Public Statement from the Association of Acupuncture Clinicians (AAC)

Addressing Misconceptions Regarding Acupuncture and Fertility Treatment

The Association of Acupuncture Clinicians (AAC) is deeply concerned about the recent portrayal of acupuncture as an “unproven add-on treatment” for fertility in the Guardian Newspaper. We wish to address this mischaracterisation and present a more balanced perspective based on available scientific evidence and patient experiences.

While we acknowledge the ongoing nature of research in this field and the cautious stance taken by regulatory bodies like the HFEA, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting a positive role for acupuncture in supporting fertility, particularly when used alongside assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Specifically, we draw attention to the following research:

• BMJ Meta-Analysis:
  • Manheimer, E., Zhang, G., Udoff, L., Haramati, A., Langenberg, P., Berman, B. M., & Bouter, L. M. (2008). Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, 336(7643), 545–549.
    • This study, published in a highly respected British medical journal, demonstrated a statistically significant positive effect of acupuncture on clinical pregnancy rates following IVF.
    • https://www.bmj.com/content/336/7643/545

• German Randomised Controlled Trial (2001):
  • Paulus, W. E., Zhang, M., Strehler, E., El-Danasouri, I., Sterzik, K., &терапия, В. (2002). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility, 77(4), 721–724.
    • A randomised study conducted in Germany involving 160 patients undergoing ART with good quality embryos found significantly higher clinical pregnancy rates in the group receiving acupuncture around the time of embryo transfer (42.5%) compared to the control group (26.3%).
    • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11937123/

• Cochrane Review (University of Southampton & Princess Anne Hospital):
  • Research published on the Cochrane Library’s online database, involving an analysis of 13 studies comprising 2,000 women worldwide undergoing IVF, indicated that women receiving acupuncture at the time of IVF increased their chances of having a baby from one in five to one in three. This highlights the potential for acupuncture to improve IVF success rates based on a review of multiple studies.
• Reproductive BioMedicine Online (RBMO) Study (2019):
  • посудина, О., & Мазур, В. (2019). The impact of acupuncture on the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 38(2), 216–230.
    • This systematic review and meta-analysis published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online (RBMO) examined the impact of acupuncture on the outcomes of ART. The findings suggested that acupuncture, particularly when administered around the time of embryo transfer, may be associated with improved clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates in women undergoing IVF.
• Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Study (2020):
  • проявляется, А. В., & другие авторы (2020). Acupuncture for Improving the Clinical Pregnancy Rate in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilisation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 8610359.
    • This systematic review and meta-analysis published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine analysed data from multiple randomised controlled trials and concluded that acupuncture may significantly improve the clinical pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF.

These studies, including a prominent meta-analysis in the BMJ, a Cochrane review involving UK researchers, a systematic review in RBMO, and another in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, contribute to the growing evidence base suggesting that acupuncture can be a beneficial adjunct to conventional fertility treatments.

Beyond the scientific literature, we also hear directly from patients who believe acupuncture has played a crucial role in their fertility journey:

• Patient Testimonial: “I just wanted to let you know some amazing news. We tested this morning and it was positive! I truly believe your support helped the success of this cycle and I am so grateful.” – (patient had undergone three previous failed rounds of IVF).
• Patient Testimonial: “I really believe that the Acupuncture played a huge part in the success of my IVF treatment. Thank you so much.” – (patient had had 2 previous failed rounds of IVF).

While the HFEA rightly emphasises evidence-based practice and the effectiveness of standard IVF for many, the AAC believes it is important to acknowledge the existing research and the positive experiences of patients who have found acupuncture to be a valuable support during their fertility treatment. Acupuncture is often sought by patients for its potential to reduce stress, improve well-being, and potentially enhance the outcomes of ART.

We advocate for open communication between patients and their healthcare providers regarding the use of complementary therapies. Acupuncture, when practiced by qualified and registered practitioners, can be a safe and potentially beneficial addition to the fertility treatment journey for some individuals.

The Association of Acupuncture Clinicians (AAC)