IVF Acupuncture Support - Research References
Treatment for Women doing IVF:
1. Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer
These treatments are based on protocols used in clinical trials showing up to 65% increase in pregnancy rates. (You can find the research references for these trials below )
Schedule:
a – before or after transfer …… 2 sessions
b – before and after transfer …… 6 sessions
Research References:
Acupuncture and embryo transfer
Fertility and Sterility, the official publication of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine publishes juried original articles of scientific excellence in clinical and laboratory research relevant to reproductive endocrinology and physiology.
The studies below have all appeared in the journal Fertility and Sterility. Ten of them found that acupuncture performed close to the time of embryo transfer improved chances of pregnancy. Three reported no effect, and one found a negative effect (which was put down to the fact that the patients had to drive across town after their embryo transfer to reach the acupuncture clinic). More studies are underway to investigate the mechanism behind the effect of acupuncture on implantation of the embryo.
If any provisional conclusions are to be drawn at this stage, it is that acupuncture appears to confer an advantage to clinical trial groups which have an expected pregnancy rate of around 35% or less. Where chance of pregnancy is 50 - 60% then acupuncture applied at the time of embryo transfer may not offer so much benefit.
Acupuncture and Embryo Transfer Studies:
Authors and References. The concluding effect of acupuncture on pregnancy rate is given in brackets.
2. Acupuncture before and during the medication phase of IVF
This treatment schedule is based on protocols used in clinical trials which demonstrate increased blood supply to uterus and ovaries (research reference given below ) and a beneficial regulation of hormones which may be important to follicle development and implantation (reference 2). A significant increase in pregnancy rates was reported in these also.
Schedule:
2 -3 treatments per week for 8 weeks (optimal) plus treatment at time of embryo transfer.
Research Reference 1:
Acupuncture and blood flow to uterus and ovaries
Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro-acupuncture.
Stener-Victorin E, et al Hum Reprod 1996; 11:1314-1317.
Human Reproduction
Many studies have shown that reduced blood flow in the uterine arteries is associated with a decreased pregnancy rate following IVF-embryo transfer. This study reported in Human Reproduction (the official journal of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) shows that after 8 acupuncture treatments blood flow to the uterus was markedly increased. Research carried out by one group of IVF clinics in California has shown that using this protocol to increase blood flow to the uterus, combined with acupuncture on the day of transfer has resulted in a markedly significant improvement in pregnancy rates.
Research Reference 2:
Changes in serum cortisol and prolactin associated with acupuncture during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women undergoing in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer treatment
Magarelli, PC, D Cridennda, M Cohen. Fertil Steril 2009 in press
Fertility and Sterility
A number of women going through IVF were given acupuncture to increase blood flow through the uterine arteries in the immediate weeks before egg collection. The researchers found that the women who had acupuncture showed beneficial changes in serum levels of stress hormones compared to the control group of women who did not have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatments appear to normalize levels of cortisol and prolactin which have been artificially depressed by the IVF drugs. This may have implications for both egg quality and implantation. In addition the pregnancy and live birth rate was significantly higher in the acupuncture group.
Abstract
Objective: To determine whether changes in serum cortisol (CORT) and PRL are affected by acupuncture (Ac) in Ac-treated IVF patients.
Design: Prospective cohort clinical study.
Setting: Private practice reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic and private practice acupuncture consortium.
Patient(s): Sixty-seven reproductive-age infertile women undergoing IVF.
Intervention(s): Blood samples were obtained from all consenting new infertility patients and serum CORT and serum PRL were obtained prospectively. Patients were grouped as controls (IVF with no Ac) and treated (IVF with Ac) according to acupuncture protocols derived from randomized controlled trials.
Main Outcome Measure(s): Serum levels of CORT and PRL were measured and synchronized with medication stimulation days of the IVF cycle (e.g., day 2 of stimulation, day 3, etc.). Reproductive outcomes were collected according to Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology protocols, and results were compared between controls and those patients treated with Ac.
Result(s): CORT levels in Ac group were significantly higher on IVF medication days 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13 compared with controls. PRL levels in the Ac group were significantly higher on IVF medication days 5, 6, 7, and 8 compared with controls.
