New Hope for Women Struggling with Infertility: Traditional Chinese Medicine May Boost IVF Success Rates

Are you struggling with infertility and considering in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

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 factors like age and ovarian reserve markers.

The key finding: 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
• Increased blood flow to reproductive organs
• Potential improvement in egg quality
• Enhanced receptivity of the uterus lining

The study included various TCM approaches:

• Herbal decoctions tailored to each woman’s specific symptoms
• Acupuncture treatments targeting specific points believed to influence fertility

Some women received both herbs and acupuncture.

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, give us a call 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

• Wang Z, Xiao T, Qi G, Zhong Y, Zhu Y. The Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment on the Cumulative Live Birth Rate of Patients with Poor Ovarian Response to the Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing Individualized Oocyte Number Criteria. Int J Womens Health. 2024;16:2377-2386.
• 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.
• Feng X, Zhu N, Yang S, et al. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation improves endometrial receptivity resulting in improved IVF-ET pregnancy outcomes in older women: a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2022;20(1):127.
• 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.
• 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.

For more information or to schedule a consultation at The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, please contact us at 212-685-0985 or visit our clinic at 16 East 40th Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10016.

www.berkleycenter.com