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Acupuncture/ pressurePregnancy

Effect of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization

JR

Researchers from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London have reviewed the literature.

First, the details.

  • 13 studies in 2500 women were reviewed.
  • All studies evaluated the effects of acupuncture vs no treatment or sham acupuncture in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)-intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment.

And, the results.

  • Meta-analysis of 5 studies of acupuncture around the time of egg collection showed no difference in clinical pregnancy.
  • Meta-analysis of 8 studies of acupuncture around the time of embryo transfer showed no difference in the clinical pregnancy rate.
  • Live birth data available from 5 of the 8 studies of acupuncture around the time of embryo transfer showed no significant increase in live birth rate with acupuncture.

The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Currently available literature does not provide sufficient evidence that adjuvant acupuncture improves IVF clinical pregnancy rate.”

There appears to be a difference of opinion among experts in this field. This review and meta-analysis of the data published less than 6 months ago was positive. Another positive report is here.

Others are not impressed with the results from acupuncture in the fertility clinic, here and here.

7/27/08 12:36 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

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