Conclusion(s): In this study, there appears to be a beneficial regulation of CORT and PRL in the Ac group during the medication phase of the IVF treatment with a trend toward more normal fertile cycle dynamics. (Fertil Steril 2008;-:-–-. 2008 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)
3. Acupuncture at any phase of the IVF cycle
Acupuncture can be used to manage any side effects you might experience and reduce anxiety. These treatment protocols are based on the clinical experience of many acupuncturists and their patients. Reduced fatigue, moodiness, abdomen swelling and discomfort and other side effects are reported by many women using acupuncture during their IVF cycle. In addition women report greater relaxation and control of anxiety (research reference given below). The acupuncture treatment will be different for each patient and depends on your symptoms. These treatments can be combined with Schedule 2 above.
Schedule:
2-3 treatments per week as needed.
Research References:
Acupuncture and well being of IVF patients
The Impact of Acupuncture on in Vitro Fertilization Outcome.
Domar A et al Fertil Steril 2009 Vol 91 Issue 3 pg 723 - 6
Fertility and Sterility
One of the trials that investigated the effect of acupuncture on IVF pregnancy rates also collected data on the subjective experience of these women. The authors write “Acupuncture patients reported significantly less anxiety post-transfer and reported feeling more optimistic about their cycle and enjoyed their sessions more than the control subjects”.
4. Acupuncture after egg collection
IVF patients are recommended to have an acupuncture treatment after egg collection, to reduce any local tissue trauma or bleeding, and help prepare a calm environment for the arrival of an embryo. This treatment can be combined with Schedule 2 or 3 above.
Schedule:
1 treatment just after the procedure itself or within the following 2 days.
5 Acupuncture for frozen embryo transfer, with or without medication
These treatments are similar to those used in schedule 2, designed to increase blood flow to uterus and improve implantation and pregnancy rates.
Schedule:
2-3 treatments per week for 2 – 4 weeks before embryo transfer plus treatment on day of transfer.
6. Acupuncture during the first few weeks of pregnancy
Acupuncture has been demonstrated to have significant immune-modulating effects. This effect may be important in reducing the risk of rejection by the mother’s immune system in the early days as the embryo implants and a pregnancy is established.
Acupuncture can be used to enhance microcirculation in the uterine lining and the newly developing placenta. This may have particular importance if you have a tendency to produce clotting factors but could also be useful where that is not the case.
In addition regular monitoring of the pulse (a TCM diagnostic technique) and regular treatment with acupuncture designed to reduce anxiety offers you important and reassuring support during these first few weeks of pregnancy. Clinical trials have shown that regular monitoring and reassurance reduces miscarriage rates.
Schedule:
2 treatments per week until week 12 of pregnancy.
7 Pre-birth acupuncture
Acupuncture treatment applied in the 4 weeks before the due date for delivery has been shown to reduce the chance of being “overdue”. It also has been shown to encourage cervical ripening and shorten labour time.
Schedule:
2 treatments per week from week 36 of pregnancy.
Treatment for men for IVF
8. Acupuncture for poor sperm morphology and motility.
These treatments are based on protocols used in clinical trials which demonstrate increase in sperm motility and decrease in abnormal forms after a course of acupuncture (research references given below ).
Schedule:
2 treatments per week in the 5 – 6 weeks prior to IVF.
Research References:
Acupuncture and sperm
Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility.
Pei J et al Fertil Steril. 2005 Jul;84(1):141-7
Fertility and Sterility
A group of infertile men who had pathological semen analyses according to WHO criteria, were treated with acupuncture twice a week for 5 weeks. A statistically significant increase after acupuncture in the percentage and number of sperm with no structural defects was demonstrated compared to the control group of patients who received no treatment. They concluded that male infertility patients could benefit from having acupuncture. A general improvement of sperm quality, specifically in the ultrastructural integrity of spermatozoa, was seen after acupuncture.
Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering from subfertility related to low sperm quality.
Siterman S et al Arch Androl. 1997 Sep-Oct;39(2):155-61
Archives of Andrology
A group of infertile men with abnormal semen analysis were randomly divided into 2 groups; one group was given 10 acupuncture treatments over 5 weeks, and the other group, no treatment. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were demonstrated in the acupuncture group compared to the control group, in particular improved motility and morphology.
Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm density in males with very low sperm count? A pilot study.
Siterman S et al Andrologia. 2000 Jan;32(1):31-9.
