The Holistic Fertility Show
Our holistic fertility podcast explores natural and integrative approaches to fertility. Through expert interviews and thoughtful discussions, we aim to empower listeners with knowledge about optimizing reproductive health through lifestyle, nutrition, acupuncture, and other holistic practices.
The Holistic Fertility Show
Why Modern IVF Needs Acupuncture
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IVF may benefit from acupuncture because acupuncture creates a healthier physiologic environment for follicular development and ovarian function, which supports egg quality. From an integrative perspective, improved ovarian and pelvic blood flow enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the developing follicles, while modulation of stress signaling and inflammatory activity may help protect the ovarian microenvironment during IVF stimulation. Acupuncture is reasonably described as an adjunct to IVF that supports ovarian function, follicular health, and overall reproductive readiness in selected patients. American and European literature both suggest supportive roles for acupuncture in IVF.
American reference
ASRM Practice Committee. Performing the embryo transfer: a guideline. Fertility and Sterility. 2017.
European references
Westergaard LG et al. Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women: a prospective randomized trial. Fertility and Sterility. 2006.
Manheimer E et al. Effects of acupuncture on rates of clinical pregnancy among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: systematic review and meta-analysis. Human Reproduction Update. 2013.