Acupuncture and IVF
Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture enhances the success of IVF treatment. A study in Germany found that women receiving acupuncture in conjunction with IVF experienced a 43% IVF implantation success rate compared to a 26% success rate for women receiving no acupuncture. Similarly another study in the United States at the University of Southampton and the city's Princess Anne hospital concluded that 'acupuncture around the time of embryo transfer achieves a higher live birth rate of 35% compared with 22% without active acupuncture'.
A recent meta-analysis (Manheimer E), published in February 2008 by the British Medical Journal, reviewed a number of acupuncture studies and had the conclusion that women undergoing IVF who also have acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer, have a substantially higher chance of conceiving than those who have no acupuncture.
I am well-versed in conventional treatment of infertility and work hand-and-hand with reproductive clinics in Barcelona to support couples who have chosen to undergo IVF and other ART to meet their fertility objectives. I combine evidence-based research protocols, western medical diagnostics, fertility acupuncture - and the accumulated knowledge of nearly 3000 years of Traditional Chinese Medicine - to bring the best of both worlds to help my patients fulfil their dream of starting a family.
How Acupuncture helps with IVF
- improves the flow of blood to the uterus
- relaxes the uterus enhancing its receptivity
- calms the mind and the nervous system, thus helping to reduce stress responses that might otherwise inhibit implantation.
Treatment protocols
Before IVF
I recommend that you begin to receive weekly treatments up to three months before your embryo transfer to help prepare you and your body. Many couples fall pregnant naturally during this preparation period and others have a good chance of success the first time they try the IVF procedure along with my IVF support programme. Women who fall pregnant naturally during the IVF preparation period do not need to continue with IVF.
On the day of your embryo transfer:
I use the German protocol for IVF enhancement which consists of treating the woman with acupuncture right before and shortly after transfer of the embryo. This is extremely helpful and has been shown to be successful even if you have never received an acupuncture treatment previously.
Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss how acupuncture may enhance any assisted reproduction treatments that you may be having in Barcelona telephone (+34) 622 720 499 or email
My clinic is located in the centre of Barcelona, and is no further than 15 minutes from the IVF clinics. If you need transportation after your acupuncture treatment to get to the IVF clinic, I can arrange a taxi for you.
Under certain circumstances I can also arrange a visit to treat you at your hotel, please contact me to discuss.
Please click here for directions to the clinic
Letters from patients