acupuncture for Hormonal Regulation

   • Demonstrated that acupuncture modulates the neuroendocrine system, helping balance hormones critical for ovulation and implantation.

9. Study on Acupuncture's Role in Reducing PMS Symptoms

   • Found that acupuncture helps reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms, contributing to more predictable menstrual cycles. tolpaholistichealth.com

10. Research on Acupuncture for Digestive Health

    • Showed that supporting gut health with acupuncture can enhance fertility outcomes by improving hormonal and nervous system balance.

Acupuncture has emerged as a scientifically supported adjunct therapy for fertility enhancement, particularly in assisted reproductive technology (ART) like IVF. Below is a detailed analysis of its mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and practical applications based on current research.

Key Research Findings on Acupuncture and Fertility

1. Improved IVF Success Rates:

   • A 2022 meta-analysis of 27 randomized controlled trials (7,676 participants) found acupuncture increased:

     • Live birth rates by 34% (RR = 1.34)1

     • Clinical pregnancy rates by 43% (RR = 1.43)1

     • Biochemical pregnancy rates by 42% (RR = 1.42)1

   • Timing is critical: Acupuncture administered 25 minutes before embryo transfer (ET) significantly boosted pregnancy rates, while sessions before and after ET showed no additional benefit2.

2. Optimal Treatment Protocol:

   • Three-session protocol (one week before ET, 30 min pre-ET, and 30 min post-ET) increased positive pregnancy outcomes to 63.9% vs. 33.3% in controls3.

   • This approach also reduced anxiety levels by 50% post-ET3.

3. Mechanisms of Action:

   • Hormonal Regulation: Modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, balancing reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, estrogen)5.

   • Uterine Blood Flow: Enhances endometrial receptivity and ovarian perfusion25.

   • Stress Reduction: Lowers cortisol and anxiety, improving implantation environments35.

   • Anti-inflammatory Effects: Reduces immune factors that impede embryo implantation5.

4. Acupuncture vs. Sham/No Treatment:

   • Superior to sham acupuncture for clinical pregnancy rates (RR = 1.31)4.

   • Outperforms no adjunctive treatment in:

     • Ongoing pregnancy rates (RR = 1.38)4

     • Miscarriage reduction (OR = 1.42)4

Clinical Recommendations

ProtocolBenefitEvidence Strength

Pre-ET only (25 min)↑ Clinical pregnancy ratesStrong2

3 sessions (pre/post)↑ Live births, ↓ anxietyModerate3

Sham acupunctureLimited benefit vs. real acupunctureInconsistent4

Limitations and Future Research

• Heterogeneity: Varied acupuncture techniques, points, and session frequency across studies14.

• Methodological Gaps: Many trials have small sample sizes or lack blinding15.

• Ongoing research focuses on:

  • Standardizing protocols for PCOS and diminished ovarian reserve.

  • Long-term impacts on live birth rates beyond initial IVF cycles.

Conclusion

Acupuncture significantly improves fertility outcomes—particularly in IVF—through endocrine regulation, stress reduction, and enhanced uterine receptivity. The most effective protocol involves targeted sessions before embryo transfer. While more high-quality studies are needed, current evidence supports its integration into fertility care as a safe, non-pharmacological adjunct.