Reference: Smith, C. A., de Lacey, S., Chapman, M., Ratcliffe, J., & Norman, R. J. (2019). IVF, acupuncture and mental health: a qualitative study of perceptions and experiences of women participating in a randomized controlled trial of acupuncture during IVF treatment. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19(1), 1-10.
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2505-1
URL: https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-019-2505-1
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is often a physically and emotionally challenging journey for many women. The process can bring hope but also stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. To better understand how acupuncture might influence women’s experiences during IVF, a recent qualitative study explored the perceptions and feelings of women who took part in a randomized controlled trial combining acupuncture with IVF treatment.
What the study did?
Researchers interviewed women undergoing IVF who were randomly assigned either to receive acupuncture or to a control group without acupuncture. The interviews focused on how women perceived acupuncture’s effects on their mental and emotional wellbeing throughout the IVF cycle. This approach gave insights beyond the usual medical outcomes by listening closely to women’s lived experiences.
Key Findings: Acupuncture and Emotional Wellbeing
Many women who received acupuncture described it as a source of relaxation and emotional support. They felt the treatment helped reduce their stress levels, calm their anxieties, and gave them moments of peace during what can otherwise be a very intense and overwhelming time. These emotional benefits contributed to a more positive IVF experience overall.
Some participants described acupuncture sessions as a “safe space” where they could momentarily escape the pressures of fertility treatments. The opportunity to rest and be cared for allowed them to reconnect with their bodies and emotions in a gentle way. This helped counterbalance the clinical and often stressful environment of IVF clinics.
Feeling More in Control
IVF often involves many medical procedures, appointments, and waiting periods that can make women feel passive or powerless. In contrast, acupuncture offered a sense of agency. Women felt they were actively doing something positive for their bodies and minds, rather than simply waiting for test results or outcomes. This sense of control was empowering and helped reduce feelings of helplessness.
Impact on Mental Health
Infertility treatments frequently come with emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, and fear of failure. The study highlighted that acupuncture could play a valuable role in supporting mental health during IVF. Women reported improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of emotional balance. Some even felt more hopeful and resilient, which are important factors that can influence fertility outcomes indirectly.
Why It Matters
This study underscores the importance of holistic care in fertility treatments. Acupuncture is not just about improving physical symptoms or boosting pregnancy rates; it also addresses the mental and emotional struggles women face during IVF. By providing relaxation, emotional support, and a sense of empowerment, acupuncture can enhance the overall wellbeing of women on this difficult journey.
Final Thoughts
For women undergoing IVF, integrating acupuncture might offer more than just physical benefits—it can help create a more compassionate, supportive environment that respects both body and mind. If you’re considering complementary therapies during your fertility treatment, acupuncture could be a meaningful addition to your care plan.