Andrologia
This pilot study once again showed a positive effect of acupuncture on sperm count - but this time on men with such low sperm counts (or no sperm) that they would usually require a testicular biopsy to extract sperm for use in an IVF cycle. Seven of the 15 men with no sperm at all produced sperm detectable by the light microscope after a course of 10 acupuncture treatments (p < 0.01) ie enough sperm could be produced for ICSI to be performed without recourse to testicular biopsy. The control group with similar semen analysis had no treatment and showed no change after 3 months.
Effects of acupuncture and moxa treatment in patients with semen abnormalities.
Gurfinkel E et al Asian J Androl. 2003 Dec;5(4):345-8.
Asian Journal of Andrology
In a prospective, controlled and blind study, a group of infertile men (married for 3 - 11 years without children) were randomized into two groups, the treatment group receiving 10 acupuncture treatments and the control group receiving sham acupuncture treatments. The patients in the acupuncture group demonstrated a significant increase in the percentage of normal forms compared to the control group.
Influence of acupuncture on idiopathic male infertility in assisted reproductive technology.
Zhang M et al J Huazhong Univ Sci Tech Med Sci.2002;22(3):228-30
Journal of Huazhong University (Abstract in Chinese)
This trial looks at sperm behaviour in an IVF setting. It was a “before and after” study involving 82 infertile men with pathological semen abnormalities and who’s sperm achieved a poor fertilization rate in at least 2 IVF/ICSI cycles. They were given acupuncture twice a week over 8 weeks and the IVF/ICSI cycles were repeated. The fertilization rates after acupuncture (66.2%) were significantly higher than that before treatment (40.2%) (P < 0.01).
A prospective randomized placebo-controlled study of the effect of acupuncture in infertile patients with severe oligoasthenozoospermia
Dieterle et al Fertil Steril 2009 Oct; 92 (4): 1340–3
Fertility and Sterility
In this first prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 infertile patients with severe oligoasthenozoospermia received acupuncture according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and 29 infertile patients received placebo acupuncture. A significantly higher percentage of motile sperm (World Health Organization categories A–C), but no effect on sperm concentration, was found after acupuncture compared with placebo acupuncture.
9. Acupuncture for TESE (testicular sperm extraction) candidates
These treatments are based on protocols used in clinical trials which investigated men whose semen had no sperm and would require testicular biopsy as part of the IVF procedures. This trial showed that production of sperm, easily detectable in the semen, occurred in half of the men treated with acupuncture. These sperm could then be used in IVF/ICSI cycles and TESE avoided (Research Reference Given Below).
Schedule:
2 treatments per week in the 5 – 6 weeks prior to IVF.Research Reference
Acupuncture and sperm
Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm density in males with very low sperm count? A pilot study.
Siterman S et al Andrologia. 2000 Jan;32(1):31-9.
Andrologia
This pilot study once again showed a positive effect of acupuncture on sperm count - but this time on men with such low sperm counts (or no sperm) that they would usually require a testicular biopsy to extract sperm for use in an IVF cycle. Seven of the 15 men with no sperm at all produced sperm detectable by the light microscope after a course of 10 acupuncture treatments (p < 0.01) ie enough sperm could be produced for ICSI to be performed without recourse to testicular biopsy. The control group with similar semen analysis had no treatment and showed no change after 3 months.
10. Acupuncture on day of sperm donation
Sometimes the pressure to produce a sperm sample on the day of egg collection can be significant enough to cause a problem. Acupuncture reduces anxiety and can increase blood flow to the genital area.
Schedule:
1 treatment before sperm donation.
1. Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer
These treatments are based on protocols used in clinical trials showing up to 65% increase in pregnancy rates. (You can find the research references for these trials below )
Schedule:
a – before or after transfer …… 2 sessions
b – before and after transfer …… 6 sessions
Research References:
Acupuncture and embryo transfer
Fertility and Sterility, the official publication of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine publishes juried original articles of scientific excellence in clinical and laboratory research relevant to reproductive endocrinology and physiology.
The studies below have all appeared in the journal Fertility and Sterility. Ten of them found that acupuncture performed close to the time of embryo transfer improved chances of pregnancy. Three reported no effect, and one found a negative effect (which was put down to the fact that the patients had to drive across town after their embryo transfer to reach the acupuncture clinic). More studies are underway to investigate the mechanism behind the effect of acupuncture on implantation of the embryo.
