Clinical Report: Evaluating the Impact of Acupuncture Timing and Dosage in ART

Overview

This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of acupuncture as an adjunct to assisted reproductive technology (ART), finding associations with improved clinical pregnancy and implantation rates. The study also explores the influence of treatment timing and dosage on reproductive outcomes.

Background

Acupuncture is increasingly considered as a complementary intervention in ART, which includes procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Understanding the timing and dosage of acupuncture is crucial for optimizing ART outcomes.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Acupuncture is associated with a higher clinical pregnancy rate (RR = 1.25).
• Acupuncture also improves implantation rates (RR = 1.16).
• The effect of acupuncture on live birth rates is uncertain (RR = 1.14).
• Timing of acupuncture during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation may yield better outcomes compared to only during embryo transfer.
• Nonlinear associations between treatment sessions and reproductive outcomes were suggested but limited by sparse data.
• Certainty of evidence for all major outcomes was rated as very low.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the findings when integrating acupuncture into ART protocols.

Conclusion

Further well-designed trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Clinical efficacy of acupuncture for women with PCOS undergoing IVF/ICSI: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
2. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Commentary: Effect of acupuncture for poor ovarian response: a multicenter randomized controlled trial
3. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Effectiveness of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in patients with repeated implantation failure after IVF-ET: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial
4. NICE, 2026 -- Procedures used during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) | Fertility problems: assessment and treatment | Guidance
5. JAMA Network, 2018 -- Effect of Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture on Live Births Among Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Randomized Clinical Trial
6. Frontiers in Endocrinology — Clinical evidence of acupuncture for infertile women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF/ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis
7. Procedures used during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) | Fertility problems: assessment and treatment | Guidance | NICE
8. Effect of Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture on Live Births Among Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Complementary and Alternative Medicine | JAMA | JAMA Network
9. Safety and effectiveness of ten common in-vitro fertilisation add-ons: a systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect