From the Research
Acupuncture may improve certain reproductive outcomes, including biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rates, in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), but its impact on embryo implantation is still uncertain and requires further rigorous trials to confirm these findings. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2025 1, suggests that acupuncture can improve biochemical pregnancy rate (RR = 1.28,95 % CI: 1.04-1.57) and clinical pregnancy rates (RR = 1.19,95 % CI: 1.06-1.34) compared to sham acupuncture and blank controls. However, this study also found a significantly higher early miscarriage rate in the acupuncture groups (RR = 1.51,95 % CI: 1.10-2.08), which warrants caution.
Some studies suggest that acupuncture may improve IVF outcomes by potentially increasing blood flow to the uterus, reducing stress hormones, and modulating immune factors that could support implantation 2, 3. However, many well-designed clinical trials have failed to demonstrate consistent benefits, and the evidence is still mixed and inconclusive. If considering acupuncture during fertility treatment, it's best used as a complementary approach rather than a primary intervention. Treatment typically involves sessions before and after embryo transfer, focusing on specific acupuncture points traditionally associated with reproductive function.
Key points to consider:
- Acupuncture is generally safe with minimal side effects when performed by a licensed practitioner experienced in treating fertility patients.
- Patients should maintain realistic expectations about acupuncture's impact on implantation rates and discuss this option with their reproductive endocrinologist to ensure it complements their medical treatment plan.
- Further rigorous trials are needed to confirm the findings and establish the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for women undergoing IVF.