If any provisional conclusions are to be drawn at this stage, it is that acupuncture appears to confer an advantage to clinical trial groups which have an expected pregnancy rate of around 35% or less. Where chance of pregnancy is 50 - 60% then acupuncture applied at the time of embryo transfer may not offer so much benefit.
Acupuncture and Embryo Transfer Studies:
Authors and References. The concluding effect of acupuncture on pregnancy rate is given in brackets.
- Paulus W et al, Fertil Steril 2002 Vol 77, pg 721-724 (+ve)
- Smith C et al, Fertil Steril 2006 Vol 85, pg 1352-1358 (+ve)
- Westergaard L et al, Fertil Steril 2006 Vol 85, pg 1341-1346 (+ve)
- Dieterle S et al, Fertil Steril 2006 Vol 85, pg 1347-1351 (+ve)
- Benson M. R. et al, Fertil Steril 2006 Vol 86, Suppl 1, pg S135 (+ve)
- Udoff L. C. et al, Fertil Steril 2007 Vol 86, Suppl 1, pg S145 (+ve)
- Teshima D.R.K et al, Fertil Steril 2007 Vol 88, Suppl 1, pg S330 (+ve)
- Magarelli P,Cridennda D,Fertil Steril 2004Vol 81,Suppl 3, pgS20 (+ve)
- Quintero R et al, Fertil Steril 2004 Vol 81 Suppl 3, pg S11-12 (+ve)
- Youran D et al, Fertil Steril 2008 Vol 90 Suppl 1, pg S240 (+ve)
- Domar A et al, Fertil Steril 2006 Vol 86 Suppl 2, pg S379 (=)
- Domar A et al Fertil Steril 2009 Vol 91 pg 723-6 (=)
- Fratterelli JL et al Fertil Steril 2008 Vol 90 Suppl 1, pg S105 (=)
- Craig L. B et al, Fertil Steril 2007 Vol 88, Suppl 1, pg S40 (-ve)
2. Acupuncture before and during the medication phase of IVF
This treatment schedule is based on protocols used in clinical trials which demonstrate increased blood supply to uterus and ovaries (research reference given below ) and a beneficial regulation of hormones which may be important to follicle development and implantation (reference 2). A significant increase in pregnancy rates was reported in these also.
Schedule:
2 -3 treatments per week for 8 weeks (optimal) plus treatment at time of embryo transfer.
Research Reference 1:
Acupuncture and blood flow to uterus and ovaries
Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro-acupuncture.
Stener-Victorin E, et al Hum Reprod 1996; 11:1314-1317.
Human Reproduction
Many studies have shown that reduced blood flow in the uterine arteries is associated with a decreased pregnancy rate following IVF-embryo transfer. This study reported in Human Reproduction (the official journal of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) shows that after 8 acupuncture treatments blood flow to the uterus was markedly increased. Research carried out by one group of IVF clinics in California has shown that using this protocol to increase blood flow to the uterus, combined with acupuncture on the day of transfer has resulted in a markedly significant improvement in pregnancy rates.
Research Reference 2:
Changes in serum cortisol and prolactin associated with acupuncture during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women undergoing in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer treatment
Magarelli, PC, D Cridennda, M Cohen. Fertil Steril 2009 in press
Fertility and Sterility
A number of women going through IVF were given acupuncture to increase blood flow through the uterine arteries in the immediate weeks before egg collection. The researchers found that the women who had acupuncture showed beneficial changes in serum levels of stress hormones compared to the control group of women who did not have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatments appear to normalize levels of cortisol and prolactin which have been artificially depressed by the IVF drugs. This may have implications for both egg quality and implantation. In addition the pregnancy and live birth rate was significantly higher in the acupuncture group.
Abstract
Objective: To determine whether changes in serum cortisol (CORT) and PRL are affected by acupuncture (Ac) in Ac-treated IVF patients.
Design: Prospective cohort clinical study.
Setting: Private practice reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic and private practice acupuncture consortium.
Patient(s): Sixty-seven reproductive-age infertile women undergoing IVF.
Intervention(s): Blood samples were obtained from all consenting new infertility patients and serum CORT and serum PRL were obtained prospectively. Patients were grouped as controls (IVF with no Ac) and treated (IVF with Ac) according to acupuncture protocols derived from randomized controlled trials.
