Are you struggling with infertility and considering in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
Mike Berkley, Licensed Acupuncturist
Owner @ The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness | Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist
A new study offers encouraging news, especially for women with poor ovarian response.
Researchers have found that incorporating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) into fertility treatments may significantly improve the chances of having a baby through IVF.
?What the Study Found
Scientists in China examined over 3,000 women undergoing IVF who had poor ovarian response, meaning their ovaries produced fewer eggs than expected during treatment. They categorized the women into groups based on age and ovarian reserve markers.
The key finding was that women who received TCM treatments alongside their regular IVF procedures had higher cumulative live birth rates compared to those who only had standard IVF. In other words, they were more likely to have a baby after one or more embryo transfers from a single egg retrieval cycle.
?How TCM May Help
Previous research suggests several ways TCM might improve fertility outcomes:
Regulation of hormone levels
Increase blood flow to reproductive organs
Improvement in egg quality
Enhanced receptivity of the uterus lining
The study included various TCM approaches:
?1.? Herbal decoctions tailored to each woman’s specific symptoms
2. Acupuncture treatments targeting specific points believed to influence fertility.
Some women received both herbs and acupuncture.
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The Bottom Line
For women struggling with infertility, especially those with poor ovarian response, this study offers a glimmer of hope. Integrating traditional Chinese medicine with conventional IVF treatment may improve your chances of having a baby.
If you’re interested in exploring this option, call us at 212-686-0985 for a no-charge Q & A session with one of our specialists.
Remember, every fertility journey is unique. Stay positive, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to explore all your options.
?References
2. Wu JM, Ning Y, Ye YY, et al. Effects of Acupuncture on Endometrium and Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Undergoing in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer: a Randomized Clinical Trial. Chin J Integr Med. 2022;28(8):736-742.
3. Feng X, Zhu N, Yang S, et al.
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation improves endometrial receptivity, improving IVF-ET pregnancy outcomes in older women: a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2022;20(1):127.
4. Li XF, Wang ZQ, Xu HY, et al. Effects of Zishen Yutai Pills on in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer Outcomes in Patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve: a Prospective, Open-Labeled, Randomized, and Controlled Study. Chin J Integr Med. 2023;29(4):291-298.
5. Xie ZY, Peng ZH, Yao B, et al. The effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019;19(1):131.
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