If you are looking forward to conceiving anytime soon via in vitro fertilisation (IVF), then undertaking an acupuncture therapy prior to the process may boost your chances of getting pregnant by six per cent, a new study has claimed.
Previous studies have found acupuncture nearly doubles the chances of a woman conceiving with IVF.
In the new study, the team analysed data from 3,271 women and nearly 4,400 cycles. Of the 4,087 cycles without acupuncture, 2,458 pregnancies were recorded, giving a pregnancy rate of 60 percent. Of the 301 cycles with acupuncture, there were 201 conceptions - giving a higher pregnancy rate of 66 percent. Moreover, acupuncture has been proven to have a direct impact on a body's biology, said Tereza Rakin, an acupuncturist at the IVF Cube. "There's evidence that acupuncture can increase blood flow to the uterus while producing neurotransmitters which help with pain relief," she said "It can make the lining of the uterus more receptive to the embryo when it's transferred, therefore aiding implantation during IVF. "And the therapy can also help to relax the cervix, preventing any painful cramps and again helping with the embryo transfer," Rakin noted.
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