Influence of acupuncture stimulation on pregnancy rates for women undergoing embryo transfer,

Conclusion: The pregnancy rate was 31% in the acupuncture group and 23% in the control group. The ongoing pregnancy rate at 18 weeks was higher in the treatment group (28% vs. 18%).  Results suggest that acupuncture was safe for women undergoing ET. 

Smith C et al, Fertil Steril 2006 Vol 85, pg 1352-1358  Fertility and Sterility 

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of acupuncture on clinical pregnancy rates for women undergoing ET.

DESIGN: Single-blind, randomized controlled trial using a noninvasive sham acupuncture control.

SETTING: Repromed, The Reproductive Medicine Unit of The University of Adelaide.

PATIENT(S): Women undergoing IVF.

INTERVENTION(S): Women were randomly allocated to
acupuncture or noninvasive sham acupuncture with the placebo needle.
All women received three sessions, the first undertaken on day 9 of
stimulating injections, the second before ET, and the third immediately
after ET.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The primary outcome was
pregnancy. Secondary outcomes were implantation, ongoing pregnancy rate
at 18 weeks, adverse events, and health status.

RESULT(S): Two hundred twenty-eight subjects were
randomized. The pregnancy rate was 31% in the acupuncture group and 23%
in the control group. For those subjects receiving acupuncture, the
odds of achieving a pregnancy were 1.5 higher than for the control
group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The
ongoing pregnancy rate at 18 weeks was higher in the treatment group
(28% vs. 18%), but the difference was not statistically significant.