Acupuncture and IVF Part 1: Reduce Anxiety

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has been helping couples to conceive since the late 1970s. Such issues as endometriosis, problems with ovulation, low sperm count, and unidentified causes of infertility lead people to use IVF. While it may be helpful to couples with fertility issues, undergoing IVF can cause a lot of stress because of the physical, emotional, and financial investments it entails. Various research studies have investigated whether acupuncture can help reduce anxiety in those going through this procedure.

One recent study involved a randomized clinical trial in which 43 patients were divided into a test group (of 22 people) and control group (of 21 people). Everyone received four weekly treatments. In the test group, the needles were inserted at specific acupuncture points, while in the control group, the needles were inserted in areas near but not corresponding to those points. Before and after treatment, the patients’ anxiety levels were examined using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAS). After the four-week experimental period, researchers found that the average HAS score was significantly lower in the test group than the control group. The results of the study indicate that acupuncture can indeed reduce anxiety in women undergoing IVF. 

For more information on how acupuncture can help those going through IVF, check back for next week’s post on Part 2.

Curious to see if acupuncture would be a good fit for you? Reach out or book an appointment here.

Source:

Isoyama, Daniela, et al. (2012). Effect of acupuncture on symptoms of anxiety in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: a prospective randomised controlled study. Acupuncture in Medicine 30(2), 85-88.