Main Outcome Measure(s): Serum levels of CORT and PRL were measured and synchronized with medication stimulation days of the IVF cycle (e.g., day 2 of stimulation, day 3, etc.). Reproductive outcomes were collected according to Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology protocols, and results were compared between controls and those patients treated with Ac.
Result(s): CORT levels in Ac group were significantly higher on IVF medication days 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13 compared with controls. PRL levels in the Ac group were significantly higher on IVF medication days 5, 6, 7, and 8 compared with controls.
Conclusion(s): In this study, there appears to be a beneficial regulation of CORT and PRL in the Ac group during the medication phase of the IVF treatment with a trend toward more normal fertile cycle dynamics. (Fertil Steril 2008;-:-–-. 2008 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)
3. Acupuncture at any phase of the IVF cycle
Acupuncture can be used to manage any side effects you might experience and reduce anxiety. These treatment protocols are based on the clinical experience of many acupuncturists and their patients. Reduced fatigue, moodiness, abdomen swelling and discomfort and other side effects are reported by many women using acupuncture during their IVF cycle. In addition women report greater relaxation and control of anxiety (research reference given below). The acupuncture treatment will be different for each patient and depends on your symptoms. These treatments can be combined with Schedule 2 above.
Schedule:
2-3 treatments per week as needed.
Research References:
Acupuncture and well being of IVF patients
The Impact of Acupuncture on in Vitro Fertilization Outcome.
Domar A et al Fertil Steril 2009 Vol 91 Issue 3 pg 723 - 6
Fertility and Sterility
One of the trials that investigated the effect of acupuncture on IVF pregnancy rates also collected data on the subjective experience of these women. The authors write “Acupuncture patients reported significantly less anxiety post-transfer and reported feeling more optimistic about their cycle and enjoyed their sessions more than the control subjects”.
4. Acupuncture after egg collection
IVF patients are recommended to have an acupuncture treatment after egg collection, to reduce any local tissue trauma or bleeding, and help prepare a calm environment for the arrival of an embryo. This treatment can be combined with Schedule 2 or 3 above.
Schedule:
1 treatment just after the procedure itself or within the following 2 days.
5 Acupuncture for frozen embryo transfer, with or without medication
These treatments are similar to those used in schedule 2, designed to increase blood flow to uterus and improve implantation and pregnancy rates.
Schedule:
2-3 treatments per week for 2 – 4 weeks before embryo transfer plus treatment on day of transfer.
6. Acupuncture during the first few weeks of pregnancy
Acupuncture has been demonstrated to have significant immune-modulating effects. This effect may be important in reducing the risk of rejection by the mother’s immune system in the early days as the embryo implants and a pregnancy is established.
Acupuncture can be used to enhance microcirculation in the uterine lining and the newly developing placenta. This may have particular importance if you have a tendency to produce clotting factors but could also be useful where that is not the case.
In addition regular monitoring of the pulse (a TCM diagnostic technique) and regular treatment with acupuncture designed to reduce anxiety offers you important and reassuring support during these first few weeks of pregnancy. Clinical trials have shown that regular monitoring and reassurance reduces miscarriage rates.
Schedule:
2 treatments per week until week 12 of pregnancy.
7 Pre-birth acupuncture
Acupuncture treatment applied in the 4 weeks before the due date for delivery has been shown to reduce the chance of being “overdue”. It also has been shown to encourage cervical ripening and shorten labour time.
Schedule:
2 treatments per week from week 36 of pregnancy.
Treatment for men for IVF
8. Acupuncture for poor sperm morphology and motility.
These treatments are based on protocols used in clinical trials which demonstrate increase in sperm motility and decrease in abnormal forms after a course of acupuncture (research references given below ).
Schedule:
2 treatments per week in the 5 – 6 weeks prior to IVF.
Research References:
Acupuncture and sperm
Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility.
Pei J et al Fertil Steril. 2005 Jul;84(1):141-7
Fertility and Sterility
A group of infertile men who had pathological semen analyses according to WHO criteria, were treated with acupuncture twice a week for 5 weeks. A statistically significant increase after acupuncture in the percentage and number of sperm with no structural defects was demonstrated compared to the control group of patients who received no treatment. They concluded that male infertility patients could benefit from having acupuncture. A general improvement of sperm quality, specifically in the ultrastructural integrity of spermatozoa, was seen after acupuncture.
Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering from subfertility related to low sperm quality.
Siterman S et al Arch Androl. 1997 Sep-Oct;39(2):155-61
Archives of Andrology
A group of infertile men with abnormal semen analysis were randomly divided into 2 groups; one group was given 10 acupuncture treatments over 5 weeks, and the other group, no treatment. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were demonstrated in the acupuncture group compared to the control group, in particular improved motility and morphology.
Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm density in males with very low sperm count? A pilot study.
Siterman S et al Andrologia. 2000 Jan;32(1):31-9.
Andrologia
This pilot study once again showed a positive effect of acupuncture on sperm count - but this time on men with such low sperm counts (or no sperm) that they would usually require a testicular biopsy to extract sperm for use in an IVF cycle. Seven of the 15 men with no sperm at all produced sperm detectable by the light microscope after a course of 10 acupuncture treatments (p < 0.01) ie enough sperm could be produced for ICSI to be performed without recourse to testicular biopsy. The control group with similar semen analysis had no treatment and showed no change after 3 months.
Effects of acupuncture and moxa treatment in patients with semen abnormalities.
Gurfinkel E et al Asian J Androl. 2003 Dec;5(4):345-8.
Asian Journal of Andrology
In a prospective, controlled and blind study, a group of infertile men (married for 3 - 11 years without children) were randomized into two groups, the treatment group receiving 10 acupuncture treatments and the control group receiving sham acupuncture treatments. The patients in the acupuncture group demonstrated a significant increase in the percentage of normal forms compared to the control group.
Influence of acupuncture on idiopathic male infertility in assisted reproductive technology.
Zhang M et al J Huazhong Univ Sci Tech Med Sci.2002;22(3):228-30
Journal of Huazhong University (Abstract in Chinese)
This trial looks at sperm behaviour in an IVF setting. It was a “before and after” study involving 82 infertile men with pathological semen abnormalities and who’s sperm achieved a poor fertilization rate in at least 2 IVF/ICSI cycles. They were given acupuncture twice a week over 8 weeks and the IVF/ICSI cycles were repeated. The fertilization rates after acupuncture (66.2%) were significantly higher than that before treatment (40.2%) (P < 0.01).
A prospective randomized placebo-controlled study of the effect of acupuncture in infertile patients with severe oligoasthenozoospermia
Dieterle et al Fertil Steril 2009 Oct; 92 (4): 1340–3
Fertility and Sterility
In this first prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 infertile patients with severe oligoasthenozoospermia received acupuncture according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and 29 infertile patients received placebo acupuncture. A significantly higher percentage of motile sperm (World Health Organization categories A–C), but no effect on sperm concentration, was found after acupuncture compared with placebo acupuncture.
9. Acupuncture for TESE (testicular sperm extraction) candidates
These treatments are based on protocols used in clinical trials which investigated men whose semen had no sperm and would require testicular biopsy as part of the IVF procedures. This trial showed that production of sperm, easily detectable in the semen, occurred in half of the men treated with acupuncture. These sperm could then be used in IVF/ICSI cycles and TESE avoided (Research Reference Given Below).
Schedule:
2 treatments per week in the 5 – 6 weeks prior to IVF.Research Reference
Acupuncture and sperm
Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm density in males with very low sperm count? A pilot study.
Siterman S et al Andrologia. 2000 Jan;32(1):31-9.
Andrologia
This pilot study once again showed a positive effect of acupuncture on sperm count - but this time on men with such low sperm counts (or no sperm) that they would usually require a testicular biopsy to extract sperm for use in an IVF cycle. Seven of the 15 men with no sperm at all produced sperm detectable by the light microscope after a course of 10 acupuncture treatments (p < 0.01) ie enough sperm could be produced for ICSI to be performed without recourse to testicular biopsy. The control group with similar semen analysis had no treatment and showed no change after 3 months.
10. Acupuncture on day of sperm donation
Sometimes the pressure to produce a sperm sample on the day of egg collection can be significant enough to cause a problem. Acupuncture reduces anxiety and can increase blood flow to the genital area.
Schedule:
1 treatment before sperm donation.